1. Confirm the Customer and Jobsite Information

Before calculating materials, make sure your project information is accurate and complete.

• Customer name and contact information
• Complete jobsite address
• Contractor's project or purchase order number
• Expected installation start date
• Jobsite access and delivery restrictions
• Contact person responsible for receiving materials

Small administrative mistakes can create significant delivery problems. Confirming the address and contact information takes only a few minutes and can prevent unnecessary delays.

2. Verify All Exterior Measurements

Accurate measurements are the foundation of every successful siding order.

Measure each exterior wall individually, including gables, dormers, garage walls, bump-outs, and other architectural features.

Record window and door openings using a consistent estimating method. Organize your measurements by elevation so you can quickly identify missing sections.

Remember that one square of siding equals 100 square feet of coverage. However, the actual amount of material in each carton varies by manufacturer and profile.

Never rely solely on the home's interior square footage to determine siding quantities.

3. Confirm the Siding Manufacturer, Profile, and Color

Before ordering, identify the exact siding product your customer has selected.

• Manufacturer and product collection
• Panel profile and exposure
• Horizontal or vertical installation
• Exact color name and product code, when available
• Finish or texture
• Approved accessory and trim combinations

Similar-looking products are not necessarily interchangeable. Differences in panel dimensions, locking systems, and accessories can create installation problems.

Explore siding products available through Suburban Wholesale & Supply when reviewing options for your next project.

4. Calculate Siding Quantities and Waste

Once measurements are complete, calculate the total siding coverage and determine the appropriate waste allowance.

Straightforward elevations generally produce less cutting waste than homes with numerous windows, corners, gables, and short wall sections.

Some contractors use a preliminary waste allowance of approximately 5% to 10% for simpler projects, with additional material for complex layouts. These are estimating guidelines rather than universal requirements.

Your final order should reflect the actual panel dimensions, layout, cutting patterns, and opportunities to reuse offcuts.

Confirm the manufacturer's usable coverage per carton and round up to the appropriate purchasing quantity.

5. Count Every Siding Accessory

Missing accessories are among the most preventable causes of siding installation interruptions.

Walk the property and create a separate accessory takeoff. Do not assume that a general allowance will cover every trim component.

• Starter strip
• Inside and outside corner posts
• J-channel and specialty receiving trim
• Utility trim and undersill trim
• Window and door trim
• Light blocks and electrical outlet mounts
• Dryer vent and exhaust vent accessories
• Soffit and fascia components
• Trim coil and specialty finishing materials

Measure linear-foot accessories individually and count mounting blocks and specialty components by location.

6. Review Flashing and Weatherproofing Requirements

A complete siding order includes the materials necessary to protect the underlying wall assembly.

Depending on the project, you may need water-resistive barrier materials, flashing tape, metal flashing, compatible sealants, and manufacturer-approved fasteners.

Pay particular attention to windows, doors, roof-to-wall intersections, and exterior penetrations.

Follow applicable building codes and manufacturer installation instructions. Siding itself is not a substitute for a properly installed water-management system.

7. Double-Check Trim Colors and Specialty Materials

The siding color may be correct while the corner posts, J-channel, fascia, or window trim are wrong.

Prepare a written color schedule identifying the selected finish for each visible exterior component.

Confirm whether the homeowner wants matching trim or contrasting colors, and document those selections before purchasing materials.

For special-order products, verify the manufacturer's color and product identification carefully because returns or exchanges may be restricted.

8. Inspect the Existing Exterior

Before finalizing the order, review the condition of the existing siding, sheathing, trim, and surrounding exterior components.

Look for visible water damage, deteriorated wood, uneven surfaces, and areas that may require additional preparation.

Some concealed damage will not become apparent until existing materials are removed. Your estimate and contract should explain how unexpected repairs will be handled.

Identifying known conditions early helps reduce surprises and improves material planning.

9. Confirm Inventory, Lead Times, and Delivery

Never assume every selected product is immediately available.

Confirm inventory, special-order requirements, estimated arrival dates, and any delivery or pickup arrangements before scheduling installation.

Provide the complete jobsite address and identify any unloading restrictions, narrow driveways, or access limitations.

If multiple deliveries are planned, confirm which materials will arrive during each phase.

Learn more about Suburban Wholesale & Supply's contractor-focused approach to exterior building-material distribution.

10. Review the Final Order Before Approval

Before submitting your purchase order, compare the supplier's quote or order confirmation against your original material takeoff.

Check the manufacturer, product line, profile, color, quantity, accessories, unit prices, delivery charges, and applicable taxes.

Review payment terms, return policies, and special-order restrictions.

Keep a written copy of the approved order and use it when checking materials upon delivery.