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If you’re a homeowner, there are plenty of reasons why you may want to boost your home’s curb appeal. A more attractive exterior can help make your house more appealing to buyers, and it could even boost its perceived value. Plus, adding a few simple upgrades can make your place feel more enjoyable however long you decide to live there.

Looking for inspiration? Here are five curb appeal ideas to consider.

1. Revitalize the Front Door and Mailbox

A fresh coat of paint on a front door can do wonders, and certain colors can be especially appealing. For instance, buyers tend to prefer homes with a black or slate blue door and may be willing to pay an average of $1,537 more for one, according to Zillow. On the other hand, other front door colors, such as a pale pink or cement gray, could have a negative impact on a home’s value.

This can also be the time to update the doorknob and door knocker, and any hardware on the door, including the street number. While you’re at it, what about a matching new mailbox? They even come with LED lights nowadays to do double duty.

2. Curb Appeal Landscaping

When choosing landscaping elements, keep the design of the home in mind, along with the size and slope of the lawn. A large lawn might look wonderful with shrubs that would likely overwhelm a smaller one, while eye-catching flowers might look perfect in front of a cottage-style dwelling but get lost in the shuffle in front of a big home. For curb appeal landscaping, also consider how its design moves guests in an attractive way to the front door, perhaps wending along the walkways.

Entire books can be written on curb appeal landscaping options, so enjoy exploring! While doing so, don’t forget how attractive window boxes full of blooming flowers can look. Consider integrating native flora and fauna, which have already adapted to your local climate and soil conditions and should thrive in your yard.

3. Upgrade Windows and Shutters

For a significant change in the look of a home, consider a brand-new style of windows. Options include eye-catching casement windows that are hinged to open horizontally through the use of a crank. With these windows, one side stays in place while the other side opens like a door.

Awning windows can be another interesting choice. With this style, the window swings open from the bottom while the top part stays fixed in place. Bay windows can also really make a difference in curb appeal. Also consider new shutters, perhaps ones that complement a newly painted front door.

4. Don’t Forget the Lighting

As part of curb appeal landscaping, also think about outdoor lighting that will really set off the new look. A new fixture on the porch can make a difference, aesthetically.

Along the front of the home and walkways, outdoor solar LEDs can be one option because they aren’t hard to install and can be cost efficient. They don’t create bright light, though, so they can be used as a form of supplementary lighting.

Traditional glass lanterns can be attractive, especially when paired with vintage-style bulbs. Ones that mimic the gas lanterns of the Victorian era have been trending.

5. Repair the Roof

If the roof has loose or missing shingles, this can make even the most appealing home look in need of some tender loving care. So, addressing these problems can add to curb appeal. As part of the project, check gutters and downspouts and take care of them as needed.

Costs for Upgrades

After thinking about what projects to take on, the next question to consider may be what these home remodeling projects cost.

New front door

A new door can cost under $100 for a basic hollow core choice up to $7,000 or more for a pricey wrought iron door. If you’re on a budget, you may want to consider painting an existing door and replacing hardware and a doorknob.

Landscaping

As with just about any home improvement project, curb appeal landscaping costs can vary by project. Lawn mowing services run around $55-$70 per hour on average, while laying sod could cost between $1,568 and $2,409, according to the home services website Thumbtack.

New windows

On average, new windows cost $850 on average, although this can vary by the home’s style and location. The cost for replacing all windows in a typical three-bedroom home can run between $3,000-$10,000. That said, the investment may be worth it, as new energy-efficient windows can save up to 15% of energy bills.

Roof repairs

Small roof repairs can cost between $150-$400, with labor charges of anywhere from $45 to $75 hourly. Nationally, the average roof repair costs $1,066, with a range between $379 and $1,766, according to Angi and HomeAdvisor. Repairing the gutters can come with an average price tag of $383 (falling somewhere between $193 and $620, depending on the height of the house, the gutter length and type, and repairs needed). When a full replacement is needed, figure $1,600-$2,175.

