Tag: stucco

How Much Value Does a Home Remodel Add?

Written by Kenny Construction Group on August 26, 2025. Posted in Blog.

The Main Line, Pennsylvania, real estate market is characterized by its historic charm and strong demand for high-quality homes. This desirable suburban region, encompassing areas like Gladwyne, Bryn Mawr, Radnor, and Villanova, is known for its excellent school districts, prestigious universities, and convenient access to Philadelphia. Properties on the Main Line often feature spacious lots, mature landscaping, and architectural styles ranging from traditional colonial to grand estates. The market usually shows steady appreciation. This is due to its lasting appeal, limited inventory, and strong economic fundamentals.

A well-executed home remodel project can significantly impact a property’s appeal and, consequently, its market value. Understanding which renovations yield the best return on investment is crucial for maximizing profit and ensuring a successful sale or simply enjoying an elevated living experience. This guide will delve into various remodeling projects, exploring their potential to increase value and offering insights into strategic planning and execution.

For two decades, Kenny Construction Group has delivered exceptional quality work within the Mainline. We are dedicated to providing top-tier craftsmanship that enhances the architectural character of the Mainline.

Understanding the Value of Home Remodeling

ROI (Return on Investment) in home renovations measures the financial benefit against cost. It indicates how much of your renovation expenses you can recover through increased home value. High ROI means significant recoupment or profit upon sale; low ROI suggests less return. Researching average ROI for improvements in your market is vital, as location, home style, and market trends influence returns.

Factors that influence ROI include:

Architectural integrity and historic preservation
Premium placed on quality materials and craftsmanship
Importance of curb appeal in prestigious neighborhoods

Remodeling Projects That Add the Most Value in Main Line Homes

Stucco Repair and Replacement

Main Line properties with stucco often face significant issues, primarily moisture intrusion and cracking, which can compromise structural integrity and appearance.

Moisture Intrusion

Improper installation, flashing, or sealing allows water to trap behind stucco, leading to other issues:

Mold/Mildew: Dampness fosters growth, causing health risks, odors, and material decay.
Rotting: Moisture rots sheathing and framing, compromising stability and incurring costly repairs.
Pests: Rotting wood attracts termites and carpenter ants, worsening damage.
Interior Damage: Moisture causes water stains, peeling paint, and warped drywall inside.
Reduced Energy Efficiency: Compromised insulation decreases energy efficiency.

Cracking

Stucco cracks are common, but some signal serious problems:

Shrinkage Cracks: Hairline cracks from stucco drying can widen.
Settlement Cracks: Larger, irregular cracks due to foundation shifts, indicating structural movement.
Impact Cracks: Localized cracks from physical impacts (e.g., hail).
Thermal Expansion/Contraction: Temperature changes cause stress and cracking.
Improper Mix/Application: Poor stucco mixture or thin application increases cracking.

Addressing these stucco issues in the Main Line requires professional expertise. Early detection and repair are crucial to prevent minor problems from escalating into expensive structural damage. Homeowners should regularly inspect stucco and seek expert advice when concerns arise.

Stucco replacement offers significant ROI. Promptly addressing stucco issues prevents costly damage. New stucco or James Hardie cement board siding enhances curb appeal, improves energy efficiency, and boosts resale value significantly. It also mitigates health concerns from mold due to rotted wood material. When considering stucco work, understand the scope of work that we provide all customers. This investment fixes problems and provides a substantial financial return when selling a home.

Once your stucco remediation is complete, your home’s curb appeal will be significantly enhanced, whether you choose to reinstall stucco or opt for James Hardie siding. This noticeable improvement will draw the attention of your neighbors and substantially increase your home’s value.

Premium Siding Options

New siding makes a home’s exterior look better and makes the structure stronger. Upgrading to durable materials like fiber cement provides numerous benefits. Fiber cement is known for longevity, resistance to rot, pests, and fire, and offers a range of styles with low maintenance. James Hardie siding boosts curb appeal, protects against elements, and improves energy efficiency, making it a sound investment for lasting value and beauty.

Home renovations boost property value through improved aesthetics and energy efficiency. Visually appealing updates like modern kitchens, fresh paint, and landscaping create a strong first impression. Energy-efficient improvements include the following:

High-performance windows
Better insulation
Smart HVAC systems

These reduce utility costs and also attract buyers who want sustainable and cost-effective living. Focusing on these areas maximizes renovation returns and marketability.

