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A large, modern two-story house in Madison, WI features a gray exterior with stone accents and white trim. The entryway boasts a dark wooden door with sidelights. Recent exterior renovations include a landscaped front yard with a stone path, green grass, and flower pots under a partly cloudy sky.
Design

Siding trends

With more of today’s homeowners staying put in their homes longer, the general trend in the home construction market has moved away from building one’s dream house and toward renovating their current home to fit their dreams. And when it comes to siding, that trend has resulted in the emergence of siding materials in all

A red house in Madison, WI, with large icicles hanging from the snow-covered roof showcases recent exterior renovations. The sun is shining, casting shadows from the branches of nearby trees against a clear, blue sky. Several windows are visible on the house's side.
Design

It’s ice dam season – again

Understanding Ice Dam Season in Wisconsin and the Midwest We have been posting on this for quite some time and it’s worthy of mentioning again.  It’s ice dam season once again.  If you live in Wisconsin, or at least the midwest, you’re familiar with heavy snow and ice dams forming on your roof.  Ice and

A two-story wooden cabin with stone accents sits amidst lush greenery and tall trees in Madison, WI. The house, recently updated with exterior renovations, boasts a steeply pitched roof, large windows, and a small balcony. In the backyard, you'll find neatly manicured grass under a sky dotted with scattered clouds.
Blog

Wood siding – Pros & Cons

While there are many choices that homeowners need to acquaint themselves with, wood siding has certainly withstood the test of time and is still one of the top choices when it comes to residing a home.  For many homeowners, wood is the real thing and nothing less will do.  In Wisconsin, wood siding is popular

A residential house in Madison, WI with an ongoing exterior renovation project is shown. The house's beige exterior contrasts with the wooden frame structure being built as an extension. Planks, beams, and construction materials are scattered around, under a clear blue sky.
Additions

Adding an addition to your home

Adding an addition to your home can be a simple and (relatively) inexpensive way to improve your home and your way of life.  But there are a great deal of questionsImagine if you and your spouse didn’t have to use the bathroom in shifts, if the kids each had their own rooms, if you had

A cozy backyard patio with a wooden dining table set for four, featuring sunflowers and table settings. Located in Madison, WI, the area is paved with bricks and bordered by lush green plants. A brick outdoor fireplace stands at the back, with string lights hanging above—ideal for exterior renovations.
Blog

Decks vs Patios … Which is the right choice?

If your home is in need of some outdoor space, adding a patio or deck can increase your square foot without being the bank. Each option offers an area to gather with friends and family, grill out, and relax under the sun (or stars); the option you choose will likely depend on your budget, space,

A house in Madison, WI, under renovation with exposed wooden framing and electrical wiring in the walls. The flooring is partially removed, revealing sand-like materials, and the ceiling structure is visible. There's a doorway leading to another room in the background, hinting at further exterior renovations.
Blog

Repair your home for you

Everyone who is buying a home or is looking to renovate their current home usually asks the same questions.   What have you done lately?  The curb appeal of the home, a new kitchen or master bath, what was remodeled and what repairs make the most sense always comes up. How’s the landscaping look and

A modern, two-story house with dark wood siding and large windows on the upper level in Madison, WI. The house features two wooden garage doors and a cantilevered porch with a flat roof. Snow is on the ground around the house, and leafless trees are visible in the background after recent exterior renovations.
Blog

Home improvement – Siding

Replacing the siding on your home is considered on the of the top five home improvement options you can do.  Here are a few siding ideas you should think about when considering adding siding to your new home project or a remodeling project.  Because siding is so important, especially in Wisconsin, our top siding recommendations

A spacious outdoor patio in Madison, WI features wooden decking with built-in benches. Steps connect brick flooring to the elevated deck. Potted plants and a small tree add greenery, while a stone figure of a cat decorates the area, showcasing recent exterior renovations.
Blog

Decks & patios

Lets talk decks! I love them but to be completely honest most homeowners make them too small. Beautiful decks are a thing to see but functionality is also important.

