Free Template: How to Estimate a Siding Job

Learning how to do siding cost estimates is likely near the top of your to-do list as you launch your siding business. 

In this article, we provide a free siding estimate template to guide you through creating some of your first estimates and include a siding estimate example for inspiration. The downloadable siding estimate template is easy to print and email the completed estimate to your customers. The siding estimate template is fully customizable so you can tailor it to your needs and brand it with your business logo.

In the long run, you will likely consider joining other construction pros who use estimating software to create siding cost estimates more quickly and efficiently as part of their business management software. Explore Houzz Pro siding takeoff and estimate software with a free trial of Houzz Pro.

What is a Siding Estimate?

A siding cost estimate sets expectations for potential clients who want an idea of what it will cost to put new siding on their home. Estimates are often confused with quotes, bids and  proposals, but they differ. An estimate is rarely legally binding because it is an educated guess of the cost of materials, labor and other expenses associated with the project.

A quote is a more specific prediction of what the job will actually cost and is binding once all parties agree to it in writing. A bid and a proposal are even more detailed, and may be requested depending on the job and the client.

Why are Siding Estimates Important?

As a siding contractor, knowing how much a project will cost you helps you determine the profit margin and overhead costs you must cover to earn money on every job. The total costs of doing a project are influenced by several factors, and can vary greatly from job to job. Here are some common considerations when estimating how much a siding project will cost:

• Job Location The costs of traveling to more remote locations will add to the cost of the project. Also, the weather in the region can impact the number of good-weather days you will have to complete a project. Bad weather can add to the timeline, and expenses of completing a job. 
• Magnitude of Project Both the size and complexity of a home’s exterior will impact the cost of siding it. Bigger homes will require more squares of material, and it will take longer to side a home with multiple surfaces of different sizes and shapes.
• Quality of Siding Materials Both the type and quality of materials impact the total cost of a project. Prices vary depending on whether the siding is vinyl, wood or stucco, and the price range within each category depends on the quality and how long the guaranteed life of the siding is.
• Condition of Underlying Framework The integrity of the framework underneath the existing siding needs to be considered especially if needed repairs are expected.
• Timeline The longer a job takes, of course, the more it will cost to complete. Be realistic about the time it will take to complete a job, and figure in overtime costs for expedited projects.

When Do You Send a Siding Estimate?

A siding cost estimate is often the first document delivered to a potential customer and precedes a more detailed quote. Doing an estimate can be especially useful in gauging  whether a client is committed to the project without devoting the time it takes to do a full quote only to learn that the customer has decided not to do the work.   

Unlike an estimate, a quote becomes legally binding and serves as the cost basis for the siding project once it is approved by all parties. For some jobs, you may be asked to submit a formal bid, along with other siding contractors. A bid is more detailed and exact than an estimate. The same is true for a proposal, which has the same type of information as a bid and quote, but also includes more extensive details about your company and past projects.

What Should be Included in a Siding Estimate Template?

• Company Information Brand your siding estimate template with your siding business details, and logo to make it uniquely yours. Include the name and contact information of the person who will be the main contact person to make it easy for clients to reach out and have their questions answered.  
• Client Information Include the name of the client, name of project and the person who will be the main contact point as the siding work progresses.
• Estimate Number & Date This information helps you keep your estimates organized and makes them easier to find as the volume of your projects increase over time. Create an intuitive numbering system to simplify locating your siding cost estimates.
• Table of Labor & Materials Detail the estimated labor and materials that will be needed to complete the project to make it easy for clients to understand the costs behind the siding work. 
• Summary of Costs This is a tally of all the costs involved in the siding project, and any other costs.
• Acceptance & Signature Include a section for all parties to sign, date and accept the siding cost estimate template.

Optional Sections to Include in a Siding Estimate Template

Now that you’ve considered the basics, you may want to add additional sections to your siding estimate worksheet. This is helpful especially in cases where you think the extra details will increase your chances of winning the job. Here are some optional sections to consider depending on the job:

• Scope of Work This details what work is included in the siding project and which items are not. It shows the homeowner that you understand the extent of the siding work they are seeking for their home and can serve as a reference should questions arise later. This provides clarity on the type of work included in the siding estimate, and what is not part of the estimate.  
• Discounts Do you offer reduced rates for first-time customers or clients that pay for the project up front? Include any details here.
• Terms & Conditions This section could cover your policy on change orders or how much time a client has to inspect and sign off on a completed siding project. It is wise to  include an expiration date for the siding cost estimate as prices change over time. This can also double as a deadline for clients to make a decision.
• Disclaimer This can clarify that an estimate is not a formal contract for the siding work and will be followed with a more detailed quote. 
• Additional Notes Is there anything else that needs to be addressed? 

