The holiday season is upon us. As the days grow shorter and the nights get cooler, many of us anticipate welcoming family and friends into our homes. Whether it’s a grand gathering or an intimate reunion, preparation is the key to ensuring a memorable time for all. Here are four things to consider for your home when hosting people for the holidays:
The idea of getting your home ready for holiday hosting might make you realize that your siding isn’t in the best shape or that you wish you had an all-season porch addition to allow for more room to hang out. Now is a great time to reach out to our team to get a project quoted so that you’re prepared for when the next holiday season rolls around.
The holidays are a time for togetherness. If you want to make being together easier in your home, we’re here to help you dream up a remodel that checks all of your boxes. Sometimes it’s hard to know what your home is missing until you host a gathering with several people. Get in touch with our team for a free quote on your next project and make your home the perfect place to gather for the holidays in years to come.
The nice temperatures of fall are setting in, yet on the horizon are the chilly winds of winter. If you’ve found yourself feeling chilly inside your home despite the heater working overtime in the winter months, your windows might be the silent culprits. Aging or damaged windows can often lead to cold drafts and increased energy bills. But did you know that winter is perhaps the best time to address this issue?
A huge portion of our home's heating gets lost due to inefficient windows. When your windows are compromised, they let warm air out and cold air in. This not only makes your indoor environment uncomfortable but also pushes your HVAC system to work harder. Result? Skyrocketing energy bills.
The statistics say it all: Over half of a home's energy consumption comes from heating and cooling. So, if you're wondering why your energy bills are so high, it's time to inspect those windows.
Contrary to popular belief, winter isn't a hindrance but rather an opportune time for window replacement:
But what about the cold? Well, professional window installers, like those on our team, ensure the installation process is swift and minimally disruptive.
New windows not only offer immediate benefits like reduced energy bills and enhanced comfort but also add value to your home. In fact, homeowners can expect up to a 74% return on investment upon selling.
At TrueSon, we pride ourselves on delivering top-quality products coupled with expert installation, regardless of the season. Our commitment to home improvement ensures your utmost comfort. Reach out to us for a free quote.
The aftermath of a storm often involves hail and wind damage, a sight no homeowner wants to confront. During these times of stress and uncertainty, TrueSon Exteriors & Interiors is here to restore your peace of mind and, of course, your home's exterior.
Our team possesses a thorough understanding of the damage storms can inflict on your home. We specialize in identifying and addressing storm-related damage, delivering professional services aimed at restoring your home to its original condition.
Hail and wind are two common perpetrators of storm damage. Hailstones can cause significant harm to your roof, leading to cracks and breaks in the roofing material, compromising its integrity. Wind, on the other hand, can rip away shingles, leaving your home exposed to the elements. Both can cause visible and hidden damage that requires an expert eye for a thorough assessment and repair.
The team at TrueSon Exteriors & Interiors consists of trained professionals experienced in spotting and assessing storm-related damage. We conduct comprehensive inspections, helping you understand the severity of the damage and the required repairs. Our expertise allows us to uncover hidden issues that might lead to serious problems in the future if left unaddressed.
At TrueSon, we are dedicated to delivering top-tier service. We believe that home repairs following a storm shouldn't add to your distress. Therefore, our approach is built on transparency, quality, and efficiency.
We begin with a free, no-obligation consultation to examine the damage and propose a comprehensive repair plan tailored to your home's specific needs. This plan details the necessary materials, labor, costs, and timeline, ensuring you are fully informed before we initiate the restoration process.
Our commitment to quality is reflected in our choice of materials and our skilled workmanship. We use industry-leading products proven for durability and longevity, ensuring that your home stands strong against future storms. Our team of skilled craftsmen take great care in their work, carrying out repairs with precision and professionalism.
We also understand that time is of the essence in post-storm scenarios. We are dedicated to completing our restoration work swiftly and efficiently, without compromising on quality. Our goal is to minimize disruption to your daily life and have your home restored as quickly as possible.
In addition to our restoration services, we offer support in navigating insurance claims related to storm damage. Our knowledgeable team can guide you through the complex claims process, helping you get the compensation you're entitled to, thereby alleviating a part of your post-storm stress.
When storms leave their mark on your home, remember that you're not alone in the restoration process. TrueSon Exteriors & Interiors is committed to standing by your side, offering professional expertise and genuine care. Reach out to schedule an appointment for your home assessment.
A kitchen remodel can feel like a big undertaking. That’s why it’s important to have a trusted team that can listen to your vision and must haves and make it happen. Stacey, our professional interior design consultant on our team is here to guide you through the process and bring your dream kitchen to life. We’re sharing eight design trends that can transform your kitchen into a stylish and functional space.
