Vinyl siding is one of the most popular exterior home siding options today. Its low maintenance and durability make it an attractive choice for many homeowners. But does installing vinyl siding actually increase your home’s value? Here we’ll examine the pros and cons of vinyl siding and look at key factors that impact how much value it can add.
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The pros of vinyl siding
There are several benefits that vinyl siding offers:
- Low maintenance. Vinyl siding doesn’t need to be painted or stained. Just wash it occasionally with a garden hose.
- Durability. Vinyl siding can last 30 years or more. It resists dents, won’t rot, and doesn’t attract insects.
- Energy efficiency. Vinyl siding provides an extra layer of insulation that can reduce energy costs.
- Curb appeal. Vinyl siding offers a wide array of colors and styles. This allows you to update your home’s look and match neighboring houses.
- Cost. Vinyl siding is one of the least expensive siding options. It’s more affordable than brick, stucco, or cedar shakes.
These benefits make vinyl an enticing siding choice for many homeowners. Low maintenance and durability are two of the biggest perks. The potential energy savings over time can also offset some of the upfront installation costs.
The cons of vinyl siding
However, there are some downsides with vinyl siding as well:
- Prone to dents and cracks. Vinyl can dent from impacts like balls or tree branches. Extreme cold can also cause cracking.
- Fades over time. Vinyl siding will gradually fade and lose its color from sun exposure.
- Artificial appearance. To some people, vinyl has an artificial, “plastic” look compared to natural wood or masonry.
- Lower resale value. Vinyl siding may hurt resale value compared to upscale materials like brick, stone, or cedar.
- Not eco-friendly. Unlike wood, vinyl siding is not biodegradable and ends up in landfills.
These downsides don’t necessarily make vinyl a poor choice. But they’re factors to keep in mind, especially how vinyl siding is perceived in your local housing market.
Key factors impacting value
There are several key factors that impact how much value vinyl siding adds to a home:
- Quality of installation – A professional, quality installation is crucial. Otherwise the siding won’t look right or perform as well.
- Home style – Vinyl works best on more casual, suburban-style homes. It often looks out of place on very modern or luxury home styles.
- Neighborhood norms – What’s typical in your surrounding neighborhood? If most homes have vinyl siding, it won’t stand out.
- Color and style – More natural wood grain patterns and subdued color palettes tend to look better than bright solid colors.
- Home value range – Vinyl siding adds more value to mid-range priced homes. On high-end luxury homes it could actually detract value.
Considering these factors will give you a better sense of how much value vinyl siding will add. The quality of the installation is one of the biggest determiners. Choosing siding styles and colors appropriate for your home’s architecture is also key.
Does vinyl siding increase home value?
In most cases, yes – vinyl siding will add value and appeal to your home. Here are a few statistics:
- According to the National Association of Realtors, vinyl siding can add 1.5% to 4% resale value compared to homes with painted wood siding. That equals $3,000 to $8,000 for a $200,000 home.
- A national study found that real estate agents estimate vinyl siding adds 2% to 3% extra resale value over painted wood siding.
- 83% of realtors recommend vinyl siding to appeal to home buyers.
- Homes with vinyl siding sell faster – typically staying on the market 11 days less than homes with other types of siding.
While vinyl won’t add as much value as masonry or cedar, it still provides a worthwhile return compared to its price. Curb appeal and low maintenance are strong selling points.
How much value does vinyl siding add?
As a general rule of thumb, here’s an approximate range of how much extra resale value vinyl siding adds:
| Home Value | Value Added by Vinyl Siding |
|---|---|
| Under $150,000 | $2,000 to $5,000 |
| $150,000 – $200,000 | $3,000 to $6,000 |
| $200,000 – $300,000 | $4,000 to $8,000 |
| $300,000 – $500,000 | $5,000 to $10,000 |
| Over $500,000 | May detract value |
As you can see, mid-range homes around $150,000 to $300,000 is where vinyl siding offers the best value boost. On very high-end homes, it often lowers appeal. But for most suburban-style homes under $500,000, a vinyl siding update can positively impact resale value.
Should you choose vinyl siding?
Vinyl siding makes sense for many homeowners, but it also has some tradeoffs. Here are a few final pros and cons to consider when deciding if vinyl is right for your home:
Pros
- Adds resale value, especially on mid-range homes
- Curb appeal and easier selling
- Low maintenance exterior for years
- Cost-effective home upgrade
Cons
- Not as upscale as masonry or wood
- Prone to dents, cracks, and fading
- Plastic-like artificial appearance
- Disposal creates landfill waste
Weigh your specific priorities for your home’s exterior and neighborhood norms. For many homeowners, the pros of vinyl siding outweigh the cons – but this varies by situation. Carefully installed quality vinyl in the right colors and style can give you years of durable, low maintenance appeal.
Conclusion
Vinyl siding can increase your home’s resale value, but the amount varies based on factors like quality, style, and home value range. On mid-range suburban homes, vinyl siding typically adds 2% to 4% in value compared to painted wood siding. For most homeowners, vinyl is an affordable way to boost curb appeal and reduce maintenance. But on higher end luxury homes, it may detract value. Consider your specific home style and neighborhood norms when deciding if vinyl siding is a worthwhile investment.