How to Estimate Siding

Siding is a building component that can vary drastically depending on the material and application. Estimating the amount of siding you'll need is a moderately simple task that can be achieved in a short amount of time and can provide information necessary for your product choice and budget forecast.

Things You'll Need

• Architect scale
• Building plans (elevations)
• Tape measure (optional)
• Pencil
• Paper

Instructions

1. Measure the height and width of the face of a wall (on the elevations sheet of the building plans) using your architect scale. Multiply these numbers to find the surface area of the wall to be covered.

2. Repeat Step 1 on any openings in the wall (doors and windows), then subtract these area calculations from the surface area calculated (as they will not be covered with siding).

3. Repeat Steps 1 and 2 on any remaining walls and add them together to find the total area to be covered for the project.

4. Multiply the total surface area found in Step 3 by the cost per square foot of the siding you are going to use.

5. Check the fastening requirements for the siding of your choice to calculate any fastening materials needed (nails, screws, etc.) or consult with a building specialist at your local home improvement store.

Tips & Warnings

• If you do not have the building plans, you can physically measure the height and width of a wall using a tape measure.

References

• "Estimating in Building Construction"; Frank R. Dagostino and Leslie Feigenbaum 2002

Resources

• Construction Estimating Information And Help