Lenny | Colony Home Improvement

Kitchen Additions Are Money Well Spent

August 26, 20140

Custom cabinets can transform your kitchen.

Change the look and style of your kitchen with custom cabinets.

With all the home improvement television shows about remodeling and renovation and the housing market constantly changing, many homeowners are concerned about investment. Where is a homeowner’s money best spent? This can be a tough question to answer, especially if you are looking to sell your home. It seems the answer may lie in your kitchen.

Kitchen Additions and Remodeling

Many real estate agents will tell you just how important the kitchen is when trying to sell a house. Buyers often look for a kitchen they love and don’t have to spend a lot of money to fix up. That’s why many kitchen makeovers have a return of more than 60 percent. The kitchen is often seen as a style focal point of the house, and a kitchen that isn’t updated will not entice people to buy. Anything that can be done to bring the kitchen up to date will greatly increase the value of your property.

It may sound like a scary and expensive job to take on, but the result will be more than worth it for you in the long run. Be sure to take a good, objective look at your kitchen before deciding how to proceed. What does it really need? You may discover certain elements are perfect the way they are. If your kitchen needs a full overhaul, it is best to put in the work for a greater return on investment. If only part of the kitchen needs updated, you can save time and money with somekitchen additions, such as custom kitchen cabinets, and still get the look the buyer wants. You can even update the existing cabinets by adding a fresh coat of paint, re-facing old, worn cabinets and adding under-cabinet task lighting for better functionality.

Custom kitchen cabinets can be a beautiful addition.

Create the look you’ve always wanted with custom kitchen cabinets.

Custom Cabinets

Cabinetry is the first thing many people notice about the kitchen. In fact, it can make or break the entire style of the room. Luckily, there are many ways cabinets can be customized to fit in with the style of your kitchen to bring them into this century. The simplest choice for custom cabinets is a coat of paint. A bright color can make the kitchen look modern and vibrant if the space seems dreary. Darker cabinets, on the other hand, can bring in the right amount of contrast for light-colored countertops. Try crown molding on your cabinets for that extra touch of elegance. It can really pull a space together and give your kitchen an appearance of luxury, even if the rest of the house is simple in comparison.

When it comes to making over your kitchen, there are an endless number of possibilities. If you are trying to add value to your home, you can count on Colony Home Improvement. Our home improvement services will help you with the perfect plans and materials for your new kitchen. To begin designing custom kitchen cabinets or other kitchen additions for your Massachusetts home, contact us today.

Energy Efficient Windows Are More Affordable Than You Think

August 21, 20140

Energy efficient windows can save money and the environment.

Energy efficient replacement windows are an affordable home improvement project.

Finding ways to cut back on energy usage is a big deal, especially in the cooler and warmer months when energy bills tend to skyrocket. Windows play a big part in the hike in price due to leaks from insufficient amounts of insulation. This is particularly true for older homes. A good money-saving home improvement option is to replace older windows with energy efficient windows, which will help prevent the unwanted loss of energy, saving you money in the long run.

What Are Energy Efficient Windows?

The frame around your windows may be aesthetically pleasing, but it’s really all about the glass. Energy efficient windows keep the cooler air in and the heat and UV rays out during the summer, while keeping the heat in and the cold air out during the cooler months. Newer energy efficient replacement windows have a large variety of options. Thermal-paned windows, which have an insulated glazing that reduces heat transfer, leave you with a lower utility bill and a decrease in energy consumption. For an extra installation fee, choose a double- or triple-paned window, which provides more insulation and will increase in value.

Replacement windows can add value to your home.

Increase the value of your home with energy efficient windows.

An Investment for Your Home

Even if you’re not currently thinking about selling your home, you do want to make good home improvement choices for the prospect of selling in the future.Replacement windows are attractive to buyers looking to save on home improvement costs. In addition, think about how much you will save from low-maintenance, energy-efficient windows. There are also government incentives and tax breaks, such as a partial reimbursement, for installing energy saving windows in your home. Not only will you have a lower utility bill, you won’t have to worry about improving them later.

How to Tell If Your Windows Are Energy Efficient

If you’re wondering whether you already have energy efficient windows, look for a sticker with National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) ratings, which qualifies your windows for Energy Star status. The sticker will cover the U-Factor, measuring a window’s resistance to heat loss, as well as the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC), which measures the amount of heat that enters through the glass. The lower the numbers, the better. As a bonus, these windows come in different shapes and sizes so you will still be able to achieve the look you want with your windows. Since having energy efficient windows means less energy lost, you will also be responsible for shrinking your carbon footprint. Ultimately, it’s good for your wallet and the environment.

Are you ready to make a money-saving investment in your MA home? Contact usand request a no obligation quote. Colony Home Improvement specializes in replacement windows and other quality home improvements.

What You Should Know Before Adding a 2 Story Addition Above Your Garage

August 19, 20140

A garage addition can add usable space above your garage.

A 2 story addition can be a great option for your garage.

Many people see a garage as a place to store your vehicles, as well as any outdoor tools and machinery for caring for your yard. However, if you add a 2 story addition to your garage, you can create space that is useful for a number of purposes. Before work starts on a garage addition, it is important to know what to look for to ensure the job is completed correctly and you get the space you want.

Check Building Codes

Just because you want to add a second story to your garage doesn’t mean you will be granted permission. Every locality has its own list of regulations and building codes that need to be followed. Talk to your city hall about any permits that may be needed and whether you can move forward with your project. Hiring a local contractor for your 2 story addition will help you with this process. These contractors are familiar with these projects and the codes in place within your area so you can make the best decision for your home.