How to Create a Siding Estimate Step-by-Step

Are you ready to get started? Here is a guide for creating an accurate siding estimate and delivering it to your client: 

1. Choose an Estimate Template or Tool Decide what tools you need to begin drafting your siding estimate. A free siding estimate template helps you to develop your estimating skills, especially if you are new at it. A downloadable siding estimate template guides you through what to include in a professional estimate. Make sure you pick an editable siding estimate template that you can easily customize to meet the specific needs of the project and your business. Another option is siding estimating software which significantly reduces the time it takes to create accurate and professional-looking estimates

2. Review Project Plans Do you have all the measurements you need as well as a full understanding of the siding project? Review the plans, and if needed, visit the home and consult with the homeowner to assure that you know the vision and scope of the work they are seeking for their home’s new exterior.

Calculate Materials & Labor Calculating the amount and cost of materials and labor it will take to complete a siding project makes up the core of every siding estimate.

3. How to Calculate Materials Measure, measure, measure. Taking accurate measurements of every surface is key to knowing how many squares of vinyl siding, or other siding material you will need to carry out the job:

Calculate the height and width of every  side to reach the surface area measured in square feet. Measure these additional areas to make sure you have the calculations for every surface:

• Dormers
• Soffits
• Fascia
• Accessories
• Trim: Measure the linear feet needed to replace the trim

Measure areas that won’t be covered by siding which you will subtract from the total square footage area of the home:

• Windows
• Doors
• Any other areas

Figure in Safety Buffers - You do not want to have a huge surplus of materials once the project is completed. However, coming up short can be worse because it will likely delay the job, and add to the costs. Be as accurate as possible, but account for needing a little more material than measured.

Convert Measurements to Materials - Do takeoffs to calculate how much material will be needed. Takeoffs are made easier with estimating software that has the takeoff tool built in. 

4. Determine Labor Costs

Labor costs will depend on the skills needed, the length of time of the project and availability of workers in your area. Determine the hourly rate you will need to pay for the following work:

• Removal of Existing Siding Include the cost of transporting the waste to a disposal facility.
• Installation of New Siding Consider all facets of the installation, and the complexity of the job.

Additional Costs:

• Overhead It costs money to run a business so you will need to fold in your overhead expenses. Add up your costs for items such as rent, vehicles, utilities, computers, and more to come up with an annual or monthly figure. Prorate these costs to the length of time the project will take. 
• Markup Your markup helps assure that you are covering not only the costs of the project material and labor, but other expenses to assure that you are earning money.  
• Profit An accountant or trusted advisor can help you work out your profit margin formula to figure into every job so that your business will continue to grow.

5. Calculate Total Costs Add everything up to reach your total estimate.

6. Seek a Second Opinion Ask someone you trust to review your estimate to find anything you may have missed.

7. Review & Send Go over your estimate one more time and hit send!

8. Track Feedback & Approvals Create a process to keep on top of feedback and questions from your customers and ultimate approvals.

Alternatives to Printable Siding Estimate Templates 

Using a downloadable siding estimate template saves you from starting with a blank screen or using pen and paper to create your siding worksheet. But it is not the only modern tool available to help you deliver professional siding estimates as quickly as clients expect them. 

Many professional siding contractors use siding estimating software to create their siding estimates quickly and efficiently. With a siding takeoff software like Houzz Pro, the takeoff tool is built in and you can use the pricing lists supplied for your region, or upload your own.

Final Tips on How to Estimate a Siding Job

Before you begin drafting your siding cost estimate, here are a few parting tips to consider:

• Understand the Scope Make sure you completely understand the full extent of the siding project at hand. Review the plans, seek clarifications from clients and consider all the details of the project from start to finish.
• Know the Skills Required Consider how the skills of your team match up with those required to take on this siding job. Do you need to bring in specialized workers? The availability and skill level of workers in your region will impact the rate you will need to pay them. 
• Factor in Project Risks Account for possible risks such as discovering structural damage in the home after removing the existing siding. Consider weather delays and overtime costs to keep a project on track.
• Don’t Overlook Overhead Valuing the cost of doing business helps assure that you do not come up short in the end, and allows you to grow your company. 
• Include Related Services Consider and clarify who is handling related services such as disposing of the current siding. 
• Compare with Your Competition Find out how the prices you are charging match up with your competitors in the region to see where you fit in the marketplace. 
• Keep Learning Make adjustments along the way as the market changes, and apply what you learn as you do more and more siding estimates.

Conclusion

In this article, we have guided you through the steps of how to do a siding estimate. We also have offered some tools and tips to help you hone your estimation skills so you can deliver estimates faster and more efficiently time after time. 

Learn more about how to estimate any type of siding project with software tailored to siding contractors. Explore our takeoffs and estimating features with a free trial of Houzz Pro Siding Contractor Business Software.

Also, hone your takeoff skills with this guide: How to Use Takeoffs to Increase Accuracy and Efficiency.