How to Read a James Hardie Siding Quote
Two quotes for the same house can be far apart and both be honest. The difference is nearly always in what’s included.
Why the totals differ
A siding quote is a list of decisions with a price at the bottom. One contractor assumes wide trim around every window; another assumes none. One includes new soffit and fascia; another leaves the old in place. Until you line the decisions up, comparing totals tells you very little.
The product lines
The quote should name the products, not just say “James Hardie siding”. Look for:
- Which siding goes where: HardiePlank, HardiePanel, HardieShingle, and on which walls or gables.
- The texture, smooth or wood grain.
- The finish: ColorPlus or primed, and the colour name.
- Whether trim is HardieTrim, and how wide it is at windows, doors and corners.
- Whether soffit and fascia are included, and in what material.
The work underneath
What goes behind the siding matters as much as the siding. A complete quote covers:
- Removing and disposing of the old cladding.
- A new weather-resistive barrier over the sheathing.
- Flashing at windows, doors, roof lines and the base of the wall.
- Any furring or rainscreen detail, if one is being used.
- Sealant at joints and penetrations.
If one of these is missing from a quote, ask whether it’s included but not written down, or actually left out.
Hidden damage
Nobody can see the sheathing until the old siding is off. Rot around windows and at the bottom of walls is common on older houses. A good quote doesn’t pretend to know. It tells you how repairs will be priced, for example a rate per sheet of sheathing, and that you’ll be asked before extra work goes ahead.
The extras that get forgotten
- Removing and refitting lights, house numbers, hose bibs, vents and the mailbox.
- Eavestrough and downspouts: reused, replaced, or not touched.
- Painting of anything primed.
- Permits, if your project needs one.
- Scaffolding or lift equipment for tall walls.
- Site clean-up and a magnet sweep for nails.
Warranties
There are two, and they’re different. The manufacturer’s warranty covers the product. The installer’s workmanship warranty covers how it was put on. The quote should state the workmanship warranty in writing, including how long it lasts. Raico Roofing and Exteriors provides a written workmanship warranty with its quotes. More in the warranty guide.
Schedule and payment
Look for an expected start window, a rough duration, and a payment schedule tied to stages of the work. Be wary of a request for most of the money up front.
A quick comparison method
Put the quotes side by side and tick off each item above. Where one quote is silent, ask. Once every quote covers the same scope, the prices usually move closer together, and the choice comes down to who you trust to do the work properly. The cost guide explains what drives the number itself.