# How to Get Siding Quotes: What to Ask | RYH

> A proper siding quote covers sq footage, product specs, removal, permit, and warranty. Get 3+ bids. Here's what to compare and the red flags to avoid.

![Siding Replacement project photo](/images/siding/shutterstock_75281377.jpg)

RemodelYourHome Editorial Team · June 2026 · 7 min read

![Remy](/images/remy/pose-3bd57a0a.png)

Getting siding quotes right means knowing what a proper quote looks like before you request one. A legitimate quote covers square footage measurement, exact product specifications, old siding removal, permit costs, and warranty terms — not just a total number. Getting three or more quotes is the most effective cost control available to homeowners. Here's how to run that process correctly.

## What Should a Proper Siding Quote Include?

A complete siding quote should itemize every component of the project. Vague single-number quotes protect the contractor, not you. Before accepting any quote, verify it explicitly addresses all of the following:

| Quote Line Item | What to Look For | Typical Range |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Square footage measurement | Should match your calculation ± 5% | N/A |
| Siding product specification | Exact brand, product line, profile, color | Varies widely |
| Old siding removal & disposal | Should be explicitly included or excluded | $1–$3/sq ft |
| Housewrap / weather barrier | New installation or inspection of existing | $0.40–$0.80/sq ft |
| Permit fees | Required in most jurisdictions | $150–$500 flat |
| Trim and fascia | Included or separate? | $3–$6/ln ft |
| Caulking and painting | Included for primed products? | Varies |
| Warranty terms | Both manufacturer and contractor labor | N/A |

## How Many Quotes Should You Get?

Three is the minimum; four or five is better for projects over $15,000. NARI research consistently shows siding bids vary 25 to 40% for the same scope. Without three quotes, you have no market baseline. Request quotes within a two-week window to ensure you're comparing current pricing — contractor backlogs and material costs shift throughout the year. Collect quotes before you've committed to a specific product so contractors are bidding apples-to-apples.

**Bottom line:** The spread between the lowest and highest legitimate quotes on a $20,000 siding project can easily be $4,000–$8,000. Getting three quotes is free and takes one afternoon of calls. It's the most effective cost-control tool available.

## What Questions Should You Ask Every Contractor?

Ask specifically: Are you licensed and insured? (Request certificate of insurance.) Do you pull permits, and is permit cost included in this quote? What is the exact product you're quoting — brand, product line, profile? Is old siding removal included? Does your quote include a new housewrap? What is your warranty on labor? Have you installed this specific product before and can you provide references? The answers will tell you as much as the price.

## How Does Contractor Markup on Materials Work?

Siding contractors purchase product at distributor pricing — typically 20 to 35% below retail. They mark that up in the quote. Material markup is normal and covers their procurement overhead. What varies is how much. Some contractors mark materials up 15%; others mark up 40%. You can't easily see the markup in a bundled quote, which is why line-itemized quotes and multiple bids are your best tools for ensuring the total is competitive.

## What Are the Red Flags to Avoid?

Permit-skipping is the most serious red flag. Siding replacement usually needs a permit — confirm with your local building department; a contractor who proposes skipping it is exposing you to code violations and potential issues with your homeowners insurance. Cash-only payment requests, no written contract, unusually low bids (more than 25% below the median), and inability to provide a license number or certificate of insurance are all disqualifying. See our [contractor red flags guide](/contractor-red-flags/index.md) for a full checklist.

## When Is the Best Time to Get Siding Quotes?

Late fall and winter (October through February) are the slowest months for exterior contractors in most northern markets. Contractors with open schedules are more willing to negotiate on labor to keep crews working. Spring and summer are peak season — contractors are busier, prices are higher, and scheduling is harder. If your project is not urgent, targeting a fall installation window can reduce labor costs by 10 to 15% compared to peak season.

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![Remy](/images/remy/face-6aa3719e.png) Remy's Take

On a $20,000 siding job, the gap between the lowest and highest legitimate quote can be $4,000-8,000. Three quotes cost you one afternoon of phone calls and are the single most effective way to control your price.

## Frequently Asked Questions

These are the questions homeowners ask most often before starting this project - what it costs, how long it takes, what a fair quote looks like and which details change the price. Each answer below is written to stand on its own, so you can read just the one you need.

### What should a siding quote include?

A complete quote should itemize: square footage, exact product specs (brand, product line, color), old siding removal and disposal, new housewrap, permit fees, trim work, caulking and painting status, and both manufacturer and contractor labor warranty terms. Single-number quotes without line items are a red flag.

### How many siding quotes should I get?

Get at least three, ideally four or five for projects over $15,000. NARI data shows siding bids vary 25–40% for the same scope. Three quotes establishes a market baseline and gives you real leverage in negotiation.

### What are red flags in siding quotes?

Permit-skipping, cash-only payment requirements, no written contract, bids more than 25% below the median, inability to provide license or insurance documentation, and vague single-number quotes without line items. Any of these should disqualify a contractor.

### When is the best time to get siding quotes?

Fall and winter (October–February) are the slowest months for exterior contractors in northern markets. Contractors are more willing to negotiate on labor during slow season. Spring and summer bring higher prices and tighter scheduling.

### Do siding contractors pull their own permits?

Reputable contractors pull permits and include the cost in their quote. Permit costs vary by jurisdiction ($150–$500 for most residential siding projects). A contractor who suggests skipping the permit is exposing you to code violations, potential insurance complications, and resale disclosure issues.

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Source: https://remodelyourhome.com/articles/how-to-get-siding-quotes/