Home Improvement Blog

Home Improvement and Renovation Projects That Will Increase the Value of Your Home

July 16, 20150

Talk to your home improvement contractor about projects to increase your home's value.

A home improvement contractor can help you increase the value of your home.

Buying a home is an investment of time, as well as money. Once the initial purchase is made, you want to do all you can to protect it. Every home needs renovating from time to time, even if it’s just to update it. There are some home improvements and renovations that can help increase the value of your home. You may want to undertake a remodeling project simply to improve the functionality of the home, provide more space or just because you want a different look. Before you begin, check out these projects that will help you get the most for your investment.

New Look with New Doors

Replacing garage doors or entry doors not only changes the overall appearance of the home, but it also offers a return when it comes to home value. New doors help improve the visual appeal of the home. Doors are available in a variety of materials, colors and styles so you can match the existing exterior design.

Window Replacements

Increasing the value of a home with window replacements is just one of the reasons homeowners are undertaking this renovation project. Updated windows will help increase the resale value of the home, partially because they are more energy efficient. Window replacements are a good idea, even if you are not planning on selling anytime soon. They improve the curb appeal and can save you money on utilities. They also provide a natural lighting alternative. Keeping older or outdated windows can end up costing homeowners more money in the long run.

Talk to a contractor for home additions about adding value to your home.

A contractor for home additions can add value to your home.

Outdoor Projects

Sometimes homeowners concentrate their efforts on inside projects, but there are several noteworthy outdoor renovations you should discuss with a Weston home improvement contractor. Major improvements to the exterior of the home can mean a significant increase in curb appeal and value. Adding a walkway or other masonry projects, as well as building on a backyard deck or an outdoor kitchen, can increase the value of the home. Even a landscaping project can boost the home’s curb appeal, beautifying its exterior with perennial plants and shrubs to provide color and shade. A professionally done landscape project can help the home sell a lot faster once it’s put on the market.

Repainting or Siding Projects

A visitor to your home is going to base their initial impression on what they see first: the exterior of the home. Repainting the home’s exterior can not only give the home a new look, but it can also increase its value. Vinyl siding is a practical way to protect the home and add to its value.

When you are ready to increase your home’s value, contact us at Colony Home Improvement. We are a contractor for room additions in Weston and the surrounding areas in MA and can help you finish your project and increase the value of your home.

A Room Addition Above the Garage Can Provide the Extra Space Your Growing Family Needs

July 14, 20150

Add extra space with room additions over the garage.

Room additions over your garage add extra space.

There are many ways to add more space to your home to accommodate a growing family. A room over the garage is one alternative that can prove to be an excellent choice. In many situations, there is nowhere for a house to expand so looking to the space above the garage is the perfect solution. Here are some of the top reasons to consider this option.

Additional Space for Virtually Anything

Before you begin any construction, talk to a home improvement contractor about the structure of your garage. As long as it is sound enough to manage a room on top, this space can be the perfect size for just about anything. It makes a good area for a home-based business, an extra bedroom or a workout room.

Additional Space Can Add Value to Your Home

No one doubts the functionality of an extra room, but it could provide much more. Adding a room above the garage can improve the curb appeal of the house and complement the home’s aesthetic look. In addition, an extra room means more square footage, which can increase the overall value of the home.

Talk to a home improvement contractor about a garage addition.

A home improvement contractor can help you can help you with an addition over your garage.

Additional Space for Extra Income

Whether you need the extra space now or just want to have it available for those just-in-case situations, it can provide extra income. An above garage room can easily be made into a small apartment, which can be rented out to college students or other individuals.

Considerations to Make Prior to Building

Building an extra room over the garage should first be discussed with a contractor. They can help you better understand the logistics and scope of the project. Here are some things you should discuss with your contractor before building room additions in Wellesley.

Check the garage for structure and framing

Provide adequate insulation

Do you want to add plumbing and where’s the best place for it?

Do you want outside access? Where will you put it?

Before contacting your Wellesley contractor for home addition advice, check to see if your home has to meet any building codes or zoning requirements. You will also want to check how an additional room might influence homeowner’s insurance and property taxes. In some regions, there may be some discounts on insurance rates as long as you meet certain building requirements.

Are you ready to add usable space to your home by adding a room above your garage? Contact us with your ideas and questions.

3D Design is Becoming an Industry Standard: Here’s Why

July 9, 20150

Talk to your contractor about designing your own home.

Designing your own home is made easy with 3D designs.

Our homes provide us with more than just a comfortable place to relax each evening. It is our emotional haven and safe place from the hectic world we live in. One of the latest trends in home remodeling is to design your own home addition or remodeling project in 3D. Having a Scituate custom built floor plan in 3D can help you gain a better understanding for the design and a sense for how it’s really going to look and feel once it has been completed. Here are a few reasons you should ask your home remodeling professional about a 3D design.

3D Designs Give You a Better Picture of the Home

When you are just looking at a two-dimensional picture of your home’s floor plan, it can be difficult to get a good feel for the elevations and features. A basic floor plan can give you the general idea of how the home is going to be laid out, but it can be difficult to visualize how the design is actually going to look when it’s done. A 3D design helps you see it better and gain an understanding of how it’s going to work for you. The more understanding you can gain of your design and the more you get a feel for its overall effect, the easier it will be to make the necessary decisions.

A 3D Design Reduces Changes Later On

Dealing with an inadequate representation of your home’s floor plan can lead to a lot of changes once construction begins. This will eventually translate into more money and time spent in completing the renovations or home addition. Since a 3D design lets you see the floor plan more clearly, it’s less likely you’ll need changes further down the road.

Create a custom built home plan in 3D.

