Craftsman's Choice

04/22/2026

💰 How much does siding REALLY cost in Milwaukee?

If you’re thinking about replacing your siding this year, you’ve probably already noticed…
👉 Prices are all over the place.

Most Milwaukee homeowners end up somewhere between $15,000 - $25,000+ depending on the home, materials, and complexity.

But here’s the truth most contractors don’t explain 👇
➡️ What actually drives the price
➡️ Why two homes can be thousands apart
➡️ And how to avoid overpaying

We broke it all down in a simple, no-BS guide 👇

👉 https://craftsmanschoice.com/how-much-does-siding-cost-milwaukee/

If you’re planning a project in Milwaukee, New Berlin, Waukesha, or surrounding areas, this wi

Learn what affects siding cost in Milwaukee, from tear-off labor to material choice, and get expert guidance from Craftsman’s Choice.

03/10/2026

Understanding the Cost of James Hardie Siding in Minnesota

One of the first questions homeowners ask when considering new siding is: “How much will it cost?”

The reality is that siding replacement isn’t a one-size-fits-all number. The cost is made up of many components—materials, labor, trim details, tear-off conditions, insulation upgrades, and the level of craftsmanship involved in the installation. Understanding that breakdown is key to making a smart decision.

With products like James Hardie siding, the value goes beyond the materials themselves. Proper installation, product expertise, and experience with Hardie’s specifications are critical to ensuring the warranty remains intact and the siding performs the way it was designed to.

In our latest blog, we walk through what actually drives the cost of a Hardie siding project in Minnesota and why experience and craftsmanship are such an important part of the equation.

👉 Read the full article:
https://craftsmanschoice.com/how-much-does-cost-replace-siding-hardie-board-minnesota/

Get a clear breakdown of Hardie Board siding replacement cost, what raises labor costs, and how design choices affect your total.

02/27/2026

Come on down to the Minneapolis Home & Garden Show!

We’d love to chat with you about your exterior remodeling project you’re thinking about.🏡

Stop by our booth and say hi! We love to see familar faces and new ones too 👋🏼

01/25/2026

🎨 James Hardie’s 2026 Color of the Year: Iron Gray
James Hardie has officially named Iron Gray its 2026 Color of the Year.
Over the course of this year, we’ll be spotlighting some of our favorite Iron Gray projects which can be used as inspiration if you’re thinking about a siding refresh this year.
👉 Featured: Minnetonka, MN – James Hardie Iron Gray Siding in Alternating Lap
📍 https://craftsmanschoice.com/minnetonka-mn-james-hardie-siding-iron-gray-with-replacement-door/
This project showcases:
Iron Gray lending depth and architectural presence
Marvin black fiberglass windows.
Modern, refined look that still fits beautifully in a Minnesota neighborhood
Iron Gray’s versatility makes it a fantastic option for both classic and contemporary homes, and when paired with quality products and expert installation, the result is a durable exterior that’s truly eye-catching.
Stay tuned for more Iron Gray inspiration and reach out if you’re ready to bring this bold color to your next siding project!
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This Minnetonka James Hardie project used James Hardie Iron Gray alternating lap siding to create a modern look.

01/08/2026

As we begin our 28th year in business, it’s a good moment to pause and reflect on where it all started.
This photo takes me back to the early days - a truck, some ladders, a small crew, and a lot of determination. No marketing plans. No polished branding. Just hard work, trust, and a commitment to doing things the right way.
Over the years, that foundation has grown into something we’re incredibly proud of.
We also wrapped up 25 years in the James Hardie Alliance program, a partnership that has shaped how we think about quality, installation standards, and long-term performance for homeowners here in Minnesota.
None of this happens alone. I’m deeply grateful for:

🔨 Our teammates, past and present, who helped build this company, including many who have dedicated a decade or more of their careers here
🔨 Our partners and manufacturers who share our drive, deliver truly high-quality products, and push us to never become complacent.
🔨 Our customers who trusted us early on and continue to do so today.

The tools have changed. The trucks have changed. The standards have only gone up. But the mindset hasn’t changed at all.

Here’s to humble beginnings, strong partnerships, and continuing to build things that last. You can be sure we will continue to keep the sawblade sharp here at Craftsman's Choice.

09/15/2025

🏠 Composite vs Fiber Cement Siding – What’s Right for Your Home in MN? 🛠️

Choosing the right siding makes a big difference—not just in looks, but in durability, maintenance, and peace of mind.

🔸 Composite Siding
• Resists water damage & rot
• Factory-applied color = less repainting
• Lightweight = easier install
• Great for homeowners who want minimal maintenance

🔸 Fiber Cement Siding
• Strong against fire, bugs & rot
• Wide variety of styles & textures
• Heavier, needs pro installers, may need repainting
• Typically delivers stronger resale value thanks to its reputation & wide use in the Midwest

✅ In MN, freeze-thaw cycles + moisture matter.
Composite = minimal upkeep.
Fiber cement (like James Hardie) = proven, timeless, and often boosts home value.

Thinking about re-siding? We’ll help you pick the one that lasts. 🔧✨

09/03/2025

💡 Not All Siding Performs the Same

We tested cedar, engineered wood, and James Hardie fiber cement side by side with weights and water exposure. Here’s what we saw:

🪵 Engineered Wood – Under pressure, it swelled and shifted. That’s the challenge with wood-based products: they absorb moisture, leading to warping, swelling, and long-term maintenance issues.

🏡 James Hardie – Stayed strong and unmoved. Thanks to its fiber cement technology, it’s water-resistant, dimensionally stable, and built to withstand decades of harsh Minnesota weather.

🌲 Cedar – Natural beauty, but not designed for long-term durability like Hardie.

👉 Bottom line: when it comes to protecting your biggest investment, James Hardie is the proven choice for strength, stability, and peace of mind.

✨ That’s why Craftsman’s Choice installs more siding than anyone else in Minnesota — it performs where others fail.

09/01/2025

From weathered cedar to lasting curb appeal! ✨
This Chanhassen home on the Minnesota River Valley bluff had leaking cedar shakes and hidden water damage. We restored the structure and installed James Hardie Deep Ocean siding in an alternating 4”/7” lap pattern for a bold, modern look.
Durable, low-maintenance, and built for Minnesota weather. 💪
Check out the full transformation:

Chanhassen, MN home overlooking the Minnesota River Valley updated with James Hardie Deep Ocean siding in an alternating lap pattern, replacing cedar shakes.

08/22/2025

🎡✨ We’re at the !

Come find us at the corner of Judson & Underwood (across from the Haunted House 👻)

🏡 Thinking about new siding, roofing, or exterior projects? Stop by and chat with our team — we’d love to help!

08/18/2025

From Weathered to Wow: A Modern Exterior Makeover in Eden Prairie, MN

This Eden Prairie walk-out home had seen better days—faded cedar siding, leaky windows, and damage from persistent woodpeckers. The homeowners decided it was time for a major upgrade, and we were proud to deliver.
✅ Replaced the failing cedar with James Hardie Plank lap siding in Arctic White, giving the home a crisp, timeless look that’s also woodpecker-resistant.
✅ Installed Marvin Signature Series Black Aluminum Clad Windows, providing a bold contrast and improved energy efficiency.
✅ Worked closely with the homeowners to find a siding and trim design that complemented the existing brick, ensuring a cohesive, updated look without a complete overhaul.
The transformation brought modern curb appeal while increasing durability and comfort—proof that you don’t need to tear down and rebuild to create a fresh, contemporary exterior.

See how we took a dated home and turned it into a neighborhood favorite using black Marvin windows and Arctic White James Hardie.