Funding Your Curb Appeal Ideas

As much fun as it is to dream of all the ways to improve the exterior of your home, just as important is how you’ll pay for the upgrades. You may decide to pay for the improvements out of a savings account or put everything on credit cards and pay off the balances in full when they’re due.

Keep in mind that if you choose to use credit cards — but are unable to pay off the balances in full when they’re due — you’ll likely be charged compound interest on the balance. And that could add to the overall amount you owe. To see how compound interest can pile up, take a look at this credit card interest calculator.

If it doesn’t make sense to use credit cards to fund curb appeal ideas, then you may want to explore a home equity line of credit (HELOC) or a personal loan.

Taking out a HELOC can make sense under certain circumstances, including these:

•   Significant equity exists in the home.

•   A large sum of money is needed.

•   Potential tax benefits are attractive.

Benefits of a personal loan include the following:

•   If the loan is unsecured, then home equity will not be tied up.

•   Fees are probably less; in some cases, there aren’t any.

•   The application process is usually easier, with the approval process typically quicker than the process for a HELOC.

What Style is My House Exterior Quiz

The Takeaway

Improving your home’s curb appeal can help make it more attractive to prospective buyers and potentially increase its perceived value. The upgrades can also make your home more enjoyable to live in, no matter how long you’re there. Certain curb appeal ideas can have more of an impact. These include freshening up the front door and mailbox, adding or improving the landscaping, upgrading windows and shutters, adding outdoor lighting, and making necessary repairs to the roof.

The cost of making exterior improvements varies based on the work you’re doing and whether you’re hiring a professional. There are different ways to fund a curb appeal project, including using savings, using a credit card and paying off the balance when it’s due, or taking out a HELOC or personal loan.

If you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and get some curb appeal work done, see what a SoFi personal loan can offer. With a SoFi Home Improvement Loan, you can borrow between $5k to $100K as an unsecured personal loan, meaning you don’t use your home as collateral and no appraisal is required. Our rates are competitive, and the whole process is easy and speedy.

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

SOPL0623032

Remodeling a closet can be a great way to get organized while getting rid of clutter. But creating an inviting, functional space takes more than just extra hangers or storage boxes. When planning a closet model, you’ll want to keep a few things in mind, including what you intend on storing there, how much space you have, and your budget.

Ready to roll up your sleeves? Use this guide to help you get started.

Clear Out the Closet

If you can, start a remodeling project with a blank slate. In this case, that means clearing out whatever is in your closet now. You’ll appreciate the extra breathing room when it comes time to measure the space (more on that in a minute). Plus, you’ll have a chance to see exactly what will be stored in the closet after the remodel, which will help you determine what clothing rods, drawers, storage bins, and containers might be needed.

Recommended: How Much Does It Cost to Remodel or Renovate a House?

Size Up Your Space

Accurately measure the size of the closet and, if desired, see what potential extra space exists. The following tools can help you get the job done:

•   Measuring tool: This can be a 25-foot flat tape measure or, if preferred and needed, an electronic measuring tool. The latter can measure longer walls.

•   Acrylic square finders (two): With these, verify whether closet corners are actually square.

•   Angle finders for closets with slanted ceilings: This allows the angle of the roofline to be properly measured.

•   Paper: Record all numbers; graph paper can be especially helpful when sketching out measurements and closet remodel ideas.

New to measuring? Here are some tips to help you get the right figures the first time.

•   When doing a hard measurement, round down by the nearest quarter of an inch.

•   When doing soft measurements, round down to the nearest whole number.

•   Measure walls in three places and use the smallest of these measurements: near the top, in the middle, near the bottom.

•   Measure from top to bottom.

•   Check inside corners.

•   Check the angle of pitch for any sloped ceilings.

•   Note and measure any obstacles, which can include light fixtures and switches, trim, and vents.

Consider Closet Features You’d Like

Not sure what to include in your closet remodel? Here are some ideas to get your creative juices flowing.

Add Lighting

From LED lights that shine on specific areas of the closet to illuminated rods and shelves to lights that focus on cabinets, lights are popular closet features.

