Lenny | Colony Home Improvement

Get help with your roof from home improvement contractors.

Winter’s Almost Here: Should You Repair or Replace Your Roof?

October 27, 20160

The days are getting shorter and finally a bit cooler. Before long, the mercury will plummet, the leaves will fall from the trees, snow will fall and we will be in the midst of another frigid winter. If the integrity of your roof is questionable, you should have it evaluated and addressed by a roofing contractor in Westwood, MA before the snow falls and the ice builds up.

How Do You Know If Your Roof Is Damaged?

As with most components of your home, your roof will eventually wear out or become damaged. Hail, wind, falling branches and years of expansion and contraction due to changing temperatures all contribute to roof problems.

The quickest and easiest way to assess your roof’s condition is to call a roofing contractor in Westwood, MA. Most Westwood home improvement contractors are happy to evaluate your roof for free and give you a complimentary repair or replacement estimate. If you’re determined to check it out for yourself, water damage, leaks, dark spots, sags, missing shingles, loose material, the appearance of loose sand-like shingle granules in your gutters and visible light coming into your attic are all signs your roof may be damaged.

Repair or replace your roof under the advice of a roofing contractor.

A roofing contractor can help you repair or replace.

To Repair or to Replace: That Is the Question

When your roof shows signs of trouble, you have two options: patching the worn and/or damaged areas or completely replacing your roof. Repairing your roof by replacing missing or worn shingles is definitely the cheapest option. One downside of this approach is your replacement shingles probably won’t be identical to the majority of your roof. If you’re concerned about aesthetics or plan to sell your home in the near future, that’s something to consider.

Replacing your roof will cost significantly more than repairing it, although if damage is due to a major weather event, your home insurance policy may cover the cost. Replacement provides the peace of mind you have a completely new roof that probably comes with a warranty. Barring a storm or unusual event, you won’t feel you must continue to check your roof’s condition for wear and tear. Because replacing your roof addresses current and future issues, most home improvement contractors in MA recommend this approach for homeowners who can afford it.

A Word on Roof Replacement

If you decide to replace your roof, you have another decision to make: install a new roof over the old one or remove the old roof and then install the new one. If your roof already has a couple of layers, it must be stripped down before the next roof replacement. If your roof only has one layer and you decide to re-roof over that layer, you’ll probably save a significant amount of money on labor costs. But the end result won’t look perfect; if you look carefully at your new roof, you may notice mismatched edges.

If you suspect it’s time to repair or replace your roof, contact us at Colony Home Improvement for a free roof evaluation and estimate. We are a trusted local provider of new roofs, as well as southeastern MA premier home remodeling and additions!

Create a relaxing space with bathroom remodeling.

bathroom remodeling, home additions

Five Tips for Planning and Preparing for Your Bathroom Remodel

October 20, 20160

If you want to add value to your home and enhance your quality of life at the same time, bathroom remodeling in MA is a cost-effective way to achieve both goals. If your remodeling experience is limited, you may be hesitant to embark on what may seem like an intimidating project. That’s understandable! There are two keys to ensuring your project is completed on time and within budget and lives up to your expectations. First, research Weston home improvement contractors carefully before choosing one. Second, heed the following planning and preparation tips before your contractor begins.

Specify Your Desired Timeframe

If there is a firm date your bathroom must be finished by, make sure your contractor knows it well in advance. If you have house guests coming for the holidays, you’ll need to allow your contractor plenty of time to get started before they arrive.

Determine the Scope of Your Project

Bathroom remodeling in MA or anyplace else is a highly individual project. Some homeowners want minor cosmetic updates like new flooring, a new backsplash and new paint. Others want their bathroom completely gutted and redesigned. Perhaps the Weston, MA, custom built home plan used to construct your home called for a single sink and a walk in shower but you prefer double sinks and a soaking tub. A remodel is your opportunity to create your dream bathroom. Decide which, if any, existing components you wish to keep, such as the toilet, sink vanity, light fixtures and shower. Keep in mind the more changes you would like, the longer the project will take and the more it will cost.

Get help for your bathroom plans from home improvement contractors.

Home improvement contractors help plan your bathroom.

Get Inspired

The more guidance you can give your contractor, the happier you will be with the results of your remodel. Pinterest is a great place to find inspiration. Spend time looking at bathrooms and make a list of things you’d like to emulate. Is there a bathtub style you love? What about a color scheme? Copy and paste photos of what you love into a document you can save and share with your contractor.

