House Chatt: Meet Home Improvement Expert and Host Matt Hullander of Hullco Exteriors

Meet Matt

Matt Hullander has spent 17 years as a home improvement specialist. A 1991 graduate of Ooltewah High School, Matt Attended Chattanooga State Technical Community College earning a degree in Business Management. While still a teenager Matt went to work for his father Bill Hullander at Hullco Exteriors. Starting off in manufacturing Matt worked his way through the ranks including installation and sales before purchasing the company in 2005. Matt holds a Tennessee State Remodelers License and a Tennessee Residential and Commercial Contractors License. Matt has also worked in new construction from the design phase right to completion. He has been recognized by various trade magazines as a leader in the remodeling industry, with his most recent award, being inducted in the 2009 Big 50 class, coming from Remodeling Magazine. The award recognizes the "best of the best" in the remodeling field. Qualified Remodeler Magazine has also named Matt as one of the "Top 200" Replacement Contractors in the United States.

In addition to being President of Hullco Exteriors, Matt is active in the community as a member of the Mason's and the Shriner's. He spends his free time with wife Jenny and daughter, Reese. Matt enjoys playing golf and following the University of Tennessee Football and Basketball programs.

“When applying a new wall covering, stripping off the old wallpaper is usually wiser than leaving it on. New coverings adhere better to stripped-down surfaces. Depending on the wall covering and the kind of wall it's on, there are several ways to approach the job. Now, if you've decided to strip off the old stuff, here are the detailed instructions for removing strippable wall coverings. First, pry the paper up in an inconspicuous corner at the top of a wall with the tip of a utility knife. Next, grasp the tip of the corner and, keeping it as close to the wall as possible, try to pull it down the surface of the wall. Pulling it toward you and away from the wall increases the likelihood of tearing it. If a covering is strippable, it should peel away from the wall when you apply steady, moderate pressure. If not, you're probably dealing with a non-strippable paper that you will have to soak, steam, or dry-strip off the wall. NOTE: Do not soak or use steam-stripping methods on drywall, though. The moisture can soften the wall's kraft-paper surface and its gypsum core. Instead, use a dry-strip method.”