Home Improvement Blog

Make sure your outdoor kitchen addition is kid-friendly.

How to Make Your MA Outdoor Kitchen Addition Kid-Friendly

May 12, 20160

If you are planning to design your own home in Scituate, congratulations on choosing an outstanding place to put down roots and for opting to build your dream home. If you want to maximize the enjoyment you’ll get from your new home, make sure your southeastern MA home improvement plans include an outdoor kitchen. You’ll use it more than you realize! If you have children or plan to host friends, neighbors or relatives with children for backyard barbecues, do yourself and your guests a huge favor: Design your outdoor kitchen to be kid-friendly. Here are some things to think about during the design phase.

Flooring

Every kid is different but most of them love to roughhouse and run. With the wrong type of flooring, kids, an outdoor kitchen and a pool or hot tub (or rain or sprinkler water) is a recipe for disaster. You may love the look of tile or stained, polished concrete. You will not love the look of skinned knees, chipped teeth or worse when kids slip and slide across it. Texturized flooring like pavers and flagstone is a much safer alternative.

Countertops

Not only do running and roughhousing kids risk slipping and falling on a slick floor, they also risk running straight into the edge of your countertop. That can lead to a nasty gash on the forehead. Rounded countertop edges will do less damages than angular ones. Additionally, expect kids to spill on your countertops. Opt for a low-porosity, easy-to-clean material.

Consider an outdoor kitchen when you design your own home.

When you design your own home, consider an outdoor kitchen.

Placement of Appliances and Accessories

One of the biggest risks of having young children around an outdoor kitchen is accidental burns. Typically, kids don’t incur these burns by looking for trouble and mischief. They are injured when they go to grab a juice box from the outdoor fridge or wash their hands in the outdoor sink and accidentally brush up against a hot surface. When you’re designing your outdoor kitchen, think about the things kids will want to access most, such as the fridge, bathroom, sink and seating. Separate the grill, outdoor fireplace, pizza oven and fire pit from kid-magnet appliances and accessories.

Seating

You can easily keep an eye on the kids and have a degree of blissful separation if you design a kids’ seating area. Depending on the age of the kids, that could be an outdoor island with bar stool seating or a cute kid-sized table and bench situated away from anything hot or fragile (and away from the big-screen TV, unless you plan to use that to distract them rather than watch the Red Sox or Celtics.) Actually, it might be a great idea to incorporate two TVs (one for kids and one for adults) into your MA outdoor kitchen addition!

Whether you are in need of a room addition in Scituate or plans for a new kid-friendly outdoor kitchen, Colony Home Improvement will deliver. We have more than 40 years of experience and thousands of happy clients, and we would love to add you to that list. Contact us for a free consultation!

Choose the right windows in your sunroom addition.

home additions, replacement windows

Choosing the Perfect Windows for Your Newton Sunroom Addition

May 5, 20160

A Newton sunroom addition is your opportunity to bring the beauty and light of the outdoors inside, while leaving the rain, sleet, snow and bugs outside. A sunroom is the ideal place to relax and read a book in climate-controlled comfort or set up a game room or entertaining space. There are a vast array of options for putting your sunroom to great use. There are also more window options than you probably realize. Read on to learn what to consider when choosing windows that will provide the best ambiance and energy efficiency for your space.

What Material Do You Want Your Windows to Be Constructed Of?

The three most popular window material options are vinyl, wood and vinyl- or aluminum-clad. Here are the pros and cons of each.

Vinyl — Typically priced between $300 and $800, vinyl windows are the most economical windows. These no-frills windows are low maintenance because they don’t need to be painted or repainted. The drawback is they are available in white and only a few other colors. They do the job but don’t really add any aesthetic pizazz and may look out of place on a high-end home.
Wood — Usually priced from $400 to $1,000, wood windows are classic, have an upscale look and can easily be painted or stained any hue you wish. Over time, repainting or re-staining may be needed. As with anything made of wood, repeated exposure to moisture can cause wood rot.
Clad — Priced from $500 to well over $1,000, these windows provide all the benefits of wood without the drawbacks. These are wood windows, but the exterior is coated in vinyl or aluminum to make them low maintenance.

Add value to your home by adding a sunroom.

Adding a sunroom can add value to your home.

Do You Want Your Windows to Open? If So, How?

