Lenny | Colony Home Improvement

Add More Windows and Skylights to Your Home and Let the Sun Shine In

October 2, 20140

Skylights installation adds more natural light.

Bring more natural light into your home with skylights installation.

Homes lacking adequate amounts of natural light can begin to feel like dark caves. There are many ways to increase natural illumination in your home. Perhaps you are considering replacing home windows with new models, which protect from UV rays, allow more light and conserve energy. Others might consider installing skylights to add extra illumination and a wonderful view of the night sky. No matter what the design, style or age of your home, there are lighting solutions that can help brighten rooms, as well as your mood.

Benefits of Using Natural Light

There are many advantages to using natural light to brighten your house. Replacing home windows with larger units allow greater illumination and can make the room feel more spacious and comfortable. Well lit areas can help you feel less cramped and help improve your mood, increase energy and improve productivity. Aside from these aesthetic and health benefits, you can save energy, while reducing reliance on electrical lighting. As a general rule, we all respond, feel and act better in a home lit using natural sources.

Skylights installation enhances the beauty of any home.

You can transform the look of your home with skylights installation.

Proper Placement of Skylights and Windows

When installing skylights, it is important to note they provide an excellent source of natural light, but they can also be a passive source of solar heat. Roof windows or skylights placed on a north-facing roof offer constant illumination, which is relatively cool. These units placed on an east-facing roof can provide a maximum amount of light and offer solar heat during the morning, while those facing west offer afternoon light but can also provide larger amounts of heat, specifically in the late afternoon. Skylights installation typically is beneficial in areas where it’s not practical to add more windows, such as in hallways or in closed kitchen areas. Adding a window in the home’s entryway can also help it appear more welcoming.

Other Ways to Brighten Your Home

Aside from installing skylights and windows, there are other strategies that can help make good use of natural light sources. For example, replacing interior solid doors with French doors helps share light among rooms. If possible, inside walls can be removed to make a space seem roomier and offer shared lighting opportunities. Front doors can be lined with windows providing sidelights or solid doors exchanged for designs featuring paned glass. Adding customized lighting in areas around focal points like fireplaces or artwork can add beneficial light to a room.

If you are considering increasing the natural light in your home by installing skylights or replacing home windows, contact us. At Colony Home Improvement in Massachusetts, we have the experience and expertise to help you achieve optimal lighting.

Ten Things You Should Consider before Beginning Your Second Floor Addition

September 30, 20140

A second floor addition can be a great option.

Add space to your home with a second floor addition.

Second floor additions are one of the most under-used ways to add more space to your existing home. Adding another floor requires research, planning and plenty of construction. Before you make the decision to renovate your home, there are a few important things to consider that may have an impact on the structure..

Seamless Integration

Because your home was built years before your addition plans, it is essential to ensure your new home improvement looks similar to the rest of your home. This can be difficult due to changing trends in contracting and home décor. Work with your contractor to make sure your second floor addition looks like part of your home’s original build, rather than a completely different space.

Structural Impact

A new second floor will weigh considerably more than your existing roof. Your contractor will need to calculate how much weight your current walls and foundation can hold, reinforcing them if necessary to meet building codes.

Adding Stairs

Make sure your current floor plan has enough room to add the stairs you need to get to your second floor addition. Although you are effectively creating more space with your addition plans, adding stairs may create spacing issues for your original floor plan.

Learn what you should consider for a second story addition.

A second story addition adds space and increases the value of your home.

Mechanical Additions

Your new second story addition needs the same mechanical elements as your current home, such as water and electricity. If you don’t use a contractor who already provides these services, you may experience higher costs.

Windows and Doors

Windows and doors are an essential part of all addition plans. Unless you intend to make your second floor a large, dark space, you’ll need to plan for the additional costs of adding new windows and doors to your second story addition.

Siding

To match the look of your new floor to the rest of your home, you may need to buy new siding. Depending on the age of your current siding, it may prove challenging to find a good match for your new addition.

Other Considerations

Along with adding doors, windows and other stylistic features, keep in mind you may have to invest in the following elements for your second story addition:

· Insulation for temperature regulation

· Finishing touches, such as door knobs and light switches

· New roofing for your second floor

· Extending your chimney if needed

A new second floor addition is a great way to expand your current home as your family grows. While there are many things to consider with your addition plans, a good contractor can help you add more space to your home.

If you are looking to create another floor in your house, contact us. Our experienced design and build contractors in Massachusetts have the experience you can count on to make sure your project is done right the first time.

When It Comes to Kitchen Remodeling, Which Is Best…Open or Closed?

September 23, 20140

Do you want an open or closed kitchen remodeling project?

Open or closed….these are your options when it comes to kitchen remodeling.

If you are currently making kitchen remodeling plans, you may have spent some time researching the latest looks and trends in home renovation. Kitchens can have a variety of features, including the ability to be open or closed. If you are having a difficult time deciding whether to add more walls for a closed look or tear down a few for a more open space, there are some advantages and disadvantages to both types of kitchen additions.

Closed Kitchens

When it comes to kitchen remodeling, many homeowners are looking to convert their current kitchens into open living spaces. Creating an open kitchen could mean major construction and tearing down your existing walls, which could greatly increase the cost of your kitchen remodeling plans. If you would rather focus on upgrading other features, such as appliances and cabinets, a closed option could save money.

