When you’re looking at the curb appeal of a business or home, one of the first things people notice is the siding. The color, the appearance and the texture all combine to send a message to the viewer. Should siding send a message of luxury or one of functionality.

Part of the decision in choosing the type of siding also centers around pricing. If you're building a custom home, the customer pays for the siding. But if you're building spec homes, the cost comes out of your wallet until the house is sold. Aluminum siding prices aren't in the same category as cedar siding prices. Another consideration is the durability of exterior siding materials, since most siding stays with a building for a very long time.

In order to make the best decision about home siding materials, you must consider:

1. Pros of siding materials.

2. Cons of siding materials.

3. Siding prices.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Look for trends in siding materials

Different parts of the country show a preference for different siding materials. For example, stucco siding is popular in the Southwest. Look at the siding in your region, and take a look at what your competition is using. Be aware that certain neighborhood covenants require or limit the types of home siding materials a builder can use.

I recommend: Don't let the preference for vinyl make you forget about other types of siding materials. Check out the latest siding trends in vinyl alternatives at Builder Magazine.

Make siding a thing of beauty

Cedar siding offers a luxurious, natural look to a house. Also called shake siding, this type of wood siding comes from mature cedars. However, if you want to contain costs, cedar siding prices may not be for you. The color choices, type and variety of vinyl siding materials continues to grow with vinyl siding prices much more reasonable, but some people believe vinyl siding provides an unattractive plastic look. It probably wouldn't work with a million dollar home.

I recommend: Another option is buying steel siding that looks like wood. Metal siding prices are only slightly higher than vinyl siding prices, which can be half as much as cedar siding. Compare siding prices at NexTag or Bizrate.

Go with durability

Siding prices add up quickly and can end up being one of your major costs, whether you're building one house or many. When you put that kind of money into a project, you want it to last. Vinyl siding offers durability and easy maintenance that many homeowners like. Vinyl siding prices are also likable. Both vinyl and steel siding provide good insulation. However, changes in temperature don't affect steel siding as much as other siding materials. Wood siding materials deteriorate faster over time and require more maintenance.

I recommend: Check out the pros and cons of different siding materials at Service Magic.

Find a siding vendor who offers choices

Whether cedar siding prices or metal siding prices work better in your business budget, you need variety to choose from. Locate a siding vendor who carries different siding products and who can special order for you when necessary. Ask about free delivery and unloading services at the job site too.

I recommend: Ask a siding inspector for your area which siding vendors they recommend. You can find an inspector through the National Organization of Exterior Finish System Inspectors.

Buy siding materials from reputable retailers

Reputable companies will have the best siding materials for your project and often are able to help with technical advice.

I recommend: CertainTweed, Home Depot, BuildDirect and Sears are well-known, reputable companies. Go to these first for sales and promotions before you hit the local advertising weekly for siding.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Consider that siding can add or take away value to a home or building. This may figure into resale value, which is a selling point. Home buyers want high resale value.
• •  Find out about siding warranties or guarantees from manufacturers before you make your final choice. Otherwise you pay for problems.
• •  If you choose to use color vinyl siding material, be aware that the ultraviolet rays of the sun may cause some colors to fade.