A Dressing Room

Because not every house has bedrooms with enough square footage for dressing room space, some homeowners are choosing to transform an extra bedroom — or even an underused dining or living room — into a walk-in closet/dressing room.

These rooms typically have some kind of seating and mirrors, and even pieces of art. They can range from reasonably simple rooms containing a makeup table and comfy seat to luxurious spaces.

Walls That Wow

People who have a more straightforward paint color or wallpaper pattern in their rooms are sometimes willing to experiment with bolder hues or eye-catching patterns on the walls in their closets.

Stylish Extras

If your budget and lifestyle allow, here are some features that are in demand today and may be worth considering. Some are DIY, while others may require the help of a contractor.

•   Ventilation systems to remove smells and dehumidifiers to remove moisture

•   Entire walls devoted to shoes

•   Crown molding

•   A sliding ladder

•   Built-in drawers, called cellarets, to keep socks, ties, and more well organized

•   Laundry cabinet storage with a removable liner to carry the load to the washer

•   Jewelry organizer with multiple compartments, some with locks

Closet Remodel No-Nos

The best remodel is one that allows you to make the most of your closet. As you’re making your plans, be mindful to avoid the following:

Dead Space

People often waste space above the top shelf in their closets. It’s true that you can fold and store clothes on that shelf, or use the space for storing boxes. But keep in mind that the higher an item is, the more difficult it is to access.

Wasted Space Behind Swing-in Doors

If possible, try to avoid closet doors that swing in, because shelves can’t be built there and clothes hung there will continually be banged into. But if this is your setup, fear not. The space can still be salvaged by the addition of a hook board where scarves, ties, and other thin objects can be placed.

Shallow Shelving

When shelves are too shallow, clothes hang over top of them and the closet can look sloppy. Lots of closet systems have 12-inch shelves; make sure this is deep enough for your needs or choose other shelving with more depth.

What Will a Closet Remodel Cost?

On average, a closet renovation costs around $358, according to the home services website Thumbtack.
A good rule of thumb is that the cost per linear foot is $125. Add-ons will affect the cost. Here are some amounts that someone might expect to spend:

•   Professional organization services: $40 to $60 an hour

•   New lights and outlets: $55 to $65 an hour

•   New door: $180

•   Paint job: $200

Designing a custom closet costs between $1,059 and $3,068 on average, according to HomeAdvisor.com. The materials used, organization elements included, permits, and whether a wardrobe is added affect the pricing. Of course, if you’re looking to sell a home, a custom closet design may be of more value to a buyer than an off-the-shelf closet organizing product.

Another factor is whether the closet is a reach-in or walk-in type. Reach-in closets are typically smaller, but when organized well can be functional. These closet remodels can cost between $500 and $2,500 and are often found in smaller bedrooms and hallways.

Or, if you’ve been watching TV remodel shows and are longing for the walk-in closets created there, this type may cost more, while offering plenty of room for clothing and accessories and a good view of what’s located where.
When it comes to paying for a closet remodel, homeowners have several options. Examples include using your personal savings, using a credit card and then paying the balance in full when it’s due, or taking out a unsecured personal loan.

Recommended: 11 Types of Personal Loans & Their Differences

The Takeaway

A closet remodel can range from practical to astounding, suitable to luxe. Take measure of exactly what you want — first deciding whether to expand the space or enhance what you have — and then carve out a budget for that vision.

If you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and get some home repairs or renovations done, see what a SoFi personal loan can offer. With a SoFi Home Improvement Loan, you can borrow between $5,000 to $100,000 as an unsecured personal loan, meaning you don’t use your home as collateral and no appraisal is required. Our rates are competitive, and the whole process is easy and speedy.

Turn your home into your dream house with a SoFi Home Improvement Loan.

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

SOPL0623033

When you’re in a crisis and economic circumstances feel anything but normal, you may wonder if you should rethink the way you’re using your credit cards. Here are some ins and outs of using — and rethinking how to use — credit cards during an emergency.

Is It Smart To Use Credit Cards During a Crisis?

