The Stan'dard Podcast

DIY can save money—or cost you thousands. In this episode of The Stan’dard Podcast, Liz and Kevin break down the biggest home improvement mistakes they see, from leaky DIY gutters to improper roof flashing and contractors cutting corners. They also share the questions every homeowner should ask before hiring a contractor, plus a few military stories and a look at the RingConn Gen 2 Smart Ring. Whe...

Thinking about a cedar shake roof? 🌲 Before you decide, learn the real pros, cons, costs, and maintenance that come with it. We break down why homeowners love the look of cedar, the upkeep it requires, and how products like Malarkey Windsor can deliver a similar appearance with far less maintenance. If you’re considering a new roof, this video will help you make a more informed decision.

Gutter guards are one of the most debated topics in home maintenance—but are they actually worth it? In this episode, we break down the truth behind gutter protection systems, from realistic expectations and product differences to installation, long-term value, and common mistakes homeowners should avoid. Our expert shares what separates a quality system from the rest, how different designs handle...

Is your roof just ugly, or is it actually failing? 🏠 In this episode, we break down the crucial physical warning signs every homeowner needs to watch out for—from hidden red flags inside your attic to what it really means when you find shingles in your yard after a storm. We also dive into the 2026 Industry & Material Updates, discussing the biggest shifts in modern roofing technology and why...

Summer Survival Guide PT. 2 ☀️🏠 In Part 2, we cover how summer heat, UV rays, algae, and moisture can damage your siding, roof, and deck — and what homeowners should look for before small issues become expensive repairs. We also break down: • Why power washing a roof is a bad idea • Warning signs of deck failure and wood rot • How siding impacts cooling efficiency • What to watch for when hiring...

🔥 THE SUMMER SURVIVAL GUIDE – PART 1 🔥 Summer in Chicagoland means brutal heat, surprise thunderstorms, rising energy bills, and roofs taking a beating. In Part 1 of our Summer Survival Guide series, we break down the biggest hidden problems homeowners face before peak summer hits. 🏠 In this episode, we answer: • How hot can your attic REALLY get on a 90° day? • Signs your attic is overheating...

Thinking about building or upgrading your deck? Start here. In this episode, we break down what homeowners get wrong about their “dream deck,” why so many fail early, and how to build it right from the ground up. From treated wood foundations to low-maintenance composite options and pergolas that turn your deck into a true outdoor room—we cover it all. Plus:* Wood vs. composite: what actually make...

Confused by roofing estimates? You’re not alone. In this episode, we sit down with the creator of Audit My Estimate to break down why quotes vary so much, what homeowners often miss, and how to spot red flags before you sign. Learn how to compare bids the right way, verify your contractor, and make confident decisions—without the sales pressure.

Spring is here—but before the storms roll in, your home needs to be ready. In this episode of The STAN’dard, Liz sits down with Kevin to break down the ultimate spring home maintenance checklist to protect your roof, siding, gutters, windows, and basement from costly damage. After a long winter of freeze-thaw cycles, your home could already be vulnerable—and most homeowners don’t even realize it....

Did the recent hail storm damage your home… even if you don’t see a leak? 🌩️🏠In this episode of The STAN’dard, Liz sits down with roofing expert Kevin from Stan’s Roofing, Siding, Decks & Unlimited Basements to break down what homeowners really need to know after a major hail storm. From golf-ball sized hail to hidden siding damage, we answer the biggest questions homeowners are asking right...

A roof is supposed to last 30 years… but the crew installing it might have been hired 30 hours ago. In this episode of The STAN’dard, Liz asks the questions homeowners are really thinking: • Why does the age of a roofing company matter? • Who is actually installing your roof? • And why are more contractors turning to “last-minute crews” found online? Kevin pulls back the curtain on a growing trend...

In this episode of The STAN’dard, we break down the biggest conversations happening around James Hardie right now — from the new TimberHue™ Collection and the rise of bold exterior colors like Iron Gray, to the real science behind the HardieZone® System and why siding formulas change by region. We also dig into what the 2026 building codes mean for fire resistance, how fiber cement performs in Wil...