Don’t Forget the Details

Seemingly minor details like cabinet hardware, wall texture, extra electrical outlets, a dimmer switch and heated floors can really elevate your space. The devil is in the details!

Be Realistic About Your Budget

Budget is a big consideration with any remodeling project. Qualified home addition contractors in MA can bring your vision to life whatever it is. The question is, can you afford to bring your vision to life? Even if you discover you have champagne tastes and a beer budget, relax. Even inexpensive updates can completely transform the appearance and function of a bathroom.

If you’re ready to spruce up your bathroom, contact us at Colony Home Improvement. Regardless of the scope of your project, the size of your bathroom or your budget, our team will transform your space into one you’ll be proud of!

Consider sunrooms in your home additions.

home additions, sunroom addition

MA Home Addition Contractors Can Turn Your Sunroom into a Four Seasons Room

October 13, 20160

One of the most rewarding home additions in MA is transforming a three-season sunroom into a room that can be enjoyed year-round. There’s no denying in Massachusetts, most residents prefer to spend most of their winter days indoors. By making strategic improvements to a sunroom, home improvement contractors in Wellesley are able to give homeowners welcome extra square footage they can make use of when they are relegated to the warmth of their homes. Having more room to spread out is always a benefit!

Three-Season Rooms Versus Four-Season Rooms: What’s the Difference?

As the names indicate, three-season sunrooms aren’t designed to be used during winter. They’re built to allow a home’s residents to enjoy beautiful views of the outdoors without being bothered by insects or the elements. Four-season rooms are designed to be used year-round. Either setup adds valuable square footage to a home. Many homeowners use their sunrooms as “bonus rooms” that serve as lounging/reading areas, craft rooms, playrooms, homework rooms, workout rooms or extra dining space when they’re hosting guests. The beauty of a sunroom is you can make it whatever you wish to make it!

Four season sunrooms is a great option to discuss with your home improvement contractor.

Talk to your home improvement contractor about four season sunrooms.

How Home Addition Contractors in MA Can Retrofit Your Sunroom

In three words, the approach contractors will use to turn your sunroom into a four-seasons room is this: insulation, insulation, insulation. Insulation blocks cold and wind from infiltrating into the room and making it uncomfortably frigid. Additionally, if your sunroom’s windows are not energy-efficient, your Wellesley home improvement contractor will probably recommend upgrading your windows to thicker, double- or triple-paned energy-efficient models. Windows will also be sealed and gaps between windows and walls filled in with caulk. In some instances, contractors may recommend installing a heated floor or incorporating your home’s HVAC system into the sunroom if it is not already. Overall, upgrading a sunroom is one of the more affordable options for home additions in MA. The space already exists; it simply needs to be retrofitted with materials to help keep the cold out and the heat in.

What You Can Do to Add Warmth to Your Four-Season Room

Even after your contractor has worked his magic and weather-proofed your sunroom, you’ll still have the same struggles to keep that room warm as you do warming the rest of your home. To get through the winter comfortably, here are some simple steps you can take:

Cover tile or wood floors with rugs
Hang insulated curtains over windows
Equip the room with portable space heaters
Keep plenty of blankets easily accessible
Opt for “warm” colors, such as reds, browns and oranges, for your décor and paint. This can actually trick your mind into feeling a space is warmer than it is.
Burn candles or incense to create a cozy, warm feeling in the room

Winter is fast approaching! If you’d love to be able to comfortably use your sunroom in the frigid months to come, contact us at Colony Home Improvement for a consultation.

The right backsplash should be part of your kitchen remodeling.

home additions, kitchen remodeling

How to Choose the Perfect Backsplash for Your MA Kitchen Remodel

October 6, 20160

If you’re planning to pursue kitchen remodeling in MA in the near future, you’ve probably got ideas about your ideal kitchen floor plan, what type of appliances you would like and what material you prefer for your flooring and countertops. There’s one important detail you may not have considered: what backsplash will you choose? Here are three things to keep in mind when considering your options.

What Is Your Budget?

