Improperly installed Hardi-plank siding

[Samantha Soto]

Hello everyone!

We are in escrow on our first investment property in the Huntsville, Alabama area.  The home was built in 2010 and seems overall in decent condition with the exception of a few things.  One is that the Hardi-plank siding was not installed properly.  They did not put the metal behind the butts, nor are they caulked.  The home inspector told us that the long-term fix would be to have the siding re-installed.  Could the siding be taken off, and re-installed properly?  Or would all new materials be needed for re-installation?  

The second option, which we like less, is to caulk all the butts and paint them.  In this instance, would the whole house need to be re-painted?  Or could the paint color be matched and just the caulking would be painted? 

Any advice is appreciated!  Also, please help us get an idea of more or less what the costs of each of these options could be.  We are trying to determine what to ask for from the seller.  

Thank you!