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Should You Build Your Hingham Home Addition on the First or Second Story?

November 19, 20150
Make the right choices with the help of your home improvement contractor.

A home improvement contractor can help you make the right choices.

The decision of whether to push out or go up for your home addition is based on two assumptions: your lot size will accommodate building out and your city building code will allow a second story or a larger footprint on your lot. Assuming both statements are correct, your decision depends upon your specific needs. What are you hoping to gain, besides square footage? How will your addition affect the resale value of your home? An eastern MA home improvement contractor can guide you in these decisions. In the meantime, here are some factors to consider as you decide whether to go up or out.

Single Story Homes / First Floor Additions

For first floor additions, consider the following advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages

  • Additional bathrooms may not be needed.
  • There is no noise from upstairs foot traffic.
  • Building out is the least disruptive to your household.

Disadvantages

  • You give up some of your outdoor space.

Two Story Homes / Second Floor Additions

On the other hand, if you’re considering building up, weigh the pros and cons that often come along with this choice.

Advantages

  • Some parents want their kids’ bedrooms upstairs to give them more privacy.
  • Building your addition upstairs allows for more outdoor space.
  • Most two-story homes are more fuel efficient since there is less exposure to weather through the exterior walls and roof area.
  • Many homeowners believe two-story homes are easier to keep secure.
  • Staircases are good exercise!

Disadvantages

  • No matter which floor you’re on, something you need is always on the wrong floor.
  • You’re forever hauling laundry baskets up and down the stairs.
  • Your mobility may be compromised as you age.
  • With small children, child gates must be continually opened and closed at the top and bottom of staircases.
  • Staircases take up between 80 and 120 sq. ft. of space, depending on the design.
  • Ceiling heights of an upstairs addition may be restricted.
  • First floor walls must be torn apart to connect heating, plumbing and electrical lines and to add structural support.
  • Additional work may be required to support the added weight of an upstairs room.
  • Sound travels between floors.
Consider your options for your next home addition.

Your home addition can add plenty of space.

Other Considerations

  • The difference in costs between building up or out is negligible and should not weigh heavily on your decision.
  • Be aware of building codes, zoning variances and any HOA restrictions when planning your Hingham home addition.
  • What else can you accomplish with your design? Would a second story family room provide more natural light? A spectacular view?
  • A wall of windows can open up an enjoyable view of your landscaping and enables you to watch your kids play.
  • Adding a game room or home theater over the garage is great, but not practical over a bedroom.
  • Homeowners who add a room in the basement can save anywhere from 25 to 50 percent of the cost of adding a room to the first or second floor of a home.
  • A stand-alone addition, if you have the space, may be the perfect solution for your new office, a home theater, or a game room for the teenagers in your home.

There are many caveats and varying opinions about building your addition up or out. When meeting with architects and home builders, let them provide you with their ideas. In the end, it all comes down to a decision based on your family’s needs, preferences and lifestyle requirements.

Colony Home Improvement has built home additions in Hingham and the surrounding areas for 40 years. Our experts will provide you with your best options for adding space to your home. Call us at 781-453-9977 for a free quote.

Home Improvement Contractors Can Turn an Ordinary Master Bathroom into a Spa

November 17, 20150
Completely transform your bathroom with home improvement contractors.

Home improvement contractors can completely transform your bathroom.

Spa-style bathrooms are one of the most requested remodeling projects by many homeowners. This is not just a trend, but a necessity for many people who need a way to de-stress in today’s busy world. The demand for upgraded bathrooms has also impacted the resale value of a home.

Bigger Is Better

Size matters when it comes to turning bathrooms into retreats. Many homeowners are adding furniture, such as armories and settees, in addition to freestanding tubs. Due to this trend, home contractors in Duxbury, Massachusetts, are finding creative ways to add as much room as possible for bathroom makeovers. If remodeling your bathroom is on your project list, here are some great choices for upgrades, along with the latest in bathroom gadgets for your private oasis.

Tubs. The popular jetted whirlpool tub has given way to the more classic free-standing soak tub, yet many people still enjoy immersing themselves in therapeutic bubbles and swirling streams of water.

Showers. There’s been a boom in walk-in showers with fixtures that offer steam and rain-style showers. The ultimate in luxury are showers that can be programmed to manage temperature, water flow, duration and even aromatherapy!

Toilets. If space allows, many homeowners prefer the privacy of an enclosed water closet. The newer toilets feature heated seats and an integrated bidet with water temperature control. The ‘low-liters-per-flush’ toilet is a good option for saving on water usage.

Sinks. Consider the undermount style sink versus the drop-in for a more contemporary look. Floating vanities that house vessel-style sinks are also favored, as are the new trough sinks.

