It may be human nature to want the best of everything, but, in today's economy, saving money may be the new status symbol. If you have a DIY siding project planned for your home, you have numerous vinyl siding options from which to choose. And, if you take your time and do a little research, you can keep your siding cost under control and avoid paying more than you really should.

How to Control Your Siding Cost

Vinyl siding choices are more abundant than ever before, and the wide price range can accommodate just about any budget. But, a little education can go a long way when you go to purchase your siding. In fact, you can keep your siding cost to a minimum and have a little money left over for other projects.

Siding cost is usually based on various factors, such as:

• Insulation
• Gauge or thickness
• Design
• Color

Insulated vinyl siding prices will often be higher than standard vinyl, but, if you live in an area of the country with a moderate climate or your home is already adequately insulated, you may not need to pay the higher siding cost. The same is true of heavier gauge vinyl--why pay higher siding prices if you really don't need to? Heavy gauge vinyl siding is great if you live in an area with drastic temperature changes or extremely cold weather, but thinner siding prices are usually more attractive, and the siding is fine for most areas of the country.

If you need an upgrade design or color on your home, do so with the knowledge that your siding cost may be higher; siding prices are usually lower with common styles such as double four- or five-inch clapboard styles and standard colors like white, ivory, or gray. What's more: they often look just as nice.