Who Installs Siding? A Complete Guide

This article was created using automation technology and thoroughly fact-checked and edited by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

If you are asking who installs siding, the answer is siding contractors and siding professionals. This hiring guide explains how to choose the right pro, what the work involves, and what it costs. Siding installation is a multi-day project that requires specialized tools and extensive ladder work.

Pros should carry the right insurance, and many projects require permits, which can add $150 to $1,500. You will learn when to hire a siding contractor versus a general contractor, how the installation process works, and key cost factors.

Benefits of Hiring a Siding Professional to Install Siding

Siding installation demands careful sequencing, specialty tools, and strict ladder safety. A siding contractor installs everything correctly the first time and keeps you safe. As old materials come off, pros spot hidden problems and advise on materials and permits so the project stays on track.

• Detect pests, nests, and rot hidden beneath damaged siding

• Advise on best materials for your budget and goals

• Handle permit needs and local requirements

• Carry insurance that protects your home during the job

• Bring specialized tools for precise, efficient installation

• Manage a multi-day project to completion

• Install with proper expansion gaps to prevent future problems

• Create watertight seals at soffits, fascia, windows, and doors

• Reduce safety risks from extensive ladder work

• Complete work correctly the first time

If your project involves complex repairs, multi-story work, or specialty materials, you might want to consider a vinyl siding installation pro near you to ensure the job is done safely and correctly.

Can I Hire a General Contractor to Install Siding?

Some general contractors have the skill and ability to install siding. If you consider this route, ask about their specific siding experience and comfort level with the scope. Confirm they have all the required tools for siding installation and verify insurance coverage. Request multiple quotes to compare value and approach.

Consider general contractors only when they are experienced and fully equipped for siding. Include both siding contractors and general contractors when gathering quotes.

How Do Siding Pros Install Siding?

Exact steps vary by your home’s shape, size, and chosen materials. Here is a concise sequence many pros follow, with safety and precision at each step.

• Remove old or damaged siding for partial or full replacement.

• Scrape away old caulking.

• Remove downspouts and fixtures; tie back shrubs and trees.

• Nail a siding starter strip; add corner posts.

• Install J-channel trim around windows and doors.

• Install the first panel and overlap joints; leave a 1/4-inch gap for expansion at accessories.

• Add J-channel along fascia to conceal soffit cuts and create a watertight seal.

• Measure, cut, and nail the top row of siding.

Ladder work and setup add time; most projects span multiple days.

How Much Does Installing Siding Cost?

Replacing or installing siding costs $11,530 on average. Actual totals depend on the siding type, your home’s size, local climate, and labor costs. Permit fees can add $150 to $1,500. Vinyl siding ranges from $6,375 to $18,250, while other options, such as wood, are less expensive.

Consult a professional for an estimate tailored to your materials and home. During material decisions, note that stone siding can offer a lifespan of about 100 years.