Published on: March 15, 2024
Don’t let your home lose its curb appeal! If your siding is peeling, chipping, dented or warped, it’s time for new siding. As you evaluate your options, you might find that Hardie Board siding is right for your home.
This is especially true for homes that have existing wood siding, which requires intensive maintenance. For a home with vibrant siding year after year, Hardie Board is a great option.
An astounding 23 percent of all homes have fiber cement siding, also known as Hardie Board or Hardie Plank. That’s because of its durability, low maintenance and long life when compared to other siding types. The company that manufactures these boards – James Hardie – was founded in the mid-1980s, making it even more impressive that the material has made it onto nearly a quarter of all homes in the US.
Hardie Board is weather-resistant and adds to your home’s curb appeal. However, it is one of the most expensive siding options on the market, which makes homeowners question if it is right for them. For example, Hardie Board siding costs $10 per square foot, meaning that it costs around $12,000 to install it over a 1200 square foot wall. While the upfront cost might seem high, it is a very durable siding, which means the lifetime ownership cost is not as high as wood siding for your home, despite a similar appearance.
Luckily, you can save on the cost of Hardie Board when you follow these tactics.
As you look for the best ways to save on Hardie Board installation, consider these tips and tactics.
Try to get multiple Hardie Board installation quotes from leading contractors in your area. This is because different sellers will have different prices for the same product. They may overcharge you. Some siding salespeople work on commission, meaning the quote might cost more to cover their earnings.
Make sure to get quotes from the different vendors and negotiate with them to get the best price with the best installation team. Don’t sacrifice quality for price. If you can’t afford the quoted rates for the best contractors, consider going with more affordable siding options – such as vinyl – to ensure your home has adequate protection from the elements.
Contractors can get materials at a better rate because they work closely with the vendors and get bulk discounts. Requesting that the contractor purchase the materials for you can help you get a good rate. But know that installing siding yourself is quite complex and not recommended for the average homeowner.
Look for contractors that are preferred installers for the siding manufacturer you want to see if you can get better rates.
Generally, there are two forms of Hardie siding. The first is Hardie Board that comes factory-painted. Alternatively, you can purchase pre-primed, unpainted boards. Then you can paint the boards once your contractor installs them, or pay someone to paint the boards for you.
Boards that arrive already painted cost more than the unpainted option. While this can save you money on materials, it does require an additional step and the paint might not hold as well as it would if you had purchased the factory-painted option. Most of the time, homeowners only select the primed boards when they want a very specific color for their siding. As a bonus, pre-painted siding will retain its original look for years.
Some contractors add 10-20 percent material surcharges to their quotes. That means you’re paying more for materials instead of getting them at bulk discounts as you should through your contractor. If you can, price out the materials yourself to see how competitive the contractor’s rates are. Of course, the total price for materials and quality installation is important to consider. You can’t only look at materials or only labor when reviewing quotes.
If you purchase materials yourself, consider building in some extra for wastage or covering complex areas, such as around windows, doors and other elements in your home. Your contractor might be willing to share details about how many materials you should purchase based on the size of your home.
Having inadequate supplies on hand can make your project take longer or lead to fees from your contractor for causing delays.
November through January is generally a slow season for home improvement businesses, which can offer you an opportunity to further negotiate rates.
Most people prefer buying gifts, planning holidays, and saving money during this time of year over home improvement or construction. As the contractors look for more business, it’s the right time to get Hardie board at a cheaper price compared to the busy time of the year.
James Hardie is the original owner and seller of Hardie Boards. However, there are many less expensive brands available for fiber cement siding you can try. You might be able to save 10-20 percent on your material costs.
However, make sure you’re considering quality alongside price. Just because you can save money upfront doesn’t mean it is the best option for your home. Talk to your contractor about how to weigh the cost of your siding with the benefits it provides your home.
As you weigh the pros and cons of various siding options, here’s a look at some reasons homeowners choose to install Hardie Board siding.
2FL Windows, Siding and Roofing offers high-quality installation throughout Seattle, Washington, and the surrounding area. Our team provides in-home quotes and consultations to help you weigh the pros and cons of various materials. Schedule your estimate now.
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