Kitchen remodeling in MA ranges from sprucing up a space while staying within tight budget constraints to creating a dream kitchen regardless of the cost. One of the great things about choosing a tile backsplash is tile is suitable for all budgets. Backsplash tiles are available in a head-spinning array of colors, materials, patterns, shapes and sizes. Regardless of budget, tiles of varying sizes and colors can be combined for a whimsical, completely custom look. For a more traditional look, choose one subway or mosaic tile that inspires you (and you can afford) and use it to create a simple, solid backsplash. Whether you prefer bright and bold or understated and subdued, you are sure to find a tile you can afford that will put the finishing touch on your kitchen remodel.

Consider a unique backsplash in your custom built home plans.

Custom built home plans can include a unique backsplash.

What Size Backsplash Do You Want?

Home addition contractors in MA are reporting more homeowners are foregoing traditional four-inch high backsplashes in favor of backsplashes that go as high as the bottom of the kitchen cabinets or even higher. If you decide to extend your backsplash, you’ll want to make sure the material and color you choose blends well with the rest of your space. As noted, tile is a popular choice because it’s available in so many styles, sizes and colors. Other options include marble and granite. These natural materials are more durable than tile and, when sealed properly, are low-maintenance. Granite and marble are ideal materials for covering a large space in a kitchen with a classic style. Like tile, these natural materials are available in a wide array of colors and price points.

How Important Is Low-Maintenance?

When considering materials for your backsplash, take into account the fact some options require more maintenance than others. One increasingly popular backsplash trend is metal tiles, such as stainless steel and copper. Beautiful and shiny upon installation, they quickly lose their luster unless they’re polished regularly. Another up-and-coming backsplash trend is cork. It’s beautiful, but it also needs to be sealed regularly to prevent stains. The functional purpose of a backsplash is to protect walls from the splatters and splashes common in a kitchen. If you cook a lot and prefer a low-maintenance kitchen, you’ll probably be happiest with a backsplash that can easily be wiped clean.

Whether you are ready to design your own home in Scituate or simply update to your existing home’s kitchen, contact us at Colony Home Improvement. Our team would be happy to show you examples of our custom built home plans in Scituate, photos of our completed projects and testimonials from happy customers.

home additions

Planning on a Home Addition? Let the Light Shine In!

September 15, 20160

One of the most exciting things for homeowners planning home additions in MA is they’re able to embrace their creativity and work with a skilled Hingham home improvement contractor to bring their ideas to life. On the top of many homeowners’ wish lists? Brightening up a dark and sometimes depressing home. Here are some great ways to accomplish that.

Add Windows and Skylights

The most obvious way to brighten up your home is to incorporate more or larger windows and/or skylights into your Hingham home addition. Brightening up your home by letting the sun shine in not only will boost your mood, but it may also save you money by cutting down on the need to turn on the lights. Just be aware not all windows are created equally. There are many options from which to choose, including single- or double-pane windows, bay windows, awning windows, casement windows, double-hung windows and more. Home addition contractors in MA who have expertise in home additions will be able to recommend windows and skylights that will work best with the design of your home.

Walk to your home improvement contractor about adding windows.

A home improvement contractor can help you choose the right windows.

Incorporate a Sun Room into Your Home Addition

If adding windows will brighten up your home, just imagine what adding a room of windows will do! A sun room will add valuable lighting and square footage to your home. When the time comes to sell, every square foot equates to a higher asking price! You can use it as a sitting area, a kid’s room, a dining area, a music room; you’re limited only by your imagination. Your contractor will be able to provide guidance on where best to situate a sun room so you’ll be able to use it comfortably during all four seasons.

Carefully Consider Your Choice of Flooring

When you’re considering flooring for your home addition and your goal is to make your home feel brighter, consider skipping the carpet and choosing a light, shiny tile or even a warm wood or faux wood. These materials reflect light and will make your home feel cheerier. They’re also much easier to clean than carpeting. If you do insist on carpeting, choose a light color and the most durable, stain-resistant style you can find. There is nothing bright and cheerful about dingy, stained carpeting!

The Right Paint Colors Will Brighten Up a Space

One of the last phases of your home addition will be painting the walls and trim. You may be enamored by magazine photo shoots featuring navy blue or charcoal gray walls, but if your goal is to brighten up your space, opt for soft whites, yellows or grays. Lighter colors will also make a room appear larger, whereas dark colors make it feel smaller. You can always bring in your favorite bold colors through your artwork and accessories.

If you’re ready to remodel or add on to your home, make sure to partner with a skilled, reliable contractor who can bring your ideas to life. Contact us at Colony Home Improvement today! We would love to work with you to create your dream home!

Author: Lenny