A modern house in Madison, WI with large windows and multi-level black metal roofing surrounded by lush green trees. The exterior renovations include a combination of light-colored stone and wooden paneling, enhancing its contemporary charm.
Additions

Solar shingles?

It’s official: Tesla shareholders approved the acquisition of SolarCity. Big deal, right! YES, it is a big deal. Elon Musk is a genius and he is going to make your home smarter then ever. Solar City is a perfect fit for Tesla considering Tesla is an electric car company.

Large icicles hang from a snow-covered roof in Madison, WI, casting distinct shadows on the red brick wall below. The icicles vary in length and thickness, creating a striking natural display against the building's facade, a stark contrast to recent exterior renovations.
ice dams

How to prevent ice dams

It snows in Wisconsin and it also rains in the winter and when that happens you run the risk of getting ice dams, So, you’re going to need to make sure your house is prepared so you don’t end up going through spring doing repair after repair. This can easily happen in cold weather states like Wisconsin.

A close-up view of a roof with asphalt shingles in Madison, WI showing significant wear and damage. Some shingles are cracked and have dark patches, along with visible nail holes and spots where shingles are missing. This roof is a prime candidate for exterior renovations or complete replacement.
hail damage

Do you have hail damage?

Over this past week our office has received many calls regarding hail damage from the hail storm that hit the west side of Madison. I’m sure you’re aware that during a hail storm everything outside your home is potentially vulnerable to damage, but your roof is the

A close-up view of a house gutter filled with dried leaves and twigs, attached to a roof covered in gray shingles. The overfilled gutter is clogged, showing the need for cleaning. The background includes a blurred view of a yard with trees and bushes—a common sight before exterior renovations in Madison, WI.
roof repair

Do I really need gutter guards?

The simple answer is – YES!

However, experts tend to agree that gutter guards don’t provide foolproof protection against all the debris that can litter and clog gutters. You shouldn’t purchase gutter guards with the intention of never cleaning your downspouts again. They don’t make your gutters invincible or magically resistant to the debris­ of the seasons.

A light blue metal roof with a standing seam design crowns this Madison, WI residence. A dormer with white siding and a window protrudes from the roof, adding charm, while neighboring houses are visible in the background under a cloudy sky—exemplifying thoughtful exterior renovations.
Development

The beauty of metal roofs!

Residential metal roofing is one of the fastest growing segments of home improvement – more than quadrupling its market share over the past decade. The benefits offered by today’s metal roofs allow homeowners to upgrade their homes with products of lasting value.

A cozy kitchen corner featuring a built-in bay window seat with yellow cushions and throw pillows. The seat overlooks a scenic outdoor view with greenery, courtesy of recent exterior renovations. White cabinetry, a tiled backsplash, and a glimpse of the kitchen sink enhance the bright and airy space in Madison, WI.
Blog

Window replacement for your home

After years of home ownership, you’ll probably have to replace a few windows in your home. Although you may take your windows for granted, they remain an integral part in maintaining a comfortable home. Unfortunately, these invisible barriers are fragile and can be broken with minimal amounts of force. The cost to replace windows will vary upon size, amount of windows needed, style and quality, but despite the many brands and options available, affordable replacements are easy to find if you know what you’re looking for.

A large, modern house in Madison WI with multiple gable roofs covered in grey shingles. The house features white walls, several windows, and is surrounded by lush green trees and bushes. Recent exterior renovations highlight a prominent tower-like structure.
Branding

How to choose a new roof

From natural materials like slate and wood to manmade products such as asphalt, sheet metal, and plastic polymers; there are more types and styles of roofing to choose from today than ever before. While each has its advantages and shortcomings, they all can add a distinctive design element to your home. So which one is right for you?

Close-up shot of green wood grain siding on a house in Madison, WI, showing the textured surface and horizontal planks. The image, taken during exterior renovations, is focused near the corner, highlighting the natural wood patterns and contrasting with the adjacent light-colored trim.
Design

Siding options available today

If you’re thinking of new siding, you’re in for a treat — and a conundrum. Your choice will likely be a major upgrade in your home’s appearance — that’s the fun part