A 3D Design Lets You See Renovations Before They Begin

A three-dimensional display isn’t just for designing and building a new home. It can be beneficial when you want to make renovations too. The 3D view allows you a chance to see what the completed changes will look like. Seeing your renovations before construction even begins can allow you to spot any potential problems or something you hadn’t thought about before. Being able to see your home remodeling or new building project before it has begun can prevent making unnecessary changes and helps homeowners avoid having to pay for work that is not needed or wanted.

A 3D Design Helps Everyone Get on the Same Page

Displaying your 3D design to those who will be working on your home can help unite everyone in working toward common goals. A simple meeting can bring everyone together to contribute ideas to the design process. When all members of the team can see the images on a shared screen, changes can be made immediately, saving those involved huge amounts of time.

Are you ready to start designing your own home in Scituate? Contact us to see your ideas in 3D.

The Right Outdoor Kitchen Addition Will Keep Your Summer Dining Safe and Easy

July 7, 20150

Improve your parties with an outdoor kitchen addition.

An outdoor kitchen addition makes entertaining easy.

Many homeowners are choosing to expand their living space by adding an outdoor kitchen to their home. It is quickly becoming one of the most popular custom built outdoor addition requests for homeowners. An outdoor kitchen addition is easy to adapt to the specific needs and entertainment practices of each household, and it goes way beyond just cooking outside. The best outdoor kitchen allows as much functionality as a typical indoor kitchen and offers a wonderful space to entertain guests and friends. There are a wide variety of options available, and designs are left up to the imagination of the homeowner. It may take some time to plan, but it can provide hours of entertainment for the entire family. It’s important to make the best use of the available area and keep it as safe as possible in the process.

Beginning at the Bottom

Newton contractors for home additions can offer a lot of suggestions to get you started on a floor plan. Starting with a basic idea of how you would like your addition laid out, they will be able to offer recommendations so you get the most out of the area. Keep in mind flooring is important since you want to ensure the safety of your family, friends and guests by using something that will not be slippery when it’s wet.

Choosing the Right Appliances for the Outdoor Kitchen

Contractors will ask you what appliances you want included in your outdoor kitchen and how large they should be. This has a lot to do with the actual design of the space because you will need to allow adequate room for each appliance. The number and size of appliances included will help you determine how big the kitchen will be. Remember, if you want to include several pieces, you will also need to make arrangements for electricity or water to keep them running properly.

Consider a custom built outdoor addition to your home.

A custom built outdoor addition can be a great asset

Choosing Storage Options

An outdoor kitchen will need storage space, just like your indoor kitchen has. You want to have plenty of room to keep utensils and cooking tools handy. Cabinets, countertops and storage areas will have to be durable enough to withstand temperature changes, and they should also be waterproof. Many homeowners choose stainless steel since it is waterproof and aesthetically appealing as well.

Include a Sink and a Temp-Controlled Grill for Cooking Safely

No matter where a kitchen is, whether indoors or outdoors, cleanliness is important to keep everyone healthy. Sinks are an essential for the outdoor kitchen because they provide a place to wash hands and utensils without having to go back and forth to the house.

Grills are a popular item included in the outdoor kitchen and many people prefer cooking with charcoal, but it is much safer to use a grill with a way to control the cooking temperature. If you want the outdoor cooking taste, mesquite chips will give you a smoked flavor.

Are you ready to get busy designing your outdoor kitchen addition in Newton and the surrounding areas? Contact us for ideas and to see the latest in today’s outdoor kitchens.

Your Attic Can Be Renovated into the Perfect Room Addition

July 2, 20150

Talk to your home improvement contractor about using your attic.

Your home improvement contractor can make your attic into livable space.

Using an attic to add space to your home may be a suitable option for those who are considering home addition floor plans in Needham. Having more usable space is not only beneficial, but it can also increase the value of your home. There are many benefits to using attic space as another room, such as improving your home’s storage capacity and insulation. When you are considering how to best use this space, there are plenty of ideas to keep in mind.

Turn an Attic Room Addition into a Bedroom

The sloped roof in an attic can provide the perfect setting for an additional bedroom since beds don’t typically need to use large amounts of vertical space. However, you need to choose the right sized bed to put in your new bedroom. If it’s too large, it can shrink your space, and if it’s too small, it can look like it’s being swallowed by the wide open room. If you are concerned about using up storage space, you might want to consider under-bed storage options. A platform bed offers an extra place to sleep, as well as offering space underneath for storing items. If space allows, you can also use a pull-out trundle bed to provide additional sleeping space.

Turn an Attic Room Addition into a Reading Nook

Smaller attic spaces can be perfect for creating a reading nook. This can reserve some space for storage but still allow you to take advantage of the extra room. Most attics have windows, which are perfect for creating a nice window seat. This makes a comfortable space to read your favorite books. Built-in bookcases can be used to line the walls. Most bookcases are just 12 inches deep, but they can be created in any shape, slant or height.

Instead of a room addition, consider changing your attic.

An attic can be the ideal room addition.

Turn an Attic Room Addition into a Built-in Storage Room

Attics of any size are great for providing a secluded area for entertaining, working on hobbies or studying. Seating can be arranged in a variety of ways, including under the sloped ceilings where headroom is not an issue. You may need to discuss lighting options with your Needham home improvement contractor since there isn’t always enough natural lighting in attic areas. You may be able to add highlights or more lighting fixtures. The rest of the space can be used to provide built-in storage. This allows you to keep the attic neat and use the area for more than one purpose. Long attics are designed perfectly so you can line the wall spaces with cabinets or shelves to use for storage. If the area is small or dark, try painting surfaces in light colors to help brighten the area and make it more pleasant.

Are you ready to talk to a home improvement contractor about how to use your unused attic space? Contact us for ideas and prices on renovating this space in your home.