Home Improvement Blog

Include skylights when you design your own home.

Five Reasons to Add a Skylight to Your Custom Built Home Plan

June 30, 20160

When you make the decision to design your own home in Duxbury, you have the unique opportunity to incorporate all of those special touches you’ve always admired in others’ homes. Once you have chosen a southeastern MA premier home remodeling specialist, you can peruse examples of other homes they’ve designed and gain inspiration. Whether you want a deck, dormer, sunroom or finished basement, you can have them all in your custom home. You can also incorporate skylights into your space, an improvement you may not have considered before. Here are five reasons to consider adding skylights to your new home design.

They Lighten and Brighten A Room

Whether you have a dark kitchen, bedroom, family room or bathroom adding skylights will bathe the space in natural light. Lighting instantly transforms the ambiance of any room. A skylight can transform a dreary, uninviting space into a room you will want to spend time in. Sunshine is an instant mood booster! Incorporating built-in blinds or horizontal curtains into your skylights or choosing a skylight with comfort glazing will allow you to regulate the amount of light coming in to suit your personal preference.

They Add a Unique Architectural Element

Skylights are available in a vast array of sizes, styles and shapes, ranging from rectangular to tubular. When done right, skylights will look like windows in the ceiling and will blend in seamlessly with both the exterior and interior elements of your home. A knowledgeable builder will help you identify where on your roof to place the skylights for optimal aesthetic appeal.

Add skylights to your custom built home plan.

They’re Good for Your Health

One unexpected benefit you’ll realize if you add skylights to your custom built home plan is you’ll be able to get your recommended allowance of vitamin D safely in the comfort of your home and without taking supplements! Vitamin D is known as the “sunshine vitamin” because exposure to sun causes the body to produce vitamin D. Vitamin D deficiency can lead to osteoporosis, heart disease, cancer, depression and insomnia. Install a skylight and soak up the sun!

They Discourage Mold and Mildew Growth

Mold and mildew thrive in dark, damp environments like bathrooms and basements. Not only are mold and mildew unsightly, but they can also contribute to asthma, allergies and chronic respiratory illnesses. Sunshine from a skylight is a natural disinfectant and keeps mold and mildew from growing.

They May Lower Your Utility Bills

When you install a skylight, you enjoy natural lighting and will probably turn on your lights less frequently, reducing your electricity costs. In winter, the sun’s rays will warm your room naturally so you’ll be able to turn your heater down, again saving on utility costs.

If you are ready to begin work on a custom built floor plan in Duxbury and the surrounding areas, contact us at Colony Home Improvement. Our skilled team has designed outstanding homes and home additions for eastern Massachusetts residents for decades. We would be honored to have an opportunity to do the same for you!

Create a beautiful space with a deck remodel.

deck remodeling, home additions

Use Qualified Home Improvement Contractors in Eastern MA to Remodel Your Deck

June 23, 20160

The weather in spring and summer in eastern Massachusetts is usually pleasant. It’s no wonder on any given weekend, on any given block, you’ll recognize the sounds and smells of backyard barbecues. Whether you love to entertain family and friends or prefer to relax in peaceful solitude, you probably spend a significant time in your backyard. If you don’t, wouldn’t you love to have a reason to! A deck remodel in Brookline, MA, will inspire you to go outside and make your outdoors time much more enjoyable. Here are some deck remodeling ideas that may motivate you to spruce up your outdoor space.

Build Storage Solutions into Your New Deck

If your existing deck seems to be a repository for clutter, such as lawn tools, dog brushes, bug spray, sunscreen, toys and grilling tools, incorporate built-in storage benches into your deck. They allow you to conveniently store and retrieve items so you can keep your deck neat. A bonus? When not in use, they double as extra seating.

Incorporate Color

Whether you’ll be building a deck using a man-made material like vinyl or wood, you can incorporate color. Man-made materials are available in a range of colors, and wood can easily be stained whatever hue suits you. Get creative! You can stain railings and banisters one color and the flooring a contrasting color or you can go for a cohesive look and use one color for everything. If you choose a neutral hue for the deck itself, you can add color through bright potted plants, rugs and colorful cushions for your outdoor furniture.

Consider changing your deck with the help of home improvement contractors.

Home improvement contractors can help you beautify your deck.

Add a Pretty Pergola

As spring turns to summer, you’ll appreciate the shade provided by a pergola. Pergolas block the sun’s harsh rays but still allow airflow. To maximize shade and greatly enhance the aesthetic appeal of your deck, consider planting a colorful vine like wisteria, bougainvillea or lush green ivy.

