Home Improvement Blog

Reasons You May Want to Choose a Cedar Roof over Conventional Options

October 16, 20140

Ask roofing contractors why you should consider cedar.

Roof contractors often recommend cedar roofing over traditional roofing.

Cedar’s natural beauty makes it an appealing choice for homeowners looking to replace their roof. A cedar shake roof isn’t just good looking on the outside. It is a practical, durable home improvement option and offers many unique benefits when compared to traditional roofing.

Weather Is No Worry

One reason roof contractors recommend cedar is because it is extremely durable. If you live in an area of the country with extreme weather like snowstorms and thunderstorms, you can rest assured your cedar roof will stand up to the impact. Cedar is also resistant to moisture and insects, which cannot be said for other natural types of wood. Resisting moisture minimizes the possibility of decay and allows cedar to be used in many climates throughout the country.

Adaptable to Your Style

The natural appearance and varied looks of cedar make it a versatile option for your roof. You can mix cedar shakes and shingles to match with any house style or exterior paint color. Cedar comes in a natural honey color but typically ages to a silver tone. Since cedar can vary in color, cut, thickness and pattern, it will look different from the other cedar roofs on your block.

Choose the right materials for your roofing contractor.

A roofing contractor can create a beautiful home.

A Natural Resource

Homeowners who are looking for eco-friendly home improvement projects will be pleased with a cedar roof. Cedar, a natural resource, is renewable and biodegradable. Researchers have found, when compared to other types of roofing, cedar will likely use less energy and has less of an impact on global warming.

Stands the Test of Time

Cedar roofing has a life expectancy of 30 to 60 years. Regular and proper maintenance, such as power washing, using the correct cleaning solutions and selecting acceptable pigmented finishes, will help ensure your roof stands the test of time. In particular, the western red cedar is one of the world’s strongest woods. Since cedar has a low shrinkage rate, it installs without difficulty, lying flat and straight, and tends to hold nails tightly over time. All of these aspects of cedar will help extend the life of your roof.

The popular look of cedar roofing has led other roofing product manufacturers, such as clay and concrete tiles, to create versions made to look like cedar shakes. Cedar roofing is not going to be your least expensive roofing option; however, the large investment you make for this home construction project will result in a roof that will last.

Contact us to discuss cedar roofing for your next home improvement project. Our MA contractors understand the fundamentals of roofing design and construction.

Transform the Size of a Room with Paint

October 14, 20140

Learn how your home improvement contractor can use paint in your home.

A home improvement contractor can create various effects with paint.

Besides adding home additions to your current space or moving to a new place altogether, it can be a challenge to make smaller rooms in your home feel more spacious. The most obvious way to make a space larger is to remove any extra furniture and clutter; however, if you don’t want to get rid of anything, adding more space to a room without addition plans can be more difficult. One solution is to consider changing the paint color in the room. Using the right color can make the space feel larger without remodeling. Keep these tips in mind when deciding what color to put on your walls.

Paint It White

White paint makes a room appear larger. It can add space to a crowded room, even if you have too many pieces of furniture or other objects around. White is a reflective color, which causes light to bounce off the surfaces around your room.

White can even make small bathrooms or closets feel larger. Painting your room this neutral color can trick your eye into thinking it’s bigger than it really is. Rather than remodeling a cramped space, try this paint color to enlarge the room, saving money on costly addition plans.

A home improvement contractor uses paint to change the size of a room.

Make a room look larger or smaller with the help of a home improvement contractor.

Use Lighter Colors

If you don’t like white paint, consider painting with light colors instead. Neutral colors, such as pale yellow, beige, taupe or gray, give the room a more expansive feel. These colors are also warm and inviting.

Another trick for making a space seem larger is to use complementary colors on your furniture. A monochromatic palette will give a room the appearance of openness. A home improvement contractor can analyze the size of your space and help you choose the right colors for your room.

Use Paints That De-Clutter

Still have a cluttered space? If your room features hanging bookcases or shelves, consider painting your walls and shelves the same neutral color. That will make them blend in with the natural surroundings of your room, adding to the appearance of more space.

This same technique applies to furniture. If you have a worn-out table set, consider painting it a color that complements your home. This will make your room appear more open. Plus, your furniture will look new and bright.

Add Length to a Short Room

Maybe you have a short room you wish you could make longer. If addition plans aren’t possible, you can visually lengthen a room by painting one of the ends with a lighter color. Choose a color several shades paler than the paint on your remaining three walls for the greatest effect.

On the other hand, painting an end wall with a darker shade will also give that same illusion. Paint your remaining walls a lighter complementary shade for a similar impact.

Is too much space in a room your problem? You can also make your room feel cozier with a little paint. Use warm colors to bring in the walls and ceiling. This will make your room feel more intimate, especially when entertaining guests.

If you are interested in changing or upgrading the size of your room with paint, contact us. An experienced MA home improvement contractor on our team can show you ways to make your room feel larger or small, depending on your living situation.

Tips for Choosing the Perfect Paint Color for the Exterior of Your Home

October 9, 20140

Ask your home improvement contractor about paint colors.

Your home improvement contractor ensures your home looks great.

The outside of your home is the first thing your guests and neighbors see. The exterior adds personality to your home and to your neighborhood. Using the right design build plans can help you figure out the perfect paint color for the exterior of your home. A new color is a great way to give your house a facelift. Whether you want to make a statement or add curb appeal, keep these tips in mind when choosing your paint color.

