New siding isn’t just a facelift. According to the 2025 Cost vs. Value Report, fiber cement siding replacement in the Chicago market returned more than its cost at resale, one of the best returns of any remodeling project. Here’s what the numbers say, and what they mean for your home.
2025 Cost vs. Value: Chicago results for exterior projects
| Project | Job cost | Resale value | Cost recouped |
|---|---|---|---|
| Siding replacement: fiber cement | $24,642 | $25,838 | 104.9% |
| Window replacement: vinyl | $21,941 | $17,992 | 82.0% |
| Siding replacement: vinyl | $19,868 | $15,607 | 78.6% |
| Roof replacement: asphalt shingles | $28,454 | $19,022 | 66.9% |
| Roof replacement: metal | $46,332 | $20,247 | 43.7% |
Source: 2025 Cost vs. Value Report, Chicago, IL. © 2025 Zonda Media. Complete data from the report is available at costvsvalue.com. Figures are averages for a standardized project and are not a quote for your home.
Why fiber cement siding pays off
Fiber cement topped the Chicago siding results for a few reasons buyers and appraisers notice:
- Durability buyers trust. James Hardie fiber cement resists rot, pests, fire and Chicago freeze-thaw cycles, and carries a 30-year limited product warranty.
- Curb appeal. Siding is the first thing a buyer sees. A fresh, modern exterior lifts the whole listing.
- Low maintenance. Factory-applied ColorPlus® finishes hold color for years, which means fewer repaint costs for the next owner.
Comparing siding materials on value
| Siding | Relative cost | Resale appeal | Maintenance | Product warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| James Hardie fiber cement | $$$ | Highest (104.9% recouped in Chicago, 2025) | Low; repaint every 15+ years with ColorPlus® | 30-year limited |
| LP® SmartSide® engineered wood | $$ | High; real-wood look | Low to moderate; periodic repaint | 5/50-year limited |
| Alside ASCEND® composite | $$ | High; fiber-cement look at lighter weight | Very low | Lifetime limited (original owner) |
| Vinyl / insulated vinyl | $ | Good (78.6% recouped in Chicago, 2025) | Very low | Lifetime limited (typical) |
Getting the most value from your siding project
- Choose a color and profile that fits your neighborhood. Our free Visualizer Tool lets you test colors on a 3D model of your own home.
- Upgrade trim, soffit and fascia at the same time for a finished look. See our soffit options.
- Use a certified installer so the strongest manufacturer warranty can be registered and transferred to the next owner.
Ready to see your options?
Get a free, no-pressure estimate from Style Exteriors by Corley, or try our complimentary Visualizer Tool to see new colors and materials on your own home first.
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