Free Exterior Remodel Estimate Templates (2026)
Quick answer: Siding and trim replacement costs about $20 per square foot of wall in 2026, so 1,600 sq ft of wall runs roughly $32,000. A full exterior remodel with siding, windows, a new entry door, and paint is about $29 per square foot, or $63,000 for 2,200 sq ft of wall.
Exterior remodels are some of the highest-value jobs a residential contractor sells, and some of the easiest to underprice. The scope looks simple from the curb, but it hides a lot of variables: rotted sheathing behind the old siding, windows that are out of square, flashing details nobody drew, scaffolding for a second story, and weather that stops the job for a week. A price that ignores any of those turns into your problem.
Material and labor costs have also shifted. Fiber cement, trim boards, replacement windows, and fiberglass doors all cost more than they did a few years ago, and skilled installers are not getting cheaper. If your estimate template still carries older unit costs, every bid you send is quietly eating into your margin.
These three templates cover the jobs exterior contractors price most often: a full exterior refresh, a siding and trim replacement, and a front porch and entry remodel. Each one breaks the job into demolition, materials, labor, subcontractors, and other costs, so you can see exactly where the money goes and adjust one line without redoing the whole estimate.
How to Use These Templates
Each template is organized into demolition and prep, materials, labor, subcontractors, and other costs. Here is how to make them work for you:
- Walk the house and measure every wall, then subtract the openings. Photograph problem areas like soft trim, failing flashing, and rotted sill plates.
- Confirm the scope with the homeowner: siding profile, trim style, window count and type, door, and paint colors.
- Get current pricing from your supplier for siding, trim, windows, and doors, including lead times.
- Estimate labor by task, since siding, trim, windows, doors, and paint each move at a different pace.
- Add access, disposal, and permits, including scaffolding, dumpsters, and fees.
- Set a contingency for hidden damage, then apply your overhead and profit.
The costs shown are mid-range U.S. estimates for 2026. Material prices, labor rates, and permit fees vary by region, so always verify pricing before sending a live estimate.
Template 1: Full Exterior Remodel
This exterior remodel template covers a full refresh of a two-story home with about 2,200 sq ft of wall area: fiber cement siding, new trim, ten replacement windows, a new entry door, and exterior paint. Adjust for your home and finish level.
Demolition and Prep
| Line Item | Qty | Unit | Unit Cost | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Remove existing siding and trim (labor) | 2,200 | sq ft | $0.90 | $1,980.00 |
| Remove and dispose of windows | 10 | each | $50.00 | $500.00 |
| Remove and dispose of front door | 1 | each | $110.00 | $110.00 |
| Scaffolding rental with delivery and pickup | 1 | lot | $1,400.00 | $1,400.00 |
| Dumpster rental (20-yard), two pulls | 2 | each | $650.00 | $1,300.00 |
| Demolition and Prep Subtotal | $5,290.00 |
Materials
| Line Item | Qty | Unit | Unit Cost | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7/16 in OSB sheathing repair allowance | 20 | sheets | $32.00 | $640.00 |
| Housewrap and seam tape | 2,200 | sq ft | $0.40 | $880.00 |
| Window and door flashing tape | 6 | rolls | $38.00 | $228.00 |
| Fiber cement lap siding, primed, 8.25 in | 2,200 | sq ft | $3.10 | $6,820.00 |
| Fiber cement corner and window trim boards | 900 | lin ft | $3.20 | $2,880.00 |
| Fascia and soffit repair (PVC trim) | 160 | lin ft | $5.50 | $880.00 |
| Vinyl or fiber-composite replacement windows (double hung) | 8 | each | $620.00 | $4,960.00 |
| Large picture or slider window | 2 | each | $950.00 | $1,900.00 |
| Fiberglass entry door, prehung with sidelites | 1 | each | $2,200.00 | $2,200.00 |
| Door hardware and deadbolt | 1 | set | $240.00 | $240.00 |
| Stainless siding nails and fasteners | 1 | lot | $220.00 | $220.00 |
| Exterior caulk and sealant | 24 | tubes | $9.00 | $216.00 |
| Exterior primer | 8 | gallons | $38.00 | $304.00 |