Popular Main Line siding styles complementing local architecture include:

Lap siding (Horizontal Siding)

Classic, uniform, found in fiber cement and vinyl.
Shingle Siding (Shake Siding)

Textured, natural, common on Craftsman and Shingle Style homes, typically cedar or fiber cement.
Stone Veneer

Used for lower portions or accents on substantial or historic homes.
Stucco

Smooth, seamless, popular on Mediterranean Revival, Spanish Colonial, and some Colonial Revival homes.

Kitchen and Bathroom Remodels

Kitchen and bathroom renovations offer the highest return on investment for home value. Updated kitchens have many features that greatly enhance appeal, such as the following:

Modern cabinetry and countertops
Energy-efficient appliances
Functional layouts
Stylish fixtures

Renovated bathrooms have the following features:

Modern vanities
Quality tile work
Updated showers or tubs
Improved lighting and ventilation

These features create a spa-like retreat. Investing in quality materials and design in these areas substantially boosts market value.

Main Line home renovations emphasize luxury. Key trends include premium natural stone, imported tile, and high-quality paint for sophisticated finishes. Custom cabinetry offers tailored storage, utilizing high-grade hardwoods and innovative solutions. High-end fixtures like designer lighting, premium plumbing, and quality hardware complete the look, enhancing both aesthetics and property value.

Successful home remodels blend functionality, luxury, and comfort to maximize investment return and daily living. Functionality optimizes space for better flow, storage, and utility (e.g., smart kitchen layouts, accessible bathrooms, home offices), adapting homes to evolving needs and increasing appeal. Luxury elevates the experience beyond expensive materials, through high-end finishes, smart home tech, and custom features, signaling premium quality and boosting value. Comfort is important for livability. It includes better insulation, noise reduction, optimized lighting, and ergonomic designs. These create an inviting sanctuary. Integrating these elements transforms a living space into an exceptional one, ensuring significant ROI and long-term satisfaction.

Outdoor Living Spaces and Enhancements

Beyond interior remodels, exterior enhancements significantly boost home value.

Landscaping: A well-designed landscape, including healthy lawns, strategic plantings, and hardscaping (pathways, retaining walls), enhances curb appeal, creates an inviting atmosphere, and can improve energy efficiency.
Outdoor Kitchens: These functional extensions of the home, from basic grills to elaborate setups, cater to entertaining and al fresco dining, attracting potential buyers.
Patios and Decks: These foundational outdoor living spaces provide areas for relaxation and dining. Material choice and design should complement the home, expanding usable square footage and adding value. Consider size, drainage, and seating.

This enhances aesthetics and functionality, allowing residents to appreciate their surroundings. Options include large bifold/sliding doors, strategic windows, or well-designed porches/decks. The aim is to blur interior/exterior lines, creating openness and connection to nature.

They extend living areas, encourage outdoor activity, and provide a refreshing alternative to indoor living. Thoughtfully designed, these versatile spaces seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor living, adding significant value to your home and lifestyle by enabling beautiful, comfortable hosting.

Factors Influencing the ROI of Home Remodeling

Our unwavering commitment to quality and craftsmanship is at the core of everything we do at Kenny Construction Group. A home remodel isn’t just about changing a space, but about investing in your home’s future. Our dedicated team works from the initial design consultation to the final touches. They pay close attention to detail. They use only the finest materials. Skilled carpenters do the work. This dedication to excellence results in a finished product that meets and exceeds your expectations.

When remodeling, prioritize timeless design over fleeting trends for lasting appeal and value. Timeless elements — classic lines, neutral palettes, durable materials — ensure enduring elegance. Trendy features can quickly date a home, so save them for easily changeable elements like accessories or paint. Harmonize new designs with the home’s existing architectural style. The best approach balances a timeless foundation with contemporary accents that can be updated without a complete overhaul.

Choosing a contractor who is familiar with the architectural designs of the Main Line is crucial because most of the homes in the area have a very unique style that is hard to replicate! Frank Kenny was born and raised in Bryn Mawr, so he has been in touch with the style those homes provide his entire life, and that has translated into providing top-notch quality to all of our customers.

Protecting Your Investment with Kenny Construction Group

A strategic home remodel can significantly contribute to maintaining and increasing home value, particularly in an area like the Main Line. Thoughtful renovations not only enhance curb appeal and livability but also directly impact a property’s market desirability and appraisal value. By focusing on updates that align with current market trends and buyer preferences, homeowners can ensure their investment yields a strong return. This includes bathroom and kitchen remodels, improving energy efficiency, and creating versatile living spaces. Ultimately, a well-executed remodel transforms a house into a more attractive and valuable asset within the competitive Main Line real estate market.