Other advantages of a closed kitchen include:

· More walls mean more room for cabinets and other storage options

· Messes are easily hidden because your kitchen isn’t so open

· Cooking odors are contained

While closed kitchen additions provide more storage, they do have some disadvantages. For example, if you have small children or pets, it can be more difficult to keep an eye on them if you need to stay in the kitchen. Adding or having more walls in your kitchen remodeling plans can also take up more of your current square footage than an open floor plan.

Your kitchen remodeling options include open and closed designs.

Which design do you prefer? Open or closed kitchen remodeling.

Open Kitchens

Open kitchens are currently one of the most popular home renovation trends. Many new homes already include these open spaces, but if you have an older home and are looking for the same design, kitchen remodeling can help you get the kitchen of your dreams. Along with tying all of your living spaces together, open kitchens:

· Provide a full view into other rooms, such as the family area

· Create a social hub for parties and entertaining

· Allow conversation while cooking

· Bring in more light from windows

Open kitchen remodeling plans can help your family stay connected throughout your home, even when you are busy cooking. Open plans let you keep an eye on small children and pets without leaving the room. Unfortunately, if you don’t currently have an open space and are looking to add one, wall demolition may be needed, which will add to your kitchen additions cost.

If you are looking to add a beautiful open or closed kitchen to your home, contact us. Our Massachusetts design and build contractors have the experience you need to make your dream home a reality.

Renovations That Can Add Value to Your Home

September 18, 20140

Home improvement projects increase your home's value.

Consider these home improvement projects to increase the value of your home.

Home improvement can be expensive and time consuming so it’s important to make sure your home remodeling also adds to the value of your home. Several projects can significantly add to the cost of your home if you ever decide to sell and relocate. General contractors can help you add beautiful new features to your house, while also increasing its market value.

Home Offices

With the rise of telecommuting and working from home, there’s a large demand for homes featuring home offices. Including a designated office space in your home remodel may allow for a higher asking price when it comes time to sell. It’s also a great addition for your current needs, allowing you to get your bills or other administrative tasks taken care of away from the distractions of the rest of the family.

Ceilings

When hiring general contractors for home improvement, some people don’t consider one of the biggest features in a room: the ceiling! While most ceilings are left alone during home remodeling, paying attention to the finer details could mean more money if you decide to sell. Buyers are often impressed by vaulted or crown molded ceilings, and a pop of color or great light fixture could land you a great offer.

Quality home improvement projects can improve your home's value.

Get more from your home with these home improvement projects.

Exterior

General contractors are not only great for remodeling the space inside your home. Curb appeal is an easy way to bring people into your home, whether they are visiting family members or home buyers walking into your open house. Investing in your lawn and exterior décor is a simple way to vastly improve the look of your home, while adding to its value.

Windows

Windows are a beautiful addition to any room, but did you know they also provide affordable energy bills? Adding new windows and window treatments is a great way to improve the look of your home, save money on your utilities and create a beautiful space to show potential buyers. A general contractor can help you choose the best windows to cut your energy bills.

Home remodeling can be expensive, but if you choose the right renovations, you can easily see returns on your investment, while creating the home of your dreams.

If you are looking for an experienced design and build contractor for your next home improvement project, contact us. Our experienced team in Massachusetts can help you create the home of your dreams and increase the value of your home with beautiful renovations.

How to Turn a Small Space into a Home Office

September 16, 20140

A home office is one of the most effective home additions.

When choosing home additions, consider adding a home office.

Do you have a catch-all space in your house not being used for anything productive? It might be the perfect area for a small office. In many homes, there may not be an unused room to turn into an office, but there are several other areas that might be repurposed for this practical function. Some of the most ingenious home additions have been created out of necessity.

Finding the Right Spot

The first step is to find the ultimate spot for your office. Any room in the house will work, from the space under the stairs to the basement or a closet. The catch is finding the perfect location to meet your needs. To create the ideal home office, there are several things that need to be considered. You’ll need a source of light, minimal traffic and comfort since you might be spending a lot of time there. You’ll also want to find a corner not already being used for something substantial. The area should be free from bulky furnishings and unblocked by opened or closed doors.

Choosing the Right Color

It might not sound like it’s important, but the color used in a home office is a key element. Colors affect your mood, and using the wrong color can inhibit productivity. Dark neutrals can even sap your energy. Other colors like blue can be relaxing to the point you’ll have difficulty staying focused. Shades of yellow can be uplifting as long as it’s not too bright. Shades of green are usually preferred for home office spaces since they are stimulating without being overly exhilarating. What’s important is choosing the right color combination to increase your productivity.

Home additions can include a home office.

Consider a home office for your home additions.

Choosing the Right Lighting

The best case scenario for your home addition plans is to fit your small office into an area with a couple of windows to allow for natural light. Even the smallest of areas can feel larger when properly lit. The best choice for lighting is not too bright or overbearing. Try using options like desk or table lamps or free standing lamps. These types of lamps have shades so you can add color to your space and adjust the amount of direct light you use.

Working within Space Limitations

Sometimes the best home office remodel idea makes use of a small area not being put to good use. For instance, under a stairway or inside a closet might be the perfect out-of-the-way alcove for a home office. You may be able to position a small desk in the space and install built-in shelves to create the perfect workstation.

When you are ready to turn a small space into an office area, contact us. Our Massachusetts contractors can help you with your home addition plans.

Author: Lenny