What Does It Really Cost to Replace Siding and Windows?
The cost to replace siding and windows on a typical home ranges from $8,000 to $30,000+ for siding and $300 to $1,200+ per window for replacement windows — with most Metro Detroit homeowners spending $20,000 to $45,000 when tackling both projects together.
Here’s a quick snapshot:
| Project | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Siding replacement (full home) | $8,000 – $30,000+ |
| Window replacement (per window) | $300 – $1,200+ |
| Combined siding + windows (average home) | $20,000 – $45,000+ |
| Vinyl siding installed (per sq ft) | $3 – $12 |
| Fiber cement siding installed (per sq ft) | $5 – $14 |
Your actual number depends on your home’s size, the materials you choose, and the complexity of the installation.
If you own a home in the Metro Detroit suburbs, you already know the drill. Michigan winters are brutal. Aging siding cracks and warps. Old windows draft and leak. Energy bills climb. And every year you wait, the damage underneath gets worse — and more expensive to fix.
Replacing your siding and windows is a significant investment. But it’s also one of the smartest ones you can make. Studies consistently show that new vinyl or fiber cement siding can return up to 80% of its cost at resale — while also cutting energy costs and protecting your home’s structure from moisture and rot.
This guide breaks down exactly what you can expect to pay, what drives those costs up or down, and how to plan your project the right way.
Average Cost to Replace Siding and Windows in 2025
When we talk about the cost to replace siding and windows in Southeast Michigan, we have to look at both the national averages and the local reality. In cities like Shelby Township, Novi, and Rochester Hills, labor rates and material availability can fluctuate, but the general math remains consistent.
For a mid-range 2,000-square-foot home, the average siding project costs approximately $17,200 (about $8.60 per square foot installed). However, if you choose premium materials like stone veneer or high-end fiber cement, that number can climb toward $30,000. Windows add another layer; replacing 10 to 15 windows in a standard home typically adds $10,000 to $20,000 to the bill.
According to the 2024 Cost vs. Value Report, homeowners can recoup between 80% and 88% of their investment in vinyl or fiber-cement siding. This makes it one of the highest-ROI home improvements available today.
Popular Siding Materials and Price Per Square Foot
The material you choose is the biggest “dial” you can turn to control your budget. Here is how the most common materials in Metro Detroit stack up based on the Homewyse cost database:
- Vinyl Siding: $3 – $12 per sq. ft. installed. This remains the most popular choice for its balance of durability and low maintenance.
- Fiber Cement (Hardie Board): $5 – $14 per sq. ft. installed. Known for its wood-like appearance and fire resistance, it’s a favorite in upscale neighborhoods like West Bloomfield and Plymouth.
- Engineered Wood (LP SmartSide): $1 – $6 per sq. ft. for materials, often totaling $10-$12 installed. It offers the look of real wood without the rot issues.
- Brick Veneer: $3 – $10 per sq. ft. (materials only). Total installed costs are higher due to masonry labor.
- Stone Veneer: $5 – $11 per sq. ft. (materials only). This is often used as an accent on gables or entryways to boost curb appeal.
Common Replacement Window Types and Pricing
Windows are priced by the unit, and the style you choose impacts the labor difficulty. When looking at windows for your home, consider these common ranges:
- Double-Hung Windows: $450 – $900 per window. These are the standard in most Michigan homes, allowing both sashes to move for easy cleaning.
- Casement Windows: $600 – $1,200 per window. These crank outward and provide excellent seal against the wind—perfect for those drafty days in Macomb County.
- Picture Windows: $300 – $1,000+. Since they don’t open, they are more energy-efficient but vary wildly in price based on size.
- Vinyl Frames: The most budget-friendly and common.
- Fiberglass Frames: More expensive but incredibly strong and able to handle Michigan’s extreme temperature swings without warping.
Breaking Down Siding Replacement Expenses
When we give an estimate, we aren’t just looking at the “skin” of the house. A proper siding job involves several layers of protection. If you are also looking at roofing, you know that the “system” is what matters, not just the shingles or panels.
Factors Influencing the Cost to Replace Siding and Windows
Several variables can swing your quote by thousands of dollars:
- Home Size and Stories: A two-story home in Farmington Hills will cost up to 30% more than a ranch of the same square footage. Why? Scaffolding, safety equipment, and the extra time it takes to haul materials up a ladder.
- Architectural Complexity: Do you have a lot of dormers, bump-outs, or “turrets”? Every corner requires custom cutting and flashing, which eats up labor hours.
- Removal Fees: Tearing off old siding and disposing of it usually costs between $1,000 and $3,000.
