Home Improvement Blog

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 If these rooms are filled with older cabinets and plumbing, as well as other outdated features, individuals are less likely to put in an offer.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.

What’s Hot for Kitchen Remodeling in 2014

May 21, 20140

Kitchen remodeling can increase the value of your home.

The latest trends in kitchen remodeling require space, light and cool colors.

Are you thinking about remodeling your old kitchen to spruce it up? Maybe you bought your house years ago, and it needs some updating? Whatever the reason, you may need a few ideas to help kick-start your kitchen remodeling plans. During your kitchen remodeling research you will find amazing, creative ideas. Just remember, remodeling should fit you and your family’s style and make you feel comfortable with your decisions.

Here are just a few of the current trends to get you started:

Space, Space, Space

An ever-popular trend with kitchen remodeling is an open concept design. Since the kitchen is the room where most of the activities take place, having a larger open living space that leads out of the kitchen gives families the advantage of pursuing other interests and still being together. An open concept kitchen is also ideal for entertaining.

Loving Light

Most people want a lot of natural light. Research shows the use of natural light can greatly affect your mood and even your health. Natural light encourages your body to produce more Vitamin D and release those feel-good hormones.

Creating more outlets for natural light in your kitchen remodeling plans is a great way to utilize this scientific fact. How can you create more natural light in your kitchen? Large windows are the most common solution to this problem. However, you can also install skylights if you want even more natural light to flow through. Enhancing the natural light from outside can be done with counter lighting, under cabinet lighting and spotlights.

Cool Colors

When looking at current trends for color in kitchen remodeling, you’ll find this year’s color palette is all about creating a more relaxing space. It’s a softer take on past contemporary looks. You’ll want to create a kitchen area that’s more inviting and comfortable by using grays, blues and other softer colors. Use bold colors wisely and only as accents.

Floors as a Focal Point

The hottest trend for this year is patterned flooring, which means anything goes! Numerous patterned tile options are available. Parquet flooring is another example. If you don’t want to be tied down to a patterned floor in your kitchen remodeling, you can always find area rugs with interesting geometric patterns. If you decide to follow this trend when creating your kitchen remodeling plans, there are hundreds of flooring ideas for inspiration.

Figuring out what you expect from your new kitchen is a personal choice. These are just a few tips and trends that are hot this year. If you want to take your kitchen remodeling plans to the next level, contact us. With more than 40 years of experience in kitchen remodeling in MA, you can put your trust in Colony Home Improvement to get your job done right and make your home renovation dreams a reality.