.siding-calculator-container {
font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Geneva, Verdana, sans-serif;
max-width: 700px;
margin: 20px auto;
padding: 25px;
border: 1px solid #e0e0e0;
border-radius: 10px;
background-color: #f9f9f9;
box-shadow: 0 4px 12px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.08);
}
.siding-calculator-container h2 {
color: #333;
text-align: center;
margin-bottom: 25px;
font-size: 28px;
font-weight: 600;
}
.siding-calculator-container .input-group {
margin-bottom: 18px;
display: flex;
flex-direction: column;
}
.siding-calculator-container label {
margin-bottom: 8px;
color: #555;
font-weight: 500;
font-size: 15px;
}
.siding-calculator-container input[type="number"] {
width: calc(100% – 20px);
padding: 12px;
border: 1px solid #ccc;
border-radius: 6px;
font-size: 16px;
box-sizing: border-box;
transition: border-color 0.3s ease;
}
.siding-calculator-container input[type="number"]:focus {
border-color: #007bff;
outline: none;
box-shadow: 0 0 0 3px rgba(0, 123, 255, 0.25);
}
.siding-calculator-container button {
display: block;
width: 100%;
padding: 14px 20px;
background-color: #007bff;
color: white;
border: none;
border-radius: 6px;
font-size: 18px;
font-weight: 600;
cursor: pointer;
transition: background-color 0.3s ease, transform 0.2s ease;
margin-top: 25px;
}
.siding-calculator-container button:hover {
background-color: #0056b3;
transform: translateY(-1px);
}
.siding-calculator-container .result {
margin-top: 30px;
padding: 20px;
border: 1px solid #d4edda;
background-color: #e2f0e4;
border-radius: 8px;
font-size: 17px;
color: #155724;
line-height: 1.6;
text-align: left;
}
.siding-calculator-container .result strong {
color: #0f3d1a;
}
.siding-calculator-container .error {
color: #dc3545;
margin-top: 10px;
font-size: 14px;
text-align: center;
}
function calculateSiding() {
var totalWallLength = parseFloat(document.getElementById('totalWallLength').value);
var averageWallHeight = parseFloat(document.getElementById('averageWallHeight').value);
var numWindows = parseFloat(document.getElementById('numWindows').value);
var avgWindowWidth = parseFloat(document.getElementById('avgWindowWidth').value);
var avgWindowHeight = parseFloat(document.getElementById('avgWindowHeight').value);
var numDoors = parseFloat(document.getElementById('numDoors').value);
var avgDoorWidth = parseFloat(document.getElementById('avgDoorWidth').value);
var avgDoorHeight = parseFloat(document.getElementById('avgDoorHeight').value);
var sidingCostPerSqFt = parseFloat(document.getElementById('sidingCostPerSqFt').value);
var laborCostPerSqFt = parseFloat(document.getElementById('laborCostPerSqFt').value);
var wasteFactor = parseFloat(document.getElementById('wasteFactor').value);
var resultDiv = document.getElementById('sidingResult');
resultDiv.innerHTML = "; // Clear previous results
// Input validation
if (isNaN(totalWallLength) || totalWallLength <= 0 ||
isNaN(averageWallHeight) || averageWallHeight <= 0 ||
isNaN(numWindows) || numWindows < 0 ||
isNaN(avgWindowWidth) || avgWindowWidth <= 0 ||
isNaN(avgWindowHeight) || avgWindowHeight <= 0 ||
isNaN(numDoors) || numDoors < 0 ||
isNaN(avgDoorWidth) || avgDoorWidth <= 0 ||
isNaN(avgDoorHeight) || avgDoorHeight <= 0 ||
isNaN(sidingCostPerSqFt) || sidingCostPerSqFt < 0 ||
isNaN(laborCostPerSqFt) || laborCostPerSqFt < 0 ||
isNaN(wasteFactor) || wasteFactor < 0) {
resultDiv.className = 'result error';
resultDiv.innerHTML = 'Please enter valid positive numbers for all fields.';
return;
}
// Calculations
var totalWallArea = totalWallLength * averageWallHeight;
var totalWindowArea = numWindows * avgWindowWidth * avgWindowHeight;
var totalDoorArea = numDoors * avgDoorWidth * avgDoorHeight;
var netSidingArea = totalWallArea – totalWindowArea – totalDoorArea;
if (netSidingArea < 0) {
resultDiv.className = 'result error';
resultDiv.innerHTML = 'The calculated area for windows and doors exceeds the total wall area. Please check your measurements.';
return;
}
var sidingAreaWithWaste = netSidingArea * (1 + (wasteFactor / 100));
var estimatedMaterialCost = sidingAreaWithWaste * sidingCostPerSqFt;
var estimatedLaborCost = sidingAreaWithWaste * laborCostPerSqFt;
var totalEstimatedCost = estimatedMaterialCost + estimatedLaborCost;
// Display results
resultDiv.className = 'result';
resultDiv.innerHTML =
'
Siding Material & Cost Estimator
Siding Estimate Details:
' + 'Total Wall Area: ' + totalWallArea.toFixed(2) + ' sq ft' + 'Total Window & Door Area: ' + (totalWindowArea + totalDoorArea).toFixed(2) + ' sq ft' + 'Net Siding Area Required: ' + netSidingArea.toFixed(2) + ' sq ft' + 'Siding Area (including ' + wasteFactor.toFixed(0) + '% waste): ' + sidingAreaWithWaste.toFixed(2) + ' sq ft' + 'Estimated Material Cost: $' + estimatedMaterialCost.toFixed(2) + " + 'Estimated Labor Cost: $' + estimatedLaborCost.toFixed(2) + " + 'Total Estimated Siding Project Cost: $' + totalEstimatedCost.toFixed(2) + ''; }Understanding Your Siding Project: A Comprehensive Guide
Replacing or installing new siding is a significant home improvement project that can dramatically enhance your home's curb appeal, energy efficiency, and protection against the elements. Before embarking on such a venture, it's crucial to understand the scope and potential costs involved. Our Siding Material & Cost Estimator is designed to provide you with a preliminary understanding of the materials needed and the overall financial investment.
How to Use the Siding Calculator
To get the most accurate estimate from our calculator, you'll need a few key measurements and cost figures:
- Total Exterior Wall Length: Measure the length of all exterior walls of your home. If your home is a simple rectangle, this would be (Length + Width) * 2. For more complex shapes, measure each wall segment and sum them up.
- Average Exterior Wall Height: Measure the height from the foundation to the eaves. If your home has varying wall heights (e.g., a two-story section and a one-story section), calculate an average or consider breaking down the project into sections.
- Number of Windows & Doors: Count all windows and doors on the exterior walls that will be sided.
- Average Window/Door Width & Height: Measure a typical window and door to get average dimensions. If you have significantly different sizes, you might want to calculate their areas separately and sum them before inputting.
- Siding Material Cost per Square Foot: This is the cost of the siding material itself. Prices vary widely based on material (vinyl, fiber cement, wood, metal), quality, and brand. Research local suppliers or get quotes for the specific siding you're considering.
- Labor Cost per Square Foot: This is what contractors charge for installation. Labor costs can vary based on your geographic location, the complexity of the job, and the contractor's experience. Obtain a few quotes from local siding professionals to get a realistic average.
- Waste Factor Percentage: Siding projects inevitably involve some material waste due to cuts, mistakes, and irregular shapes. A typical waste factor is 5-15%. For complex homes with many angles, windows, and doors, a higher waste factor (e.g., 15%) might be more appropriate.
What Factors Influence Siding Costs?
The total cost of your siding project is influenced by several factors beyond just the material and labor per square foot:
- Siding Material Type: Vinyl is generally the most affordable, followed by engineered wood, fiber cement, and then natural wood or metal siding, which can be significantly more expensive.
- Home Size and Complexity: Larger homes naturally require more material and labor. Homes with intricate architectural details, multiple gables, dormers, or unusual angles will increase labor time and material waste.
- Old Siding Removal: If you're replacing existing siding, the cost of removal and disposal of the old material will add to the overall expense.
- Underlayment and Trim: Beyond the siding panels, you'll need house wrap (underlayment), flashing, soffit, fascia, and trim pieces, all of which contribute to the material cost.
- Geographic Location: Labor rates and material availability can vary significantly by region.
- Contractor Experience: Highly experienced and reputable contractors may charge more, but often provide higher quality work and better warranties.
- Permits: Many municipalities require permits for siding replacement, which adds a small administrative cost.
Getting Accurate Estimates
While this calculator provides a valuable preliminary estimate, it's essential to remember that it's a tool for planning, not a final quote. For precise figures, always:
- Get Multiple Bids: Contact at least three reputable local siding contractors for detailed, on-site estimates.
- Ask for Itemized Quotes: Ensure the quotes break down costs for materials, labor, old siding removal, disposal, and any additional components like trim or repairs.
- Check References and Reviews: Verify the contractor's reputation and quality of work.
- Understand Warranties: Inquire about both material and labor warranties.
By using this calculator and following these guidelines, you'll be well-equipped to plan your siding project effectively and make informed decisions for your home.