Illumination

Enlarge windows or install skylights for natural light. Many homeowners are opting to replace large fixtures with glaring vanity bulbs with decorative sconces and dimmer-controlled recessed fixtures for softer lighting. If you really want to give your bathroom a spa-like boost, you can find LED chromotherapy lights that change color according to your mood.

Warm All Over

You never have to step out of a hot shower into a cold room with these latest heating upgrades.

  • An electric heating system installed under the floor tiles and even up through the wall
  • Radiators designed as a sculpture for both heating and aesthetic appeal
  • Heated towel bars or a towel-heating unit with an automatic shut-off that installs in your cabinet drawers
  • Heated toilet seats – worth mentioning again!
When it comes to home additions, consider a spa bathroom.

A spa bathroom can go well with other home additions.

Finishes

High-end finishes and fixtures will give your bathroom the feel of a luxurious retreat. 

Floors. Slate and natural stone floors are gaining popularity, as are renewable resources, such as bamboo and cork. There are also porcelain tiles for walls or floors that look like wood.

Faucets. Finishes have trended toward brushed nickel and satin for contemporary designs and oil-rubbed bronze for an old-world look.

Countertops. Preferred choices are still granite and marble.

Cabinets. Dark, rich woods are often selected for cabinetry and framed mirrors.

Amenities and Gadgets

In our technology-centered world, it comes as no surprise electronics have even made their way into the bathroom. Eastern Massachusetts home improvement contractors are seeing flat screen TVs and even specially designed mirrors that change to TV screens so you can watch the news during your morning routine.  Also worth noting are the addition of sound systems and anti-fog mirrors, coffee makers for brewing while you shower and wine chillers for your evening soak. Add the soothing sound of a water fountain mounted on a wall and don’t forget to hang out the “do not disturb” sign. Why would you ever want to leave your bathroom.

Whether you tend toward a cool, contemporary and clutter-free look or you want a warm, earthy and nature-inspired retreat, your personal spa-style bathroom will be one of the best home investments you can make!

Colony Home Improvement has years of experience with bathroom remodels and home additions in Duxbury and the surrounding towns. We can turn your existing bathroom into your own private sanctuary. Contact us at 781-453-9977 for a free quote.

If It’s Time for a Home Remodel, It’s Time to Hire a Professional Builder

November 12, 20150
The right home improvement contractor is important.

Learn how to find the right home improvement contractor.

You’ve decided to move forward with your home remodel in Dover and the surrounding towns. Now, your next decision requires a little more time and research before choosing which Dover home improvement contractor will deliver on that vision.

Plan Ahead

Before choosing a builder, make sure you understand the full scope of your remodel. Deciding you’d like an additional closet midway through construction may add unplanned time, money and stress, and any unexpected deviation from the plan can hold up the entire project. A professional remodeler will have suggestions to help you make some decisions; however, it’s in your best interests to have a well thought out master plan in advance of starting your project.

Select your products, such as appliances, fixtures, finishes and other materials, ahead of time. Armed with your research, a builder with established relationships with suppliers can advise you on product choices, cost savings and possible extended warranties. Then they can ensure all products are available at the right time.

Look into the right contractor for your home remodel.

Don’t trust your home remodel to just anyone.

What to Look for in a Professional Builder 

  1. They should be licensed and have a solid reputation. There are strict regulations a licensed builder must follow to ensure the best quality work. Research their standing with the Better Business Bureau and the National Association of Home Builders.
  2. They should have technical training and experience with energy efficiency, smart homes and trends, such as green building and solar panels.
  3. You should like their work and design ideas. Take the time to explore the builder’s website, which should provide images of their work. Ideally, they will have case studies about what particular remodels entailed and how they were accomplished.
  4. They should have plenty of client testimonials. They are the best endorsements, and a reputable builder has clients you can contact for confirmation. Find out if they received excellent customer service and if all of their concerns were addressed.
  5. They should help hone your vision by providing design options you haven’t considered, as well as the latest trends and materials.
  6. They should be able to save you money.  A reputable builder will not only tell you how they will save you money, but they will monitor your budget as closely as you do. In addition to finding savings on products and materials, a reputable builder can show you how energy efficient products and upgrades can cut your energy bills and provide tax credits and rebates.
  7. They should be able to accommodate your schedule. Keep in mind professional builders will need time to plan and coordinate your entire project, order materials and schedule contractors around their existing and previously scheduled work load. Make sure their scheduled start date aligns with yours. If not, make sure they are worth the wait.

What to Do Before Demolition Begins

  • Make sure all terms and specifications are agreed upon and you have everything in writing.
  • Take care of all of your funding expectations.
  • Once you have a construction start date, begin planning how you and your family will navigate around various plumbing, electrical and construction factors. You may need to reschedule certain activities.
  • Prepare your home. Relocate furnishings, knick-knacks and any electronics from the work area.

