Custom One Exteriors brought a Lake Elmo home back to life with updated white lap siding, a black standing seam metal roof, modern windows and new lighting fixtures. Photos: Sky Definition
Custom One helps clients update all aspects of their homes.
Rebecca and Rob Kohler live in an idyllic Lake Elmo home—a spacious interior and a backyard filled with wildlife set in the perfect location. However, the Kohlers knew it was time for upgrades to the exterior of the home, which featured outdated light blue paneling, cookie-cutter window shutters and a bright red front door.
“I kind of wanted classic [and] simple,” Rebecca Kohler says. “We live in Lake Elmo on some acreage, and we have wildlife, so I wanted farmhouse but not modern farmhouse that everyone is leaning toward. I wanted a more simple, clean, timeless feel.”
The Kohlers connected with Custom One, which launched its exteriors branch in July 2023. “Custom One is predominantly known for being a homebuilding company,” says Todd Polifka, president and owner of Custom One. “We’ve decided to diversify the brand, and we’ve created multiple business units: Home, Renovation, Landscaping and Exteriors.”
Custom One Exteriors has a wide range of exterior renovation options, including siding, roofing, windows, gutters and storm damage repair. “Switching out siding [or] windows makes a huge impact … You have beautiful curb appeal,” says Maddie Ricci, Custom One brand and marketing manager. “It makes you love driving up to your home and adds to the resale value and curb appeal. It enhances your [overall] experience.”
The Kohlers used just about every service provided by Custom One Exteriors. “We started with the roof. They replaced all the windows in the entire house, which also required new siding,” Rebecca says. “It was everything from the roof on down.” Rob Kohler adds, “Also new exterior lights and gutters.”
Their home now features timeless James Hardie white lap siding with gable peaks and James Hardie board and batten; black Anderson windows with white wood interior and white hardware (sans shutters!); a black standing seam metal roof; gorgeous farmhouse lighting; and IKO Dynasty shingles.
At Custom One, each branch of the business works together to serve its clients to the best of its ability. Whether that means the interior team is working with the exterior team, or the renovation team is working with the landscaping team, the business presents a unified front, and all communication stays in-house.
“We have many clients that are using multiple services of Custom One,” Polifka says, recalling a project where Custom One was updating the landscaping when a summer storm destroyed the roof, so the homeowner hired Custom One for some exterior work, too. “When we build trust and repertoire with them, we make it seamless for them to get work done on their home.”
Although the Kohlers started with the exterior of their home, they also brought the renovation to the interior. With a major kitchen remodel and updates to the family room, main floor bathroom and dining room, the Kohlers now feel that the inside of their home is just as beautiful as the new exterior elements.
“I really felt fortunate that the exterior team and the interior team communicated. Everyone was on the same page,” Rebecca says. “I could call anybody at anytime, and a question [or concern] was answered almost immediately.”
Nearly nine months later, the Kohlers are still loving the remodel. “I felt like my project was really important to them,” Rob says. “It was a really nice team approach they have … It was fun.”
Roof to Curb
Custom One recently launched its podcast, Roof to Curb, to discuss anything and everything home related. Polifka serves as its host and welcomes guests on each episode to discuss topics from landscaping to renovating and interior design.
Its first episode, Peter Martin & James Vagle: Are Black Windows Just a Fad?, connects with owner and president of Pella Northland Peter Martin and CEO of Housing First MN James Vagel and dives into the topics of the housing shortage, the origin of the Parade of Homes, the current trends and more. From there, episode topics include open concept design, becoming an empty nester, finding your brands authentic voice, navigating the real estate market and more.
Custom One’s podcast, Roof to Curb, is available to listen to on the Custom One website (customonemn.com), Apple Podcasts, Spotify or YouTube.
Custom One
5097 Woodlane Alcove; 651.371.9296
Facebook: Custom One Homes
Houzz: Custom One Homes
Instagram: @customonehomesmn
Pinterest: Custom One Homes