| Exterior paint, acrylic (two coats) | 16 | gallons | $55.00 | $880.00 |
| Light fixtures, hose bib covers, and exterior accessories | 1 | lot | $350.00 | $350.00 |
| Materials Subtotal | $23,598.00 |
Labor
| Line Item | Qty | Unit | Unit Cost | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Install sheathing repair and housewrap | 24 | hours | $60.00 | $1,440.00 |
| Install fiber cement siding | 2,200 | sq ft | $3.20 | $7,040.00 |
| Install trim and corner boards | 900 | lin ft | $3.00 | $2,700.00 |
| Install windows | 10 | each | $150.00 | $1,500.00 |
| Install entry door | 1 | each | $450.00 | $450.00 |
| Prime and paint siding and trim | 2,200 | sq ft | $1.50 | $3,300.00 |
| Cleanup and final detail | 12 | hours | $45.00 | $540.00 |
| Labor Subtotal | $16,970.00 |
Subcontractors
| Line Item | Qty | Unit | Unit Cost | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical (relocate light fixtures and outlets) | 1 | lot | $600.00 | $600.00 |
| Gutter and downspout reinstall | 1 | lot | $450.00 | $450.00 |
| Subcontractors Subtotal | $1,050.00 |
Equipment and Other Costs
| Line Item | Qty | Unit | Unit Cost | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Permit fee | 1 | each | $450.00 | $450.00 |
| Material delivery fees | 1 | lot | $250.00 | $250.00 |
| Contingency allowance (hidden rot) | 1 | lot | $1,500.00 | $1,500.00 |
| Equipment and Other Costs Subtotal | $2,200.00 |
Summary
| Amount | |
|---|---|
| Demolition and Prep | $5,290.00 |
| Materials | $23,598.00 |
| Labor | $16,970.00 |
| Subcontractors | $1,050.00 |
| Equipment and Other Costs | $2,200.00 |
| Direct Cost Subtotal | $49,108.00 |
| Overhead (15%) | $7,366.20 |
| Profit (12%) | $6,776.90 |
| Total Estimate | $63,251.10 |
Tips for This Template
- Price the contingency for hidden rot as its own line. Homeowners accept a clearly labeled allowance far more easily than a surprise change order after the walls are open. A formal change order process covers anything beyond it.
- Read the siding manufacturer’s installation requirements before you finalize the housewrap, flashing, and fastener lines. Skipping required details can void the product warranty. Our siding installation guide and sheathing and weather barrier guide cover what to include.
- Scaffolding and two dumpster pulls are real money on a two-story job. Do not bury them in overhead, because they vary a lot between a ranch and a tall colonial.
- Windows and the entry door are special order items. Confirm lead times before you promise a start date, and get the homeowner’s final selections in writing.
- Add the electrical and gutter work as subcontractor lines so you collect markup on them and keep the schedule coordinated.
Template 2: Siding and Trim Replacement
This siding replacement template covers about 1,600 sq ft of wall area on a single-story or small two-story home with new fiber cement siding, trim, and paint. Adjust quantities after measuring the wall area and subtracting openings.
Demolition and Prep
| Line Item | Qty | Unit | Unit Cost | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Remove existing siding and trim (labor) | 1,600 | sq ft | $0.85 | $1,360.00 |
| Dumpster rental (20-yard) | 1 | each | $650.00 | $650.00 |
| Scaffolding or ladder jack rental | 1 | lot | $700.00 | $700.00 |
| Protect landscaping and AC units | 1 | lot | $150.00 | $150.00 |
| Demolition and Prep Subtotal | $2,860.00 |
Materials
| Line Item | Qty | Unit | Unit Cost | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Housewrap and seam tape | 1,600 | sq ft | $0.40 | $640.00 |
| Flashing tape at windows and doors | 4 | rolls | $38.00 | $152.00 |
| Sheathing repair allowance (OSB) | 10 | sheets | $32.00 | $320.00 |
| Fiber cement lap siding, primed | 1,600 | sq ft | $3.10 | $4,960.00 |
| Fiber cement trim boards (corners, windows, doors) | 650 | lin ft | $3.20 | $2,080.00 |
| Starter strip and Z-flashing | 160 | lin ft | $2.40 | $384.00 |
| Fascia and soffit repair (PVC) | 100 | lin ft | $5.50 | $550.00 |
| Stainless siding nails and fasteners | 1 | lot | $160.00 | $160.00 |
| Exterior caulk and sealant | 16 | tubes | $9.00 | $144.00 |
| Exterior primer | 5 | gallons | $38.00 | $190.00 |
| Exterior paint, acrylic | 10 | gallons | $55.00 | $550.00 |