If you don’t care if your windows open, prefer a seamless look reminiscent of a wall of glass, and/or want maximum insulation, fixed windows fit the bill. If you do want to let the breeze in (or the heat out), consider:

Hinged windows (awning hinged windows open from the top and casement hinged windows open from side to side).
Horizontally-sliding windows come in a large array of styles and don’t obstruct your view of the outdoors.
Bay windows are built into the sunroom and provide an ideal space to build a bench underneath.
Double-hung windows are easy to clean, versatile and deliver the best ventilation of all the window styles.

What Type of Glass Do You Want?

You may be surprised to learn not all window panes are created equally! Your glass options include single-, double- and triple-glazed panes. Basic single-glazed glass (the least expensive option) lacks insulation, middle-price-point double-glazed glass features two layers of glass sandwiching a layer of air or argon gas for improved insulation and the priciest option, triple-glazed glass, provides outstanding insulation. Whichever option you choose, make sure your window glass is tempered so it will shatter in little pieces rather than jagged shards if broken.

If you’re a bit overwhelmed by all of your sunroom window options, skilled Newton home improvement contractors can help you make a smart choice for your specific home.

Colony Home Improvement specializes in designing, building and remodeling homes and has completed many room additions in Newton and the surrounding areas. Building sunrooms is one of our favorite projects because we know customers will enjoy them year-round. If you’re considering adding a sunroom in eastern MA, contact us for a free consultation.

Add livable space with a second story addition.

2nd floor addition, home additions

What to Consider When Building a Duxbury, MA, Second Story Addition

April 14, 20160

The Massachusetts real estate market has exploded in recent years, for good reason. Our area offers natural beauty, historical significance, charm, friendly people and proximity to all the East Coast has to offer. Buying a new home has become highly competitive and expensive. That’s why so many homeowners are choosing to pursue a Duxbury, MA, second story addition rather than looking for a new home. It’s less stressful and less expensive to make your existing home work for you than it is to move!

A second story makes a good home addition.

For your home addition, consider a second story.

Is a Second Story Addition in MA Right for You?

As you contemplate whether it’s time to go up, ask yourself the following questions.

How do you feel about your home, your neighbors and your neighborhood? If you love your home and location, but simply find your family is outgrowing your home, that’s a great sign it makes sense to expand your existing home.
What is your budget for an addition? Before you get overly excited about the prospects of adding a second story, speak with a contractor who can give you an accurate idea of the cost of a custom built floor plan in Duxbury and the surrounding areas. The cost to add a second story in Massachusetts will be far different than the cost to add one in California or Texas. The last thing you want is to be strapped for cash and have to cut corners on your addition. There’s no need to pursue one unless you can afford to make sure it’s well-designed and well-built.
How much more space do you need? If you want to triple your square footage, a home addition in Duxbury may not be feasible. If you want to simply add a bedroom and bathroom or create a family room, a second story addition will meet your ideas.

Why a Second Story Addition Is So Appealing

Unlike adding on horizontally or digging down to add a basement, a second story makes smart use of your property. It allows you to maintain your yard and buffer between neighbors and is far easier from a construction standpoint than building underground. Done right, a second story will enhance your home’s aesthetics and make it look updated and fresh. In other words, it will boost your home’s curb appeal and functionality.

Choose Your Partner Wisely

Choosing a builder for your addition is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. You will work with your chosen team closely, and you will be entrusting them with your money and your valuables. At Colony Home Improvement, we have been serving southeastern Massachusetts homeowner for more than 40 years. We will be happy to show you before and after photos of our work and testimonials from past customers. When you’re ready to begin your project, contact us!

Add value to your home with a garage addition.

garage remodeling, home additions

Is a Dover, MA, Garage Addition Worth the Investment?

April 7, 20160

One of the main considerations of any remodeling project is its potential return on investment (ROI). Typically, when homeowners think about remodeling, they think about bathrooms, kitchens and second stories. However, the most popular home remodel in Dover and the surrounding towns is often a garage addition. There’s a compelling reason for that. Typically the ROI on a new garage is about 64 percent. That’s higher than the typical ROI on a new bathroom, which is about 56 percent.

