After more than 130 years of manufacturing one of the world’s most durable and iconic building products, Acme Brick knows a thing or two about what homeowners want around their houses. Of course, this includes brick, but over the past few years, Acme has also begun to offer customers some of the most innovative home improvement products in the world. 

For several years, researchers who chronicle the trends in home construction and home improvement have noticed an increased interest in homeowners wanting additional, functional and private spaces to augment their main dwelling. These additions have been called colorful names such as “granny flats” or “backyard cottages,” legally appropriate descriptions such as “accessory dwelling units” (ADUs), and the most popular moniker, guest houses.

For architects, home builders, interior designers and homeowners, there can never be enough choices for interior and exterior walls. More colors? Yes, please. More textures? Of course. More freedom from maintenance? Absolutely!

Driving around new suburban developments, or even more mature neighborhoods, it becomes obvious that something different is going on here. Instead of the usual FOR SALE signs in the front yard of these homes, FOR RENT signs have taken their place. This increase in the number of single-family residences that are for rent instead of sale has occurred for a variety of reasons including the greatest disruption in the past 100 years, the COVID pandemic. After working, playing and spending most of the hours in a day at home, that space has taken on new importance.

There is something about achieving a place in the Guinness Book of World Records that strongly resonates among almost everyone. Runners long to be the fastest in the world and jumpers want to leap the highest. It’s human nature to want to be the “best” in a chosen field and have this feat listed in this iconic book of world records. 

When she showed up for work on her first day at Acme Brick, Julie Sowards couldn’t have known her new job was going to turn into a 38-year ride to the pinnacle. However, that’s exactly what has occurred.

After being hunkered down for the winter months, many homeowners look forward to spring cleaning. Okay, perhaps “looking forward” is a little too rosy! Ready or not, when it's time to spring forward, it's also a good time to fall back in line and begin to declutter your home.

Here are some telltale signs that it might be time for some spring cleaning:

While there is little scientific research on the topic, there are literally generations of anecdotal “data” that support the benefits of spending time outside. It usually started with an exasperated parent saying, “you kids need to go outside and play, NOW!” This was a clear signal that it was time to head to the park, the secret fort, the basketball court, anywhere, so long as it was outdoors. In the process, this “take it outside” admonition became hardwired in our collective psyche.