Home Improvement Blog

2016 Kitchen Trends for Your Custom Built Southeastern MA Home

January 5, 20160

Include a new kitchen in premier home remodeling and additions.

Premier home remodeling and additions can include a new kitchen.

If you’re planning a kitchen for a custom built southeastern MA home, you’ll want to see these 2016 kitchen trends before you make any final design decisions. Fashion forward kitchen trends include an eclectic blend of vintage styles and objects with clean, ultra-modern lines, use mixed textures and focus on incorporating warmer metal tones. New dimensions of grays, rich retro hues and crisp contrasts are some of the most important 2016 kitchen color trends. It’s a great year for designing a new kitchen with southeastern MA premier home remodeling and additions experts.

Sleek Modern Colors

Perhaps the better way to describe the trend is a lack of color, a dialing back from the richly hued kitchens featured in many custom built floor plans in Needham and the surrounding towns. Black and white are popular color schemes, but shades of gray have become particularly trendy recently as well. Instead of a monochromatic look, many creating custom built southeastern MA home plans are choosing to blend varying shades of this neutral color.

Naturally, everybody isn’t ready to jump on the no color bandwagon. For those who enjoy rich colors, there are some gorgeous retro hues making a grand comeback. One of the most eye-catching of these is a rich peacock blue, a shade with depth and a feel of luxury about it. Use it as an accent or be adventurous and choose it as a bold statement.

Consider a retro look for custom built homes.

Retro meets modern in custom built homes.

Old-School Goes Ultra-Modern

Shaker furniture and cabinetry has long been appreciated for its clean, simple lines. That’s why Shaker cabinets have found a new niche – the ultra-modern kitchen. Today, they’re likely to be painted, often white, but increasingly gray or that combination of gray and beige that some have taken to calling “greige.”

Another way classic Shaker style cabinetry is being used in the modern kitchen is instead of the traditional vertical rectangle cabinet placement, many are placing the length of the rectangle horizontally. This is sometimes used to accentuate long, sleek lines, drawing the eye across a long parallel. Ask your southeastern MA premier home remodeling and additions expert if your Shaker style cabinets can be revamped with a modern new look.

Also an important trend for the coming year is accenting cool, almost monochrome color palettes and sleek lines with the occasional and brightly colored, curvy vintage item. This isn’t one to overdo; just a few items are all you need. A brick red bread box from the 1930s or 40s, a brightly colored retro-look stand mixer or a bit of carnival glass is just enough vibrancy to set off the near-absence of color perfectly.

New Choices for Sinks and Counters

Because of their classic style and durability, it will be quite a while before custom built southeastern MA home plans see granite displaced from kitchen counters. In fact, granite is also making its way to kitchen sinks. However, quartz is picking up speed as a trendy choice for kitchen counters. There’s a movement away from the dual sinks towards large, deep single sinks. Aside from granite sinks, 2016 will also see a resurgence of the classic cast iron sinks of yesteryear and some fascinating, durable resin and stone blends.

Contact us, your local southeastern MA premier home remodeling and additions experts, about how to bring your kitchen into 2016 gorgeously.

Eastern MA Home Improvement Contractors Can Update and Modernize an Older Home

December 29, 20150

Raise ceilings with the help of a home improvement contractor.

A home improvement contractor may be able to help raise the ceilings.

If you’re considering the purchase of an older home, you may turn away from a potentially wonderful house on a beautiful lot simply because the house has only one bathroom. Perhaps you want to stay in your existing home but long for a modern, updated kitchen.

There are many possibilities to explore for modernizing an older home that are affordable and can make a world of difference. An eastern MA home improvement contractor knows how to bring an older home into the 21st century. Here are just some of the ways they can help you with this project.

Raise the Ceiling

Most older homes have eight foot ceilings, which can feel oppressive. A high, vaulted ceiling greatly opens up a living area. Even older ranch style homes can benefit from a heightened ceiling, which, in many cases, can be raised up to six feet.

Take Down Walls

Older homes tend to have many separate rooms that can look and feel boxy. Many contractors who specialize in Massachusetts premier home remodeling and additions have transformed an older home simply by knocking out the wall between the living room and dining room. This can provide a wonderful great room and give a more expansive feel to your home. Even the removal of part of a wall or a half wall between the kitchen and dining room will create a better flow and make your home feel more open.

