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Curb appeal isn’t just a nice extra — it’s often what gets buyers in the door. Nearly half of experienced real estate agents say a home’s exterior makes a major difference in how fast it sells. As a trusted siding contractor serving Chicagoland for over 30 years, we’ve seen how much of a difference new siding makes — not just in looks, but in actual home value.
So, does new siding truly increase home value? The short answer is yes, and we're not just saying that to make a sale. According to the 2023 Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report, new siding can recoup anywhere from 63% to 88.5% of its installation costs when you sell, depending on the material you choose. That's real money back in your pocket.
Key Value Factors at a Glance
- Immediate curb appeal boost: Delivers the kind of first impression that makes buyers take notice.
- Superior protection: Shields your home from harsh Midwest elements like wind, rain, and snow.
- Drastically lower maintenance: No more scraping, repainting, or constant touch-ups.
- Energy bill reduction: Insulated siding can help reduce heating and cooling costs year-round.
- Impressive ROI: Returns a large portion of your investment when it’s time to sell.
Siding Materials: The Real ROI Comparison
Not every siding material is built the same. Some last longer. Some do a better job protecting your home. And some are just smarter choices when it comes to resale value. After hundreds of jobs across Chicagoland, here’s how we see the top options stack up:
Fiber Cement Siding
ROI: 88%
We've installed James Hardie fiber cement on hundreds of homes, and the results speak for themselves. It's not the cheapest option, but you get what you pay for — this stuff is virtually bombproof against our harsh Illinois weather. According to the 2023 Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report, fiber cement adds an average of $17,129 to home value.
Why it's worth it:
- Outlasts most periods of homeownership (30-50 years)
- Holds up against fire, hail, and dramatic weather swings
- Low-maintenance — only needs occasional cleaning or repainting
- Comes in a wide variety of colors and styles that stay vibrant
- Won’t rot, attract pests, or suffer moisture damage
Vinyl Siding
ROI: 83%
Vinyl continues to be the top choice for many of our clients, and it’s easy to see why. It’s affordable, low-maintenance, and offers strong value, especially for those working with a budget.
Why homeowners choose it:
- The most cost-effective option that still looks great
- Huge variety of styles and colors for any home design
- No painting required — just occasional cleaning
- Stands up well to water without rotting
- Insulated options help improve energy savings
Metal Siding
ROI: 60%
If your goal is a modern look and long-term durability, metal siding is a solid option, especially in areas with severe weather.
Why it's gaining popularity:
- Lasts between 40 and 70 years without major issues
- Completely fire-resistant
- Offers a clean, modern look
- Eco-friendly and fully recyclable
- Requires almost no upkeep
Brick/Stone Siding
ROI: 59%
The premium choice for luxury homes seeking timeless aesthetics and unmatched durability.
Why it's worth considering:
- Lifespan of 100 years or more
- Exceptional durability under all conditions
- Timeless, high-end appearance
- Naturally helps regulate indoor temperature
- Stands up to even the toughest weather
Signs Your Home Needs New Siding
How do you know when it's time to invest in new siding? Watch for these telltale indicators:
- Visible damage: Cracks, holes, or dents in the siding
- Warping or buckling: Pieces pulling away or no longer flat
- Fading color: Noticeable fading compared to its original look
- High maintenance needs: Constant repainting or patchwork
- Water damage inside: Signs of leaks or moisture on interior walls
- Rising energy bills: Heating or cooling costs going up
- Mold or mildew: Growth appearing on or behind the panels
- Dry rot: Wood siding becoming brittle or crumbling
Maximizing Your Siding Investment: Our No-BS Advice
After more than three decades working on homes across Chicagoland, we know what actually makes siding pay off. Here’s our real-world advice for getting the most return:
1. Don't Choose Siding Materials in a Vacuum
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here. What’s “best” really depends on where your home is located. We’ve seen people install expensive siding in areas where it didn’t raise value, and others go too basic in neighborhoods that expect more. Choosing the right material for your market is key.
In high-end areas, fiber cement or stone veneer tends to perform best. For mid-range homes, a high-quality vinyl usually offers the best mix of price and return. We’ll give you the honest truth based on your exact location.
2. Neutral Colors Sell Faster
Bold colors might feel exciting, but they can turn buyers away. Neutral shades like beige, white, gray, or natural wood tones consistently sell better. We’ve seen homes with unusual siding colors sit on the market far longer than they should have, just because the color didn’t appeal to most people.
3. Don’t Skip the Insulation
Don't make the mistake of focusing solely on how your siding looks. Energy efficiency significantly impacts home value, especially with rising utility costs. Insulated siding options might cost a bit more upfront, but they create measurable energy savings that buyers increasingly value. This is particularly important in our extreme Chicagoland climate.
4. Installation Quality Makes or Breaks Your Investment
We’ve replaced more “high-end” siding than we can count — jobs that looked great on day one but failed early because the install was rushed or done wrong. Even the best siding doesn’t stand a chance if it’s not installed correctly. We’ve even seen online threads where homeowners picked vinyl over wood for better value, only to face major headaches later due to sloppy work. Our crews are factory-certified and follow every manufacturer guideline from start to finish. No guesswork. No shortcuts.
New Siding Is About More Than Just Resale Value
Yes, the return on investment is strong, but our clients constantly point out how much siding improves their day-to-day life. Here’s what we hear most often:
- Protection from harsh Midwest weather: Keeps your home shielded during sub-zero winters and intense summer storms.
- Dramatically reduced maintenance needs: No more scraping paint or fixing damaged panels year after year.
- Lower utility bills: Proper insulation and tight seals help your HVAC system run more efficiently.
- A quieter home: Modern siding blocks out more outside noise than older materials.
- No more pest problems: High-quality siding creates a barrier that stops insects and rodents.
- Pride of ownership: It feels good to come home to a house that looks sharp and well-kept.