So contact Kenny Construction Group today! Our team of experienced professionals can provide in-depth insights, discuss potential return on investment for various projects, and help you make informed decisions that align with your financial goals and lifestyle.

How Quality Stucco Replacement Increases Your Home’s Market Value in the Main Line

Written by Kenny Construction Group on February 25, 2025. Posted in Blog.

If you notice stucco issues at your home, we recommend that you call as soon as possible so your home does not deteriorate further. Homes in the Main Line are high-end properties, so maintaining your home will only continue to grow in value. Many mainline homes are Dutch colonial, English Tudor, Georgian, and other combined architectural styles. With those being desirable home styles, we at Kenny Construction are experienced in maintaining the existing style! Stucco replacement increases home value because if you want to sell your home, failed stucco gets rid of countless potential buyers. Suppose you get ahead of the existing issues before listing your home. In that case, you can list your home for a significantly higher amount, and you will not scare away a potential sale with the scary renovation cost.

The Role of Stucco in Main Line Architecture and Curb Appeal

Some homeowners in the Mainline have experienced problematic stucco; in our experience, the issue was more related to an improper installation than the material itself.

Houses on the Main Line have a unique Georgian-style look. When you install new stucco, you can match the existing texture on the latest stuff to retain the original look.

Stucco is a low-maintenance, extremely durable product! You may only need to power wash the exterior every few years, so your stucco will continue to look new, and your home will look like the nicest house around!

Why Quality Stucco Replacement Matters

The humid and occasionally wet climate in Southeastern Pennsylvania creates a perfect environment for water infiltration and mold growth. Homes and buildings in this region are particularly vulnerable to moisture, especially during the rainy seasons.

Water infiltration can occur through foundation cracks, leaky roofs, or poorly sealed windows and doors. Moisture can lead to various issues, including structural damage and deterioration of materials. Additionally, the presence of moisture can foster the growth of mold, which not only damages surfaces but can also pose health risks to occupants.

The issue is not typically the age of the stucco; the issue is the installation. Some old homes that have stucco issues are no one’s fault. Many years ago, many contractors did not know all the flashing details required for the stucco to avoid any problems. Many water diverter systems are in place to ensure the water will not get behind the stucco.

We highly recommend an entire inspection when purchasing a home in the mainline. The home may look perfect during your walkthrough but have many issues you don’t see on the surface. The last thing you want is to purchase the house and realize it will need many renovations you did not expect.

Local Real Estate Insights: How Exterior Upgrades Affect Home Prices

Buying a home in the Main Line area is a competitive market because many people who own their homes may be reluctant to sell them, as the Main Line is a desirable place to live! Suppose you are looking to sell your home and are having stucco issues. In that case, we recommend remediation before selling because the look alone will look much better in the pictures. Plus, stucco replacement increases home value significantly.

When purchasing a new home with stucco on the exterior, we highly recommend completing a stucco inspection before purchasing your potential home. The reason is that stucco replacement or remediation is not a cheap problem to resolve. The stucco inspection report will show high moisture readings around the home. Then, you can work with the seller to resolve those issues.

Signs Your Stucco Needs Replacement

Recognizing the early warning signs that your stucco may need replacement is essential to maintaining your home’s integrity and beauty.

Visible Cracks and Chips

Sometimes, stucco has unproblematic hairline cracks on the surface. However, careful examination is required to ensure the crack is not deep enough to get behind the stucco and rot through the other home components. When a deep crack is causing moisture issues, address the problem immediately so you do not have to repair more than you originally needed due to neglecting the issue.
Moisture Stains or Mold Growth

When you start seeing black streaks on the exterior of your home, that can mean one of two things. One is dirt, which can be caused by various reasons, such as a tree standing close to the house. The other is water getting behind the stucco and causing dark streaks on the walls. When water gets behind the stucco, you typically notice these black streaks below the windows.
Drafts or Insulation Problems

Pennsylvania experiences every season, so in the extreme cold or heat, you will notice an increase in your electricity bills because your HVAC units are working hard to keep up. When you have the stucco remediated, you want to ensure the contractor reinsulates the problematic areas to eliminate the draft in your home.
Age of Existing Stucco

Stucco typically has a long lifetime of 50 years with proper installation and all of the flashing devices required in the current code. The main reason for failed stucco is missing components, which allows water to get behind the stucco and seep into the house structure.

Why Trust Kenny Construction Group

Kenny Construction has done many stucco remediation projects throughout the mainline and never has left with an unhappy customer! Our guys are experienced in retaining the original look of the home.

When we start new stucco remediation in the mainline, we will address the exterior finish you are looking for before beginning to ensure we are all on the same page moving forward. We will let you know how the timeline of events will happen.

