These days, running a successful contracting business means balancing the need to deliver high-quality results with the ever-increasing cost of materials and labour. This means sourcing reliable, affordable products that can help you create beautiful homes that stand the test of time.

When it comes to choosing durable solutions for home exteriors that keep your clients happy and your business profitable, there are a few key factors to consider and what to keep in mind when comparing options:

Ease of installation

Even for seasoned professionals, a simple installation process is essential for keeping labour costs in check. Whether it’s for roofing, pathways, or siding, look for products with straightforward instructions that don’t require special tools or machinery to install. This way you can stay flexible and reduce overhead expenses that are more difficult to pass on to clients. You’ll also want to think about whether any messy materials like mortar are involved, which can make both installation and cleanup take longer.

Rated for Canada

Our weather can be unpredictable, swinging from extreme heat to freezing cold with harsh rain, wind, and snow throughout the year. This means you need to choose products designed to stand up to the Canadian climate. After all, the last thing you want is a client calling you a few years after you complete a job to complain about leak. To avoid this, make sure anything you buy for exteriors is rated for outdoor use. A product made in Canada is also more likely to be able to withstand our weather, since the makers know exactly what we’re up against.

Striking curb appeal

Home exteriors leave lasting first impressions and can impact property value. This means even clients on the tightest budgets will want the outside of their home to look beautiful and inviting. One way to keep costs down is by choosing innovative new materials that are engineered to look and feel like the more expensive traditional versions but come in at a fraction of the cost. For example, stone veneer is an increasingly popular alternative to natural stone that’s budget friendly and beautiful.

Lifetime guarantee

Word of mouth can be the best advertising. But that only happens when clients are completely satisfied with everything from meeting timelines to using products that look just as good on day one as they do five years from now. For full confidence in the products you choose for your business, look for ones that come with a lifetime guarantee. This way, you know that things are unlikely to go wrong even decades from now, and even if they do, you’ll have support and a backup plan. A lifetime guarantee is especially important for any materials that will be exposed to the elements, as they’ll receive plenty of wear and tear.

Making a smart exterior siding decision

For siding that combines beauty, strength, and affordability, Fusion Stone is your best bet. Our mechanically-fastened stone veneer is easy to install on any surface, indoors or out. For exteriors, simply add a moisture barrier. Our products also come with a lifetime guarantee to give both contractors and homeowners peace of mind.

Available in a variety of natural colours and textures, our Canadian-made stone veneer can match any style, from farmhouse to contemporary. Unlike other stone veneer products on the market, Fusion Stone features colour throughout the full body of the stone. This means unmatched resistance to fading, scratches, chips and scuffs, so you can feel confident that your clients will be happy with their exteriors for years to come.

To learn more about the benefits of Fusion Stone for contractors and homeowners, check out our FAQs page.