A good siding replacement estimate describes the whole wall system, not just the boards you see. Two proposals can both say new siding while one includes removal, sheathing repairs, a new weather-resistive barrier, flashing, trim and paint, and the other leaves most of that out. Knowing what should be listed helps you compare bids fairly and avoid surprises once the old siding comes off.
Which walls and how much of the house
The first thing an estimate should make clear is the extent of the work. Is it the whole house, one elevation or selected sections? Walls are usually described by elevation, such as front, rear, left and right, and by area. Gables, bays, chimneys and second-story walls should be identified because they affect access and labor.
If only part of the house is being re-sided, matching matters. Existing profiles and textures can be hard to match exactly, and a new board next to an old one may look different even in the same color. Ask how the proposal handles the transition and whether it makes sense to re-side an entire elevation so seams land at corners.
Removal, disposal and what's underneath
Removing old siding reveals the sheathing and framing beneath. In older Los Angeles homes, that may mean original plank sheathing, deteriorated building paper or areas of water damage around windows, doors and roof lines. None of this can be fully seen until removal, so the estimate should explain how it will be handled.
- Removal method and disposal of the existing siding
- Protection of landscaping, windows, roofs and neighboring property
- Inspection of sheathing and framing once exposed
- How repairs are documented, typically with photos
- How repair work is priced, such as a unit rate per sheet or per linear foot
- Your approval before any additional work proceeds
If the home was built before 1978, existing painted siding and trim may contain lead-based paint. Federal EPA rules require contractors to use lead-safe work practices when disturbing painted surfaces in pre-1978 homes. The estimate should acknowledge this where it applies.
Weather barrier, flashing and the details that keep water out
Siding is the first line of defense, but the weather-resistive barrier (WRB) and flashing behind it are what keep water out of the walls over time. A complete estimate names the barrier being installed and describes flashing at windows, doors, roof-to-wall intersections, penetrations such as hose bibs, vents and light fixtures, and the transition at the bottom of the wall.
Ask whether windows and doors are staying and how they will be integrated with the new barrier. Poorly lapped flashing around existing windows is a common source of leaks. If windows are being replaced at the same time, coordinate both scopes so flashing is done once and in the right order.
Siding product, trim and finishing
The estimate should name the siding product specifically: material, profile, exposure or board width, texture and whether it arrives primed or factory-finished. It should also describe the trim at corners, windows, doors, fascia and any band boards, including material and size. Accent materials such as vertical panels or wood-look boards should be listed separately.
Finishing is a frequent gap between bids. Some proposals include caulking and two coats of paint; others deliver primed siding for you to paint later. Confirm the number of coats, the paint type, which surfaces are included, and whether gutters, downspouts, light fixtures and house numbers are removed and reinstalled.
Permits, fire zones and access
Replacing siding often requires a building permit, particularly when sheathing is replaced or the wall covering changes. In the City of Los Angeles this runs through LADBS; other cities have their own departments. If your property is in a designated Fire Hazard Severity Zone, the California Residential Code (Section R337) sets requirements for exterior wall coverings, which affects the products you can choose.
Access matters too. Two-story walls, hillside lots, narrow side yards and walls close to property lines may need scaffolding, lifts or neighbor coordination. The estimate should say how access is handled and whether scaffolding is included.
Questions to ask before you sign
Once proposals are in hand, a few questions reveal a lot. Who will be on site day to day, and who is your main contact? How are change orders written and approved? What happens if the weather delays painting? How is the site protected overnight, especially on walls with open sheathing? Which parts of the work are done by subcontractors? Clear answers to these questions matter as much as the price itself.
Estimate checklist: compare bids line by line
- Walls and elevations included, with approximate area
- Removal and disposal of existing siding
- Sheathing and framing repair process and pricing
- Weather-resistive barrier product
- Flashing at windows, doors, roof lines and penetrations
- Siding product, profile and finish
- Trim material and sizes
- Caulking and paint or finish, number of coats
- Removal and reinstallation of fixtures, gutters and downspouts
- Permits, inspections and fire-zone compliance
- Scaffolding or lift access
- Site protection and daily cleanup
Next step: what we need from you to quote it
Send photos of each side of the house, close-ups of damaged or problem areas, the number of stories and your address. Tell us the approximate age of the home, whether windows are being replaced and what siding look you are considering. We will review the walls, confirm permit and fire-zone requirements and prepare a scope that separates base work from repair allowances. Call Chain Construction at (213) 519-8066.