Exterior cladding costs in Royston vary considerably depending on the material chosen, the size and complexity of the job, and the condition of what is already there - here is what drives those figures.
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Exterior cladding is a layer of boards or panels fixed to the outside face of a building. It protects the wall from rain, wind and frost, adds thermal performance and changes the look of the property. We install timber, composite, fibre cement and metal cladding systems across Royston and the surrounding area, including Cambridge, Saffron Walden, Newmarket, Ely and St Ives.
Cladding is not a commodity purchase where the cheapest price always represents the best value. The differences in cost between quotes often reflect genuine differences in what is being supplied and installed. Understanding what drives the price helps you compare quotes meaningfully rather than just picking the lowest number.
Exterior cladding costs are usually quoted per square metre of finished, installed wall area. As a broad guide:
These figures are for the cladding installation itself. Scaffolding, removal of old cladding, substrate repairs and additional works such as soffits and fascias are usually priced separately.
Building height and access requirements. Scaffolding for a single-storey extension is straightforward. A full two-storey front elevation with a bay window, porch and awkward neighbour access is a different proposition. Scaffold hire typically adds £500-£1,500 or more to a job depending on size and duration. Buildings with limited access - narrow passages, overhanging trees or proximity to the boundary - cost more to scaffold safely.
Stripping existing cladding. If there are existing boards to remove, the cost goes up. The time involved depends on how the original boards were fixed and what is behind them. If the old fixings have corroded or the boards have been over-painted and sealed, stripping takes longer. Disposal of old materials also adds to the total.
Substrate problems found once stripping starts. This is the cost variable that no quote can fully predict. Once old boards come off, rotten battens, a failed membrane or damp masonry may need to be dealt with before re-cladding. A good contractor will show you what they find and agree a variation before proceeding. Budget a contingency of 10-15% on any re-clad job for this reason.
Material grade and profile. Within timber cladding alone, the price range from basic pressure-treated softwood featheredge to prime-grade thermally modified timber or Accoya is wide. Composite boards vary enormously between budget and premium brands. Specifying a higher-grade material gives longer service life and lower maintenance cost, but the upfront figure is higher.
Detail complexity. A plain rectangular extension with no penetrations and two external corners is a straightforward job. A property with multiple windows, projecting bays, soil pipes, meter boxes, dormer cheeks and junctions with different materials takes longer and uses more trim and flashing material. Labour and material costs both increase with complexity.
Insulation. Adding rigid insulation boards behind the cladding as part of a thermal upgrade increases cost. The insulation boards themselves, additional batten depth to accommodate them, and any revised membrane specification all add to the total. It is worth doing if the wall is uninsulated or poorly insulated, as the energy saving over time offsets the cost, but it is a meaningful addition to the project price.
Overlaying rather than stripping. Where the existing cladding or substrate is sound and the build-up allows it, fitting new boards over the old ones avoids stripping costs and reduces labour time. This only works if the original boards are flat, secure and not rotting, and if the extra thickness does not cause problems at window and door reveals. It is not always possible, but where it is, it saves money.
Simpler material choice. Pressure-treated softwood is the most affordable timber option. If the owner is committed to maintaining the paintwork on a regular schedule, it performs well. The saving over cedar or composite is real, but so is the ongoing maintenance commitment.
Combining work under one scaffold. Cladding one elevation while replacing soffits, fascias and bargeboards, and painting other surfaces, spreads the scaffold cost across multiple jobs. The access cost is the same whether one item or four are done from it. Combining related work under a single scaffold contract is one of the most effective ways to reduce cost per task.
Straightforward access. Properties with good all-round access reduce scaffold complexity and cost. If a neighbouring property makes one side of the scaffold difficult to tie or the site is on a busy pavement requiring public protection, the access cost rises.
When you receive quotes for a cladding job, the figures are not always comparing the same thing. Check whether each quote includes:
A quote that omits scaffolding may look cheaper than one that includes it. A quote that uses untreated battens and bright steel fixings will be less than one specifying correctly, but it will cost more in remedial work within a few years. Ask each contractor to confirm these points in writing before you compare prices.
Soffits, fascias and bargeboards are often in a similar state to cladding that has reached the end of its life. Pricing these together is efficient - the access is already there, and a single project manager coordinating the work reduces the risk of one trade damaging another's work. External painting of other surfaces is also sensibly included in the same project where possible.
Cladding is a significant investment and the price range is wide. An itemised breakdown from any contractor should make clear what is included, what material is being used, and what contingencies apply if substrate problems are found. If a quote is unusually low, ask specifically what has been left out.
To arrange a survey of your Royston property and get a clear, itemised price, call Cambridge Roofers and we will come and look at the job properly before quoting.
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