I'm trying to figure out if a siding estimate I received is on the up and up. I know I'm supposed to get at least three estimates for any work, but due to some time constraints, I'm looking for a general ballpark on whether this quote makes sense. The job involves replacing about 30 sq ft of siding, specifically a 1' x 30' strip. There's also a small build-out above my front door to make everything flush, needing just a few 2x4s and some sheeting. On top of that, new soffit trim will be added for the cantilevered second story. The quote I got is $1200, which includes both labor and materials but doesn't provide a breakdown. I'm located in a lower cost of living area in the Midwest. Given that siding can be cheap (around $10 per sheet), I'm guessing materials might run me about $300-400. That leaves around $800-900 for labor, which seems high to me—am I off base here, or is that a reasonable estimate?
3 Answers
That quote seems pretty low, but it also raises a flag for me. If you haven't received other estimates, you really should, since a cheap quote might mean they’re cutting corners. Have you looked into what others are charging in your area yet?
Honestly, your quote doesn't sound bad at all. I had mine done for about $2000 in a higher cost of living area, and it took them two days. When you think about it, $400 a day for skilled labor looks pretty fair. Keep in mind, you might have to factor in permit costs depending on where you live. You definitely want to make sure you’re comparing apples to apples with your quotes!
I think that price is definitely on the cheaper side. At that rate, I wouldn't be surprised if they skimp on quality. You really want to make sure you're getting a good job done, so checking out other estimates is a smart move.
If they’re going over a day, it could indicate a bigger project, but most siding jobs shouldn't take that long unless there are extra complications.