You can add the high-end appeal of stone to your home, at wholesale prices with Custom Stone House

By Laura Briedis

When people remodel their homes, they usually do what is near and dear to them. But it also helps when your remodel has a huge return on investment.

According to Zonda’s Annual Cost vs. Value Report, a national platform for housing data analytics, 11 of the 12 projects with the highest return on investment were exterior improvements—with siding applications, such as manufactured stone veneer, coming in at number two.

“Curb appeal has a lot of influence when it comes to how prospective homebuyers view your home and what they are willing to pay for it,” says Ronnie Stout, owner of Custom Stone House. “A nice exterior gives a good first impression and when they walk through the door this positive impression weighs in on how they view the rest of the home.”

According to Ronnie, about 80% of new homes under construction are using stone veneer, so those with older homes are opting to add stone to their homes to keep up with design trends.

Endless Designs
You won’t find any cookie-cutter designs at Custom Stone House. As its name implies, the company customizes the stone colors, shapes and style for each customer—and does so affordably.

The locally owned company manufactures its own stone in a 7,200-square-foot plant in Lodi, so it can make an almost limitless array of colors. In its Medina showroom, there are sample boards that offer a starting point, along with a color palette of 40 different colors, and then the staff helps you narrow down your color choices and customize it to your preferences.

After you create your color, the company makes your own sample color board so you can use it to match other materials in your home remodeling project.

“By manufacturing our own stone, people can customize their stonework instead of picking from stock colors,” says Ronnie.

In addition to thousands of color options, there are myriad stone styles that can be manufactured—from Roman quarry to stacked stone to limestone.

When Ronnie started the company in 2015, he wanted to offer an affordable option for homeowners by cutting out the middleman. “We have wholesale prices, so rather than going through a supply store you get a better price directly from us,” he says.

Limitless Possibilities
You don’t have to cover your entire home in stone, as you can add architectural interest by mixing different materials on the façade.

“One way to dress up your home is by installing a foundation wrap,” says Ronnie. “This is an inexpensive way to improve curb appeal, as the stone is applied over the exposed foundation cinder blocks.”

Stone is also a popular option for your home’s interior. Whether a fireplace, bar counter facade or accent wall, stone adds an architectural design element.

“We do lots of fireplace makeovers,” notes Ronnie. “There are so many ways to update your fireplace, from floor-to-ceiling stonework to modern stacked stone.”

Custom Stone House is located at 107 N. Court Street in Medina. Hours are by appointment Monday through Saturday. For a free in-home estimate, call 330-591-2591 or visit CustomStoneHouse.com.