Even during a crisis, credit cards aren’t magical “buy anything and worry about it much, much later” tickets. Many of the basics for using a credit card are in effect no matter what’s happening around you: Don’t make purchases just to get reward points, report missing or stolen cards immediately, be in the habit of checking your statements every month, etc.

That said, sometimes certain accommodations are made during a crisis. During the Covid-19 pandemic, for instance, many banks and lenders offered relief in the form of new policies to ease the burden for card holders who were struggling with their payments. Some waived fees, offered payment deferral or forbearance, or increased credit lines — some banks even offered these three forms of support, and more.

Of course, it’s unwise to assume a bank or credit card company is focused on looking out for you during an emergency situation. The better option might be to contact your card issuer for information and any fine print. And keep in mind that while the ability to increase your credit line might sound good, it could also cause more headaches down the road.

Making minimum payments on credit cards can cost you substantially more money over time. The interest — especially compounding interest, which is essentially interest on interest already due — can often be a big challenge with credit cards. But there are ways to potentially avoid interest on credit cards, such as paying off a balance in full each month.

During a crisis, it’s a good idea to continue using your credit cards responsibly. Of course, sometimes financial situations change, and you may need to use a credit card to pay for your daily essentials. While carrying some debt from one month to the next isn’t necessarily something to be thrilled about, it might be worth it if it means getting the things you need to live.

Planning for the Future — Starting Now

Conversations about using credit cards are often about responsible saving and spending. There is no blanket yes or no answer to whether it’s a good idea to use credit cards during a crisis, although it’s certainly possible to be a little wiser about using a credit card.

If you’re feeling spread thin financially during a crisis, however, it might be worthwhile to hunt for credit cards that can offer more reasonable rates than your current cards. A good place to start might be with your current card issuers and see if they can lower the interest rate.

Another alternative might be to consider a cash-back credit card that offers cash rewards in a small percentage back on each transaction. Depending on the issuer, the card might offer higher rates for certain categories of purchases, so it might be worth doing some research and strategizing if there is a big purchase you had already planned on making.

There are also balance-transfer credit cards, or a card you would transfer existing card debt to, usually at a lower annual percentage rate (APR). The rationale and incentive for these cards is to hopefully lock your credit card debt in at a lower rate than it would be currently, to therefore make it less burdensome to work on paying it down.

There can be wrinkles to employing this strategy, however, so be sure to read the fine print to avoid balance transfer fees or other charges. The idea is you can pay off that balance with no interest on a more compressed timeline. However, that lower rate might change after the introductory period, and you may be saddled with an APR that could be even higher than the one you had to begin with.

Putting the Cards Down — For Now

If the idea of getting more plastic feels more like a problem than a solution, you may want to consider taking out an unsecured personal loan. This type of loan is not backed by collateral and is likely to have higher interest rates and lower loan amounts than secure loans. They also typically require a higher level of creditworthiness than a secured personal loan does.

There are common uses for unsecured loans, including:

•   Paying off credit cards

•   Consolidating debt

•   Paying medical bills

•   Covering home renovation projects

The Takeaway

Dealing with a crisis can be unsettling, especially if your finances are less than stable. You may wonder if it makes sense to use your credit card to pay for everyday essentials. While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, it’s important to continue using your card responsibly, whether you’re in an emergency or not.

If you’re stretched thin financially, there are strategies you can consider. One idea is to try to negotiate a lower interest rate with your current card issuer. Another option is to explore a cash-back credit card or a balance-transfer credit card, both of which could help increase your purchasing power during a crisis. Or you may also want to consider taking out an unsecured personal loan, which could help you get the funds you need to pay bills or consolidate debt.

Think twice before turning to high-interest credit cards. Consider a SoFi personal loan instead. SoFi offers competitive fixed rates and same-day funding. See your rate in minutes.

