Craftsman's Choice

09/09/2026

From aging stucco to a completely reimagined modern exterior.

This recent Minneapolis project shows just how much the right siding profile, color and windows can change the character of a home.

We removed the existing stucco and replaced it entirely with Hardie Board & Batten in Arctic White. The vertical lines were a natural fit for the tall elevations and contemporary architecture of the home, giving it a clean, modern look without trying to make the house something it isn't.

We carried Arctic White through the Hardie soffit, fascia and trim to create a cohesive exterior.

Then came the contrast.

Marvin Ultimate windows in Ebony provide a striking contrast against the Arctic White exterior, while new garage doors help complete the transformation.

There was also an important story underneath the finished product.

Once the original stucco was removed, we discovered moisture-related deterioration in portions of the exterior. Those areas were repaired before the new exterior was installed. This is another reminder that sometimes the most important part of an exterior renovation is what you don't see in the finished photos.

The final combination is simple but striking:

Hardie Board & Batten in Arctic White. Marvin Ultimate windows in Ebony.

For this house, it was a pretty hard combination to beat.

Craftsman's Choice has specialized in James Hardie products for more than 25 years, and projects like this are a great example of how those products can be used to complement modern architecture.

See the complete Minneapolis, MN siding replacement and stucco rehab, including the before-and-after transformation:

https://craftsmanschoice.com/minneapolis-mn-siding-replacement/

See how a Minneapolis home was transformed from aging stucco to Arctic White James Hardie Board & Batten siding with new Marvin windows.

09/08/2026

🎡 And just like that, another Minnesota State Fair is in the books!

A huge THANK YOU to everyone who stopped by the Craftsman’s Choice booth over the past 12 days! Whether you came by to talk about an upcoming project, check out our displays, ring the bell as a past customer, or simply say hello, we loved getting to see and visit with so many of you. ❤️

We’re incredibly grateful for another great year at the Great Minnesota Get-Together! 🎡

From all of us at Craftsman’s Choice, we hope you had a wonderful Labor Day! 🇺🇸

Until next year, Minnesota State Fair! 👋

09/06/2026

🔔 NEW AT THE FAIR THIS YEAR! 🔔

We added a little something fun to our Minnesota State Fair booth this year… our Craftsman’s Choice Bell! 🔔

If you’re a past Craftsman’s Choice customer OR have James Hardie siding on your home, stop by our booth and RING THE BELL! 🔔👏

Here’s one of our proud Craftsman’s Choice customers giving it a ring and letting everyone at the fair know they’re part of the Craftsman’s Choice family! 🏡❤️

Already worked with us? Come find us at the corner of Underwood Street & Judson Avenue and give that bell a ring! We’d LOVE to see you 🤩

09/05/2026

🎡 Heading to the Minnesota State Fair? Come say hi! 👋

If you’re out enjoying the fair, make sure to stop by the Craftsman’s Choice booth, we’d love to see you!

🏡 Thinking about a home exterior project? Stop in and sign up for a FREE estimate while you’re here. Whether you’re considering new siding, windows, roofing, a deck, or another exterior update, we’d love the opportunity to talk about your project and see how we can help!

📍 Find us on the corner of Underwood Street & Judson Avenue.

Come say hi, check out the booth, and let’s talk about your home! ❤️

08/26/2026

🎡 1 DAY TO THE MINNESOTA STATE FAIR!

DAY 1 🎨 GRAY SLATE 🩶

And just like that… we’ve made it to our FINAL COLOR! 🎉🎨

We’re wrapping up our 19-day countdown with this before & after from Excelsior featuring James Hardie Gray Slate staggered shakes paired with crisp Arctic White trim. 🏠✨

The original cedar shakes had seen better days, and replacing them with James Hardie gave this home a beautiful refresh while keeping so much of the character that made it special in the first place.

🩶 Gray Slate, what do you think of our final color?

19 Days • 19 Colors • 19 Craftsman’s Choice Homes 🏡

WILL WE SEE YOU AT THE MINNESOTA STATE FAIR TOMORROW?! 🎡🎠🙌

📍 Find us on the corner of Underwood St. & Judson Ave., across from the Haunted House!

08/25/2026

🎡 ONLY 2 DAYS TO THE MINNESOTA STATE FAIR!

DAY 2 🎨 KHAKI BROWN 🤎

We’re almost there!! 🎡🙌

Today’s before & after takes us to Plymouth, and this one is all about bringing some warmth back to the exterior. 🏠✨

The dated stucco façade was replaced with James Hardie Khaki Brown lap siding, paired with Navajo Beige shakes + crisp Arctic White trim.

The mix of warm neutral colors AND siding textures completely refreshed this home while giving it a classic look that will stand the test of time. 🤎

And just like that… we have ONE color left! 👀🎨

19 Days • 19 Colors • 19 Craftsman’s Choice Homes 🎡

🤎 Khaki Brown, what do you think of this warmer exterior color?

ONLY 2 DAYS TO GO! 🎠

08/24/2026

🎡 ONLY 3 DAYS TO THE MINNESOTA STATE FAIR!

DAY 3 🎨 TIMBER BARK 🤎

There’s a LOT to see in this one… so keep swiping! 👀➡️

Today’s transformation takes us to Eagan, where this home received a complete exterior refresh featuring James Hardie Timber Bark siding with Cobblestone trim. 🏠✨

We mixed lap siding, board & batten AND straight-edge shakes to add texture and dimension throughout the exterior but the siding was only part of this transformation!

The old light-colored brick was removed and replaced with Boulder Creek cultured stone, and new Marvin windows were installed throughout the home. 👏

From the siding styles to the stone, windows and finishing details, there’s so much to take in on this one. 😍

➡️ Swipe through to see the before, all the details and the finished transformation!

19 Days • 19 Colors • 19 Craftsman’s Choice Homes 🎡

🤎 Timber Bark, what do you think of this warm, rich color?

ONLY 3 DAYS TO GO! 🎠

08/22/2026

🎡 5 DAYS TO THE MINNESOTA STATE FAIR!

DAY 5 🎨 EVENING BLUE 💙

A new color AND a whole new entrance. 😍👏

Today’s before & after takes us to Edina, where this home received James Hardie Evening Blue siding paired with Arctic White straight-edge shakes for the perfect amount of contrast. 💙🤍

But can we talk about that front entrance?! 👀

The addition of a new portico + cultured stone completely changed the look of the front of this home and gave it some serious curb appeal. We also installed a new roof with GAF Timberline Slate shingles to bring the whole exterior transformation together. 🏠✨

This is one of those before & afters where you have to look twice! 😍

19 Days • 19 Colors • 19 Craftsman’s Choice Homes 🎡

💙 Evening Blue, what do you think?

ONLY 5 DAYS TO GO! 🎠

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.