Home Improvement Blog

Skylights and Sky Tunnels Not Only Add Natural Light, They Are Energy Efficient

July 1, 20140

Installing skylights lets the natural light in.

Let the natural light shine in your home by installing skylights.

Are you looking for a way to not only brighten your home, but save money on your electric bill? Skylights and sky tunnels may be the answer you are looking for. They also add an attractive element to your home. Here are a few things you need to know when installing skylights.

Simple Skylights

Skylights open up dark rooms or hallways by bringing in natural light. They are easier to implement than installing a window into enclosed areas of your home. However, it is important to carefully consider where you install your skylight. Adding one to a roof that faces south can overheat a room, while north facing skylights emit a softer light throughout the day.

If you install a skylight in your kitchen or bathroom and are worried about sun bleaching your cabinets, you can opt for tinted glass that can block the sun’s ultraviolet rays. There are also multiple forms of shades for your skylights that can provide insulation from the heat and cold.

Just like regular skylights, sky tunnels bring the natural light into your home through an avenue other than typical windows. With a roof-mounted ultraviolet dome, sunlight is collected, reflected off the tunnel and guided down into your room.

Save Money

When it comes to the cost to install your skylight, the price isn’t as expensive as you may fear. Most of the cost relates to the skylight installation, not the skylight itself, regardless of the size you choose.

Not only does natural lighting affect your mood and well-being in numerous positive ways, skylights can also save money on your electric bill each month. Using natural lighting can reduce your need to use lamps, ceiling lights and other artificial lighting in darker areas of your home during daylight hours.

Installing skylights can also save money on your utility bills during the colder months of the year. A medium-sized skylight can help warm a room due to the exposure to natural sunlight throughout the day. A properly installed skylight will also insulate your home from the outside so there is no excess hot or cold air leaking into your home.

Design Functionality

Not only do skylights and sky tunnels help you save money on your utility bills, they can add a special touch to your home. From the outside, your roof doesn’t look so plain and boring. Your home has a new attractive element that draws attention and can increase the overall value of your home.

Whether you are looking to add a skylight or sky tunnel to your home for a personal touch or to help you save money in energy costs each month, we can help. At Colony Home Improvement in Massachusetts, we have more than 40 years of experience and hundreds of satisfied customers. If you would like a quote on installing a beautiful skylight in your home, contact us.

Important Questions to Ask Contractors before You Hire Them

June 26, 20140

Hiring a licensed general contractor is important.

If you want the job done right the first time, hire a licensed general contractor.

When deciding to remodel your home, one of the more important decisions is hiring the right contractor. You need to ensure the person you hire for the job has the time and skills necessary to complete your project. Here are a few important questions to ask before choosing a licensed general contractor.

Time and Experience

A great first question is how many projects a contractor is currently working. If he has too many projects going on at once, your remodel may take longer than you would like. Everyone wants their job done in a timely manner. When a remodeling contractor has too much on his plate, he may not be able to hold up to his promised timeline. However, a busy general remodeling contractor can indicate a good reputation.

Asking how much experience they have is key as well. While your project may not be complicated, if the candidate you are thinking of hiring is a new contractor, he may not have much experience. Asking for references can help answer this question. If the contractor has done work similar to your project, talking to his past clients lets you know the contractor has valuable experience in that particular area.

Itemized Bids and Changes

Instead of getting a single, set price for your project, ask your general remodeling contractor for an itemized bid. This will show the various costs of all elements of the job, and there won’t be any surprise costs. This will also make it easier to compare various licensed general contractors so you can choose which one to hire.

Keep in mind estimates are always subject to change, especially with remodeling projects. Ask the contractor how they handle any revisions and how it will affect the cost of the overall project. You don’t want to change your mind a few times during the project and end up with thousands of dollars in additional charges.

Finding References

A good licensed general contractor should have plenty of references available. If you ask for references and they won’t give you any, this can be a serious red flag. You can also ask who their suppliers are. Asking this question can give you information on a contractor’s reliability. Talking to the suppliers can help you find out about their reputation, such as whether he’s on time with his bills and whether he is someone you should consider hiring.

These are just a few basic questions you should ask when choosing a licensed general contractor for your remodeling project. You need to make sure the contractor you hire has the right skills, time and professionalism to get your project done in a timely manner without additional costs.

At Colony Home Improvement in MA, we have more than 40 years of professional experience and hundreds of happy customers. If you’re looking to hire a contractor who can make your home remodeling dreams come true, contact us.

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.