Frank and Brad work directly with homeowners to ensure they know exactly what will happen throughout the job before starting. Once we start working with you, we have an open line of communication for any questions you may have! You will also work with our project manager, Garrett, who is on-site daily to check in with you!

Kenny Construction Group has been doing stucco for over a decade and has learned how to install the flashing details from multiple third-party inspectors properly. We train yearly to ensure we are always on top of the new code changes and systems.

Call Kenny Construction for Stucco Replacement Services

Stucco replacement increases home value while providing a perfect house for the next owner. Once the work is completed, the exterior will look like a different home!

If you have noticed stucco issues, don’t wait any longer. Call Kenny Construction Group to transform your home!

Kenny Construction Group would love to partner with you throughout this process and provide you with the perfect home.

Why the Stucco on Your House is Cracking

Written by Kenny Construction Group on August 15, 2024. Posted in Blog.

You are proud of your beautiful Main Line home, but recently, you may have noticed cracks in your stucco exterior. What is going on? This blog will help you understand the potential issues of common stucco cracking causes. So look no further; call us to receive your free estimate and no longer have to worry about your home.

Disregarding the exterior of your home can ultimately cause severe structural issues. What looks like a small crack can be a big deal because water gets behind the stucco and soaks into the wood materials. When that happens, the wood that supports your home rots away.

Common Causes of Stucco Cracks in the Main Line Area

Stucco is a popular exterior finish in the Main Line area, known for durability and aesthetic appeal. However, homeowners often encounter issues with cracking, which can detract from the beauty of their property and lead to more significant structural damage if left unchecked. Understanding the common stucco cracking causes is essential for effective maintenance and prevention.

Climate and Weather Patterns: Cold winters and humid summers cause thermal expansion and contraction, which stress stucco. In freeze-thaw cycles, moisture can enter the stucco, freeze, expand, and lead to cracking.
Improper Installation: Many older homes in the area were built with stucco that was not applied with the proper backing or drainage systems, leading to moisture retention and cracking.
Shifting Soil and Foundation Settling: Due to the historic nature of some Main Line homes and varying soil conditions, gradual settling can put pressure on stucco, causing cracks to form.
Water Intrusion and Poor Drainage: Improper drainage or clogged gutters allow water to seep behind stucco, leading to mold, mildew, and cracking.

The Risks of Ignoring Cracked Stucco

Escalating Damage: Cracks in stucco are more than just cosmetic issues; these cracks can widen over time, allowing water to penetrate and cause deeper problems.
Mold and Rot: When water gets trapped in wood, the wood swells. The first thing that happens is bulging out of the home’s stucco, leading to cracking due to the expansion.
Energy Efficiency Loss: Cracked stucco can impact insulation, causing drafts and increasing heating and cooling costs, which is especially significant for large, energy-hungry homes in the region.
Decreased Home Value: Buyers in the Main Line area typically look for well-maintained, high-quality homes, and visible stucco issues can reduce a home’s appeal and market value.

When to Consider Replacing Stucco with Siding

Larger cracks or noticeable bulging in stucco may indicate an underlying problem. If you begin to see cracks or bulging, contact a certified stucco inspector to evaluate your home thoroughly.

Additionally, persistent moisture issues that continue despite repairs should be addressed.

Consider the stucco age as well; homes over 20-30 years old may require a more modern, durable solution.

Advantages of Siding for Main Line Homes

Durability and Low Maintenance: Modern siding materials, like fiber cement or high-end vinyl, offer superior resistance to weather and moisture.
Better Insulation and Energy Efficiency: Siding options have added insulation that can improve energy efficiency.
Aesthetic Appeal: Siding can provide a fresh, updated look while maintaining the elegant character of a Main Line home.

Why Kenny Construction Group is the Right Partner

Kenny Construction specializes in high-end restorations, and with that, your new stucco can have an antique rustic or modern look. Many homeowners in the mainline have been looking to create a modern home look recently and are looking to install fiber cement siding or high-end vinyl siding to prevent more stucco issues.

When you have stucco issues, we at Kenny Construction Group recommend having a qualified stucco inspector perform a thorough inspection to ensure every issue is addressed.

Kenny Construction Group’s employees are stucco remediation specialists and take great pride in the process. Whether we are installing siding or stucco, every job gets our full attention until completion.

From the start, we establish a plan with the homeowners on what areas need to be remediated and keep open communication so our customers know what is happening throughout the process.

We at Kenny Construction Group have done countless projects in the Mainline, making the new stucco look aged to maintain the home’s old-school look.