Create the Right Look and Stability

Other concerns when it comes to garage additions and adding a second story are creating a look of symmetry and ensuring the stability of the structure. This is another reason a professional eye can work to your advantage. Your contractor will be able to design an addition that matches well with the rest of your home’s shape and style so it looks like your new addition was always a part of your home. They will also ensure the stability of the structure so you don’t have to worry about any unsafe conditions.

Add a second floor with a garage addition to add more space.

Hire an Experienced Contractor

There are many reasons homeowners choose a 2 story addition for their garage. Some people want to create an apartment over the garage so a loved one can move in or they can bring in extra income. Others want a functional space to add to the other rooms in their existing home, such as another bedroom, a bathroom or an entertainment room. Regardless of your purpose for this addition, it’s important to work with an experienced contractor who has already completed similar projects; this is not a project you should tackle on your own. Garage additions are different from many other additions. They demand specific insulation requirements to lock out dangerous gases and keep spaces warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

A garage addition can be a great way to add space to your home over your garage. While a 2 story addition on a home is also a popular option, if you already have a second floor or you don’t need that much space, adding another floor to your garage can provide just what you need. Before you start working on your project, contact the professionals for an assessment and their recommendations.

If you are interested in a 2 story addition for your garage in Massachusetts, contact us. We can determine if this project is allowed and help you complete all the work to give you the additional space you need.

How To Choose The Perfect Custom Cabinets For Your New Kitchen

August 14, 20140

Custom cabinets can transform your kitchen into something new.

When it’s time for kitchen remodeling, the hunt for the right custom cabinets can be overwhelming. Knowing what to look for before you go for your custom kitchen cabinets and hardware can help you handle the many choices.

Choosing Kitchen Cabinets

Everything in your new kitchen will center around your new kitchen cabinets. That’s why it is important to choose them wisely. The mistake many people make is choosing cabinetry based only on trends. However, there are many other factors to consider:

Door style – You can use this to design the rest of the custom made kitchen cabinets, choosing whatever style you prefer, from ultra modern to country.

Finish – Cabinet finishes can really tie your kitchen together. One popular option is to choose a custom cabinet finish that contrasts with your countertops. For instance, if you have a light granite countertop, try a darker finish. If your concern is the appearance of dirt, try lighter finishes. Surprisingly, light countertops don’t show dirt as much as darker finishes.

Material – Solid wood is still the most popular choice for custom cabinets, but there are other options. Metal, stainless steel and melamine are just a few from which you can choose. Many of these can still be finished to look like wood while withstanding the test of time.

Door mounting – Overlay is the most common for custom cabinets because the face frame can be seen around the doors. However, inset doors can be installed flush inside the frame, and full overlay cabinets hide the cabinet case behind them.

Choosing Custom Cabinet Hardware

Hardware for your cabinetry may seem like the easiest part of the kitchen remodeling selection process, but before you make the final decision, here are several factors you need to consider:

Style – First, select a style that matches the theme of your new kitchen. Are you looking for an ultramodern feel, a country cottage look or a traditional feel? Each style requires a different type of hardware.

Finish – The hardware needs to go with the finish you choose for the cabinets. However, don’t be afraid to mix and match. Your custom cabinets and hardware should complement one another, but it isn’t necessary for them to be the same color.

Maintenance – Textured custom cabinet hardware requires more upkeep and can be more difficult to clean. Consider a simpler look if you are too busy for extensive cleaning on a regular basis.

Function – If you spend a lot of time in your kitchen, this may take priority over style. Choose knobs that are more comfortable for your hands to prevent aches and pains as you open and close your cabinets.

Remodeling your kitchen is one of the biggest and most rewarding home projects you can do. If you are looking for someone to help you select and install your new custom cabinetry and hardware, contact us. Our Massachusetts contractors can assist with your entire kitchen remodeling project.

Add More Living Space With These Basement Remodeling Ideas

August 12, 20140

Basement remodeling contractors can help you transform your basement into livable space.

While the basement isn’t typically included in the square footage of a home, you can maximize the use of this space with basement remodeling. The cost of basement remodel projects varies dramatically based on the services required and the length of the project. However, the right business remodeling contractors can help you add more living space to your home without adding a lot to your budget.

A Rec Room

Many people enjoy having a special place to relax and unwind on the weekends or after a long day at work. This means one of the most popular basement remodeling ideas is a rec room. This room in your basement can be just about anything you want. Some people choose to install an entertainment center and comfortable seating to create a home theater. Others fill the room with game tables. Because of the wide variety of options, the cost of this basement remodel can fall into just about any budget.

An Extra Bathroom

Most homes only have bathrooms on the main or upper floors. This is because families typically spend a majority of their time on these floors. However, basement remodeling contractors often recommend putting an extra bathroom in the basement if you have the room to do so. This eliminates the need to head upstairs only to come back down again.

Playroom or Office

When you don’t have the space for a playroom or an office on the main floors of your home, you may feel as if you are out of luck. Thankfully, some simplebasement remodeling strategies can help you transform your basement into the perfect place for your children to play or to spend time working on your latest business projects. If your basement is large enough, you may even have room for both of these options.

Another Bedroom

As your family grows, you may find you don’t have enough room for everyone in the existing bedrooms. Whether there are large age gaps between your children or there is simply no more space, adding a bedroom in the basement can be a great alternative to buying another home. The cost of a basement remodel is often much cheaper than a home addition or investing in a larger home. If you have the space, why not transform it into livable area?

Basement remodeling contractors can help you figure out the best use of the space you already have. Whether you want to create a place to play, relax, work or sleep, the options are endless. As long as you consider the cost of a basement remodel in your plans, you will be able to transform an area that is only suitable for storage into extra living space for your home.

If you are looking for help with your basement remodeling project in Massachusetts, contact us. We can help you make the right decisions and complete every step of the process to increase your living space.

Author: Lenny