Vinyl siding costs $4 to $12 per square foot installed, or $8,400 to $25,200 total for an average 2,500-square-foot home. Vinyl siding prices depend on the vinyl grade and thickness. Prices are on the low end of the range for thinner economy-grade vinyl and the high end for thicker premium-grade material. However, thicker vinyl siding is more durable, energy efficient, and better at withstanding exposure to sun and extreme weather.

The cost of vinyl siding replacement also depends on your home size and design, with higher labor costs for houses with multiple stories or complex architectural features and angles.

Old siding removal adds $0.70 to $2.00 per square foot to your total cost.

Vinyl siding adds value to a home and provides an 82% return on investment (ROI), according to the National Association of Realtors' latest Remodeling Impact Report. New siding also improves your home's energy efficiency and increases its curb appeal, making it more attractive to potential buyers.

Follow these tips to save money on the cost to replace vinyl siding:

• Choose a thinner economy-grade vinyl siding material instead of a thicker premium-grade option.
• Compare options and prices from different brands.
• Look for manufacturer and installer deals.
• Schedule your project during the off-season when demand is lower.
• Remove the old siding yourself.

Vinyl siding lasts 30 to 40 years on average. However, it can last more than 60 years with regular cleaning and maintenance. The lifespan of vinyl siding depends on the amount of sun exposure your home receives and your local climate.

Consider replacing your vinyl siding if there are warped boards, cracks, holes, or the color has faded significantly.

You can paint vinyl siding that is in good condition. The cost to paint vinyl siding is $1 to $3 per square foot of surface area. Painting updates your home's look, improves curb appeal, and extends the life of faded vinyl siding. However, it may void the manufacturer's warranty. Check your warranty information for details first.

Follow these tips when hiring a professional vinyl siding contractor:

• Get at least three in-person estimates featuring siding of comparable quality.
• Choose siding companies that are licensed, bonded, and insured.
• Read company reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
• Review their portfolio of past projects.
• Ask for local references with contact information.
• Confirm your estimate includes old siding removal and disposal.
• Never pay in full before the work begins. Follow a payment schedule for work completed and save the receipts.

When evaluating vinyl siding companies, be sure to ask these important questions:

• How long have you been in business?
• How many vinyl siding jobs have you done in the past year?
• Can I see photos of your previous work?
• Can you give me references with contact information?
• Which vinyl siding material do you recommend for my house, and why?
• Does the estimate include removing and disposing of the old siding? If not, how much extra will that cost?
• What other costs might come up during the project?
• Do you handle the cleanup?
• How long will the installation take?
• How long will the vinyl siding last?
• What are the warranty details?