Monthly Archives: July 2023

Is Hardie board better than brick or vinyl?

A brick exterior is the longer lasting between brick, vinyl, or Hardie board siding, with brick lasting up to 100 years or longer. When comparing Hardie board siding with vinyl siding, the Hardie board is the winner. Vinyl siding has an expected average lifespan of 25 years versus up to 50 years lifespan of Hardie board. 

How much does Hardie board siding cost?

This can vary based on the amount of the siding material needed, as it does with any type of exterior siding for a home. The cost is based on the square footage needed and comes in planks of 12 feet long by various widths between 5¼ inches to 12 inches and approximately half an inch thick. When you compare that vinyl siding is approximately half an inch thick and in 12-foot long strips, it is easy to see why Hardie board siding has a longer life span. 

What are the other benefits of Hardie board siding? 

Hardie board siding has the appearance of wood which is created during the manufacturing process. That wood grain appearance gives the siding a richer appearance and provides the following benefits: 

• Resale Value Increased

Installing vinyl siding will most likely not get a high ROI if you sell your home. However, Hardie board, which is more expensive, will get most of your investment back. It is a definite higher value, getting up to 75% or more of return. 

• Fire Resistance

Hardie board siding is fire resistant, not fireproof. This means that it doesn’t contribute to a fire like vinyl and wood siding, which is a combustible material. However, this doesn’t mean it is fireproof, as it can still burn once it reaches a certain heat level.

• Insect & Vermin Resistant

With wood siding, carpenter ants and termites are problematic. But Hardie board siding, even with its cellulose content, does not attract insects and vermin. 

• Green Building Material

The cellulose fibers used in Hardie board siding aren’t made from any endangered wood species. The materials used to manufacture this siding, cement, and sand, are available in abundance naturally, thus there aren’t any toxic materials.  And because it has a long lifespan, it doesn’t contribute to the landfills like vinyl siding. 

What are the downsides to Hardie board siding?

With all of its positive attributes, Hardie board siding does have some downsides, starting with the upfront cost. Generally, it cost up to 3x more expensive than vinyl siding, especially when considering it needs to be painted. 

Other factors that make it more expensive include that there aren’t as many contractors experienced in installing Hardie board as there are vinyl siding, which allows them the ability to charge more with less competition. It is more difficult to install, which takes longer, it is heavier, so the delivery cost is higher, and it has to be painted. 

How often does Hardie board siding need to be painted?

With a professionally applied primer and initial painting, Hardie board siding won’t need painting again for another 10 years, maybe 15 years in some cases. While painting may be seen as a downside to this material, consider that other types of siding like aluminum and stucco typically need to be repainted every 5 years. 

Can you power wash Hardie board siding?

To clean Hardie board siding, it is recommended to use only low pressure and a soft medium bristle, nonmetal brush twice a year. In between those times, using a garden hose with a jet nozzle will keep your home covered with Hardie board clean and sparkling. 

Is Hardie board waterproof or water-resistant?

Hardie board siding will absorb moisture, which means it isn’t waterproof. However, with outstanding drying capabilities, it won’t deteriorate with water exposure. Over time, uninstalled Hardie board will shrink and stain, a clear indication that the contractor is using unprotected material.

How much does kitchen remodeling cost?

It is hard to put a number here when it comes to anything to do with a house,  especially a bathroom or a kitchen remodel. It will all depend on just how intense you get with the remodeling. The more you can do yourself as opposed to hiring professionals will help with the overall cost. 

And that leads us to the next common question, “What adds the most value to a kitchen remodel?” Kitchen remodeling can entail a wide range of possibilities, which is why the ROI has such a wide range. From as simple as repainting the walls and changing the curtains to changing out the cabinetry, countertops, appliances, and more. 

So, what will give you the most stunning kitchen and get you the most ROI? Keep reading for the top 5 kitchen remodeling upgrades:

1. Kitchen Island

Real estate experts tell us that adding a kitchen island will increase the storage and workspace in the kitchen, which increases the value too. This can be a costly upgrade, especially if you’re going to have electrical and/or water running to it. The pre-built kitchen island is less expensive and adds less value to kitchen remodeling. 

2. Cabinetry

Another value-add to kitchen remodeling is the cabinetry. Either replacing them, painting, or refinishing them will bring you the most impact both in appearance and financially. You may be able to simply upgrade the hardware and give them a good thorough cleaning if the budget is tight.

3. Appliances

This is the biggest attraction, or distraction, for potential homebuyers. Everyone is looking for stainless steel, but if you can’t afford that upgrade right now, make sure your existing appliances are in good working order. That one rear burner that doesn’t light may just be normal for you, but a home buyer is going to want things glowing! Especially when it comes to the required home inspection when they make an offer. And remember, a good thorough cleaning can help when selling your home almost as much as kitchen remodeling.

4. Countertops

Granite countertops were once the thing to have in your kitchen, but styles have changed. Today, the more popular choice in kitchen remodeling is dark-colored countertops. If your desire is to brighten your kitchen, go with a neutral color in porcelain or quartzite.  

5. Multipurpose Workspace

Whether your kitchen remodeling is in preparation for selling or to make your day-to-day life easier, functionality is key. More people are working from home today, so adding a small area with a desk could prove to be valuable to you or future buyers. This way, your computer is right there in easy reach while making dinner, but not at risk of having something spilled on it. 

What costs the most in a kitchen remodel?

Believe it or not, if you plan to get all-new cabinetry, that will take up to 25% of your kitchen remodeling budget! The next biggest expenses of a kitchen remodeling job are any electric or plumbing changes and the appliances. 

What is the first thing to do when remodeling a kitchen?

It’s not just a matter of picking a paint color and cabinet style for a kitchen remodeling project. Every contractor and designer will have their own order of how they work a kitchen remodeling, but the basics will include the following: 

• Budget and Planning: An all-encompassing plan will help you keep your vision in line with your budget.
• Demo and Prep: With your budget and plan in place, time to take down and out what isn’t going to stay in the kitchen remodeling.
• Electrical and Plumbing: If you removed the cabinets in the demo step, now is the time to put in the electrical and plumbing.  You may need to hire a professional for this part to be on the safe side.
• The Drywall: Measure twice, cut once! Go ahead and measure three times just to be certain. 
• The Walls: If you’re painting the walls or placing some type of wall covering (paneling, wallpaper, etc.), now is the time this needs to take place. 
• Cabinets and Flooring: Install the cabinetry first then the flooring. That way anything you may drop while installing the cabinets won’t damage the flooring.
• The Countertops: If you haven’t already done so, now is the time to install your countertops and install them. 
• The Backsplash: This is where your kitchen remodeling will get its “pop”! 
• Appliances and Sink: The finishing point of your kitchen remodeling is the appliances and sink.