External cladding can be a great way to weatherproof your house, reduce your energy bills and even improve your home’s kerb appeal. Here, we’ll explore everything to do with hiring cladding installers near you – from what they do to how much they tend to cost.
Want to get started on finding external cladding installers near you?
We have two quick and easy ways to find the best cladding fitters near you on Checkatrade:
- Request a quote. Just tell us what you need doing and we’ll reach out to house cladding installers near you on your behalf. They’ll then contact you directly
- Search your postcode. Enter your postcode into the search box below to browse a list of top cladding fitters near you on Checkatrade
Your questions answered about cladding installation near you
What is cladding?
Cladding is a layer of material that gets added to the outside of a property. It comes in lots of different materials and styles – both natural and manmade – so there’s an option to suit every taste, property style and budget.
The primary purpose of cladding is to help protect your property from the elements. However, it can also help to reduce your energy bills by adding an extra layer of insulation. And it can really help to improve your property’s curb appeal by drastically changing the look of your home from the outside.
What do weatherboard cladding installers near me do?
Weatherboard cladding installers specialise in installing a traditional type of cladding where long boards are installed horizontally on your home’s walls, overlapping slighting at the top and bottom.
Weatherboard cladding is traditionally made from timber, but is now available in lots of different materials, colours and finishes. These usually mimic the look and feel of wood, but tend to be lower-maintenance and longer-lasting.
What is the cheapest cladding method?
uPVC is almost always the cheapest method of cladding your house. However, cedral cladding (another manmade alternative) and rubber cladding are both low-cost options too.
Can I clad my own house?
You may well be able to undertake basic cladding installation yourself. However, cladding a house is a complex task that requires precision, specialist equipment (often including scaffolding) and a good knowledge of the different types of cladding available. Unless you’re very experienced at DIY, it will usually be safer and more cost-effective to hire a professional to complete the task for you – or at least to undertake the most difficult elements of the job.
Do I need planning permission for cladding installation near me?
You normally won’t need planning permission to install cladding as this aesthetic change tends to fall under your permitted development rights. However, there are some exceptions. For example, if you live in a listed building or conservation area, you’ll likely need to get planning permission before forging ahead.
Can you put cladding on brick?
Yes! You can install cladding over your home’s brick walls. You’ll just need to make sure you choose a suitable cladding material so that there aren’t any issues with weight distribution or insulation. Timber, composite and uPVC cladding are all suitable options for a home made of brick.
How long does cladding installation take?
Exactly how long it takes to install cladding will depend on a number of factors, including how complex the cladding is to install, the size of your home, and the quality of the final finish. That said, it will typically take a few days to install cladding on a single-storey building, compared to around a week for two storeys.
Why hire house cladding installers near me?
Installing cladding is an intricate job that’s best left to the experts. Here are some of the main benefits of hiring a house cladding installer near you.
- Quality. Hiring professionals is the best way to make sure the job is completed to a high standard, with a quality finish that will stand the test of time
- Knowledge. Local house cladding installers will have a strong understanding of the different types of cladding and which will be suited to your property. That way, you won’t start off on the wrong foot
- Efficiency. An experienced cladding fitter near you will be able to install your cladding quickly and efficiently, getting your property’s new look complete as soon as possible
- Tools. External cladding installers near you will have the specialist tools and equipment required to complete the job
How much do external cladding installers near me cost?
The cost of hiring external cladding installers near you will depend on a number of factors, including:
- The size and shape of your property
- Your property’s height
- The type of cladding you select
- The quality of the cladding
- Any preparation work required
- Your location
However, you can expect to spend around £80 per m² for the supply and installation of uPVC cladding. If you’d prefer timber cladding, you’re looking at around £115 per m² for larch or £165 per m² for cedar.
Our guide to typical house cladding costs goes into more detail, including the extras you may need to budget for such as scaffolding and skip hire.
How do I find reputable cladding fitters near me?
Ready to find cladding fitters near you? You’re probably wondering how to make sure you choose the right one. Here are our top tips.
- Read reviews. Always check what other homeowners have to say about cladding fitters near you before choosing one to complete your job
- Check insurance. Reputable cladding installers should have the right insurance to cover them in case things go wrong. Luckily, all Checkatrade members have to have valid public liability insurance
- Get multiple quotes. We always recommend getting at least three quotes to ensure you’re getting the right fitter and price for the job
- Check when payment is due. Reputable cladding fitters shouldn’t take full payment upfront. Instead, they should take the final payment after completing the job
- Use Checkatrade! Checkatrade members have to pass up to 12 checks and are regularly reviewed on things like punctuality, professionalism and quality. So, you know you’re hiring someone you can trust