Why a Garage Addition Is a Smart Addition

If you’ll park your cars in your new garage, they will be protected from the elements and out of sight for potential criminals. In other words, your garage could save you money on repairs or insurance claims. Additionally, by having the space to store tall ladders, wheelbarrows, lawn mowers and other bulky equipment and tools, it’s likely you’ll be more inspired to tackle your own yard work and maintenance projects rather than hiring a contractor. This can save you significant money over time. Likewise, having a place to store clutter where it’s out of sight and protected is priceless.

Your home improvement plans can include a garage addition.

Consider a garage for your home improvement plans.

What to Consider When Adding a Garage

Before you begin vetting eastern MA premier home builders for your Dover, MA, garage addition project, you’ll need to make some important decisions about the scope of your project. Specifically, if you will be parking cars in the garage, how many will there be? Do you wish to attach the garage to your home or create a free-standing model? A detached garage usually costs less, but you may want the convenience of being able to enter your home through the garage on snowy or rainy days. What will you use the garage for, such as storage or as a work area? Do you want a no-frills manual garage door or an electric door? Do you wish to add extras like plumbing? Before you proceed, narrow your wish list so your contractor can give you an accurate cost estimate and time frame.

Choose a Contractor Experienced in Southeastern MA Home Improvement Plans

Before beginning your project, do your research and find a contractor who is experienced with local regulations and the local architectural style. For any home improvement project to be successful, it needs to blend seamlessly with your existing home and fit in with the rest of the neighborhood. Choose the right partner, and you can proceed with confidence and the expectation your new garage addition not only will be a smart investment, but will add storage space, functionality and resale value to your home. If you are ready to move forward with a garage addition, contact us at Colony Home Improvement. We can help you draft plans and complete the job on time, on budget and with beautiful results.

Consider new windows in your home improvement.

home additions, replacement windows

Your Brookline, MA, Home Addition Should Include Energy Efficient Windows

March 31, 20160

There are many benefits associated with pursuing a home addition. You’ll be appending square footage to your home, adding glorious living space and increasing your home’s resale value. You’ll also have an ideal opportunity to incorporate upgrades that make your home more energy efficient and comfortable. If your Brookline, MA, home improvement project includes windows, make sure you choose energy efficient models. Fortunately, you can find both replacement windows and window restorations that are energy efficient.

To Repair or To Replace: That Is the Question

When you are conducting a home addition, you can often salvage and reuse components to save money and reduce waste. When considering whether to reuse or replace your windows, ask yourself:

How well have the existing windows been maintained?
Do you love the look of the windows, are you indifferent to them or do you hate them?
How rare are the existing windows?
Are your existing windows weather-tight and hearty or do they let in moisture?
What is the condition of the panes and the frames?

As you contemplate these questions, you’ll likely see a pattern in your answers. If the pattern points toward the negative, replacing your windows may be quicker and more cost effective than trying to salvage them. On the other hand, there is no substitute for old-world craftsmanship and simple historic value. If your complaints about your existing windows are minor, why not try to salvage them and add energy-efficient features that will serve you and future owners for decades to come?

Your ranch style house plan should include new windows.

Add new windows to your ranch style house plan.

Why Opt for Energy Efficient Windows?

Whether you are interested in saving money on your utility bills or being eco-friendly by reducing unneeded greenhouse emissions, your windows can further your goals. Most homeowners have no idea loss of heat through windows accounts for 20 percent of a home’s energy leaks. That may not sound like a big deal, but do the math over the course of a year and you’ll realize it most certainly is a problem. Energy efficient windows can have a huge impact on your bottom line and comfort, as well as the environment.

Consider the Size and Age of Your Existing Windows

Many, but not all, southeastern MA premier home remodeling and additions involve homes that are a century or more years old or nearing that milestone. Many older homes have leaded or even stained-glass windows that often are non-standard in size. Decades ago, home components, including windows, were custom built, rather than mass-produced. If your home is an older Brookline, MA, ranch style house plan or prairie, tudor, Federal or Spanish Colonial plan with one-of-a-kind windows, energy efficient restorations will provide cost savings and comfort while protecting your home’s architectural integrity.

Whether you need a custom built floor plan in Brookline, MA, or a skilled home improvement contractor to bring your plans to life, contact us at Colony Home Improvement. We are the smart, reliable, professional choice to conduct your southeastern Massachusetts home improvement project.