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 sense?

✔️ Is 0% interest really 0%?

✔️ Does checking for financing hurt your credit?

✔️ Why are more homeowners financing projects now than ever before?

✔️ What does financing look like in the next 5 years?

We’ve got you covered.

You’ll learn:

🏠 Why financing has exploded in popularity

💳 How contractor financing works vs banks

🚀 Where financing is heading (instant approvals, BNPL, subscriptions)

🧠 The psychology behind price tags & monthly payments

🔧 How Stan’s approaches financing with transparency

💡 How to avoid hidden fees, fine print, and traps

Whether you’re planning a new roof, updating siding, or thinking ahead — this episode will help you make smarter financial decisions before small problems turn into big ones.

💬 Tell us in the comments:

Would you rather pay one large cost upfront, or break it into monthly payments?

🔔 Subscribe for more:

Homeowner education

Behind-the-scenes contractor honesty

Maintenance tips

Real talk about the trades

…all with zero corporate nonsense.

Welcome to The STAN’dard. Let’s raise the bar.

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 get through the list without creating completely new languages.

This episode has everything:

• The ultimate Wisconsin pronunciation challenge

• Kevin’s creative attempts that are nowhere near correct

• Liz trying not to fall out of her chair

• A hilarious reset from last week’s very serious conversation

Whether you are from Wisconsin, Illinois, or somewhere far away, this one will make your day.

Hit play, laugh with us, and let us know which city name Kevin butchers the worst.

👇 Comment your favorite mispronunciation and we might do a part two.

#TheSTANdard #WisconsinChallenge #KevinTriesHisBest #HomeImprovementHumor #PodcastFun

🎙️ 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 to the red flags every homeowner should look for — this episode pulls back the curtain on an industry shake-up that’s hitting closer to home than most people realize.

☕ What’s Inside:

• Why private equity firms are targeting local remodelers

• How these buyouts impact quality, employees, and homeowners

• Real stories from companies that collapsed overnight

• Five signs a company might be owned by investors

• Why family-owned businesses still matter more than ever

💡 You’ll Learn:

• How to research who really owns the company you’re hiring
• The questions every homeowner should ask before signing a contract
• How to protect yourself — and your community — from corporate takeovers

🏡 About Stan’s Roofing, Siding, Decks & Unlimited Basements

Family-owned and operated since 1967, serving Romeoville and the greater Chicagoland area with honesty, quality, and craftsmanship.

📞 Free Estimates: (708) 448-4100

🌐 www.stansroofingandsiding.com

📍 Romeoville, IL

👍 Like, subscribe, and hit the bell to stay updated on new episodes of The STAN’dard — where we talk home improvement without the fluff, the fine print, or the corporate nonsense.

#TheSTANdard #HomeImprovementPodcast #PrivateEquity #FamilyOwnedBusiness #Roofing #Remodeling #HomeRenovation #LocalBusiness

🎥 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 “trial and error”

💸 How to save money without risking your home

😂 And the funniest homeowner fails we’ve ever seen

If you’ve ever said “how hard could it be?” before a weekend project… this one’s for you.

👇 Drop your funniest DIY fail in the comments — we might feature it in a future episode!

📍 Based in Romeoville, IL | Stan’s Roofing, Siding, Decks & Unlimited Basements

📞 (708) 448-4100 | 🌐 www.stansroofingandsiding.com

#DIYFails #HomeImprovement #Podcast #RoofingHumor #TheSTANdardPodcast #ContractorLife #FunnyPodcast

🏚️ 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 they cost you thousands.

🎧 In this episode, you’ll learn:

✅ What roof and siding trends are quietly shortening your home’s lifespan

✅ The early clues your basement or attic is starting to fail

✅ How energy efficiency can backfire if ventilation is ignored

✅ What Stan’s does differently to build homes that last

👀 Look for these signs before it’s too late:

• Curling shingles or dark roof streaks

• Warped siding, nail pops, or soft spots

• Musty smells or white powder on basement walls

• Condensation on windows or damp attic air

💬 Whether you own a brand-new build or a 20-year-old home, this episode will help you understand why “modern” doesn’t always mean “better” — and how to keep your house standing strong for decades.

