The trim: If your home is already built, when you have the siding job done, make sure you have all the trim done as well. Most of your painting expense is in the trim, so failing to cover it will mean your painting costs won't go down by much. Also, ask your contractor about adding more wall insulation along with the siding.

Stucco: Stucco is a siding material made of Portland cement, sand, lime and water. Applied in three coats over a lath base, it provides a solid, durable and seamless home exterior. Another advantage is that it's naturally resistant to fire.

Height: If your house has more than one storey, your job may require more specialized equipment.

Stucco features: Stucco over mesh is the traditional and most common method, which uses a type of concrete over a wire or wood lath. It usually has an expansive acrylic-polymer finish which will expand and contract with the weather. This keeps cracks to a minimum, lasts up to 50 years and provides solid, seamless and durable exteriors.

Stucco over Styrofoam is also called EIFS (exterior insulation and finish system), and it's a popular alternative to stucco. An acrylic-polymer coat is sprayed or applied onto a base of fiberglass mesh and foam board insulation. It virtually never cracks and gives your home extra insulation. Moderately more expensive than traditional stucco finish, EIFS can be vulnerable to high impact (hail to woodpeckers).

-- Tips courtesy of HomeAdvisor.com