The Stan'dard Podcast

Ep.30: Luxury V.S Budget Roofing: Can You Actually Tell the Difference?

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 Malarkey) against the classic “contractor special” asphalt shingle most homeowners are quoted. From the street, they might look the same. After heat, hail, water, repairs, insurance headaches, and energy bills? Not even close. What we cover in this episode: • Why cheap roof quotes are so tempting—and what’s not included • What “contractor special” actually means in real terms • Heat & UV exposure: why cheap shingles fail faster • Hail & impact resistance: why some claims get denied • Water, leaks, and why roofs fail after just 5–7 years • The 10-year cost breakdown that changes everything • Hidden costs homeowners never expect (stress, resale value, insurance fights) • The one question homeowners should ask instead of “What’s the cheapest roof?” 💡 Spoiler: The most expensive roof isn’t the premium one—it’s the one you have to replace twice. If you’re deciding between a low quote and a long-term investment, this episode could save you tens of thousands of dollars (and a lot of headaches). 👇 Drop your questions in the comments 👍 Like & subscribe for more real-talk home advice 🔔 New episodes weekly #Roofing #HomeImprovement #LuxuryVsBudget #RoofReplacement #ContractorAdvice #HomeCosts #TheSTANdard #RoofingTruth #HomeownerTips

EP. 29: How Much Does a Roof Cost? Home Improvement Costs Explained.

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 shortcuts contractors don’t advertise, and how to make smart home improvement decisions without overspending. This episode is all about transparency, education, and helping homeowners understand what they’re actually paying for. ⸻ 🧠 Topics Covered ✔ Why roofing prices vary so widely ✔ Roofing cost drivers in Chicago & Illinois ✔ Vinyl vs. Fiber Cement siding (James Hardie) ✔ Why some quotes are thousands cheaper—and what’s missing ✔ Insert windows vs. full-frame replacements ✔ 2026 energy code changes homeowners need to know ✔ What really happens during a professional roof inspection ✔ How homeowners are financing major projects in 2026 ⸻ 🎙️ Key Questions Answered • How much does a roof cost in Illinois in 2026? • Why are roofing quotes so different? • Is fiber cement siding worth the cost? • Are cheap contractors cutting corners? • What happens during a professional roof inspection? • How are people paying for home improvements right now? This episode is especially relevant for homeowners in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs, where extreme weather, freeze-thaw cycles, and changing energy codes heavily impact pricing and material choices. ⸻ 🔔 Subscribe for Real Answers If you want honest conversations about home improvement—without the fluff, fear tactics, or sales tricks—subscribe to The STAN’dard and hit the bell so you don’t miss future episodes.

EP. 28: The Stan’s Care Club

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. 🏠 What’s Inside This Episode: • The Reactive Trap: Why most roofing issues are invisible from the ground and how to catch them before they hit your living room. • The STANmp of Approval: Kevin breaks down the Spring/Fall inspection cycle, including attic ventilation and the "light test." • The Gutter Standard: It’s more than just scooping leaves. We discuss the flush test and why your siding should shine when we leave. • Stan’s Bucks Explained: How your $35/month membership turns into a $4,200 discount on your future roof replacement. • The Grandfather Offer: How to lock in 2025 pricing before the 2026 redesign. 🎁 Limited Time Introductory Offer: Join the Stan’s Care Club between December 25, 2025, and March 25, 2026, to lock in the $35/month ($420/year) rate! This "Grandfathers" you into our current pricing before the 2026 program redesign. Ready to get the STANmp of Approval? Connect with us: 🌐 Website: Stansroofingandsiding.com Or give us a Call: (708) 448-4100 #RoofingMaintenance #HomeOwnership #StansCareClub #StansBucks #HomeImprovement #PreventativeMaintenance

EP. 27: Protecting Your Home for The Holidays

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. 🎄🏠

Ep 26: The Future Financing of Home Remodeling

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.