This breakdown covers a full exterior renovation of a 2003-built executive home in Manotick. The home had original vinyl siding that was fading and warping, original double-pane windows showing seal failures, and a dated front entrance. The homeowners wanted a modern exterior that reflected the home's premium Rideau River neighbourhood location.
This breakdown covers a full exterior renovation of a 2003-built executive home in Manotick. The home had original vinyl siding that was fading and warping, original double-pane windows showing seal failures, and a dated front entrance. The homeowners wanted a modern exterior that reflected the home's premium Rideau River neighbourhood location. Total cost: $48,200. Timeline: 5 weeks. The renovation included new fibre cement siding, manufactured stone accents, window replacement, front door, exterior lighting, and landscaping updates.
Siding removal and disposal: $2,800 — Removal of existing vinyl siding from approximately 2,200 sq ft of exterior wall surface, including disposal. James Hardie fibre cement siding: $22,000 — HardiePlank lap siding in Arctic White (primed, factory finish), including all corner boards, J-channel, and starter strip. Material ($12,000) and labour ($10,000). Manufactured stone veneer: $6,500 — Stone accent on front facade columns and base ($4,000 materials, $2,500 installation). Creates a premium look that mimics natural stone at a fraction of the cost. Windows: $8,400 — Replacement of 8 front-facing windows with North Star triple-pane vinyl windows in matching white. The remaining side and rear windows were in acceptable condition and not replaced. Front door: $3,200 — Fibreglass door with sidelights in a dark charcoal finish, including new hardware and installation. Soffit, fascia, and eavestrough: $2,800 — Aluminum soffit and fascia replacement and new 5-inch seamless eavestrough with leaf guards. Exterior lighting: $1,200 — New coach lights at garage ($400), pot lights in soffit over front entrance ($400), and landscape uplights ($400). Landscaping refresh: $1,300 — Updated foundation plantings with boxwood and ornamental grasses, mulch, and seasonal colour. Total: $48,200.
The homeowners chose James Hardie fibre cement siding over several alternatives: Vinyl siding ($8,000–$14,000 total installed): Cheapest option but fades over time, can crack in Ottawa's cold, and looks less premium. The homeowners were replacing vinyl specifically because of these issues. Engineered wood siding ($16,000–$22,000): Beautiful look but requires more maintenance in Ottawa's climate. Moisture and freeze-thaw cycles can cause issues over time. James Hardie fibre cement ($22,000): The premium choice. It's fire-resistant, resists Ottawa's freeze-thaw cycles, doesn't rot or attract pests, holds paint 2–3x longer than wood, and carries a 30-year warranty. The factory-applied ColorPlus finish eliminates the need for painting at installation. The 50-year expected lifespan of fibre cement makes it the best long-term value, even at the higher initial cost. Over 30 years, the total cost of ownership is lower than vinyl (which needs replacement at 20–25 years) or engineered wood (which needs regular maintenance).
Rather than replacing all windows (which would have cost $18,000–$25,000), the homeowners strategically replaced only the 8 front-facing windows that were most visible and most affected by seal failures. This saved approximately $10,000–$15,000. The new North Star triple-pane windows ($1,050 each installed) provide: R-5 insulation value (vs R-2 for the original double-pane), Low-E coating that reflects heat, argon gas fill between panes, warm-edge spacers that reduce condensation, and a 25-year warranty. The energy savings from 8 new windows is approximately $200–$400/year. The remaining side and rear windows will be replaced in a future phase when budget allows. The new fibreglass front door ($3,200) provides R-6 insulation and a modern design with sidelights that transforms the entrance. Front door replacement is consistently the highest-ROI exterior upgrade.
The transformation was dramatic. The home went from looking tired and dated to fresh, modern, and premium. Neighbours commented on the improvement, and the homeowners report renewed pride in their home's appearance. A real estate appraisal conducted after the renovation assessed the home's value at $85,000 more than pre-renovation, representing a 176% ROI on the $48,200 investment. While the homeowners aren't planning to sell, this equity gain provides financial peace of mind. The exterior renovation also resolved practical issues: the new siding eliminated drafts and improved insulation, the new windows reduced condensation and improved comfort, and the new eavestrough with leaf guards eliminated twice-yearly gutter cleaning. For Manotick's premium housing market, exterior presentation is critical. The renovation positioned the home competitively against newer builds in the area while maintaining the established lot and landscaping that new homes lack.
For a comprehensive exterior renovation including fibre cement siding, stone accents, 8 windows, front door, and accessories, $48,000 is competitive for the Ottawa market. Budget vinyl siding replacement starts at $12,000–$18,000.
James Hardie fibre cement siding lasts 50+ years with minimal maintenance. The ColorPlus factory finish lasts 15–20 years before repainting is needed. The product is warranted for 30 years against defects.
Phasing is a smart strategy if budget is limited. Prioritize windows with failed seals, front-facing windows for curb appeal, and windows in rooms you use most. Replacing all at once is more cost-efficient per window but requires a larger budget.
Fibre cement siding replacement typically returns 70–85% of cost. Front door replacement returns 75–100%. Window replacement returns 60–75%. Combined exterior makeovers often exceed 100% ROI in premium neighbourhoods.
Simple siding replacement (same wall profile, no structural changes) typically doesn't require a building permit. Adding stone veneer or changing the wall structure may require permits. Window replacement in existing openings doesn't need permits.