The classic white kitchen never goes out of style. White cabinetry, countertops, and backsplashes create a clean and bright atmosphere that opens up the space, making it feel more expansive. This trend is versatile and complements various design styles, from modern to traditional. Add a touch of warmth with wooden accents or create a bold contrast with black hardware for a modern twist.
A cluttered kitchen can be frustrating and inefficient. Smart storage solutions are a game-changer, maximizing every inch of your kitchen and keeping it organized. Consider pull-out pantry shelves, deep drawers, and corner carousels to optimize storage space. These features not only enhance functionality but also add a touch of modernity to your kitchen remodel.
Injecting vibrant colors into your kitchen design can breathe life into the space. Consider bold-colored cabinets or a colorful backsplash to make a statement. Jewel tones like emerald green or sapphire blue add a luxurious touch, while pastel shades create a soft and soothing ambiance. Use colorful accents in decor and accessories to tie the look together.
As environmental awareness grows, sustainable kitchen designs are becoming increasingly popular. Opt for eco-friendly materials such as reclaimed wood for your cabinets and countertops. Additionally, energy-efficient appliances not only save the planet but also reduce long-term energy costs. Going green in your kitchen remodel is a win-win for both style and sustainability.
Open shelving is a design trend that allows you to display your kitchenware and decor, adding a personal touch to your space. Not only does it provide easy access to frequently used items, but it also gives the illusion of a more open and airy kitchen. Mix and match your favorite dishes, cookbooks, and plants to create a charming and personalized kitchen display.
Ample natural light can transform the look and feel of your kitchen. Consider adding larger windows or installing a skylight to flood the space with sunlight. Natural light not only makes the kitchen more inviting but also enhances the overall aesthetic of your design. It beautifully complements various design styles and adds a touch of warmth to the space.
Combining old and new elements can create a unique and inviting kitchen design. Consider blending vintage décor and modern appliances for an eclectic look. Vintage lighting fixtures, reclaimed wooden beams, and antique accessories can add character and charm to your kitchen. This approach allows you to infuse your personality into the design and create a space that feels truly yours.
The kitchen island is the focal point of the room and serves as a hub for various activities. Upgrade your island by choosing a stylish countertop material such as quartz or granite. Add bar stools for additional seating, and consider built-in features like a wine rack or cookbook shelves.
A well-designed kitchen island enhances both functionality and aesthetics.
Whether you choose to embrace timeless elegance with a fresh white kitchen or add a pop of color to make a statement, your kitchen should be the right blend of form and function that suits your lifestyle. We specialize in kitchen remodels of all sizes and budget ranges. Most importantly, we’re here to walk with you every step of the way during your remodel. If you want to talk more about your kitchen remodel, reach out to us whenever you’re ready.
If you're dreaming of adding a four-season porch to your home, you've come to the right place. A four-season porch is a great home addition that brings the beauty of the outdoors inside, allowing you to enjoy nature all year round.
But before you get started on your project, there are a few important considerations to keep in mind. In this blog post, we'll guide you through four key factors to ensure your four-season porch becomes the oasis you've envisioned.
When envisioning your four-season porch, it's crucial to consider how you plan to use this space. Will it be a cozy sanctuary for reading and relaxation, a vibrant entertainment area for hosting friends and family, or a multipurpose room for various activities? Understanding your intended purpose will help you make informed decisions about your porch's layout, furniture, and overall design. By envisioning the ideal functionality, you can create a space that seamlessly blends with your lifestyle, ensuring every moment spent there is truly enjoyable.
Our on-staff interior design coordinator works with homeowners to help make these thoughtful design decisions. She brings attention to detail through her unique eye for design and ensures that every element serves a specific purpose.
Building a four-season porch requires careful attention to structural considerations. This space should be a seamless extension of your home, so ensuring its foundation and structure can support the additional weight is vital. Working with a team of experienced professionals who are widely familiar with home additions is crucial to ensure compliance with codes and regulations. Investing in a solid foundation and structural integrity guarantees a durable and safe four-season porch that stands the test of time.
One of the primary benefits of a four-season porch is the ability to enjoy it year-round, regardless of the weather outside. To achieve this, proper climate control is essential. Insulation, heating, and cooling systems must be carefully considered to maintain a comfortable temperature in every season. Energy-efficient windows and doors also play a crucial role in keeping the space well-insulated and reducing energy costs. At TrueSon, we use Pella windows that are guaranteed to properly and effectively insulate your home. By prioritizing climate control during the planning stage, you'll ensure that your four-season porch remains a pleasant place to spend time in all weather conditions.
