I have called just about every contractor in the yellow pages trying to get a general idea of per square foot prices for installation of our vinyl siding. Not one of them will even give us an idea of the range of pricing in the industry for installation only. We want to do the math so we know what to expect before we get estimates. Can anyone give me an idea of the general install ONLY price for a square foot of vinyl siding. We have the materials, we just need an idea for installation. Anyone??
Thanks

Most siding companies will not install siding that they did not sell. Their profits comes from selling and installing. If they did your job the amount of work is the same and the profit is cut. You probably will be better off looking for a handyman with siding skills.

Most siding companies will not install siding that they did not sell. Their profits comes from selling and installing. If they did your job the amount of work is the same and the profit is cut. You probably will be better off looking for a handyman with siding skills.


So, why is it such a secret when I ask for this info? What would be a fair price to have this done? I just don't understand why I can't get a general per square foot price. I'm not asking for someone to give away any trade secrets or anything. I just want an idea of what to expect.

1) Prices will vary widely around the country. Where are you located.
2) There will be an extra charge for 2nd story work. You did not describe the work needed.
3) What is the current surface? Is there siding to be removed?

I have worked at Lowe's for 12+ years and sold thousands of Sq feet of siding both to DIY and contractors. There is really no clear number for this since there are a number of variables that need to be figured in. Any installer will need to know the basic shape, height and current surface of the house. Will the soffit be done? Fascia? Is there 20 windows to go around or just a few? Does the current siding need to come off (removal and disposal fee)? Will fan-fold be installed?
A siding installer will need to come to the site to do an estimate.
A handy person with siding skills will probably work by the hour. After the first day you should be able to guess how fast the work will go.
You can also arrange to have siding installed through Lowe's or Home Depot. Lowe's labor only price is $136 per square. This includes install (single story), clean up and 1 year warranty. Seems a bit high for my area (central IL) but Lowe's has to make money on top of the contractor.

The secret is they prefer to not share how much they mark up the siding. Not really a secret , they just do not want to do the job.

OMG! This is like calling a doctor and saying you have a pain. How much will it cost to make it better?! There is no "Fixed Price" per s/ft for this kind of work. Variable such as surface to be covered, number of windows, and type of trim, number of stories, dormers to be sided, etc. etc. etc. In my area, Most contractors still give free estimates. The contractor will be able to give you options when he actually sees the project. We (contractors ) are not all out to "get" you! Besides, We could quote you anything over the phone, and it could change entirely when the project is actually seen. Whatever type of work you yourself do, I am sure you would find it difficult if not impossible to do if your key ingredient was removed from the equation.

So, why is it such a secret when I ask for this info? What would be a fair price to have this done? I just don't understand why I can't get a general per square foot price. I'm not asking for someone to give away any trade secrets or anything. I just want an idea of what to expect.

Secret?. hmmm.. I tell you this, I'm not dragging my brake wrapping windows for less than 75.00 a window with aluminum 100.00 a roll.. I'm not sure how one gives out pricing per ft.. I look at a job and decide how many days and what kind of work site I'm bidding on.. anywhere from 300 to 500 bucks a square with leveling board/ trim coil /flashings is my guestimint