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Batavia, Diamond Kote LP Siding project

Before photo.  Notice no front porch.  Let’s put the boys to work on Mike’s design. It’s a win for the Cubs and the Owner all around A innovative way to create a trim detail without breaking the bank. A look at the Unique downspout drops of the Rain Drop Gutter Guard system  

How a Platinum Pella Certified Contractor Tripled His Business in One Year

Chicago-area contractor Schmidt Exteriors finds success in a competitive environment. For Mike Schmidt of Schmidt Exteriors in Batavia, Illinois, the Platinum Pella Certified Contractor® program isn’t just a perk. It’s a driving force behind his business. “There’s a lot of competition out there now. It’s more important than ever for contractors to take a sophisticated […]

Wheaton LP Smart Side Siding

Another job completed by siding expert-Schmidt Exteriors. This time-Wheaton, IL. Before photo LP Smart Siding and creative front porch design transforms house to remarkable presentation. Check out the creative porch post design.  Clean, simple, and complimentary to front door.  Closer look at front porch. I love the owner’s choice of lighting.  This same fixture accents […]

The Final Trim Touches

You have plenty of design decisions when creating your new Midwest (Naperville area)  home exterior. You can start with home siding type—be it lap siding, straight or staggered-edge shingles or vertical panels—then move on to the color and texture. From there, it’s time to add the final touches—the HardieTrim® boards and window details. Like the […]

Midwest Home Exterior Transformation

These Midwest homeowners wanted their home exterior to stand out in their suburban neighborhood so they swapped their thin vinyl siding in light cream for James Hardie’s durable and stylish siding in rich green. The results made the home’s exterior stand out on the block, while adding a classic look with way more performance. How […]

Create Calm in your Outdoor Space

There’s nothing like the quiet of the morning—the mist on the grass, the sun’s glow peeping through the trees, the smell of the fresh air.  It’s a perfectly serene time, then with swift speed, the day kicks into high gear, and stress can pile on until punch-out time. That could be the reason most of […]

Aged Pewter Siding Paired with Natural Stone

Gray doesn’t go hand-in-hand with a cloudy disposition. In fact, home design experts now call on grays for the new, go-to neutral. And when paired with a natural stone, you’re in for a dose of contemporary elegance. James Hardie’s HardiePlank® lap siding in Aged Pewter is a weathered-meets-classic hue, making it a smart choice for […]

James Hardie Siding Color Spotlight: Sail Cloth

When you think of the Midwest Lakeshore, sailboat silhouettes lining the coast come to mind. You can almost hear the flap of their well-worn sails in the breeze. The classic sail shade is tough to replicate but James Hardie found a way with the ColorPlus® Technology shade, Sail Cloth. We love this creamy siding and […]

Farmhouse Frenzy

No matter where you call home, the east, west, south or Midwest, farmhouses are a home style that thrives. Nowadays, farmhouses may not be on actual farmland, but they still evoke the same feeling of cozy, comfort. Each exterior differs slightly, but many modern farmhouses have some similarities, such as cladding in simple lap or […]