I'm living in a 1920 Seattle home, and I've noticed that the paint is really showing its age, especially on the west-facing side of the house where it's sun-baked. There are lots of patches where the paint is peeling off, signaling that a fresh coat is overdue. Upon closer inspection, we've found a couple of areas where the siding seems a bit loose, but thankfully nothing appears spongy or rotten. I got three quotes for the work: one guy suggested just nailing down the loose parts; another said he wouldn't do the carpentry and didn't have strong thoughts on structural issues; while the last one insists on replacing the siding entirely, which would add around $10,000 to our budget. We're uncertain if we'll stay in the house for another 5 or even 35 years, but it's been solid with absolutely no signs of water damage in the three years we've lived here. Now we're torn between shelling out for the siding replacement on that one side or just going for the paint and patch job for now, while saving up for a more comprehensive solution in the future. Any advice?
3 Answers
Replacing 100-year-old siding while maintaining your home's vintage vibe can be tricky. I've faced similar challenges. A few small repairs won’t break the bank and can be matched to your existing siding fairly easily. If it’s mostly cosmetic, why not just fix those areas and repaint? It might be all you need for now!
If your wood siding is still in good shape where it's loose, just securing it with nails should be fine. I’m not sure why that one contractor pushed for a complete replacement! As long as nothing's damaged, a simple paint job with some repairs is all you really need—I think you’re on the right track with that plan. However, if you want to upgrade the appearance or try something new, that’s totally up to you!
Honestly, from the photos, it doesn't look like you need a full replacement. Have you thought about asking for recommendations for dependable painters in your area? A proper painter will pressure wash, sand as needed, fix any loose boards, fill holes, and then use a durable oil-based paint—which is what you should be aiming for!
Appreciate that advice! We're first-time homeowners and want to make sure we’re not overlooking potential moisture issues. The focus is mostly on preserving the house's integrity rather than looks.