Lenny | Colony Home Improvement

Use a Local MA Home Improvement Contractor to Make Sure Your Roof Is Ready for Winter

December 17, 20150

Is your roof ready for winter?

Damage to roofs may start small and can be difficult to detect, but over time and with the havoc created by a severe winter storm, your roofing problems may begin to snowball. The combination of weather, trees and animals can be a triple threat when it comes to keeping your roof in good shape.

Weather

Is your roof ready for winter? MA home improvement contractors are familiar with the following damages caused by harsh northern winters.

Wind and wind-blown debris accumulates and clogs drains and downspouts.
Rain and inadequate rain water drainage – are your gutters and downspouts clear and securely attached?
Hail damages shingles by wearing away the granules. This exposes the asphalt, which can dry up and crack from sun exposure.
Ice and packed snow can weaken and rot out surfaces. Snowfalls can worsen gutters that are already weakened from too much debris.

Trees

As much as we enjoy the majesty of trees, they require ongoing maintenance for the protection of your roof. MA home improvement contractors regularly inform their clients of the importance of tree trimming. Overhanging branches can brush against the roof, and heavy winds will cause those branches to wear down shingles over time. They also create a pathway for termites and carpenter ants to gain access to your roof and attic. If tree branches block too much of the sun over your house, moss can grow on the shingles.

Trees are also subjected to fierce winds, which can snap weak tree limbs, twigs and other flying debris and throw them against your roof. You may need to clear the limbs, twigs, pine needles and other debris from your roof.

Animals

Squirrels and raccoons can create a lot of damage. They chew on surfaces to keep their teeth trimmed, as well as to gain access to your attic for warmth during the winter. Squirrels can gnaw through anything but metal so thoroughly check your roof surfaces, soffits, soffit vents and fascia. Squirrels and rats can enter your attic through holes as small as two inches. Use caulk or foam sealant to close up any holes you find and then paint over them.

Now that you know how much abuse your roof can take, especially during the winter season, here’s where to look for problems and some tips on how to make sure your roof is ready for the winter weather.

Ask an MA home improvement contractor to check your roof.

An MA home improvement contractor can check your roof.

Inspect from the Inside

Go into your attic during daylight hours with a flashlight. Turn the flashlight off and look for cracks of light appearing through the roof and note where these cracks are so you find them when you’re outside inspecting your roof.

With the flashlight on, check for dark spots on the attic ceiling and flooring and dark trails down the attic walls. Notice any sagging areas along the roof deck. Also look for evidence of animals that may have gained access to your attic and where they may have entered.

Inspect from the Outside

Home improvement contractors for Dover and the surrounding area will advise you check these areas for holes, cracks, crevices, moisture, mold and rot:

Soffits and soffit vents
Fascia
Flashings around roof windows, dormers, chimneys and skylights
Gutters and downspouts are free of debris and drain water properly

Regular Inspections

Maintain a log of your inspections. Note the date and any flaws, such as shingles that are curled, blistered, worn or broken, in addition to any other holes, cracks and wear around your roofing system that should be checked periodically.
Perform any repair and maintenance tasks and note the date and time of repairs.
Take photos for insurance validation or for a reminder of repairs needed.

Not every DIYer is willing to climb up to the roof and inspect for damage, but if you’re one of those who do, take the appropriate precautions. Roof inspections and repairs can be more dangerous than even police and fireman occupations.

If you have conducted an inspection and would rather leave the repair work to a professional home improvement contractor in Dover, contact us at Colony Home Improvement. We can ensure your inspections were performed thoroughly and the repairs are done correctly.

Your Custom Build Floor Plan Should Include a Fabulous Closet

December 15, 20150

Include plenty of closet space in your home addition floor plans.

Home addition floor plans should include plenty of closet space.

Next to an amazing kitchen, most women understand the value of having a large, well-organized clothes closet in their home. Many men also see the advantages. In fact, everyone who dresses themselves every morning will benefit from a spacious and structured closet. Not only will this save valuable time in your day, but it will pay off in the increased value of your home.

Whether you’re including a great closet in your custom build floor plans or planning a room addition solely for that wonderfully large closet, here are some things to consider that will help maximize your design.

His and Hers vs. Ours. Many homeowners prefer separate closets that flank the master bathroom. Otherwise, plan on a room large enough for two people to share the space. Walk in closets in custom built floor plans can range from 25 to 100 square feet or larger.

Eliminate heavy furniture in your bedroom. Do you want to maximize your bedroom space by eliminating dressers and vanities? Your closet layout should include ample drawer space.

Your existing closet. Are handbags stuffed into nooks and crannies? Do you have multiple pairs of skirts on one hanger? Does seldom worn ski-wear crowd out clothing you wear every day? Keep these issues in mind when designing your closet layout.

Take an Inventory

The best way to ensure you factor ample room into your new closet dimensions is to take an inventory of your current situation. Measure the length of the clothes rods in your existing closet. Unless your hangers are now spaced two inches apart, plan on adding half to twice that length for rods in your custom closet plan.

