Your home’s siding is like its jacket—it should be functional, protective, and stylish in its prime.
But when that jacket starts to look frayed at the edges, your wallet might start weeping. Investing in new siding is no small thing, but the benefits are undeniable: improved protection, boosted curb appeal, and greater energy efficiency.
Still, that doesn’t mean you have to accept the first quote you get and shell out more cash than you should. Working with residential siding companies can feel intimidating, but with some preparation, you’ll learn how to negotiate confidently, earning you a price you can afford.
This guide will help empower you with the tips you need to walk away from the negotiation table feeling like a savvy saver and a proud homeowner.
Know the Lay of the Land
Before negotiations begin, you have to know what you’re talking about. Inform yourself about the details of your home’s size, condition, and terrain. Know your home like the back of your hand.
Next, research common siding materials like vinyl, fiber cement, cedar, or steel. When you have a good sense of each’s durability, cost, and curb appeal, you’ll be better prepared to strike the deal you deserve.
Finally, familiarize yourself with standard siding industry terms to sound like a pro when the conversations begin. Showing off some knowledge can help you establish credibility with your wood, vinyl, or fiber cement siding contractors.
5 Questions to Ask Your Contractor
Having a few targeted questions in mind prepares you to be an active participant in control of the negotiation. Here are some suggestions:
- What materials do you recommend, and why are they best for my home?
- How do different materials affect the total cost and maintenance needs?
- Is this the best time of year for discounts or deals on installation?
- Can you explain the warranty—what’s covered and for how long?
- Are there any additional costs we haven’t discussed that might arise, even if they’re unlikely?
Never settle for vague answers to any of your questions. Your contractor isn’t a mystic fortune teller—they should give you straight answers and have your best interest in mind.
Negotiation Tips and Tricks
Try to equip yourself with a toolbox of strategies before negotiations start. Clear communication is a cornerstone of successful talks, so expressing your wants is key.
Be Clear
Set a clear budget with yourself and then with the contractor. Decide on your maximum budget before starting negotiations so that you don’t leave the discussion in a panic.
Leave a buffer for expected costs in your financial planning, but don’t share your entire budget immediately. You want to be upfront about your financial constraints without locking yourself in a corner.
Comparison Shopping
Get multiple quotes for your residential or commercial siding installation, but make sure they compare apples to apples. For a fair comparison, the estimates should predict the cost of the project with identical specifications: the same materials, services, and warranties.
Use competitor quotes as leverage, but stay focused on quality; don’t push too hard if the contractor’s offer seems fair. Sometimes, you’d be surprised how quickly they’ll drop their prices when they know they’re not your only date to the dance.
But cheaper isn’t always better, so prioritize quality and durability above cost.
Look Beyond Price
Instead of focusing purely on cost, think about negotiating value. If the company’s warranty is shorter than most you’ve seen on the market, ask for a longer one. Request a faster turnaround time. Or even barter for better-grade materials within your price range.
Always weigh these extras against the upfront savings of the deal they offer. Even without value-changers like those, contractors often have room to add small upgrades or perks—like cleaning gutters after siding installation or painting trims. It never hurts to ask nicely for a gutter cleaning.
Know When to Stop
Everyone wants a good deal, but avoid aggressive negotiation with your contractors. Focus on building rapport instead. After all, a solid relationship built on respect could make your contractor want to please you more.
If the contractor offers a fair price and value, recognize it and make the deal rather than risk losing a solid option. Remember, negotiating isn’t about “winning.” It’s about striking a deal that works for everyone.
Quick Ways to Save
Still looking for ways to make your siding project more affordable? Consider the following options that can chip away at the bill:
- You can handle the basic, essential prep work by clearing debris and trimming trees near the home’s walls. This minimizes the required labor, which could also reduce costs.
- Approve using leftover siding from other jobs to lower the price of small-scale projects. This is best if it’s just for your shed or a patch on the house. But quality checks are a must—no one wants questionable leftovers.
- Schedule your siding appointment for the offseason. Contractors are busiest in the late spring and summertime, so booking them for fall and winter when they have a looser schedule could score you significant discounts.
The Final Word
Working with reputable contractors means tapping into their talent and using materials and solutions tailored to your home. Don’t shy away from asking detailed questions about their recommendations and plans—they’re the pros.
If you need extra flexibility, consider exploring siding and roofing companies that offer financing to make your investment more manageable.