| Materials Subtotal | $10,130.00 |
Labor
| Line Item | Qty | Unit | Unit Cost | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Install sheathing repairs and housewrap | 14 | hours | $60.00 | $840.00 |
| Install fiber cement siding | 1,600 | sq ft | $3.20 | $5,120.00 |
| Install trim and corner boards | 650 | lin ft | $3.00 | $1,950.00 |
| Prime and paint siding and trim | 1,600 | sq ft | $1.50 | $2,400.00 |
| Cleanup and final detail | 8 | hours | $45.00 | $360.00 |
| Labor Subtotal | $10,670.00 |
Equipment and Other Costs
| Line Item | Qty | Unit | Unit Cost | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Permit fee | 1 | each | $300.00 | $300.00 |
| Material delivery fee | 1 | each | $175.00 | $175.00 |
| Contingency allowance (hidden rot) | 1 | lot | $1,000.00 | $1,000.00 |
| Equipment and Other Costs Subtotal | $1,475.00 |
Summary
| Amount | |
|---|---|
| Demolition and Prep | $2,860.00 |
| Materials | $10,130.00 |
| Labor | $10,670.00 |
| Equipment and Other Costs | $1,475.00 |
| Direct Cost Subtotal | $25,135.00 |
| Overhead (15%) | $3,770.25 |
| Profit (12%) | $3,468.63 |
| Total Estimate | $32,373.88 |
Tips for This Template
- Measure wall area carefully and subtract openings, but leave a waste factor in the siding and trim quantities. Fiber cement is cut a lot at windows, corners, and gables.
- Housewrap, seam tape, and flashing tape are cheap compared to what a leak costs. Price them properly so you are not tempted to cut them under pressure.
- Prime and paint labor is easy to underestimate. If the siding is delivered primed, you still need finish coats and caulk touch-ups, and weather can delay each coat.
- Protect landscaping and AC units, and price it. A crushed shrub or a dented condenser costs more than the line item.
- Offer a color or profile upgrade as an optional add-on. It gives the homeowner a choice without reworking the whole estimate.
Template 3: Front Porch and Entry Remodel
This front porch template covers a refresh of an 8x12 covered entry with composite decking, new columns and railing, ceiling finish, entry door, and lighting. Adjust for your porch size and footing needs.
Demolition and Prep
| Line Item | Qty | Unit | Unit Cost | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Demo existing porch decking, railing, and columns (labor) | 1 | lot | $1,400.00 | $1,400.00 |
| Dumpster rental (10-yard) | 1 | each | $450.00 | $450.00 |
| Temporary shoring of porch roof | 1 | lot | $350.00 | $350.00 |
| Demolition and Prep Subtotal | $2,200.00 |
Materials
| Line Item | Qty | Unit | Unit Cost | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete for footings (4 piers) | 1 | lot | $420.00 | $420.00 |
| Pressure-treated framing lumber (joists, beams, ledger) | 1 | lot | $1,250.00 | $1,250.00 |
| Joist hangers, post bases, and structural fasteners | 1 | lot | $260.00 | $260.00 |
| Composite decking boards | 100 | sq ft | $7.50 | $750.00 |
| Composite fascia and riser boards | 60 | lin ft | $6.50 | $390.00 |
| Pressure-treated posts, 6x6 (wrapped in PVC) | 4 | each | $140.00 | $560.00 |
| PVC column wraps and trim | 4 | each | $210.00 | $840.00 |
| Aluminum or composite railing | 22 | lin ft | $55.00 | $1,210.00 |
| Beadboard porch ceiling (PVC) | 96 | sq ft | $4.20 | $403.20 |
| Fiberglass entry door, prehung | 1 | each | $1,800.00 | $1,800.00 |
| Door hardware and deadbolt | 1 | set | $220.00 | $220.00 |
| Exterior lighting (2 sconces and ceiling light) | 1 | lot | $380.00 | $380.00 |
| Primer and exterior paint | 5 | gallons | $50.00 | $250.00 |
| Exterior caulk, fasteners, and flashing | 1 | lot | $250.00 | $250.00 |
| Materials Subtotal | $8,983.20 |
Labor
| Line Item | Qty | Unit | Unit Cost | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Footings and framing | 28 | hours | $65.00 | $1,820.00 |
| Install decking, fascia, and risers | 100 | sq ft | $6.00 | $600.00 |
| Install columns and railing | 16 | hours | $65.00 | $1,040.00 |
| Install ceiling | 12 | hours | $62.00 | $744.00 |
| Install entry door | 1 | each | $450.00 | $450.00 |
| Painting | 14 | hours | $55.00 | $770.00 |
| Cleanup | 6 | hours | $45.00 | $270.00 |
| Labor Subtotal | $5,694.00 |
Subcontractors
| Line Item | Qty | Unit | Unit Cost | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical (fixtures and switch) | 1 | lot | $550.00 | $550.00 |