A four-season porch offers an incredible opportunity to connect with nature from the comfort of your home. To maximize this experience, carefully plan the lighting and optimize the views. Consider the orientation of your porch to take advantage of natural light throughout the day. Incorporating skylights, large windows, or even a panoramic view can create a seamless connection between your indoor and outdoor spaces. By thoughtfully designing your four-season porch to capture the beauty of nature, you'll create a serene environment that truly brings the outside in.
At TrueSon Exteriors and Interiors, we understand the importance of creating a space that perfectly complements your lifestyle and enhances your home's overall appeal. With our expertise and your vision, we can transform your dreams into reality.
Get in touch with our team to get your project started and enjoy the beauty of all four seasons right at home.
Kara Parrish recently celebrated 10 years with the TrueSon team. She has been with us since the beginning, and we have her to thank for much of our success.
This place wouldn’t be the same without her. She brings determination and grit to everything she does. There’s a creative side to her that is fresh and inspiring. Kara keeps us on our toes, and she’s someone you want in your corner.
Get to know Kara as we recognize her incredible commitment and loyalty to the TrueSon family.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I am married and have a 15-year old son–he’s a really sweet kid. I am an animal lover and have a Doxin and Boxers. I grew up in Mexico, Missouri, and have five siblings. I now live in Columbia and work in Ashland for TrueSon.
How did you get connected to TrueSon 10 years ago?
It all started when my husband reached out to Barry. He knew him through mutual friends, and after one conversation, Barry hired me right on the spot. He really needed the help, and I was ready to step in. When I started, I was working in Barry’s home office. Timesheets were on paper and proposals were handwritten. We had one work truck, and now we have 17. At first, it was supposed to be a part time gig, but within one week it turned into a full-time job. Barry started to build his own house and there was a shop on the property, so I then started working out of that while the new house was built. I am one of the original TrueSon employees and 10 years have flown by.
What is your role at TrueSon?
My tasks and duties are all over the place. They are constantly changing and something often gets put on my plate that I have never done before. I am responsible for accounting and HR, and am also known as the Office Mom. I like to stay busy and work hard to set company expectations with sub-contractors early on so there are no surprises. Every day, I try to teach the crew to treat everyone with respect.
What are you passionate about outside of work?
Outside of work, I love to bake. Cupcakes, homemade pretzels (which everyone says are better than the mall pretzels), and banana bread are my favorites. I also love to quilt and paint.
Without Kara, TrueSon wouldn’t be the well-oiled machine that it is today. She makes our operations more efficient and our team more lively. Here’s to the next 10 years, Kara.
In a world where employee appreciation can be overlooked, TrueSon Exteriors & Interiors is a company that makes a great effort to value and celebrate its employees. Recognizing the importance of showing gratitude and fostering a strong team spirit, TrueSon hosted our annual Team Day, an event that celebrates our hard work and allows us to connect off the job.
TrueSon founder, Barry, understands the significance of recognizing the hard work and dedication of the team. When every employee internalizes their worth and understands the positive impact they make within the company, we create a better workplace culture.
Team Day at TrueSon was filled with laughter, camaraderie, and team building. We recently completed an exercise defining our company's Brand Heart, encompassing our purpose, values, and vision with Hoot Design Company. Hoot's team attended Team Day to present to the entire TrueSon team. Unveiling this work inspired employees to strive for personal growth and embrace the power of what we can accomplish together. We're excited to share some of our Brand Heart with you all.
Our Purpose – Why we do what we do, the reason we come to work every day, the core driver of our work.
TrueSon exists to challenge the status quo. Our purpose is to move the remodeling world forward through the power of unrelenting grit.
Our Values – How we work. We strive to embody these values and for customers to feel them.
Accountability / Excellence / Integrity
Our Vision – What we're working towards. Our ultimate goal, the future that all of our work is helping to create.
To build a culture in which, together, we achieve more than we thought was possible.
After setting the tone for why we do what we do, it was time for some fun. Our team had a blast with TrueSonTrivia, where employees had the chance to test their knowledge and win exciting prizes. The team also competed in field games where our obstacle course skills were put to the test. Let's just say we gave the term rolling on the floor laughing a whole new meaning.
While Team Day is about having fun, it's also about recognizing the dedication and commitment of everyone on our team and inspiring one another to bring our best selves to work each day, ultimately raising the bar for the entire team. At the end of every Team Day, it's rewarding to walk away with the reminder that TrueSon is not just a workplace but a community where individuals can thrive personally and professionally.
Decks are a great addition to any home. They add value, provide extra living space, and are a perfect way to enjoy the outdoors. But with so many options, it can be difficult to decide which material to use, who to hire, and what added features are worth the investment.
If you’re ready to build a deck to enjoy this summer, here are a few things we recommend considering before you begin your project.
Choosing a contractor who is experienced in building decks with no shortcuts is important.