Whether your home remodel in Dover and the surrounding area includes creating more livable square footage for your family or adding a wine cellar, you need to place your confidence in a reputable builder. Colony Home Improvement has an outstanding reputation for southeastern MA premier home remodeling and additions. Contact us today to discuss your plan and to get a free quote.

How to Prepare for a Consultation with an MA Home Improvement Contractor

November 5, 20150
Consider custom built home plans for your project.

Work with your contractor on custom built home plans.

Before you start working with Newton contractors for home additions, it’s critical to schedule consultation. At this meeting, you will be able to go over your custom built home plans and ask all the questions you need to help you choose the right company for the job. Preparing ahead of time will help you find the right MA home improvement contractor.

Set Your Budget

Before you even get started on your custom built home plans for Newton and the surrounding towns, it’s important to know how much you can spend. One of the fastest ways to overspend on this type of project is to begin working with contractors before you have a budget in mind. A good home improvement contractor will work hard to stay within your budget.

Determine Your Funding Plans

Most people don’t have the money necessary to pay for home remodeling projects upfront. While setting a budget is an important step in the process, so is determining how you will get the funds you require. Securing this financing ahead of time will help you set your budget and ensure you can move forward with the project once you find the right contractor for the job.

Before hiring, talk to an MA home improvement contractor.

Talk to an MA home improvement contractor before hiring.

Research Your Options

Some people wait until they’re already working with an MA home improvement contractor before they start thinking about what they really want. However, this can make it difficult to match up with the right contractor. Newton contractors for home additions need to know what you have in mind, even if you don’t have a clear picture. This makes knowing what you want before you even sit down with contractors a critical step.

Gather a List of Questions

When you have a consultation with a contractor, it’s your time to ask questions to help you make the right decision. Before you sit down, it’s important to create a list of questions so you don’t forget any of them. For instance, you need to know who will handle the permits, if they allow changes, if they require approval when changes will cost more, plus a number of other questions. Write down the answers you receive, especially if you will be meeting with more than one contractor before making a final decision.

Custom built home plans for Newton and the surrounding towns require working with an experienced contractor. However, it can often be difficult to find the right contractors for home additions without having a consultation first. Before you sit down with any MA home improvement contractor, it’s important to prepare yourself so you don’t miss any of the details required to ensure you pick the right company for the job you have planned.

If you’re looking for an MA home improvement contractor for your next project, contact us. We are eager to meet with you to go over your plans and give you an estimate on the work.

Tips for Planning the Perfect Family Room Addition

November 3, 20150
Spend time together in your family room addition.

A family room addition can create a great place to spend time together.

The family room is a great place to gather and spend time as a family. If your home doesn’t already have one, you may want to consider an MA family room addition to complete your home. Before you get started on designing your own home in Scituate, these tips can help you determine which features will make the perfect family room and how to put it together for both functionality and style.

Consider a Home Theater

When you’re considering a room addition in Scituate, you need to make sure you account for the amount of space the features you plan to add require. Because many people use the family room as the perfect place to watch a movie or your favorite television shows together, a home theater can be an excellent choice. Tiered seating and a wall big enough for your preferred TV size are an absolute must for this room in the home.

Plenty of Light

Most people see an MA family room addition as a bright, cheery place people love to spend time in. Therefore, you need to work with experienced contractors who know how to use windows effectively without negatively impacting your screen time. Skylights and windows with blackout shades can be great options to allow in plenty of light without interfering with your viewing time.

Increase the value of your home with an MA family room addition.

An MA family room addition can be a valuable project.

Dress Up the Ceiling

You likely don’t give much thought to the ceiling when designing your own home in Scituate, but you can do amazing things with this area of the room to enhance its visual appeal. Using textured plaster or painting it a unique color to make it stand out can make your family room a more interesting place in which to spend your time.

A Bar

Another great feature that works well in your new family room is a wet bar. This is especially important if you plan to do any entertaining in this room of your home. While you can always set up a temporary bar, having a permanent fixture in the room can provide a number of advantages.

Choose the Perfect Location

When considering this type of room addition in Scituate, it’s critical to make sure you choose the ideal location within your home. Ideally, your family room should have easy access to both the kitchen and a bathroom. This allows individuals to take care of their needs without interrupting too much of their time. If you’re having difficulty determining the best location, experienced contractors can provide valuable guidance.

Adding a family room to your home can give you a place to relax, as well as entertain. However, planning this type of room addition can be a difficult process. These tips can help you determine the perfect features to finish off this room and create the atmosphere you’re looking for.

If you’re looking for contractors to help with room additions in Scituate, contact us. Our experienced team of professionals can help with every aspect of designing your own home.