Old Siding Removal and Disposal
Tearing off old siding and hauling it away adds meaningful scope to any project. If your old siding contains asbestos — common in homes built before 1980 — specialized removal is required by law and adds significantly more. Some contractors include removal in their quote and some do not. Always ask.
Sheathing and Framing Repairs
This is the big surprise. Once old siding comes off, the contractor can finally see what is behind it. Rot, mold, pest damage, and deteriorated sheathing are common findings, especially in homes over 20 years old. No honest contractor can fully assess this until the old siding is removed.
Permits and Inspections
Most cities require a building permit for siding work. Some areas also require inspections during and after the work. Your contractor should handle the permit but the requirement gets passed to you.
Trim, Corners, and Accessories
Window trim, door trim, corner posts, J-channel, starter strips, and undersill trim are separate items from the siding panels themselves. They are essential, not optional. Any quote that does not include them is incomplete.
Soffit and Fascia
If your soffit and fascia are also worn out, replacing them at the same time as your siding saves on labor since the scaffolding and crew are already there. Many contractors recommend bundling this work together for efficiency.
How to Protect Yourself
Ask every contractor for a line-item quote, not just a lump sum. Ask specifically what happens if they find damage behind the old siding. Get the approach for sheathing repair agreed upon in writing before the project starts. And always keep a reserve for unexpected findings.