When we start working on a new deck project, we always pull the right permits and complete proper inspections. It’s surprising how often we are called out to look at new or old poorly built decks that do not follow basic building codes and are not permitted. We understand the importance of doing things the right way and ensure that all of our work meets or exceeds building code standards.
Because we are a Timbertech Platinum Contractor that uses their composite decking components, you will be provided a 5 year labor warranty from Timbertech directly. This warranty coincides with our 5-year labor warranty, providing homeowners with peace of mind knowing their investment is protected. We take great pride in the quality of our work and stand behind our craftsmanship.
Over the years, the amount of composite decks we have built has dramatically increased compared to wood decks. This is partly due to the large fluctuation in wood prices, specifically over the past few years. This price fluctuation has made the difference between wood vs. composite much closer together, making composite a more cost-effective option in some scenarios.
Treated lumber does not last as long as composite, requires a lot of maintenance (such as stain/paint) to prolong its life, and is prone to warping, twisting, and shrinking. If you’re looking for a material that prioritizes longevity, composite decks are a great alternative to treated lumber.
They require very little maintenance and no staining/painting. Additionally, composite decks have a Limited Lifetime warranty with a minimum 25-year fade and stain warranty, providing homeowners with long-term protection for their investment.
Whether your style is rustic or practical, our team of deck contractors will work with you to build the perfect deck for your mid-Missouri home.
When you think about your deck being functional for years to come, the railing you choose is an important detail. It seems like an afterthought, but we would argue that small details like this help make your deck your own. We use an all-aluminum railing system custom-made for every deck we build.
Aluminum is strong and will not rust. In addition, the powder-coated paint finish ensures that your railing will look great for years to come. We believe in using only the best materials to ensure that your investment has longevity.
Our lead times for deck installations have decreased over the past few years. If you’re ready to enjoy a safe and functional deck in the coming months, contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you build the deck of your dreams.
Our economy is showing signs of change, and while we aren’t economists, we are seeing a noticeable decline in new construction permits. Unfortunately, we have seen this before. New construction is not as viable as we watch interest rates gradually climb. More and more homeowners are shifting their attention to remodeling. History tells us when new construction starts to dry up, we will see those high-volume new build construction companies start flooding the remodeling market.
New build construction companies and the remodeling companies have some very obvious commonalities on the surface. We build stuff. Take a deeper look and we are not all that similar in how we approach business. That is not to say that remodeling companies are better than new build construction companies or vice versa, but we operate with different philosophies.
High volume new build construction companies generally work exclusively with sub-contractors. Drywallers, framers, flooring crews and all of the other various trades are subbed out and those contractors are providing a service at the lowest possible price because of the volume they do. Lumber, drywall mud, paint, grout even down to the last screw is accounted for. The goal is to get every trade to work as fast as possible so you can churn out new builds as quickly as possible. There isn’t as strong an emphasis on repeat customers. It is an ‘on to the next one’ mantra. There is marginal room for error in material, and the labor is lightning fast because time is money. One gigantic factor that should not be ignored is that new build construction can work fast because a homeowner doesn’t occupy the space during a build. They don’t have to account for dust or mud getting everywhere. This automatically makes the new build process different from the remodel process.
On the home remodeling contractor side of things, we have a different philosophy. It starts with a customer-first approach. 99% of the customers we work with live in the space we are remodeling. We are committed to protecting your belongings and keeping the space clean and healthy while we are remodeling a house. We understand the inconvenience of having workers in your home. We understand how messy a job site can get so we go to extra lengths to contain our mess and we clean each day before we leave the job site. Most importantly, we take our time to make sure we do your remodel the right way so there’s no call-backs. The only call-back we want is when you’re ready to book your next project with TrueSon Exteriors & Interiors.
New build construction companies are not equipped for remodeling. I know that reads like a bold statement, but it is generally true. Those companies aren’t customer focused enough to provide the type of service a remodeling company like TrueSon can provide. Unlike most new construction companies that utilize a project manager who schedules sub-contractors, we have an employee on site almost daily who monitors quality as the project is being done. This eliminates major issues on the final punch list walk-through. Another major difference is TrueSon backs the work we do with a 5-year labor warranty where most new builds are only covered for a year.
So, if you’re looking to do something smart with your money and you want to invest it back into your home, think about who you want working in your space. Remodeling price and speed often come at a cost. TrueSon Exteriors & Interiors has been a staple in our community – voted best Home Remodeling Company three years in a row. When you’re ready to start your remodel project, get in touch.
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It's always exciting to see a big project come together. While the crews are out there pushing through the hotter part of summer, we've been plugging away at one of our favorite projects - the TrueSon Quarterly Newsletter. We're discussing our deck building process, what we mean by "the TrueSon way", and there's plenty of advice for those looking to start a new home project!
