Wilson Co Building Contractors

Nantucket requires a building permit for re-siding, and crucially the Nantucket Historic District Commission (HDC) reviews exterior changes across virtually the whole island — siding material, exposure, and trim typically must conform to the gray-cedar standard. This review is a defining step, not an afterthought. Homes built before 1978, including the many historic-core houses, are presumed to contain lead paint, triggering the federal Lead RRP rule. Coastal and wetland lots may also need Conservation Commission review. Reputable island contractors handle HDC submissions, the building permit, and lead-safe work as a package.

Nantucket siding costs are the highest in Massachusetts by a wide margin — ferry-shipped materials, limited labor, and the near-universal use of cedar shingle all drive premiums. Cedar shingle re-sides commonly run well into the tens of thousands and can exceed $50,000–$80,000+ on larger homes once HDC-compliant detailing, staging, and freight are included. Vinyl and fiber-cement are far less common given HDC expectations. The biggest cost drivers are material freight, cedar grade and coursing, exposure, and the historic-review process.

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 Nantucket page.