| Concrete step or landing (4x5 slab) | 1 | lot | $1,250.00 | $1,250.00 |
| Subcontractors Subtotal | $1,800.00 |
Equipment and Other Costs
| Line Item | Qty | Unit | Unit Cost | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Permit fee | 1 | each | $250.00 | $250.00 |
| Material delivery fee | 1 | each | $125.00 | $125.00 |
| Contingency allowance | 1 | lot | $600.00 | $600.00 |
| Equipment and Other Costs Subtotal | $975.00 |
Summary
| Amount | |
|---|---|
| Demolition and Prep | $2,200.00 |
| Materials | $8,983.20 |
| Labor | $5,694.00 |
| Subcontractors | $1,800.00 |
| Equipment and Other Costs | $975.00 |
| Direct Cost Subtotal | $19,652.20 |
| Overhead (15%) | $2,947.83 |
| Profit (12%) | $2,712.00 |
| Total Estimate | $25,312.03 |
Tips for This Template
- Porch framing and footings are where surprises hide. Check local code for frost depth, ledger attachment, and railing height before you price the structure.
- Temporary shoring of the porch roof is easy to forget and critical for safety when columns come out. Keep it on the estimate.
- Composite and PVC products cost more up front but cut painting and maintenance. Present both options when homeowners push on price.
- The concrete step or landing is a good subcontractor line. Get a firm quote before you send the estimate.
- Photograph the old porch before demolition. It protects you if anyone questions the condition of the existing structure.
Adjusting These Templates for Your Business
Know Your Material Costs
Siding, trim, windows, and doors make up the largest share of most exterior estimates. In our full remodel template, materials are close to half of the direct cost. Build relationships with two or three suppliers, compare pricing on every large order, and ask about contractor discounts and delivery fees. Even a few percent saved on materials goes straight to your bottom line.
Calculate Your True Labor Cost
Use job costing tools to track what labor really costs you. Hourly wages are only part of it. Add workers comp, insurance, payroll taxes, truck costs, and benefits, and the true cost per hour is much higher than the paycheck. Your billing rate needs to cover that cost plus overhead and profit. If you sub out installation by the square foot, make sure your rate still covers supervision and callbacks.
Offer Good-Better-Best Options
Exterior work is a natural fit for tiers. Show a basic vinyl or primed fiber cement option, a mid-range package, and a premium package with upgraded windows and a fiberglass door. Most homeowners choose the middle option, and some choose the top one. You never sell the premium package if you never present it.
Move to Digital Estimates
Homeowners usually collect two or three bids on exterior work, and the contractor who sends a clear, itemized estimate first often wins. Projul’s estimating tools let you build and send estimates from your truck right after the walk-through, with photos attached. No going back to the office. No delays. Schedule a demo to see how it works.
How to Estimate an Exterior Remodel Step by Step
Whether you are pricing a siding replacement or a full exterior refresh, follow this process to build accurate estimates every time.
Step 1: Complete the Site Visit
Walk every elevation. Note the existing siding type, age, and condition, check for soft spots under windows and at the base of walls, look at the roof overhangs and gutters, and see how scaffolding or lifts could be set up. Take photos of everything. A 45-minute walk-through saves hours of rework and protects you from missing a problem you will pay for later.
Step 2: Measure and Calculate Quantities
Measure wall area, trim linear footage, window and door counts, and fascia and soffit lengths. Subtract large openings. Add waste, typically around 10% for lap siding and more for complex rooflines. Record every number so the estimate can be updated if the homeowner changes the scope.
Step 3: Select Products and Get Pricing
Confirm the siding profile, trim boards, window series, door, and paint system. Call your supplier for current pricing and lead times. Special order windows and doors can take weeks, which affects scheduling and deposits.
