Champion Brick

Southeastern Wisconsin's leader in Brick, Stone, and Landscape products.

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Wisconsin Home Improvement Projects That Increase Home Value

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A home is a living project, both literally and figuratively. There’s always a project that can add style and value to your property. But how can you know what home improvement projects will add the most value to your home?

If you’re looking for the most bang for your buck, consider one of these five projects.

1. New Siding and Brickwork Adds New Life to Your Home

You shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but a home’s brickwork often forms a lasting first impression. Regularly maintaining your home’s brickwork and siding adds a nice polish that makes your home look inviting.

According to a blog from Investopedia, homeowners who redo their siding can expect an average of 80.7% return on investment. However, the type of siding you install determines how much return you see. When in doubt, homeowners may see the best return on brickwork.

Alternatives to brick (like manufactured stone) are also creating a boom in return on investment for homeowners.

2. Replace Siding on Your Home

While vinyl sidings are a cheap option for dressing your home, they can also add value. According to a 2018 cost-value report from Remodeling, homeowners who invest in siding may see an average of 76.7% return on their investment. However, the type of material you use for siding your home greatly influences value.

For a high-end look with even greater returns, homeowners should consider alternatives to siding that mimic stone, like thin brick and stone veneer.

3. Add Manufactured Stone Veneer Siding

If you have the money, swapping out vinyl for manufactured stone may up your home’s value. The 2018 cost-value report from Remodeling shows that homeowners who added manufactured stone saw an average of 97.1% return on their investment.

Even if you aren’t in the market for selling, adding manufactured stone can give your home a welcoming look. Sprucing up your home’s appearance will have people wondering what other great additions your home has to offer.

4. Additions to Your Deck or Patio

A patio starts off as a blank canvas. It’s what you add to it that brings it to life. According to Remodeling’s 2018 cost-value report, homeowners who added to their deck or patio saw an average of 82.8% return on their investment.

Adding wooden additions like pergolas or brick fireplaces and ovens makes your backyard the place to be during a summer in Wisconsin.

5. Add Pavers Around Your Home for a Grand Entrance

Pavers are a product of multiple materials, such as concrete, stone, and brick. The variety of materials available gives homeowners plenty of options for finding what will look best for their homes.

Here are just a few great ways to use pavers:

  • Put them around your property to create a trail for exploration.
  • Use them to guide your guests into your home or around to the backyard.
  • Create a unique walking path through your garden.

Improving Your Wisconsin Home Means Choosing the Right Materials

While trends come and go, adding beautiful hardscapes and maintaining your home will inevitably add value to it. If you’re looking for a change for the better but don’t know where to start, contact a local company with experience and expertise. They can help you find the right materials to meet your goals.

To see the many ways our clients have used our high-quality brick here in Wisconsin, visit our project gallery. For more information on our bricks, manufactured stone, or hardscape materials, contact us today.

Your Ultimate Guide to Natural Stone Veneer

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Do you want to add some earthy accents to your home or landscaping? Natural stone veneer is the perfect solution.

This building material is increasingly popular because it’s real stone that’s cut thin enough to be relatively lightweight. It’s certainly much lighter than full bed stone veneers. Plus, it can be installed without building a block or concrete base.

gray natural thin stone veneer

Natural Stone Veneer Is the Builder’s Choice

Natural stone is the real deal. It’s quarried from the earth and is strong, durable, and stable.

Because it comes straight from the earth, it’s eco-friendly and resists natural elements. And since it’s real stone, it can be cut in a way that cast stone veneer can’t.

Cut Options

The cut of the stone is key to the layout of your design. The following options are available for natural stone veneer:

1. Round and Oval

  • Since most stones are round or oval, this cut gives the most natural look, as if built from stones right from nature.
  • This is a popular cut for fireplaces or any wall aiming to capture that old farm look.

2. Rectangle

  • The rectangle cut is a universal cut that can be used in most applications. It conveys a sense of sturdiness and balance.
  • This is one of the more classic cuts.

3. Square and Rectangle

  • It’s not uncommon to see centuries-old castles and forts that incorporated rectangle and square stones. They worked together to convey solid sturdiness.
  • This is partly why the square and rectangle cut denotes a classic “old world” appearance. It’s especially effective in larger applications.

4. Ledge Cut

  • Ledge cuts are done at a width of two to four inches and are available in varying lengths.
  • They can be used alone to create that “stacked” look seen in more modern and contemporary designs.

5. Mosaic Cut

  • This veneer incorporates points and angular shapes in a mix of small, medium, and large sizes.
  • Because this cut is so showy and interesting, it’s a good choice for larger areas where the contrast of the shapes and sizes can take center stage.

6. Mix It Up

  • Keep in mind that you’re not limited to any single one of the above-listed cuts. If your one-of-a-kind design calls for a whole mixture, then go ahead and mix it up!

Color Options

The options for color in these veneers is expansive.

You might want a natural palette of earthy reds, creams, browns, grays, or a combination of these. But there’s always room to mix in some different hues too. Try a bolder blue, black, or purple.

Your stone veneer supplier can help you with all of the different color combinations and point you in the right direction.

Installation and Maintenance

The installation of these veneers requires a clean surface sheathed with metal lath. There should be a vapor barrier included beneath the lath for outdoor installations. Generally:

  • Stone veneer is applied directly to brick and concrete surfaces with the proper thin set mortar base. It’s similar to applying tile.
  • Using mortar, a scratch coat is applied. After it cures, additional mortar is used to adhere the stone veneer to the mounting surface.
  • After the installation and drying process is complete, a sealer is applied to protect the surface.
  • All that’s required for maintenance after that is periodic cleaning with a hose or a stiff brush and soapy water.

It’s Time to Get Started!

If you’re in the market for natural stone veneer, we hope this guide makes things a little clearer.

And when you’re ready to get the process started, just contact us. We’re ready to show you everything this dynamic building material has to offer!