Home Improvement Blog

The Benefits of Adding a Sunroom Addition to Your Home

June 24, 20140

A sunroom addition can bring the outdoors inside your home.

A sunroom addition offers additional space and a comfortable place to spend time.

Are you thinking of adding a sunroom to your home but aren’t sure whether it’s right for you? Maybe you’re worried the cost may be out of your range at this time? However, there are many benefits to a sunroom addition. Not only do sunrooms provide visual appeal, relaxation and added comfort to your home, they aren’t expensive. These are a few benefits and ideas when thinking about a sunroom addition.

Bring the Outdoors In

With a sunroom addition, you can fill your home with natural sunlight. If you love the outdoors, you can bring it inside. Since so much natural light filters in, a sunroom is the perfect place for plants and flowers that need the outdoors to survive. Your new addition will provide plenty of natural light so your plants get just what they need.

Whether it is snowing, raining or the temperature is too hot, a sunroom addition keeps your piece of the outdoors safe from the elements. You can enjoy all of the beauty and peacefulness of nature from the comfort of your own home.

Comfort and Extra Space

Do you want to drink your morning cup of coffee while watching the sun rise? A sunroom addition is the perfect place for this activity. Without having to step outside, you can relax in peace before getting ready for the hectic day ahead.

Are you tired of always gathering your family in the living room or kitchen? A sunroom addition provides extra space in your home for family time. It also makes the ideal place to sit while enjoying a late-night meteor shower, without having to head outside.

Sunrooms are also a great additional space to entertain your guests. If the living room or kitchen becomes too crowded, your new sunroom addition provides extra room for guests to enjoy without having to step outside your home.

Energy Savings and Cost

A sunroom addition can help save money on your utility costs as well. These rooms are built to reduce your energy bill due to the natural light that enters through the large windows. They also provide insulation for the colder months of the year.

The cost of a sunroom addition is significantly less than any other addition you can make to your home. This addition can also add to your home’s value because it has endless uses for homeowners, making it the perfect investment.

If you are trying to decide if a sunroom addition is right for your home, there are plenty of benefits to consider. From family gatherings to dinner parties, the functional options of a sunroom are endless. If you need help deciding what kind of sunroom you want, contact us. With more than 40 years of experience, our Boston, MA, staff has the know-how and the professionalism to make your dreams come true.

The Top Five Renovations to Increase the Value of Your Home

June 18, 20140

Not everyone is happy with the way their home looks. While most people hire a home remodeling company to complete home renovations for aesthetic reasons, these changes may also increase the value of the home. Learning the top five renovations you should consider to increase your value can help you prioritize your list.

Update the Kitchen and Bath

As two of the most important rooms in the home, home buyers often look at the kitchen and bathroom first. If these rooms are filled with older cabinets and plumbing, as well as other outdated features, individuals are less likely to put in an offer. Those who are willing to make an offer will often ask for a lower price.

Finish the Basement

A finished basement can greatly increase the square footage in a home, thus increasing the value of your home. Adding a bathroom and creating a room for relaxation and entertainment can be great options for your home remodeling projects. Home buyers love additional living space.

Add a Deck

For entertaining outdoors, a deck can be a great addition for any home. Adding this simple feature to your home can have a positive impact on the appeal of your home and its overall value. When paired with beautiful landscaping, a new deck can be difficult to resist.

Change the Exterior

The exterior of your home is one of the first things people see. The curb appeal of your home can have a dramatic effect on the value of your home when you attempt to sell. Painting or replacing the siding, windows and entry doors can be a great way to quickly boost home values and draw attention to your home.

Consider a Sunroom

Even when the weather isn’t cooperating, many individuals love to get close to the outdoors. Adding a sunroom to your home can offer the feeling of being outdoors while remaining protected from the elements. Home renovations that add this type of extra living space can help you get more for your home.

Adding value to your home is one of the most appealing aspects of home remodeling projects. However, not all home renovations provide the same boost in monetary value. Understanding which changes can have the most significant impact can help you prioritize your projects and keep your improvements in line with your budget.

If you are looking for someone to help with your home renovations in Massachusetts, contact us. We can assist you in making a plan and carry it out to improve your home’s value.

10 Room Additions to Add Square Footage to Your Home

June 11, 20140

Room additions can add square footage to your home.

Increase the amount of space in your home with these 10 home additions.

Room additions are the ideal way to create more space in your home and add value. There are many reasons homeowners consider home additions. Learning more about your options to increase the square footage in your home can help you choose the right options.

Bathrooms

The bathroom is one of the most used rooms in the home, and there never seems to be enough of them. Adding a new bathroom to your home can improve quality of life for your whole family.

Bedrooms

Whether you have another child or a family member is moving in, bedroom additions can add the extra space you need. You can even expand on an existing bedroom or create a master suite.

Sunrooms

A sunroom can be a great place to relax and spend time when the weather is nice. These homes add beauty and value to any home.

Family Rooms

Most homes already have a living room, but a family room can be a good option for home additions. This type of addition gives you more space to spend time together as a family.

Second Floors

If you don’t have enough land on your property for room additions, adding a second floor can be the answer. This second story can be used for a number of purposes, giving you the home and square footage you’ve always dreamed of.

Kitchen Expansion

The kitchen is another frequently used room in your home. Expanding your kitchen can provide more functional space, as well as plenty of room for entertaining.