Divide your garments into four categories and determine which items should command the most attention in your closet and be the easiest to access and which items can be stored away out of easy reach:

Work clothes and other everyday items
Occasional wear such as formal attire
Off-season clothes
Heavy coats, bulky jackets and ski-wear

Note: Those who live in colder climates typically have more winter wear and often plan for separate coat closets near the front door or mudroom.

Don't forget closets in your custom built home plan.

Your custom built home plan should include closet space.

Built-ins

While putting together your inventory of items for your new closet, consider these options to help you decide the best layout for your built-ins.

Island — A popular feature included in Needham custom built floor plans is a built-in island of shelving or drawers that is either centered in the room or banked against one wall. Islands are a great way to achieve surface space that can be used for many purposes.
Shelving for shoes — If you’re all about the shoes, plan on a floor to ceiling bank of tilted shelving. A shelf that is approximately 22 inches in width will hold three pairs of shoes. If you have many tall boots, you will want to factor in shelves at the bottom to accommodate the height of your boots.
Shelves of varying heights — If you are meticulous about folding your garments, then openly displaying them is right for you. For the rest of us, the best way to stay neat and organized is to stack folded sweaters in deep drawers or in woven bins. Make sure your shelving dimensions will accommodate the height of different sized bins.
Drawers — Items like socks and undies are best stored in drawers. Again, vary the height of your drawers. For example, shallow drawers for socks and deep drawers for sweaters.
Cubbies — These are great for items you’d like to keep visible, such as handbags.

Other Considerations

You may be tempted to completely line all four walls with built-ins. However, if the new closet in your home addition floor plans in Needham will be large enough, you’ll have room to dress and undress in there. Make sure you allow space for these items:

Dual hampers — One for dry cleaning, one for laundry.
Mirror — Positioned to give you a full-length view.
Seating — Can be a small ottoman just for putting on shoes.
Adequate lighting — Overhead, recessed fixtures or even a small window to let in natural light.
Blank wall space — For hanging necklaces, scarves and belts.
Room for bins and boxes — Storing off-season items, such as ski gloves, scarves and hats, on the top or bottom shelves keeps the items you currently wear in full view and within easy reach.

Think of how your wardrobe options will double when you can actually see all of your clothes in a well-designed master closet. You can actually have a place for everything! When designing your Needham custom built floor plans, you’ll want to work with experts who have more than 40 years of experience in design and build projects. Contact us at Colony Home Improvement for a design and construction consultation today.

Creating a Dining Room Home Addition in Duxbury That Fits Your Personality and Style

December 10, 20150

Add more dining space with a home addition.

A home addition can add dining room space.

If your children have moved closer with children of their own, family and holiday dinners may have become an exercise in how to squeeze in additional place settings. You’ve dreamed of having a large dining room to accommodate your growing family for years. Maybe it’s time to make your dream a reality!

Here are three basic plans for creating the dining room addition of your dreams:

1. Add an entirely separate room next to the kitchen — This could include windows and possibly an exterior door. Your dining room addition could also be adjacent to a living area and designed to flow into a great room for a more spacious and open feel. Great room addition floor plans in Duxbury and the surrounding areas provide a less ‘boxy’ look to a home design.

2. Enlarge an existing room — This is often called a bump out and can provide up to 50 square feet of additional living space. As with a room addition, this plan requires pouring concrete and running electricity to the area but seldom needs additional heating or cooling vents.

3. Remove a wall in the kitchen — In many cases, this will provide enough room to accommodate a larger dining table and open up the kitchen as well.

Your Entertaining Style

When planning your home addition in Duxbury, consider how the room will affect the adjacent rooms in your home. For example, do you want an enclosed room or an open, expansive area?

Homeowners who frequently host dinner parties enjoy having their dining room separated from the kitchen area so guests aren’t exposed to the inevitable clean up. These people also enjoy having a buffet table and bar in the room and can request their designers to include a built-in serving area along a wall in lieu of a stand-alone buffet.

Others prefer having the kitchen open into the dining room and even into the living area. In this arrangement, the cook feels less isolated and can enjoy conversations with family and friends while the meal is being prepared. No matter what your entertaining style is, you can plan a dining area that can take you from comfy casual for family meals to dressed up and elegant for entertaining.

Add value and beauty to your home with a dining room addition.

A dining room addition can add value and beauty to your home.

Lighting: Natural and Overhead

While designing your dining room addition, your best source of lighting will come from window placement that maximizes natural light. Once you have established the design style of your room, you can look at ceiling fixtures and install dimming capabilities to change the ambiance of your dining area.

Furnishing Your Dining Room

When you’ve determined your room dimensions, you can begin looking for the perfect dining table and chairs. Your table options can range from a traditional round to a rectangle for seating 10 people, or you can choose a square table with a drop leaf to add when you have more dinner guests.

If you’re ready to take the next step in creating your dining room addition floor plans in Duxbury and the surrounding areas, consider calling Colony Home Improvement, design and build experts for more than 40 years. Contact us today for a consultation to discuss your plans.