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

Upgrading your home doesn’t have to involve a full renovation. There are a number of light lift projects that can give your home a whole new look and feel, and even increase its resale value. Exterior upgrades, like fresh paint, a new front door, and better landscaping or outdoor lighting, can add to your home’s curb appeal. Indoor improvements, such as updated lighting fixtures, paint, or wallpaper, can give the interior of your home a more up-to-date, high-end look. Here are four ways you can upgrade your home without breaking the bank.

Exterior Improvements

A home’s front door is the focal point of the exterior. To upgrade its appearance, you might replace the door, or paint it and add new hardware. Decorating the door with a seasonal wreath or another personalized touch can also add to its charm.

Besides a front door refresh or upgrade, other exterior improvements you might consider include a new mailbox, a new porch light fixture, and perhaps some window boxes with plants and fresh flowers that add a bright contrast to your home’s exterior color.

Front door styles that are currently trending include bold colors (from rose to deep greens and rich blues), natural wood stains, and more glass (such as custom inserts and floor-to-ceiling sidelights).

How you landscape your front yard will depend upon where you live and the climate there. In general, though, modern trends include:

•   Natural landscaping using native plants, creating landscaping that’s eco-friendly and easy to maintain.

•   Pollinator gardens that attract butterflies, bees, and other insects that help pollinate.

•   Edible gardens, including lettuce, peppers, tomatoes, and more. Creativity is key!

Recommended: 15 Ways to Boost Your Curb Appeal for a Winter Open House

Lovely Lighting

Outdoor lighting doesn’t need to be white — filters can add a range of colors. These lights can spotlight key areas of landscaping, highlight where you like to entertain, or look attractive for even more curb appeal while providing illumination.

Size-wise, both tiny and boldly large lights are in vogue and, although lanterns aren’t a new trend, they’re still considered stylish.

After a period of all-white being a hot trend for interior lighting, table lamps and hanging lighting fixtures are appearing more often as dark neutrals in brown, black, or gray. They can be used to update the white, cream, or gray choices in a home.

Paying attention to texture in lighting fixtures can add interest and variety. Materials can range from wood to wicker and rattan, and can be crafted in contemporary shapes to avoid an overly rustic look. Also still trending are geometrically designed lighting fixtures, from simple to more complex shapes.

Recommended: Guide on Remodeling Recessed Lighting

Painting and Wallpapering

Painting rooms in a home can transform their appearance. What colors are trending? Grey and pale pastel tones are becoming less popular as homeowners begin to favor brighter shades, such as vibrant, saturated hues, often combining them with warm neutrals and earthy tones for an inviting balance. However, unless you’re planning to sell some time soon, personal taste is what matters most when picking paint colors.

Wallpaper trends also run the gamut, including those with a texture and colors often inspired by landscapes. In this style of wallpaper, expect to see some blues, greens and neutral shades. Wallpaper made out of natural materials is trending, whether that’s grass or straw, wicker or silk. This can provide a more sustainable choice and can pair well with softer lighting.

Wow Factor on Windows

In-style curtains often have hues found in nature, from green to ochre, and can also feature flowers, landscapes, and more. Geometric prints or two-tone materials may also appeal to some people. Velvet can be used to create a more intimate space.

Consider using double or triple curtain rods to add layers of window coverings. Then you can add a layer that filters light and enhances privacy, while also selecting curtains with the appearance you enjoy.

Recommended: How Much Does It Cost to Replace Windows?

Costs of a House Upgrade

The type of house upgrades listed here might be considered low-cost or low-end renovations, and can average between $15,000 to $40,000 for a 2,500 square foot home. If, once momentum gets going, the low-end house upgrade turns into a middle-end one, the average cost could range between $40,000 to $75,000.

If calculating upgrades by the square foot, figure between $10 and $60 per square foot, depending upon what you’re doing (knowing that the room being renovated can cost up to $150 per square foot).

Another cost-related factor is where the home is located. Pricing in urban areas might be twice as high as in rural areas, depending on the area’s costs of living.

Plus, upgrades in older homes may take more time and attention to complete. If the home is officially considered to be historic, there may be guidelines about what changes can be made.

Recommended: Renovation vs. Remodel: What’s the Difference?

