How Much Does Fiber Cement Siding Installation Cost in Chicago?

The average cost for fiber cement siding installation in Chicago is $18,584, with most projects ranging from $10,120 to $27,667. Siding professionals can offer quotes for this project, factoring in the square footage of your home, the type of fiber cement you’ll install, and any customizations. Read on to learn what you can expect to pay for your fiber cement siding installation.

Fiber Cement Siding Installation Cost Factors

The cost of fiber cement siding installation can vary based on a number of factors, including the local cost of labor, the size of your home, and the fiber cement siding type you choose. In addition, you’ll need to consider paying for local building permits. Read on to learn the key aspects that impact fiber cement siding installation.

Home Size

The size of your home will be one of the most important factors when determining the cost of your fiber cement installation. Larger homes will not only require more materials, but will take longer to install, which will raise labor expenses. The median size for a home in Chicago is 1,800 square feet, which would work out to between $18,200 and $21,300 for fiber cement siding installation. Expect to spend between $7 and $18 per square foot for fiber cement siding installation.

Type

Consider the type of fiber cement siding you want to install on your home. Shingle-style siding is less expensive than others, but the installation and labor fees might be higher since it takes longer to install than larger panels.

Neighborhood

The price for siding installation can vary based on which Chicago neighborhood you live in. Homes in downtown Chicago and the northern suburbs will be more expensive to complete, given higher living costs and densely packed homes, making it more difficult for contractors to work.

Labor

Your labor costs largely depend on the size of your home, the type of fiber cement siding you select, and how accessible your home is. Some homes in metropolitan areas can be harder to access, with home lots being close together and many citywide regulations to follow. Generally, the labor costs for siding installation will fall between 20% and 70% of your total project budget. Fiber cement siding installation labor costs between $2 and $8 per square foot.

Siding Removal

You might need to remove either all or some of your existing siding if you already have fiber cement installed and want to repair a few shingles. You’ll pay between $1,000 and $3,000 to have your old siding removed. Removal on older homes could cost more, as there could be an asbestos risk. You’ll need to hire a pro to properly and safely remove any old siding that has asbestos since this material is toxic.

Underlying Issues

You’ll also need to address any water damage, mildew, or mold found in your existing siding. To have the damage remedied or removed, you’ll pay an average of $20 to $30 per square foot. Remember that water damage is a serious issue that should be handled ASAP. Ignoring it could cause serious structural problems for your home.

Customizations

You can purchase fiber cement siding in a variety of colors, patterns, and textures. These range from simple to elaborate, with some styles imitating stone, brick, and other types of siding. Of course, these customizations cost more but could generate a higher return on investment (ROI) by giving your home some stunning curb appeal.

Once you install your fiber cement siding, you could also have it painted. Painting fiber cement siding costs an average of $3,700 when done by a professional exterior painter near you.

Fiber Cement Siding Pro Costs

According to Chicago's Department of Buildings, contractors must be licensed and insured, so ask any potential workers to confirm they’re meeting the legal requirements. Talk to at least three fiber cement siding pros before hiring one, get quotes from each, and be prepared with a list of questions you ask a siding installation expert. A properly licensed and insured contractor will cost between $2 and $8 per square foot for professional siding installation.

You might find contractors who aren’t licensed and don’t hold liability insurance offering to do the work for less than those following local laws, but this is a red flag. If anything goes wrong during the project, you’ll likely be the one on the hook for the bill to make any repairs or damage.

The city of Chicago also requires building permits for residential renovations and upgrades. The permit fee is based on a number of factors, such as the square footage of your home, the type of work being performed, and the occupancy type. The city has a handy permit calculator to help you understand how much you’ll pay for a permit, and a fiber cement siding contractor in Chicago, Illinois, can walk you through the required permits and fees and assist with acquiring them.

Does Fiber Cement Siding Increase Home Value?

Newly installed fiber cement siding increases home value, with an average ROI between 76% and 80%. Fiber cement is extremely durable, long-lasting, and sustainable—things that many homebuyers value. Chicago’s freeze-thaw cycle—created by its cold winters and hot, humid summers—can cause siding to rot, crack, bubble, and become a hot spot for mold to grow. New siding is appealing to homebuyers, as they’ll see your home as well-protected.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We survey real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

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