Cost per square foot can help compare siding proposals only when the measurements and included work are consistent. A low unit price may describe materials alone, while another figure includes removal, installation, trim and wall preparation.
Use exterior wall area, not interior floor area
The siding quantity depends on the walls being covered. Height, perimeter, gables, openings and architectural details matter. Do not estimate cladding area by adding a fixed percentage to the home’s interior square footage.
Clarify what a siding “square” means
In siding estimates, a square commonly represents 100 square feet of coverage. Confirm whether quantities describe wall coverage, ordered material or an allowance that includes waste. Cuts, profiles and installation requirements affect material orders.
Separate product price from installed cost
- Specified cladding and finish.
- Existing material removal and disposal.
- Water-resistive barriers and flashing.
- Trim and transitions at openings or roof intersections.
- Labor, access equipment and cleanup.
- Concealed damage allowances and optional insulation.
Account for complexity
Multiple stories, difficult access, detailed trim or complicated wall shapes can affect labor. Stucco removal and repairs behind existing cladding can also change the project. Ask how unknown conditions will be handled before comparing unit prices.
Compare equivalent proposals
Ask each contractor to identify the measured area and exclusions. Compare the same material, finish and preparation work. A per-square-foot figure is a comparison tool, not a guarantee of a final price or resale return.
Planning a Pennsylvania siding project
For homeowners in Montgomery County and nearby communities, a measured assessment helps establish the project scope. Kesting Construction can discuss siding options and provide a written estimate based on your home’s actual conditions.