Take Action to Protect Your Home

Our employees at Kenny Construction Group are stucco remediation specialists who pride themselves on providing top-quality work to ensure every client is happy! When you work with us on a project, we will assess the stucco issues and create a plan to resolve them so you no longer have to live with cracking stucco that leads to many other issues.

Stucco cracking causes may seem like a small issue, but acting swiftly to protect your home and preserve your property value is crucial. Contact Kenny Construction Group for quality work, expertise, and peace of mind.

5 Signs Your Home Needs Stucco Replacement Sooner Rather Than Later

Written by Kenny Construction Group on July 1, 2024. Posted in Blog.

As a building material, stucco is tough and a great product when installed correctly. However, stucco has gotten a bad reputation among many homeowners because of improper installation. The installation process is crucial because improper installation can lead to problems for a home down the road. These problems indicate that the stucco needs replacing. This article will explore the key signs your home needs stucco replacement.

1. Cracking and Fragmentation

Stucco cracks can vary in size, shape, and severity. Here are some common types:

Hairline Cracks: These are thin, barely noticeable cracks that resemble hair.
Spiderweb Cracks: These cracks form a web-like pattern, often radiating from a central point.
Structural Cracks: These cracks are typically broader and deeper, often showing signs of displacement.
Alligator Cracks: These cracks form a pattern resembling alligator skin, with many small, interconnected cracks.
Efflorescence Cracks: These cracks are often accompanied by white, powdery deposits (efflorescence).

Certain cracks may not look harmful to your home, but water can get right behind the stucco if the cracks are deep enough into the house.

If you do not address large cracks in the stucco when you notice them, severe moisture damage becomes a problem. When water gets through the stucco because of cracking, the wood absorbs the water, then swells, making the stucco bulge, and everything behind the stucco starts to rot out.

2. Staining and Discoloration

Stains on your drywall may be a bigger problem than you think. When you see stains on the drywall, typically, those stains are not caused by issues inside the home. Water intrusion from the home’s exterior usually causes stains and discolored drywall. Once you see stained drywall, call a professional as soon as possible because water has already gone through all the wood materials. Now, water is absorbed into the drywall and is becoming mold, a health risk for everyone in the home.

Water damage can be a massive issue, especially once the water starts rotting out the main supports of your home. You will notice some sagging in your floors when your supports start rotting away. Once that happens, the solution is to jack the floors up and install new support beams to ensure your home is as safe as possible.

If you notice your floors sagging, there is a structural issue. We highly recommend calling a professional home inspector to address the root of the problem.

3. Bulging, Warping, or Bubbling

Another one of the signs your home needs stucco replacement is bulging, warping, or bubbling walls. When water starts getting behind the stucco and absorbed by the wood materials, the wall will bulge out. Wall bulging is a structural problem with the home, specifically the beams, which is hazardous for everyone living there. Houses rely on these beams to support their weight, so a house starts losing its structure when the beams rot out.

When you start noticing bulging, warping, or bubbling, please call a certified stucco inspector and have them perform a moisture test to determine the extent of the water damage.

4. Mold or Mildew Presence

Moisture penetration left unattended will eventually turn into mold, despite the multiple layers the moisture has to go through. Once the water starts penetrating the house, the wood materials and beams start rotting. After enough moisture gets to the interior drywall, you notice the mold comes into play.

If left unaddressed, mold can compromise your immune system and lead to respiratory problems, exposing you to many short-term and long-term health hazards. Promptly address any moisture issues to prevent these risks to your health and home.

5. Stucco Deterioration Around Windows and Doors

Improperly installed flashing will result in more stucco issues than you previously had. The flashings in place help divert water and prevent water from seeping into a home. So obviously, when someone installs them wrong or does not install them at all, the water that was supposed to be diverted is now dumped into the walls of your home.

A fundamental way to ensure a contractor correctly installs stucco on your home is to have a third-party stucco inspector oversee the project. When you hire a third-party inspector, they will check every step of the remediation process.

What to Do If You Notice These Signs

If you notice any signs of water damage, we highly recommend calling a certified stucco inspector to identify the areas that need immediate attention. When replacing stucco, work with a qualified, experienced professional because improperly installed stucco will result in the same problem as before.

Call Kenny Construction for Stucco Replacement & Water Damage Repairs

Water damage can be very harmful because it turns into mold and rotted wood. When you see the first signs your home needs stucco replacement, call a professional immediately to get ahead of the problem and minimize the damage that needs replacing. Call us at Kenny Construction Group to receive your free estimate!