Step 4: Estimate Labor by Task
Break labor into demolition, sheathing repair, housewrap, siding, trim, windows, door, paint, and cleanup. Assign hours or unit rates to each. Be honest about how fast your crew works, and account for weather days. Underestimating labor is the fastest way to lose money on exterior jobs.
Step 5: Add Access, Disposal, Permits, and Contingency
List scaffolding, dumpsters, permits, delivery fees, and the contingency allowance. Missing a few hundred dollars in fees on every job adds up quickly across a year.
Step 6: Apply Overhead and Profit
Add your overhead percentage to cover trucks, insurance, tools, software, and office staff. Then add profit. Our templates use 15% overhead and 12% profit on residential work. If your numbers look tight, review your labor rates and overhead allocation before cutting profit.
Step 7: Review, Send, and Follow Up
Double-check every quantity and unit cost before sending. Use estimating software to deliver a professional estimate right after the visit. Follow up within 48 hours if you have not heard back.
Common Mistakes That Cost Exterior Contractors Money
Skipping the contingency. Hidden rot is the norm on older homes, not the exception. If your estimate has no allowance and no change order language, you absorb the repair.
Using old material pricing. Siding, trim, windows, and doors move in price. If your template has last year’s numbers, every bid is wrong.
Forgetting access and disposal. Scaffolding, dumpsters, and delivery fees are easy to leave off and expensive to absorb.
Underpricing prep and paint. Priming, caulking, and finish coats take time, and weather stretches the schedule. Price the labor honestly.
Not accounting for lead times. A job that stalls for three weeks waiting on windows ties up your crew and your cash flow. Confirm lead times before you promise a start date.
Related Estimate Templates
Looking for templates for other trades? These free estimate templates follow the same format with realistic line items and pricing for 2026.
- Siding Estimate Templates: vinyl, fiber cement, and repair work
- Window and Door Installation Estimate Templates: replacements and new openings
- Roofing Estimate Templates: tear-off, new install, and repairs
- Painting Estimate Templates: interior, exterior, and commercial
- Deck Building Estimate Templates: framing, decking, and railing
- Gutter Estimate Templates: installs and replacements
- Stucco Estimate Templates: new work and repair
- General Contractor Estimate Templates: full project estimates
Need a template for a different trade? Check our full list of free estimate templates covering construction trades from roofing to flooring.
What Every Exterior Remodel Estimate Needs Beyond the Numbers
- Product specifications. Siding brand, profile, and color, window series and size, door model, trim material, and paint system. Do not just write “new siding.”
- Measurements. The wall area, trim footage, and opening counts you priced from, so scope changes are easy to adjust.
- Scope of work. Write a clear scope of work. “Remove existing siding and trim. Repair sheathing as needed up to the allowance. Install housewrap, fiber cement siding, and trim. Install ten replacement windows and one entry door. Prime and paint.”
- Timeline. “Estimated 15 working days from start, weather and inspections permitting.”
- Warranty details. Your labor warranty and the manufacturer warranties for siding, windows, and doors, along with what voids them.
- Payment terms. “50% deposit at scheduling, 50% due at completion.” Use invoicing software to collect payments faster.
- Exclusions. “Does not include repairs to framing beyond the allowance, interior drywall repair, landscaping, or work by others.”
- Change order language. Explain how hidden damage will be priced and approved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Check the FAQ section above for answers to common questions about exterior remodel costs, measuring wall area, hidden rot, permits, and estimate validity.
Start Sending Better Estimates Today
These templates give you a strong starting point for full exterior remodels, siding replacements, and porch and entry projects. Plug in your material pricing, adjust for your market, and start sending professional estimates that win more jobs.
If you want to stop losing bids to contractors who respond faster, Projul’s estimating features let you build and send exterior remodel estimates from your truck. Built for contractors. Schedule a live demo and see the difference.
DISCLAIMER: We make no warranty of accuracy, timeliness, and completeness of the information presented on this website. Posts are subject to change without notice and cannot be considered financial advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an exterior remodel cost in 2026?
How do I measure wall area for a siding or exterior estimate?
Should I include a contingency for hidden rot?
What profit margin should exterior remodelers target?
Do exterior remodels need a permit?
What is the best time of year to schedule exterior work?
How long should an exterior remodel estimate be valid?
Can I use these templates for siding only or for single-trade jobs?
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