- Permit Fees: Depending on whether you’re in Wayne, Oakland, or Macomb County, permits can range from $100 to $500. You can get a siding estimate to see how these local fees factor into your total.
Typical Cost Breakdown: Materials vs. Labor
One of the biggest surprises for homeowners is that labor often accounts for 50% to 70% of the total project cost. Siding isn’t just “nailed on.” It requires precise overlapping to prevent water from getting behind the panels.
A typical breakdown looks like this:
- Materials (40-50%): The siding panels, house wrap, trim pieces, soffits, and flashing.
- Labor (50-60%): The skilled crew that ensures your panels won’t buckle in the summer or rattle in the winter.
- Disposal (5%): Roll-off dumpsters and landfill fees for your old materials.
Window Replacement: Types and Price Ranges
If your windows are drafty or difficult to open, you’re likely losing money every month on heating and cooling. Modern windows use “Low-E” glass and Argon gas fills to create a thermal barrier.
Estimating the Combined Cost to Replace Siding and Windows
Why do so many people in Southeast Michigan choose to do both at once? It’s all about the “envelope.” When we remove your old siding, we have direct access to the window frames. This is the perfect time to perform a full-frame replacement, which involves removing the entire window and frame down to the rough opening.
This allows us to install new insulation and flashing around the window, ensuring a 100% airtight seal. If you wait to do windows after the siding is done, the installers may have to cut into your brand-new siding to get the windows in correctly. Understanding what to expect during a professional window installation can help you see why window installation is often best done in tandem with siding.
Strategic Planning: ROI, Timing, and Order of Operations
We always tell our neighbors in Metro Detroit: plan for the long haul. While the upfront cost to replace siding and windows is high, the 80% ROI and the monthly energy savings start paying you back immediately.
Should You Replace Siding or Windows First?
If you can’t do them at the same time, always replace windows first.
Here is why: Windows require “capping” and “flashing”—metal or vinyl trim that directs water away from the opening. If you install new siding first, the window installers will likely have to disturb that siding to install the window flashing correctly. By doing windows first (or together), you ensure the moisture barrier is continuous and your warranty remains intact.
Ways to Save Money on Your Exterior Renovation
- Off-Season Scheduling: While we work year-round, scheduling your project for late fall or early winter can sometimes yield “seasonal” discounts when crews are less busy.
- Material Selection: You can get the “look” of expensive cedar by using premium vinyl shakes on the front of the house and standard lap siding on the sides and back.
- Financing: Many homeowners use a home equity line of credit (HELOC) to fund the project. Since it adds significant value to the home, it’s often seen as a reinvestment of equity.
- Insurance Check: If your siding was damaged by a recent Michigan hail storm, your homeowner’s insurance might cover a portion of the replacement. It’s always worth it to compare insurance rates and coverage details before you start.
Frequently Asked Questions about Exterior Renovations
How long does a full siding and window replacement take?
For an average home in Shelby Township or Commerce, a full siding and window replacement typically takes 7 to 14 days. This includes the tear-off, window installation, house wrap, siding installation, and final trim work. Weather is the biggest variable—Michigan rain can occasionally push us back a day or two!
Can new siding be installed over old siding?
Technically, yes, you can install vinyl over old wood siding if it is flat and structurally sound. However, we generally do not recommend it. Installing over old siding hides potential rot, mold, and pest damage. It also makes window installation much more difficult and can void some manufacturer warranties. To do it right, you have to see what’s happening with the “bones” of the house.
What additional costs should homeowners anticipate?
- Rot Repair: We don’t know what’s behind your old siding until it’s off. If we find rotted sheathing or studs, that will need to be replaced (usually charged by the sheet or linear foot).
- Gutter Replacement: Often, old gutters are damaged during siding removal or simply don’t match the new aesthetic. Budgeting an extra $1,500–$3,000 for new seamless gutters is a smart move.
- Pest Damage: Termite or carpenter ant damage can occasionally be uncovered during the tear-off process.
Conclusion
At Performance Remodeling, we’ve spent over 18 years helping our neighbors in the Greater Metro Detroit area—from Novi to St. Clair County—transform their homes. We know that the cost to replace siding and windows is a major decision, which is why we offer the best lifetime guarantee in the region.
Whether you are in Macomb, Oakland, or Wayne County, we pride ourselves on quality craftsmanship that stands up to Michigan’s toughest seasons. If you’re ready to stop guessing at the math and get a real number for your home, explore our services or give us a call. We’re here to make sure your home’s exterior is as durable as it is beautiful.