Financing a House Upgrade

Sometimes, homeowners are able to pay for these upgrades out of pocket. This can be true when the costs are relatively small or when money has been saved for the costs of the renovation. This can be the smart choice when possible: no debt, no interest to pay.

A downside to paying for home upgrades with cash may be that the homeowner empties a savings account or cuts corners on the renovations to avoid needing to borrow funds. Or, if an emergency occurs and the savings account was used to renovate, then high-interest credit cards might need to be used to address the emergency.

You might consider a home equity line of credit (HELOC) to finance a house upgrade. This type of loan allows you to borrow against the equity in the home to pay for renovations. How much is available to borrow will depend upon how much equity is available and the loan-to-value ratio (LTV) that a lender permits.

For example, if a lender has an 80% LTV ratio, that means the institution would:

•   Appraise the home (e.g., $250,000).

•   Calculate 80% of that ($200,000).

•   Subtract current mortgage balances (e.g., $125,000).

•   Consider what’s left over ($200,000-$125,000 = $75,000) to be equity in the home.

The lender would also consider the financial profile of the borrower when reviewing the loan application. HELOCs often have a low initial interest rate and, usually, the homeowner can choose to pay interest only during the draw period. However, there may be upfront fees and the rate is often variable with high lifetime caps.

Another option might be a home improvement loan, which is an unsecured personal loan and not attached to the home’s equity. Funding can usually be granted more quickly with fewer, or sometimes no, fees. This may be a good option for people who don’t have enough equity in their homes for their project or who don’t want to use their home as collateral.

The Takeaway

There are a number of ways you can upgrade your home that don’t involve tearing down walls or putting on an $150,000 addition. Lower-cost upgrades may still require spending more cash than you have just sitting in the bank, however. Plus, you may not want to deplete your savings in order to upgrade your home.

If you’re interested in learning more about using a personal loan to finance one or more home improvement projects, SoFi could help. SoFi’s home improvement loans offer competitive, fixed rates and a variety of terms. Checking your rate won’t affect your credit score, and it takes just one minute.

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

Siding helps protects your home from weather and pests, and plays a major role in the look of your home. If yours has seen better days, or you’ve never liked the look of your siding, it may be time to consider replacing it. Yes, it’s a big (i.e., expensive) job. But you will likely get a significant portion of what you spend back when you sell your home, since this home renovation generally has a high return on investment (ROI). Read on for a look at different siding ideas at a variety of price points and their expected ROI.

Eco-Friendly Options

Interest in sustainable living is growing in the U.S. One way to live this type of lifestyle is by choosing eco-friendly siding options that reduce the carbon footprint of the project. For example, using recyclable siding materials is one way to be more environmentally friendly, as is selecting material known to be more energy efficient.

Wood can be a good choice because it’s a renewable and sustainable material that can be sourced locally. Manufacturing processes of wood siding can be more environmentally friendly as well.

Aluminum or steel siding can be a green choice when made from recycled materials. It’s also considered to be an energy-efficient option because of how metal reflects the sun’s rays, unlike some materials that absorb them. Low maintenance associated with metal siding is a plus.

Fiber cement siding is eco-friendly, crafted from natural materials. Although vinyl siding isn’t formed from the most environmentally friendly materials, there is little waste with this type of siding, with insulated options being energy efficient.

Recommended: Solar Panel Financing in 4 Ways

Colors with Curb Appeal

Siding color plays a big part in a home’s curb appeal. Combinations of colors and textures can evoke certain feelings, such as using green siding with wood accents to create a natural feel to a home.

In addition, darker colors draw attention to parts of a home while lighter ones can help to de-emphasize areas.
When selecting a color scheme, personal taste enters in, but an overall goal might be a compromise between that and looking good in the home’s broader neighborhood.

Some communities may have homes with more subdued hues while others boast more color.

Colonial homes may look best in a single classic color, while cottage-style homes may provide a homeowner with more freedom of expression.