Is the cheapest roof actually the most expensive mistake? In this episode of The STAN’dard, Liz puts Kevin to the test with a question every homeowner asks—but few get an honest answer to: 👉 Can an $8,000 roof really cost more than a $25,000 roof over 10 years? We break down luxury vs. budget roofing in a real-world, no-fluff torture test, comparing a premium roofing system (like DaVinci or Malar...

Why does one roofing quote come in at $15,000 and another at $35,000? Is fiber cement siding really worth double the price of vinyl? And are those “cheap” contractor quotes actually costing homeowners more in the long run? In this Q&A-style episode of The STAN’dard, Liz asks the questions every homeowner is thinking—but rarely gets clear answers to. Kevin breaks down the real cost drivers, the...

Stop waiting for the "brown spot" on the ceiling! In this episode, Liz and Kevin dive into why the "Panic Call" is the most expensive way to own a home and how the Stan’s Care Club is changing the game for homeowners. From the "STANmp of Approval" inspection checklist to the math behind Stan’s Bucks, learn how you can actually make your roof maintenance pay for itself...

Grab some hot cocoa and join Kevin and Liz for a festive Christmas episode where we share simple, practical holiday tips to help protect your home all season long. From winter weather prep to avoiding common holiday hazards, this one’s equal parts cozy and helpful. 🎄🏠

Financing a roof or siding project used to feel awkward… but today? It’s becoming the smartest way homeowners protect their homes. In this episode of The STAN’dard, Liz and Kevin break down how home project financing is changing fast — from rising costs and instant approvals to new options like “buy now, pay later” for home improvement. If you’ve ever wondered: ✔️ When does financing actually make...

After last week’s heavy and serious episode, we decided it was time for something a little lighter. And by lighter, we mean laughing until we cry. In this episode of The STAN’dard, Liz puts Kevin to the test with a list of Wisconsin city names that even lifelong Midwesterners struggle to pronounce. From Oconomowoc to Menomonee Falls, watch Kevin attempt to sound confident, stay calm, and somehow g...

🎙️ Episode 26 – The Dangers of Private Equity: When the Suits Buy the Ladders When giant investment firms start buying local home-improvement companies, homeowners pay the price. In this episode of The STAN’dard, Liz and Kevin break down what’s really happening behind the scenes when private equity takes over trusted, family-owned remodelers. From sudden company shutdowns and vanishing warranties...

🎥 Get ready for chaos, laughter, and way too many “that looked easy on YouTube” stories. In Episode 23 of The STAN’dard, Liz, Kevin, and (uninvited guest) Luke dive into “The Great Debate: DIY or Call a Pro?” From paint jobs gone wrong to “creative” home fixes involving duct tape, the crew breaks down: 🛠️ When it’s safe to DIY (and when to drop the wrench) ⚡ Why certain projects should never be...

🏚️ Some homes are doomed from day one. From stylish low-slope roofs that trap water to “energy-efficient” builds that can’t breathe, modern homes often hide major design flaws beneath the surface. In this episode of The STAN’dard, Liz and Kevin pull back the curtain on the shortcuts, mistakes, and poor planning that cause good homes to go bad — and teach you how to spot the warning signs before th...

🎧 Episode 20 – The Material World: What’s New in Home Innovation Hosts: Liz (Brand Ambassador) & Kevin (Owner/Expert) 🏡 Your home is smarter than you think and it’s only getting smarter. In this episode of The STAN’dard, Liz and Kevin explore the future of home improvement: the game-changing materials, technology, and innovations that are transforming the way we build, protect, and enjoy our...

🎙️ Episode 19 – Neighborly Nuisances: How Exterior Projects Affect Your Block Hosts: Liz (Brand Ambassador) & Kevin (Owner/Expert) 🏡 Your home project doesn’t just affect you—it affects your whole block. From early-morning noise to dumpsters, parking, and HOA rules, remodeling can quickly turn into a neighborhood headache if it’s not handled right. In this episode of The STAN’dard, Liz and Ke...

Financing Your Remodel: What Homeowners Should Know | The STAN’dard Podcast Ep. 18 Remodeling your home is a big investment, and most homeowners don’t have tens of thousands of dollars sitting around. That’s where financing comes in. In this episode of The STAN’dard, Liz and Kevin break down how to pay for your dream project without draining your bank account. We’ll cover: ✅ Why financing matters...