Looking to transform your home’s exterior and increase your home value?
Exterior renovations are one of the best investments you can make with your money. But there’s a problem…
You have to know what you’re doing. Too many homeowners start a renovation project blindly and waste money on incorrect materials or improper installations that end up disappointing them down the road.
The good news is that if you take your time and educate yourself on exterior renovations, you can vastly improve your home’s curb appeal, energy efficiency, and value down the road.
In this article you’ll discover:
- Why Exterior Renovations are Worthwhile
- Why Invest In Insulated Vinyl Siding?
- How to Plan Your Exterior Renovation Project
- Tips for Hiring the Right Contractor
- 5 Major Mistakes That Will Cost You
Let’s dive in!
Why Exterior Renovations Are Worthwhile
Did you know that exterior renovations provide some of the highest ROI in the entire remodeling industry?
That’s right. According to recent remodeling data, 4 of the top 5 remodeling projects with the highest ROI are exterior upgrades. Every single one returns over 90% of your investment back at resale.
No one looks at the inside of a home first. If the outside is dingy and run-down, then buyers will assume the inside isn’t any better. First impressions matter.
And siding has some extra benefits that really set it apart.
Upgrading to new vinyl siding is one of the most cost-effective exterior renovations you can do today.
Insulated vinyl siding takes that one step further by adding rigid foam insulation to the backing of the siding. This improves the thermal performance of the siding and makes it stronger and more impact resistant.
Here’s the bottom line.
Investing in your exterior will not only make your home look better, but it can also protect your home from Mother Nature and save you money on energy bills each month.
Why Invest In Insulated Vinyl Siding?
So what makes insulated vinyl siding better than other types of siding?
Insulated vinyl siding has everything you love about vinyl siding, then upgrades it by adding a layer of foam to the back of each siding panel.
Installing insulated vinyl siding creates a tighter seal around your home, which means:
- Easier time controlling your home’s temperature
- Your AC and heating system won’t have to work as hard
- Less noise coming into your home from outside
- Higher impact resistance (good for hail and other debris)
Insulated vinyl siding can provide you with an R-Value of anywhere from R-2 to R-5. That extra layer of insulation helps prevent heat from escaping during the winter and keeps your home cool during the summer.
Homeowners see this benefit through lower utility bills each month. While insulated vinyl siding does cost more upfront, most homeowners save in energy costs over time and enjoy less wear and tear.
Another benefit? It’s low maintenance. Other types of siding like wood will rot or need regular repainting. Vinyl siding lasts for decades without fading or needing major touch ups.
What more could you ask for?
Plan Your Exterior Renovation Project the Right Way
Before you start reaching for the phone to call a contractor, you need to plan your project.
Jumping into an exterior renovation without a budget or a solid plan will drain your bank account faster than you think.
Here are a few things to think about before starting.
Define What You Want the Project To Accomplish
Does your home need some cosmetic love? Are there problem areas with water damage? Are you looking to improve energy efficiency with insulated vinyl siding?
Know what you want the project to accomplish before starting. It will help keep you focused and motivated.
Create a Budget
Exterior renovations can be as cheap as a few thousand dollars or upwards of $20,000+ for whole house renovations. Vinyl siding can fall somewhere in the middle depending on what brand and style you go with.
According to industry cost reports, vinyl siding ROI reached 97% in 2025. That means almost every dollar spent on a siding upgrade comes back at resale.
Get yourself a budget together and try to stick to it. That doesn’t mean you can’t exceed it by a little if something unexpected happens.
Schedule Your Project During the Right Time of Year
Extreme temperatures aren’t your friend when renovating your home. Plan to start your project when the weather is nice. That way you ensure your materials are installed correctly and can perform as expected.
Your contractor can help recommend the best time of year to start work.
Hire the Right Contractor for the Job
Want to know what costs people the most money?
Low-ball contracting estimates.
Yes, finding the cheapest contractor is tempting. But sometimes those contractors cut corners during installation or use cheap materials.
Look for contractors with these qualities:
- Experience in exterior siding installation
- Proper licensing and insurance
- Detailed written estimates
- Excellent reviews and word of mouth
Contractors should walk you through the process from beginning to end. They’ll explain the materials they plan to use and how long the project will take.
Insist on getting everything in writing. That way you know what to expect going forward and the contractor can’t try and change the cost later.
Avoid These Common Mistakes
Here are a few of the most common mistakes homeowners make with their exterior renovations.
Starting a project without knowing the condition of the underlying structures. Don’t just assume your walls are ready to have vinyl siding installed. Check for water damage and rot before starting your project.
Not choosing the right material. Yes, traditional vinyl siding is great but if you want better insulation and energy savings, take the extra step and use insulated vinyl siding.
Not getting the proper permits. Depending on where you live, you may need to acquire building permits before starting work. Make sure you check with your local authorities.
Only getting one quote. Prices will vary from contractor to contractor. Get at least 3 quotes for your project so you know you’re getting a fair price.
The difference between a successful renovation and a regretted decision is due diligence.
Bringing It All Together
So there you have it. Everything you need to know about insulated vinyl siding before starting your next exterior renovation project.
Remember…
Planning is everything with exterior renovations. Take your time. Know what you want the project to accomplish. Create a budget and find the right contractor to do the job.
Not only will insulated vinyl siding bring drastic improvements to your curb appeal, but it can also save you money on energy bills each month.
It truly is a win-win for homeowners.