Revamp the Kitchen

It may surprise you to learn how affordable a kitchen remodel can be. Installing new cabinets or painting existing ones is a great way to update an old kitchen, along with adding a tile back splash. Tearing out worn linoleum and adding tile or wood floors is another great option. Replacing your old appliances with new, energy-efficient models is another good investment to consider.

Talk to your home improvement contractors about wood floors.

Home improvement contractors can install wood floors.

Expand or Add a Bathroom

Many older homes have one bathroom. The addition of a second bathroom will not only benefit your family, but increase the value of your home. With minimal structural changes, a bathroom can be added under a staircase or in place of an existing closet. Home improvement contractors in Hingham, MA, can show you how to expand an existing bathroom or where to create a new one.

Switch to Wood Floors

There are many options for wood floors or faux wood flooring that are not only easier to keep clean than carpet, but somehow make a home seem larger. Most Massachusetts premier home remodeling and additions include new flooring as an affordable way to modernize an older home. In many cases, there is already a beautiful wood floor that just needs polishing hiding beneath old, worn out carpet.

There are endless ways you can modernize an older home. Experienced builders and home improvement contractors in Hingham, MA, can provide great remodeling options you may not have considered. Colony Home Improvement has an outstanding reputation for home remodeling and additions. Contact us today to discuss your ideas and to get a free quote.

How to Organize and Prepare for Your Southeastern MA Kitchen Remodel

December 22, 20150

Realize your dream kitchen with contractors for room additions.

Contractors for room additions can help you realize your dream.

A kitchen remodel can be an exciting project, but you also want to make sure you’re fully prepared for what lies ahead. After all, when beginning a room addition in Westwood and the surrounding areas, it’s likely you will be displaced from your usual activities and your daily routine will be a bit disrupted. Here are some suggestions to help make sure you are set for the day construction begins.

Setting Your Expectations

No matter what the scope of your kitchen remodel, ongoing communication between you and your builder or contractor is critical to the overall success of your project. Contractors for room additions in Westwood, MA, suggest you have a thorough understanding of the following points before construction begins:

Construction start and projected end date, the sequence of tasks and schedule of daily activities, as well as what time workmen will arrive and finish at the end of the day.

How to prepare the work site and how to protect other rooms and household items. How will the construction area be cordoned off and the dust contained?

How you should prepare for each phase of the project (will the power or water need to be turned off and for how long)?

Who will be the project lead to answer your questions and how often can you expect project updates? Ask for contact and after hours/emergency numbers.

Designate a folder to contain all the necessary documentation from the project, such as lien releases, marked-up plans, copies of inspection reports, operating manuals and information on how to care for new surfaces, materials and equipment.

A Little Pre-Planning

Armed with the above information, you can begin to reorder your daily activities and plan for the least amount of disruption to your life. How long will the project take? If your builder estimates one week, plan for two. Most contractors for room additions in Westwood and the surrounding area will tell you it is far better to have a backup plan in place than to be caught off guard.

How will your pets be affected? Move your pets, along with their food and water bowls, into a safe area of the house a couple of days before construction begins. If keeping your pets offsite would be best, you will need to schedule this time at a boarding facility, a friend or relative’s house.

Note any previously scheduled activities on your calendar and arrange for them to be relocated or rescheduled. It’s best not to plan your remodel before a holiday or other important events because you could be setting yourself up for stress and frustration. Keep in mind delayed arrival of materials and equipment happens frequently during remodels and may throw the entire schedule off.

Eating out, getting take-out or having meals delivered are all good options while your kitchen is out of order. You may also want to cook ahead and freeze items that can be heated up in a microwave.

Pack carefully before your kitchen remodel.

Learn to pack for your kitchen remodel.