Tips for Designing a Comfortable, Functional Brookline, MA, Home Office

December 8, 20150

Include an office in your custom built home plans.

Your custom built home plans should include an office.

Whether you’re giving up the office commute or starting a home-based business, your home office design should start with a carefully thought out plan for creating a work environment that suits your particular needs. Home offices are typically created as a room addition, a room conversion or a multi-purpose room re-design.

The increasing need for room additions for Brookline and the surrounding towns has given contractors plenty of experience in designing home offices. No matter how you create your office space, here are a few tips to help you get the most functionality and comfort built into your design.

A Designated Work Space

One of the biggest disadvantages to working from home is the distraction from the rest of the household and its associated responsibilities. Obviously, having a separate room is ideal, but utilizing a corner section in your guest room or family room is a good second option. Built-in work areas with desk surfaces and storage are easily accomplished. Sliding screens can also be installed to enclose the space for more privacy.

Surface Space

Some people require nothing more than a small free-standing desk for their laptop. Others need lots of space to spread out their work. When designing your home office as part of your custom built home plans in Brookline, designers encourage homeowners to plan the room around the actual square footage of surface space needed for all your work requirements. Many home office designs accommodate work surfaces that can serve many purposes, such as a weekend family hobby or the kids’ school projects.

If you're consider room additions, think about a home office.

Home offices make great room additions.

Built-Ins

When it comes to storage, few people ever have enough! Home offices tend to accumulate many items that are best tucked away in storage so whether you’re designing your home office space as a room addition, a room conversion or into custom built home plans in Brookline, adequate storage should be a key component. In this situation, built-ins are the way to go.

Built-ins reduce the look of clutter and can free up floor space for an additional project table and a comfortable reading chair. Wherever space will accommodate, consider custom-built areas of shelving, recessed file drawers, custom-built cabinets for supply storage and even additional pull out work surfaces.

Lighting

A great advantage to working from home as opposed to a commercial office is you can avoid the dreaded fluorescent lighting and satisfy your ideal lighting. Illuminating a home office requires adequate and often specialized lighting.

Natural light is the optimal source of illumination. If possible, arrange the space where your desk and work area will maximize the most natural light. If you opt for a room addition in Brookline and the surrounding towns, consider enlarging an existing window or even installing a new window. Research your ambient and task lighting options carefully and get recommendations from your designer or builder. Whatever you choose, don’t skimp on lighting!

Your home office should provide space to focus and maximize your productivity. It should also be a place you are comfortable spending time in. As experts in Massachusetts premier home remodeling and additions, we will design a functional home office space that meets your requirements and your budget. Contact us for a consultation.

When It Comes to Kitchen Counters, Granite Is Tops

December 3, 20150

For your kitchen remodel, consider granite.

Consider granite for your kitchen remodel.

As you begin your kitchen remodel in Weston, you need to think about new fixtures, cabinets, appliances, flooring and much more. When it comes to your kitchen counters, Weston home improvement contractors recommend going with granite as long as it fits within your budget. This is because granite is one of the most versatile and beautiful options for your kitchen.

Durability

One of the biggest reasons granite is the top choice of any southeastern MA kitchen remodeling contractor is its durability, which is unmatched by any other countertop material. Granite is extremely resilient, which means it resists heat, etching and stains. This means you can complete all of your food prep right on the surface of the granite without concern over excessive wear. It is also easy to clean. In most cases, all you need is some hot water and a mild cleanser designed for natural stone to remove any dirt or residue from the surface. However, it’s still necessary to clean up spills as quickly as possible and take the right steps to protect the surface.

A Variety of Options

Granite is a beautiful stone that comes in a variety of colors. During your kitchen remodel in Weston, your contractor will likely show you samples of the different granite available so you can make the right choice to go with the rest of your kitchen components. You can also choose from a variety of finishes to complete the look, including polished, flamed, brushed or honed. While polished is the most popular choice due to its shine, more homeowners are choosing a smooth honed finish that results in less shine. Be sure to talk to your contractor about the pros and cons of each choice.

Ask your kitchen remodeling contractor about using granite.

Your kitchen remodeling contractor can tell you about the benefits of granite.

A Lasting Investment

Whether you’re remodeling your kitchen in the hopes of selling someday soon or the idea of selling your home isn’t even on the radar, it’s important to realize adding granite countertops can have monetary benefits as well. When individuals see a home has granite countertops, they are more likely to bid higher. This is due to the attraction of this surface and its longevity. Even if you aren’t interested in selling in the near future, it will increase the value of your home, which can be beneficial for other reasons.

Weston home improvement contractors can help you make the best decisions to create the kitchen of your dreams. With all the countertop options available, it’s important to make sure you know which ones will provide the end result you want. With the help of experienced professionals, you will quickly see granite is one of your best choices as long as it fits within your budget.

If you’re looking for a southeastern MA kitchen remodeling contractor, contact us. We can provide the guidance you need to help you select the right options for your new kitchen countertops.

Author: Lenny