Detailed cost breakdown for siding renovation in London, Ontario.
In London, Ontario, a standard-quality siding renovation typically costs between $8,227 and $18,810 in 2026 — prices are near the Canadian average, with a local cost index of 95%. Expect around 1 to 3 weeks of work and a 75–85% return on investment at resale. Freeze-thaw events are less extreme but rain is heavier — prioritize gutters, grading, and flashing details to keep water away from the foundation.
Budget Range
$5,757 - $13,165
Average Cost
$8,227 - $18,810
Premium Range
$13,163 - $30,096
| Category | Low Estimate | High Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Siding Material | $1,995 | $4,655 |
| Insulation | $1,425 | $3,325 |
| Trim & Fascia | $532 | $1,330 |
| Soffit | $950 | $2,375 |
| Labour | $2,375 | $4,750 |
| Old Siding Removal | $950 | $2,375 |
| Total | $8,227 | $18,810 |
London’s Victorian-era housing stock in Old North and Wortley Village often retains original wood lap siding or replaced 1960s–80s aluminum — both are candidates for re-cladding. James Hardie fibre cement at $9–$13/sq ft installed and Kaycan vinyl at $5–$7 dominate the local re-clad market. Heritage approval applies to designated properties in Wortley Village for visible material changes. The snowbelt climate stresses caulking at penetrations — polyurethane (not silicone) is the local standard. Insulated vinyl adds R-3 and is particularly worth it on north and west elevations given the lake-effect snow exposure.
Siding replacement is an opportunity to add insulation — house wrap and rigid foam board insulation can be installed during the process, improving your home's energy efficiency by 15–25%. Vinyl siding is the most affordable option but can crack in extreme cold; fiber cement (James Hardie) is the premium choice for Canadian climates, offering superior durability and fire resistance. Get at least three quotes and ask to see completed projects in your neighbourhood.
Material costs vary dramatically: vinyl ($4–8/sq ft installed), engineered wood ($6–12/sq ft), fiber cement ($8–15/sq ft), and natural stone ($15–30/sq ft). The number of windows, doors, and architectural details (soffits, fascia, trim) significantly impacts labour hours and total cost.
💡 Pro Tip
If you're replacing siding, have the contractor inspect the sheathing underneath for rot or damage before installing new material. Catching problems early prevents having to tear off new siding later.
London, Ontario offers renovation costs 15–20% below Toronto, making it one of the best-value markets in the province. The city's mix of Victorian homes in Old North and Wortley Village alongside newer suburban developments provides diverse renovation opportunities. Western University's presence creates steady demand for rental property upgrades. Contractor availability is generally good with 2–4 week lead times.
The City of London requires permits for structural, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC work. Applications are processed through the Development and Compliance Services division. Simple residential permits are issued within 10 business days. London offers a pre-consultation service for complex projects.
London sits in southwestern Ontario's snow belt, receiving 194 cm of snow annually — significantly more than Toronto. This heavy snowfall means roofing must handle greater snow loads, and ice dam prevention is critical. The humid summers require proper ventilation in any renovation, especially basements.
Renovation permits in Ontario are issued by the local municipality under the Ontario Building Code. Most kitchen, bathroom, and basement permits are reviewed within 10 business days for residential work, though Toronto and Mississauga frequently run longer queues. Bill 23 (More Homes Built Faster Act) has streamlined approvals for additional residential units, but plumbing and electrical work still requires a separate ESA inspection. Note for basement apartments: if the home was built within the last 5 years, the OBC requires a separate HVAC system serving the apartment unit only — adds $5K-$10K and noticeably extends the timeline.
Ontario is two climates stacked on top of each other. Southwestern Ontario's snowbelt corridor (London, Kitchener, Owen Sound area) receives 160–200+ cm of snow annually from lake-effect events off Lake Huron — significantly more than Toronto's 122 cm — which puts higher snow loads on roofs and demands more aggressive ice-dam prevention. Meanwhile, properties along the Don, Humber, and Credit River watersheds across the GTA face the opposite challenge: spring flood events have become noticeably more severe over the past decade, and many home insurers now require backwater valves and elevation certificates before binding flood coverage on lower-elevation lots.
Ontario's housing pressure has made secondary suites a high-demand renovation: Bill 23 allows up to three units on most residential lots as-of-right, fuelling a steady basement-conversion market. Contractor availability is tightest in the GTA from April through October, so booking 6–10 weeks ahead is the norm for mid-to-large projects.
In 2026, a siding renovation in London costs between $5,757 (budget) and $30,096 (premium). The average standard cost ranges from $8,227 to $18,810.
A siding renovation typically returns 75–85% at resale in Canada. The exact figure depends on material choices, the current state of the London housing market, and quality of execution.
The three most common options in Canada: a variable-rate HELOC against your home equity, a fixed-rate renovation loan from your bank (5–10 year terms), or a mortgage refinance if you have substantial equity. For projects under $15,000, a 0% balance-transfer credit card can bridge 12–18 months. Avoid contractor-offered financing — those rates often exceed 12%.
For London, the ideal window is almost year-round, with most contractors busiest from April to October. Book your contractor 4 to 8 weeks ahead during peak season — last-minute scheduling typically pushes the start date much further than an off-season project would suggest.
Always get three itemized quotes, check provincial licensing (RBQ in Quebec, HCRA in Ontario, equivalent elsewhere), and confirm general liability insurance. Read Google and HomeStars reviews, but weight direct references more heavily — call two past clients. Serious London contractors typically have a 4–8 week backlog; be wary of anyone who can start tomorrow.
📖 Complete guide
Read our complete national guide to siding costs