You’ll Need a Make-Shift Kitchen

Have you ever gone camping? Preparing for a southeastern MA kitchen remodel is a little like going on a camping trip as far as food preparation is concerned. If you have a spare bedroom or other available space in your house, turn it into a temporary kitchen with the following items:

4 x 8 foot folding table for your prep area
Small microwave oven and other small appliances (coffee maker, toaster oven, etc.)
Coolers for storing orange juice, milk and other drinks
Containers to hold non-perishable food items (peanut butter, crackers, cereal)
Disposable plates, cups and utensils
Paper towels and dish rags for wiping hands

Packing

After setting up your temporary kitchen, you will want to remove everything else from the area. Pack up all items and label the boxes as you would before moving. Then store them away from the construction area.

With a little planning and preparation, your southeastern MA kitchen remodel can be a relatively painless process. Keep your eye on the prize and don’t sweat the small stuff!

If you’re still looking for the right builder for your kitchen remodel, contact us at Colony Home Improvement. We have more than 40 years of experience with room additions in Westwood and the surrounding areas.

Use a Local MA Home Improvement Contractor to Make Sure Your Roof Is Ready for Winter

December 17, 20150

Is your roof ready for winter?

Damage to roofs may start small and can be difficult to detect, but over time and with the havoc created by a severe winter storm, your roofing problems may begin to snowball. The combination of weather, trees and animals can be a triple threat when it comes to keeping your roof in good shape.

Weather

Is your roof ready for winter? MA home improvement contractors are familiar with the following damages caused by harsh northern winters.

Wind and wind-blown debris accumulates and clogs drains and downspouts.
Rain and inadequate rain water drainage – are your gutters and downspouts clear and securely attached?
Hail damages shingles by wearing away the granules. This exposes the asphalt, which can dry up and crack from sun exposure.
Ice and packed snow can weaken and rot out surfaces. Snowfalls can worsen gutters that are already weakened from too much debris.

Trees

As much as we enjoy the majesty of trees, they require ongoing maintenance for the protection of your roof. MA home improvement contractors regularly inform their clients of the importance of tree trimming. Overhanging branches can brush against the roof, and heavy winds will cause those branches to wear down shingles over time. They also create a pathway for termites and carpenter ants to gain access to your roof and attic. If tree branches block too much of the sun over your house, moss can grow on the shingles.

Trees are also subjected to fierce winds, which can snap weak tree limbs, twigs and other flying debris and throw them against your roof. You may need to clear the limbs, twigs, pine needles and other debris from your roof.

Animals

Squirrels and raccoons can create a lot of damage. They chew on surfaces to keep their teeth trimmed, as well as to gain access to your attic for warmth during the winter. Squirrels can gnaw through anything but metal so thoroughly check your roof surfaces, soffits, soffit vents and fascia. Squirrels and rats can enter your attic through holes as small as two inches. Use caulk or foam sealant to close up any holes you find and then paint over them.

Now that you know how much abuse your roof can take, especially during the winter season, here’s where to look for problems and some tips on how to make sure your roof is ready for the winter weather.

Ask an MA home improvement contractor to check your roof.

An MA home improvement contractor can check your roof.

Inspect from the Inside

Go into your attic during daylight hours with a flashlight. Turn the flashlight off and look for cracks of light appearing through the roof and note where these cracks are so you find them when you’re outside inspecting your roof.

With the flashlight on, check for dark spots on the attic ceiling and flooring and dark trails down the attic walls. Notice any sagging areas along the roof deck. Also look for evidence of animals that may have gained access to your attic and where they may have entered.

Inspect from the Outside

Home improvement contractors for Dover and the surrounding area will advise you check these areas for holes, cracks, crevices, moisture, mold and rot:

Soffits and soffit vents
Fascia
Flashings around roof windows, dormers, chimneys and skylights
Gutters and downspouts are free of debris and drain water properly

Regular Inspections

Maintain a log of your inspections. Note the date and any flaws, such as shingles that are curled, blistered, worn or broken, in addition to any other holes, cracks and wear around your roofing system that should be checked periodically.
Perform any repair and maintenance tasks and note the date and time of repairs.
Take photos for insurance validation or for a reminder of repairs needed.

Not every DIYer is willing to climb up to the roof and inspect for damage, but if you’re one of those who do, take the appropriate precautions. Roof inspections and repairs can be more dangerous than even police and fireman occupations.