Add Warmth

It’s not advisable to have a bonfire in your backyard, but you can still enjoy the warmth and beauty of dancing flames if you add a fire pit to your deck. This multipurpose addition provides warmth on a chilly evening, light and ambiance and a kid-favorite opportunity to roast marshmallows and hot dogs!

Add Lighting

Most home improvement contractors in Brookline, MA, have certified electricians on staff who are qualified to wire your deck for electricity so you can install ceiling fans and lighting. Spending a pleasant night under the moonlight is great. Add in twinkling white lights and your evening suddenly becomes magical. Well-placed lights not only add ambiance, but they enhance safety. Lighting on railings and stairs can help prevent tumbles.

If you are looking for a skilled, experienced Brookline, MA, home improvement contractor to help you remodel your deck, contact us at Colony Home Improvement. We have more than 40 years of experience helping eastern Massachusetts residents improve their homes and enhance their quality of life. Remodeling your deck is a great way to do that, especially this time of year!

Ask your roofing contractor if your roof is causing issues.

home additions, roof contractor

Warning Signs Your Dover, MA, Home May Need a New Roof

June 9, 20160

You probably take your home’s roof for granted and don’t think too much about it until something obvious goes wrong. It’s true most roofs are built to last for decades unless they become damaged by external forces. Considering the important function of your roof, namely protecting you, your family and your belongings from the elements, it’s smart to have a trained professional evaluate it annually just to be safe. Is it time to hire a roofing contractor in southeast MA? Read on to learn the warning signs you might need a new roof.

You Haven’t Replaced Your Roof in Decades

If your asphalt roof is approaching the 20-year mark, it’s time to consider replacing it. Especially if your exterior roof was installed over past roofs, it probably will begin to fail around the 20-year mark if it has lasted that long. Decades of exposure to the elements take their toll. Eventually shingles will break down and allow moisture to seep in. When that begins happening, it’s important to fast-track a new roof.

Troubleshoot your roof with the help of a home improvement contractor.

Your home improvement contractor can help you troubleshoot your roof.

You Notice Distorted Shingles

If your once-flat shingles appear to be curling at the edges or you see areas where the roof appears to be buckling, that is a roof red flag. It’s time to call a Dover home improvement contractor who specializes in roofing.

You Have Water Stains Inside Your House on the Ceiling

Arguably, this is the most telling sign you may need a new roof. While the reason your ceiling is wet may not be roofing related (it could be an overflowing AC drip pan or leaking pipe, for example) an interior leak should be checked out thoroughly as soon as it’s detected.

You Notice Sandy Granules on Your Gutters, Exterior Window Sills and AC Unit

Traditional shingles are coated with course granules that protect them from the sun’s damaging UV rays. As the roof approaches the end of its useful lifespan, it will shed granules. These granules look gritty, almost like sand but larger. If you find granule deposits around your home’s exterior, it’s time to call a roofing home improvement contractor for Dover and the surrounding area.

You See the Sun Where It Shouldn’t Be Shining

Head up to your attic during the day and look toward the sky. If your roof is in good working order, you should see darkness. If you can see sunlight peeking through the boards of your roof, that’s a bad sign. If sunlight can get through, so can rain, snow, wind and bugs.

If you are in need of roof installation in Dover, MA, or if you suspect you might need a new roof but aren’t sure, contact us at Colony Home Improvement. Our friendly, skilled, experienced team will evaluate your roof and let you know if it’s time to replace, if it’s possible to repair or if it’s just fine and working as it is designed to work.

Are you looking for kitchen remodeling ideas for your Massachusetts home?

home additions, kitchen remodeling

Kitchen Décor Is Always Changing…Here Are the Latest Trends

June 2, 20160

If you’re considering upgrading your kitchen, you’re smart. A kitchen remodel has one of the biggest returns on investment of any home improvement project. When you decide to sell your home someday, you’ll be able to command a higher sales price if your kitchen is up to date, in great condition and on trend. Even if you have no plans to sell anytime soon, the kitchen is the heart of the home and remodeling yours will be something your entire family will appreciate. Read on to learn about some of the most popular kitchen remodeling ideas for your Massachusetts home.

