Stosz Construction

Amherst requires a building permit for siding replacement, processed through the town's Inspection Services Department. Properties in the local historic districts — including parts of the town center and several surrounding neighborhoods — may need Historical Commission review for any exterior change visible from the street, which can favor wood profiles over vinyl on contributing structures. Pre-1978 homes, common across the older stock and most rentals, fall under the EPA RRP lead rule and require a lead-certified crew for paint disturbance. Mid-century homes may carry asbestos-cement shingle siding, which a licensed abatement contractor must remove before new siding goes up.

Amherst pricing sits in the lower-mid band for Massachusetts, helped by the depth of the local contractor pool. A standard vinyl re-side runs roughly $12,000–$23,000, and insulated vinyl $16,000–$28,000. Fiber-cement (HardiePlank) typically lands $20,000–$42,000 installed depending on size and trim. Cedar clapboard or shingle runs higher, generally $30,000–$55,000 on an owner-occupied colonial. Multi-family rental re-sides scale with the number of units and stories, and larger two- and three-family buildings push well past these single-family ranges. Pre-1978 lead-safe handling and any asbestos-shingle abatement add to all of these.

Massachusetts requires a written contract and a Home Improvement Contractor registration for most residential siding work; ask for the registration number and check it before paying a deposit.

More on permits, costs, rebates and common questions, plus every other siding contractor serving the town, on the Siding in Amherst page.