If you have conducted an inspection and would rather leave the repair work to a professional home improvement contractor in Dover, contact us at Colony Home Improvement. We can ensure your inspections were performed thoroughly and the repairs are done correctly.

Your Custom Build Floor Plan Should Include a Fabulous Closet

December 15, 20150

Include plenty of closet space in your home addition floor plans.

Home addition floor plans should include plenty of closet space.

Next to an amazing kitchen, most women understand the value of having a large, well-organized clothes closet in their home. Many men also see the advantages. In fact, everyone who dresses themselves every morning will benefit from a spacious and structured closet. Not only will this save valuable time in your day, but it will pay off in the increased value of your home.

Whether you’re including a great closet in your custom build floor plans or planning a room addition solely for that wonderfully large closet, here are some things to consider that will help maximize your design.

His and Hers vs. Ours. Many homeowners prefer separate closets that flank the master bathroom. Otherwise, plan on a room large enough for two people to share the space. Walk in closets in custom built floor plans can range from 25 to 100 square feet or larger.

Eliminate heavy furniture in your bedroom. Do you want to maximize your bedroom space by eliminating dressers and vanities? Your closet layout should include ample drawer space.

Your existing closet. Are handbags stuffed into nooks and crannies? Do you have multiple pairs of skirts on one hanger? Does seldom worn ski-wear crowd out clothing you wear every day? Keep these issues in mind when designing your closet layout.

Take an Inventory

The best way to ensure you factor ample room into your new closet dimensions is to take an inventory of your current situation. Measure the length of the clothes rods in your existing closet. Unless your hangers are now spaced two inches apart, plan on adding half to twice that length for rods in your custom closet plan.

Divide your garments into four categories and determine which items should command the most attention in your closet and be the easiest to access and which items can be stored away out of easy reach:

Work clothes and other everyday items
Occasional wear such as formal attire
Off-season clothes
Heavy coats, bulky jackets and ski-wear

Note: Those who live in colder climates typically have more winter wear and often plan for separate coat closets near the front door or mudroom.

Don't forget closets in your custom built home plan.

Your custom built home plan should include closet space.

Built-ins

While putting together your inventory of items for your new closet, consider these options to help you decide the best layout for your built-ins.

Island — A popular feature included in Needham custom built floor plans is a built-in island of shelving or drawers that is either centered in the room or banked against one wall. Islands are a great way to achieve surface space that can be used for many purposes.
Shelving for shoes — If you’re all about the shoes, plan on a floor to ceiling bank of tilted shelving. A shelf that is approximately 22 inches in width will hold three pairs of shoes. If you have many tall boots, you will want to factor in shelves at the bottom to accommodate the height of your boots.
Shelves of varying heights — If you are meticulous about folding your garments, then openly displaying them is right for you. For the rest of us, the best way to stay neat and organized is to stack folded sweaters in deep drawers or in woven bins. Make sure your shelving dimensions will accommodate the height of different sized bins.
Drawers — Items like socks and undies are best stored in drawers. Again, vary the height of your drawers. For example, shallow drawers for socks and deep drawers for sweaters.
Cubbies — These are great for items you’d like to keep visible, such as handbags.

Other Considerations

You may be tempted to completely line all four walls with built-ins. However, if the new closet in your home addition floor plans in Needham will be large enough, you’ll have room to dress and undress in there. Make sure you allow space for these items:

Dual hampers — One for dry cleaning, one for laundry.
Mirror — Positioned to give you a full-length view.
Seating — Can be a small ottoman just for putting on shoes.
Adequate lighting — Overhead, recessed fixtures or even a small window to let in natural light.
Blank wall space — For hanging necklaces, scarves and belts.
Room for bins and boxes — Storing off-season items, such as ski gloves, scarves and hats, on the top or bottom shelves keeps the items you currently wear in full view and within easy reach.

Think of how your wardrobe options will double when you can actually see all of your clothes in a well-designed master closet. You can actually have a place for everything! When designing your Needham custom built floor plans, you’ll want to work with experts who have more than 40 years of experience in design and build projects. Contact us at Colony Home Improvement for a design and construction consultation today.