Goodbye Open Concept, Hello Transitional

To be clear, open-concept kitchens are not going the way of the dinosaurs but they now share popularity with a new trend known as the transitional kitchen. A large multipurpose island is the heart of this type of kitchen. The island allows kitchen users to easily transition from one task to another, such as prep, cooking and dining. It gives users the main benefit of an open kitchen, allowing someone to cook and converse with their guests at the same time, without requiring demolition.

Move Over Granite, Meet Quartz and Hardwood

Stainless steel appliances and granite countertops have had a long run and for good reason: They’re durable and beautiful. If you’re a fan, don’t worry. They’re not passe by any means. However, in terms of kitchen countertop materials, there are a couple of newer trends many homeowners are embracing: Quartz or wood countertops. Quartz is scratch- and heat-resistant. With proper sealing, wood can be nearly as durable and heat-resistant. Both are unique and eye-catching countertop options.

Design a great kitchen with the help of home improvement contractors.

Home improvement contractors can help you design a great kitchen.

Fewer Uppers

More is not always better because this new trend proves. Many homeowners planning southeastern MA premier home remodeling and additions on their kitchens are shunning upper cabinets for a minimalist look. Fewer upper cabinets also free up wall space to show off prized artwork or even to add a window.

Wood-Inspired Flooring

When you think of kitchen floors, you probably think of tile. Many homeowners who love the warmth of hardwood floors are choosing porcelain tile that looks like wood planks. This option mimics the natural beauty of wood but has the durability and easy maintenance of tile.

If you are interested in having your kitchen remodeled and are researching Westwood home improvement contractors, we encourage you to contact us at Colony Home Improvement. For more than 40 years, our friendly, skilled team has transformed Massachusetts homes of all styles and sizes. We’d love to put our expertise to work on your kitchen! Not all contractors for room additions in Westwood, MA, have years of experience and thousands of happy clients. We do!

Walk-in closets are a great option for a custom built home plan.

home additions, home renovations

Benefits of Adding a Walk-In Closet to Your Weston, MA, Custom Built Home Plan

May 26, 20160

When you’re working with your contractor on a Weston, MA, custom built home plan, you probably agonize over such details as the layout of your new kitchen, how many bedrooms and bathrooms your home will have and how large they will be. Do yourself a favor: don’t underestimate the importance of having functional closets. If you incorporate walk-in closets into your southeastern MA home improvement plans, you will eliminate agony down the road as you settle into your new home. Here are four benefits of walk-in closets.

Clutter Control

If you appreciate a tidy bedroom, you’ll love being able to store your clothing, shoes, bags and accessories, all conveniently in one space: your bedroom closet. You’ll be able to say goodbye to under-bed storage bags, unsightly door hooks and treks across the house to retrieve apparel and accessories from other closets in your home. When you have a spacious, well-organized closet, you’ll know where to find things quickly.

Efficiency

When you design your own home in Weston, you can design closets that have enough space to store all of your clothing, shoes and accessories; hang a full-length mirror and place a chair or bench. In other words, you can design a closet that can easily double as a dressing room. You can try on different clothing combinations until you’re happy with the look and better yet, rather than dropping the discards onto the floor, you can hang them back up right away to avoid a mess.

Walk-in closets are useful when you design your own home.

Design your own home with walk-in closets.

Ideal Hiding Place

Especially if you have children, when Christmas, Easter and birthdays approach, you may find it challenging to hide gifts and goodies where they’ll be away from prying eyes. The top shelf of a walk-in closet is always a great hiding spot when you want to keep surprises from being spoiled.

Increased Resale Value

Even if you don’t have 50-plus pairs of shoes or a huge wardrobe, many people do. One day you will probably sell your home. For many potential buyers, spacious walk-in closets are a big plus. Sometimes, lack of abundant closet space is a deal-breaker.

Things to Consider When Designing A Walk-in Closet

Obviously, a walk-in closet should be large enough to fit your clothing, shoes and accessories and allow you to comfortably walk and try on outfits. Additionally, it should have lighting that is bright but doesn’t generate too much heat. Chandeliers and pendant lights are great choices for a luxurious look and feel. Make sure to incorporate heating and air conditioning vents into your closet to keep the space comfortable. When designing your closet, in addition to creating space for hanging rods of various lengths and heights, consider incorporating built-in shelving, drawers and shoe storage cubbies. Built-ins maximize efficiency by making optimal use of every square foot of space.

If you’re ready to begin designing your dream home, we invite you to contact us at Colony Home Improvement. We have experience in remodels, additions, renovations and custom built floor plans in Weston and the surrounding areas.