Dormers

Sometimes creating the look and feel of extra space doesn’t involve adding floor space. The addition of dormers on a second floor adds extra light and makes the room seem larger.

Space above the Garage

Most people don’t consider their garage when they think of home additions. However, that space is often wasted. A construction company can help you transform it into livable space, including a full apartment.

Decks

Adding a deck onto the back of your home can be a great way to increase value and provide extra space for entertaining. Decks create the ideal environment for a backyard retreat.

Porches

If you are looking for a way to change the curb appeal of your home with a home addition, adding a beautiful porch to the front can make all the difference. A back porch can also be a great option.

Room additions can be the ideal way to add square footage and livable space to your home. Before you start working with an experienced contractor, it is important to consider all of your options and determine which home additions will best suit your needs. These additions can provide you with extra space, as well as increase the value of your home.

If you are interested in room additions in MA, contact us. We can help you decide which option will provide the extra space you desire.

A Second Story Home Addition: The Answer to Your Space Issues

June 4, 20140

The addition of a second floor can increase living space.

Increase your living space by adding a second story home addition to your home.

When many people buy a new home, especially their first one, they don’t take the future into consideration. As their family grows, they find the need for more space than their original home offered. In these situations, there are two choices: buy a new home or consider home additions, such as expanding upward by creating a second level. If you are thinking of adding a second story to your home, learning more about home addition plans and the costs can help you make the right decision.

Add More Space without More Land

The most common type of home addition is adding an extra room onto the original floor of the home. However, not all properties have the space to add more square footage on the main floor. Instead, homeowners may choose home addition plans that take the home up instead of out. This allows the addition of more living space without the need for more land. It’s the perfect alternative for those limited on space who enjoy their current neighborhood.

A Variety of Uses

There are many uses for second story home additions. For instance, most people consider adding rooms because they require more bedrooms or a home office. However, the opportunities are endless for your new floor. Perhaps you want an entertainment room or in-home theater. Families with young children can benefit from a dedicated playroom. Still others may wish to provide living space to elderly parents who can no longer live alone. Regardless of your reason, exploring the home addition cost versus buying a new home can help guide your decision.

A High Cost with an Amazing Yield

One of the reasons individuals are hesitant to consider second story home additions is due to the cost. It is true that adding an entire floor will cost more than a simpler first-story room addition, but the return on your investment will also be much larger. In fact, adding a second floor to your home can increase the value of your home by more than 10 times. Depending on the home addition plans you choose, you can double your square footage, giving you that much more living space to create the home of your dreams.

If you have been thinking about home additions, consider adding a second floor to your home. Adding a second story to your home allows you to add twice as much square footage without requiring more land to build it on. It also dramatically increases the value of your home, giving you multiple advantages. Before you make the decision about how to change your home to meet your needs, weigh the home addition costs against all of the benefits. This will ensure your choice creates the extra space you want.

If you are thinking about second floor home additions in MA to increase your living space, contact us. We can help with your home addition plans and build the space you need.

Kitchen and Bathroom Remodeling: The Top Two Projects to Add Home Value

May 28, 20140

Kitchen and bath remodeling are the top two home improvement projects.

Kitchen and bathroom remodeling can increase the value of your home.

Remodeling a kitchen and bathroom are the top two most popular home improvement projects. If you are thinking about a kitchen or bathroom remodel or even adding an extra bathroom, make sure you do some research beforehand. One of the biggest considerations to make is figuring out a budget. Keeping your kitchen and bathroom remodeling within a reasonable price range is essential to regaining the investment you make.

What’s Wrong with the Bathroom?

The value a remodeled bathroom will add to your home depends on the scope of the project. If you are just remodeling the bathroom, but there are other rooms in the house that need work, the remodel will have little effect on the value of your home. On the other hand, if your home is already in good condition, a bathroom remodel may increase your home’s value greatly.

The biggest added value to your home comes from building a new bathroom. The most profitable project is creating a master bathroom. According to Remodeling Magazine, you can expect to expect a return of about 55 percent on the cost of a bathroom addition. For some homes, adding a master bathroom can provide a greater return on your investment due to its desirability.

How about the Kitchen?

Kitchen remodeling can increase your home’s value by between 69 and 75 percent of the money invested into the plans, according to Remodeling Magazine. Adding crown molding, new paint and fresh lighting are inexpensive ways to add value. However, the most lucrative improvements in your kitchen remodeling plans include updating with energy-efficient appliances, upgrading countertops and installing new flooring.

If your ultimate remodeling goal is to get a return on your investment, keep in mind the other homes in your community. You don’t want to price your home out of the market. If neighboring houses don’t have granite countertops or other costly upgrades, choose lower-cost options with your kitchen remodeling plans. The same is true if your neighborhood calls for high-end upgrades. Buyers in that market will expect that same high level of improvements.

Figuring out the Budget

Determining your budget is the best place to start your kitchen and bathroom remodeling plans. Knowing your price range helps you choose where to start, what types of changes you can make and what materials you can afford. Look at how much your property is worth first. If your have equity in your home, you may qualify for a home improvement loan. If not, doing most of the work on your own may be the most affordable option for your kitchen and bathroom remodeling plans. The money you save doing the work yourself can go toward updated plumbing, electricity, appliances or other expensive areas needing improvement.

If you have plans for a bathroom addition or kitchen remodel in MA, contact us. Colony Home Improvement has more than 40 years of experience to get the job done right.