🔔 Subscribe to The STAN’dard Podcast for more insider tips from the experts at Stan’s Roofing, Siding, Decks & Unlimited Basements.

👉 Learn more: www.stansroofingandsiding.com

🎧 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 homes.

You’ll learn:

✅ How “cool-roof” technology and recycled shingles can actually clean the air

✅ Why new siding materials don’t just look better—they perform better

✅ The rise of eco-friendly, low-maintenance composite decking

✅ The future of basements designed to stay dry and breathe better

✅ How Stan’s stays ahead of the curve by testing next-gen materials firsthand

From solar shingles to mold-resistant finishes, discover how today’s innovations are shaping the homes of tomorrow—right here at The STAN’dard.

👉 Because the materials may change, but quality craftsmanship never goes out of style.

🔔 Subscribe for more episodes on roofing, siding, decks, and basement finishing—plus behind-the-scenes stories from the experts at Stan’s Roofing, Siding, Decks & Unlimited Basements.

📲 Learn more at www.stansroofingandsiding.com

#HomeInnovation #Roofing #SustainableHomes #SmartHome #TheSTANdardPodcast

🎙️ 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 Kevin break down:

✔️ How to keep neighbors happy during construction

✔️ The do’s and don’ts of noise, parking, and cleanup

✔️ Why permits and HOA rules matter more than you think

✔️ Dumpster placement, material storage, and curb appeal

✔️ How a project can turn from a nuisance into a neighborhood showcase

Whether you’re planning a new roof, siding, deck, or basement finishing, this episode shows how to keep the peace while upgrading your home.

👉 Because a great project should leave you with a beautiful home AND happy neighbors.

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more homeowner tips and behind-the-scenes insights from Stan’s Roofing, Siding, Decks & Unlimited Basements.

📲 Learn more about us: www.stansroofingandsiding.com

#HomeRemodeling #Roofing #NeighborhoodTips #TheSTANdardPodcast

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 (and how it saves money long-term)

✅ The different financing options available for homeowners

✅ How payment schedules and deposits really work

✅ Red flags and financing traps to avoid

✅ Smart tips for comparing offers and planning ahead

☕ And of course, we kick things off with a fun Sip or Skip!

📌 Resources & Links:

✔️ Learn more about Stan’s Roofing & Siding: www.stansroofingandsiding.com

✔️ Free home consultation: 708-448-4100

✔️ Follow us on social media for more homeowner tips

#HomeRemodeling #Roofing #Financing #TheSTANdardPodcast #SmartHomeowners

The Hidden Costs of Home Remodeling (and Why They Exist) | The STAN’dard Podcast Ep. 17

When you start a home remodeling project, the price tag on the estimate is only part of the story. In this episode of The STAN’dard, Liz and Kevin reveal the hidden costs homeowners need to understand before starting a project.

From permits and inspections to site prep, labor surprises, and those unseen details that protect your home, we’ll explain why these costs exist and how to prepare for them. These are not just “extra charges”—they’re the things that keep your home safe, legal, and built to last.

☕ Plus, don’t miss our Sip or Skip segment at the start of the episode!

What you’ll learn in this episode:

✅ Why permits and inspections matter (and what happens if you skip them)

✅ How site prep protects your property and prevents damage

✅ Labor realities and why skilled crews save money long term

✅ Material price swings and matching challenges

✅ The “unseen work” that makes projects last decades instead of years

📌 Resources & Links:

✔️ Learn more about Stan’s Roofing & Siding: www.stansroofingandsiding.com

✔️ Free home consultation: 708-448-4100

✔️ Follow us on social media for more homeowner tips

#HomeRemodeling #Roofing #Decks #Basements #TheSTANdardPodcast #HiddenCosts