Dream Home side by side

Bring Your Dream Home to Life

This blog was originally published on the James Hardie website and is being shared here with permission. We’re proud to feature it on our site because it aligns with our commitment to helping homeowners make confident, informed decisions about their exterior projects.

White James Hardie siding

Getting Started on Your Re-Siding Project

Getting any project started is often the hardest part. When it comes to an exterior re-siding project, it’s easy to get caught up in an endless stream of options, questions, and decisions—only to find you haven’t made any real progress.

Do you want lap or shingle siding? Gray trim or brown trim? Should you add an accent on the gable or keep it simple?

Luckily, at this stage in the process, you don’t have to have every detail figured out. In fact, this is the fun part — where you get to dream, draw inspiration from your surroundings, and play with colors and profiles until you find the ones you love most.

The question to ask yourself now is: “What does my dream home look like?”

Followed by: “How can I bring that vision to life?”


Blue James Hardie Siding

Make Lists to Stay on Track

Take time to create a “wants” list and a “needs” list — for example, you might want a board-and-batten style exterior, but you need siding that can withstand harsh Midwestern winters and unpredictable weather.

Luckily, James Hardie® siding and trim offer both performance and beauty, giving you the design freedom you want with the durability your home needs.

Keeping your lists separate helps you:

  • Stay grounded and prioritize what matters most

  • Set clear expectations between you and your contractor

  • Avoid last-minute compromises during the design process

You may even find it helpful to keep a “don’t want” list for features you’d like to avoid. If you’ve had issues with vinyl cracking or the constant upkeep of wood siding, note those frustrations early — that way, your new siding works for you, not against you.

Before and after home siding

Gather Inspiration from Everywhere

Inspiration is everywhere — from TV shows and magazines to Pinterest boards or even a walk through your own neighborhood.

Maybe a home with contrasting trim caught your eye, or a mix of shingles and panels stood out for its texture and charm. Don’t hesitate to take photos or save images that inspire you — and don’t limit yourself to homes alone. Art, travel, and nature can all influence your color and design choices in unexpected ways.

💡 Pro Tip: Collect your favorites in a folder, digital album, or Pinterest board. This makes it easy to visualize your dream look and share your ideas with your contractor when it’s time to get started.


dream home porch

Bring Your Dream to Life with NuVu Builders

No matter where you are in the planning process — whether you simply know your home needs an update or have every design detail mapped out — NuVu Builders is here to help turn your vision into reality.

As an Elite Preferred James Hardie Contractor, we specialize in installing the industry’s most trusted siding with expert craftsmanship and attention to detail. From the first design conversation to the final installation, our team ensures your home is:

  • Protected from the elements

  • Beautifully designed to match your vision

  • Built to last for years to come


Ready to Get Started?

👉 Contact NuVu Builders today to schedule your consultation and learn how James Hardie siding can transform your home.

Let’s make your dream exterior a reality — with the quality, confidence, and care that only NuVu can provide.

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