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Siding Installation Pre-Estimate Checklist

Help us understand your siding project and determine pricing feasibility

1 Client Contact Information
We'll use this information to reach out regarding your siding project.
2 Property Information
Tell us about the property where you need siding work.
3 Project Scope
Help us understand the extent of your siding project.
4 Current Siding Conditions
Tell us about the condition of your current siding.
Michigan Code Requirement: A water-resistive barrier (house wrap) is required behind all exterior wall coverings per Michigan Residential Code Section R703.2. If the existing barrier is damaged, missing, or inadequate, it must be replaced during the siding project.
5 New Siding Selection
Help us understand your material and design preferences.
Michigan Code Notes:
• Wind load: Siding must be fastened per manufacturer specs and code wind load tables. Upper Peninsula areas may have design wind speeds of 115+ mph
• Fire rating: Siding within 3 feet of a property line may require a fire-resistance rating per Michigan Residential Code
• Fastener requirements: Minimum 1¼" penetration into wood framing with corrosion-resistant nails at 16" on center (varies by material)
6 Trim, Soffit & Fascia
Let us know about your trim and fascia needs.
7 Insulation & Moisture
Maximize energy efficiency during your siding project.
Pro Tip: Adding insulation during a siding project is the most cost-effective time to upgrade your home's energy efficiency.
Michigan Code Requirement (Climate Zone 6–7): A Class I or Class II vapor retarder is required on the interior side of frame walls in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. This includes polyethylene sheeting (Class I) or kraft-faced insulation (Class II). If your home is missing a proper vapor retarder, it should be addressed during the siding project if walls are opened.
Michigan Code Requirement: Proper flashing is required at all window and door openings, wall-to-roof intersections, deck ledger boards, and any wall penetrations. Flashing must be corrosion-resistant and installed to direct water to the exterior. Missing or damaged flashing is a leading cause of moisture intrusion and wall rot.
8 Michigan Building Code Compliance
Key Michigan code requirements for siding installation projects.
Michigan Code Note: Siding replacement typically requires a building permit when it involves structural repairs, sheathing replacement, insulation changes, or alterations to the building envelope. We verify permit requirements with your local jurisdiction during the estimate process. Dream To Reality Construction handles all permit applications when required.
Michigan Energy Code (Climate Zone 6–7): If adding rigid foam insulation during the siding project, it must meet energy code R-value requirements. For Climate Zone 6–7 (Upper Peninsula), continuous insulation (ci) of R-5 to R-10 can help meet or exceed code wall insulation requirements of R-20 or R-13+5ci. This is the most cost-effective time to improve your home's energy efficiency.
Important: Homes built before 1978 may have lead-based paint on existing siding and trim. Federal EPA RRP (Renovation, Repair and Painting) rules require lead-safe work practices during siding removal. Dream To Reality Construction follows all EPA-required lead-safe procedures when working on pre-1978 homes.
9 Additional Features
Consider accent features and details for your project.
10 Budget Pre-Qualification
Help us understand your budget expectations.
Tier 1: $8,000–$18,000
Standard siding replacement with vinyl or basic LP SmartSide. Includes removal of old siding, house wrap, and new installation.
Tier 2: $18,000–$35,000
Mid-range project with premium LP SmartSide or Hardie board, new trim, soffit and fascia, and insulation upgrades.
Tier 3: $35,000+
Premium siding — full Hardie or cedar installation, mixed materials, stone accents, all new trim/soffit/fascia, and energy upgrades.
Note: Pricing varies based on home size, material selection, prep work, and additional features.
11 Timeline & Readiness
When would you like to start your siding project?
12 Acknowledgment
Please review and acknowledge the following:

What Happens Next?

We'll review your checklist and contact you within 24 hours to schedule your on-site estimate. No obligations — just honest conversation about your siding project.

Questions? Contact Us