Recommended: Four Ways to Upgrade Your Home

Realistic Textures

In the past, siding materials could look “plastic,” rather than mimicking natural grains and textures. Today, though, siding materials often look more attractive and realistic.

When on a budget, today’s vinyl siding can masterfully imitate wood siding at a lower cost with a greater ease of installation. If on a mid-range budget, an option might be fiber cement siding, which combines sand, cellulose and cement, comes in a variety of colors and can be imprinted with designs.

Plus, shingles come in a variety of sizes to help create a personalized appearance. With a bigger budget, stone and brick veneers are an option, as are stucco and new materials that mimic stucco. These choices can give a home a distinctive appearance.

Mixed textures can be eye-catching, whether that includes mixing materials or the width of the siding boards themselves. Metal touches can also be attractive.

Costs of Home Siding

The cost of new siding will depend on the size of your house, the type of siding you choose, and even your local weather. Generally, new siding runs between $2 and $9 per square foot. However, solid materials like brick, stone, and a range of veneers can run closer to $50 per square foot.

A full replacement job, on average, can run $11,428, according to Angi (formerly Angie’s List). Keep in mind, though, that each project is unique and older homes may have additional issues that will need to be addressed during a home renovation process. Plus, if a home is old enough to be designated as historic, there will likely be guidelines that need to be followed, which can add to the price tag of improvements.

Beside the materials used and the size of the home, other factors that impact cost include the shape of the house, with those having multiple stories or with eaves and turrets typically being more expensive than a home with a more streamlined structure.

Another factor can be the time of year when the siding is installed, with peak seasons usually more expensive than off-season projects.

Costs of a square foot of siding, including installation, vary by material, with these as averages:

•   Vinyl: $2 to $12

•   Wood: $2 to $35

•   Aluminum: $3 to $6

•   Fiber cement: $5 to $13.50

•   Brick: $10 to $35

•   Stucco: $6 to $18

•   Steel: $5 to $9

•   Stone: $27 to $50

It can make sense to get a customized quote for a siding project because there are so many factors that can affect the price.

It may be helpful, too, to compare quotes received to what it costs to paint the exterior of a home.

The cost to paint a home’s exterior ranges from $1,800 to $13,000, with an average coming in around $3,000. Although painting is typically less expensive, siding can last for decades, while the exterior of homes often need to be painted every five to ten years.

Siding ROI

Replacing your old siding can significantly increase the value of your home. Exactly how much it will add to the value will largely depend on the type of material you choose.

Going with fiber cement siding, for example, could add about $15,000 to the value of your home, which translates into about a 68% return on investment.

Vinyl siding, on the other hand, could ratchet up the value of your home by roughly $12,500, giving you a potential 67% return on investment.

If you replace just a portion of your siding with manufactured stone veneer, you could possibly add around $10,000 to your home’s value, which can add up to a more than 90% ROI.

You may want to use an online ​​home improvement ROI estimator to get a sense of how much your choice of siding will impact the resale value of your home.

Paying for House Siding

If you run the numbers and the cost of your home siding project is more than you can comfortably cover in cash, you may want to consider some type of financing.

One option is to take out a home equity loan or line of credit. These loans are based on the equity you have built up in your home and use your home as collateral for the loan.

Another option is a home improvement loan. This is essentially an unsecured personal loan that is used for home repairs or upgrades. You receive a lump sum up front which you can use to pay for new siding; you then repay the loan over a set term, often five to seven years, with regular monthly payments. Interest rates are typically fixed.

The Takeaway

Siding is your home’s first line of defense against weather and pests. It’s also one of the most visible parts of your house, so when it starts to look old and worn out, so does your home.

Replacing your siding can seem like a big undertaking, but fortunately you typically only have to do it once. Plus, you can often make up much of the out-of-pocket cost when you resell your home, thanks to the relatively high ROI on this type of remodel.

If you’re interested in replacing your siding but not sure how to cover the costs, SoFi can help. SoFi’s home improvement loans range from $5K to $100K and offer competitive, fixed rates and a variety of terms. Checking your rate won’t affect your credit score, and it takes just one minute.

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.