Manufactured Stone Design

Take Advantage of Economic Recovery Now

2009-07-30T07:31:00.003-04:00

The economy is still in a slump but is showing signs of improvement, so now is the prime time to invest and start making improvements on your largest investment - your home. All signs are pointing to a strong real estate comeback, so get ready now to boost the value of your home in preparation for either a sale or value reassessment.

One of the most cost effective ways to increase the value of your home is to add manufactured stone to the interior and exterior. Stone fireplaces, wall accents, exterior siding or trim can make a dramatic improvement to your home and increase the value without the cost of natural stone. Whether you are selling or just making improvements, you will realize an instant ROI.

Spending money in a recession is scary, but worth it. I took a huge leap of faith and covered the interior walls of my bar with manufactured stone - unsure of how it was going to look. It was a lot of work, but very cost effective. Now, the room looks great! Not only did I add a huge value to my home for minimal investment, The properties of manufactured stone also added fire retardant protection, added insulation, and eye-popping drama to a room that now gets great comments each time someone walk in the front door!

I also just added a 20x20 section to my deck for much less than it would have cost in a Bull market thus increasing my ROI and raising the value of my home. Now, when I sit on that deck this weekend with beer in hand, I am sure to think of creative ways to add manufactured stone to enhance the beauty of my newest investment!

Manufactured Stone - Helping to Make Homes Greener

2009-01-13T14:55:00.005-05:00

We are in the midst of the Green Revolution. Finally the world is realizing that we only have one Earth and the environment needs help in mending from decades of abuse. More and more people are looking for ways to save energy, use less waste and revisit our earth-friendly roots of our distant past. Many are reclaiming water, composting, using energy efficient CF bulbs, converting to solar and wind energy, purchasing more fuel efficient automobiles and stepping up recycling efforts.

But what about increasing the energy efficiency of your home from the outside and still make it cost effective? Manufactured stone offers excellent energy savings by blocking cold air and heat out of your home lowering your heating and cooling costs. And because manufactured stone veneer is far less than the cost of natural stone, you will see a much faster return on your investment. In addition to improving energy efficiency, manufactured stone enhances the beauty and asthetics of your home.

Let's not forget about the natural fire retardant properties of manufactured stone veneer. Many areas will offer insurance breaks for manufactured stone exteriors to your home. Plus, the environmental impact in the manufacturing process of manufactured stone veneer is minescule compared to that of vinyl siding, wood siding and plank siding. And best of all, manufactured stone veneer NEVER needs painting - another one of those environmentally hazardous products.

So as you are planning your part in the Green Revolution, don't forget about what you can do on the exterior of your home to save energy and help the environment.

Selling Your Home in a Bear Market

2008-10-10T14:06:00.007-04:00

The Dow is down lower than post 9/11 levels, global credit is collapsing, banks are merging, and you need to sell your home, fast! Whether you need to move for work or personal reasons, selling your home in this market is difficult at best. Like most Americans, we own homes in neighborhoods that have identical or similar homes. How do you differentiate your home from the rest without putting more into your home than it is worth, yet gain the edge over your neighbor's home sale?

One of the most cost effective ways to add beauty and value to your home is to add stone accents. Natural stone is heavy and costly, and may require a Mason for installation. By using manufactured stone, you can add your own accents to the interior or exterior of your home for far less than natural stone. Installation is easy enough for any DIY'er.

Manufactured stone has been around for years. Like most products, they continue to improve. Today's manufactured stone is light weight, durable and indistinguishable from natural stone. In fact, some companies, such as Sandhills Stone in Sanford, North Carolina, will custom match colors of existing stone, whether manufactured or natural.

So go ahead, take that plain white, contractor installed fireplace in your home and transform it into a top selling feature. Accent the exterior of your home with manufactured stone and get the aesthetic edge in your neighborhood home sales. For more information on manufactured stone products, visit the sponsor to this blog - Sandhills Stone.