Figure out Your Home’s Personality

The first step to choosing the perfect paint color for the exterior of your home is to determine what kind of personality your home has. It all depends on the style of your home, the type of neighborhood you live in, your family lifestyle and your geographic location. Choosing the right shade of paint can help reflect the design and style of your home. For example, a bold shade will make your home appear trendy and urban. On the other hand, a subdued palette can make your home look more refined.

Consider Your Neighbor’s Exterior Paint Colors

Before painting, consider which colors would work well in your neighborhood. Think of your neighborhood as your canvas and what colors would work on that canvas. A home improvement contractor can give guidance during this process, helping you look at your home from an artistic standpoint.

Choosing the right exterior paint colors can also give your reputation a boost in the neighborhood. It shows you are considerate when it comes to your neighbors and the appearance of the homes. Think about the colors you want to use. Will they fit in with the surrounding home construction? Do they blend in with the look and feel of your area?

Before you choose paint, talk to your home improvement contractor.

A home improvement contractor understands how to pick an exterior color.

Use Your Natural Environment for Color Selection

The surroundings of your home can have an impact on the colors you choose. Keep your setting in mind when choosing the right exterior paint colors for your house. Research the colors used most around your home. For example, a home on the beach may feature tans, whites, blues and yellows, while a home in the mountains might consist of more earthy shades. Match the paint colors before you consider which design build plans to use on your home.

Use Color Tools to Help You Choose

When in doubt, use color tools to help select the right exterior paint colorsfor your home. You can use a color wheel or a color fan to help you select the right shade. Ask your home improvement contractor if you can borrow his fan or if you can try some samples on your home. You can also buy a fan from professional stores and hardware shops.

Once you chose a color you like, have a wet sample painted on the outside of your home. The colors on the wheel can look different than they do on the actual material of your home. The color may look lighter or darker than you want.

If you are interested in home improvement in MA, contact us for a free quote. An experienced home improvement contractor on our team can give your home a new look and help you decide what paint colors to use.

Tips for Remodeling the Perfect Front Porch

October 7, 20140

Decks and porches make a great home improvement project.

Make your home more welcoming with decks and porches.

Front porches are a fantastic way to enjoy the scenery surrounding your home. If you are currently looking to add decks and porches to your home, you may need a home improvement contractor to make sure the job is done right. Adding features to your existing home is subject to city building codes and regulations, which can be difficult to understand if you don’t have prior experience with renovations. Before you make any improvements to your home’s exterior, there are some helpful remodeling tips to keep in mind.

Use

Before you even start picking the wood you want to use, it’s important to determine exactly how you want to use your new decks and porches. For example, if you want a space for your small children, make sure your design does not include dangerous stairs. If you enjoy entertaining, a bar or fire pit may be an essential feature. Swings and rocking chairs make great additions to a front porch if you want a place to sit and watch the sun go down. Figuring out which features you want for your new addition will help your home improvement contractorcreate the best plans for you.

Looking for home improvement projects? Consider decks and porches.

Decks and porches create a finished look for your home.

Seasons

It’s critical to consider the type of weather your region experiences. For home owners living in warm or rainy climates, an awning or other covering to protect your exterior home improvement may be a great addition. On the other hand, those living in areas that have more cold days may need to add options to keep the deck free of ice. Your local home improvement contractor has experience making your outdoor space a great place year-round.

Practicality

You want to make your decks and porches as user friendly as possible so you can spend the most time on them. Make sure you don’t forget to add small creature comforts, such as lights, ceiling fans and plenty of seating. These items create an inviting space for family time or entertaining.

If you are looking for a design and building contractor in Massachusetts to make renovating your decks and porches hassle free, contact us. We have years of experience and can make your next outdoor space the perfect place to spend time with your loved ones.

Add More Windows and Skylights to Your Home and Let the Sun Shine In

October 2, 20140

Skylights installation adds more natural light.

Bring more natural light into your home with skylights installation.

Homes lacking adequate amounts of natural light can begin to feel like dark caves. There are many ways to increase natural illumination in your home. Perhaps you are considering replacing home windows with new models, which protect from UV rays, allow more light and conserve energy. Others might consider installing skylights to add extra illumination and a wonderful view of the night sky. No matter what the design, style or age of your home, there are lighting solutions that can help brighten rooms, as well as your mood.

Benefits of Using Natural Light

There are many advantages to using natural light to brighten your house. Replacing home windows with larger units allow greater illumination and can make the room feel more spacious and comfortable. Well lit areas can help you feel less cramped and help improve your mood, increase energy and improve productivity. Aside from these aesthetic and health benefits, you can save energy, while reducing reliance on electrical lighting. As a general rule, we all respond, feel and act better in a home lit using natural sources.

Skylights installation enhances the beauty of any home.

You can transform the look of your home with skylights installation.

Proper Placement of Skylights and Windows

When installing skylights, it is important to note they provide an excellent source of natural light, but they can also be a passive source of solar heat. Roof windows or skylights placed on a north-facing roof offer constant illumination, which is relatively cool. These units placed on an east-facing roof can provide a maximum amount of light and offer solar heat during the morning, while those facing west offer afternoon light but can also provide larger amounts of heat, specifically in the late afternoon. Skylights installation typically is beneficial in areas where it’s not practical to add more windows, such as in hallways or in closed kitchen areas. Adding a window in the home’s entryway can also help it appear more welcoming.

Other Ways to Brighten Your Home

Aside from installing skylights and windows, there are other strategies that can help make good use of natural light sources. For example, replacing interior solid doors with French doors helps share light among rooms. If possible, inside walls can be removed to make a space seem roomier and offer shared lighting opportunities. Front doors can be lined with windows providing sidelights or solid doors exchanged for designs featuring paned glass. Adding customized lighting in areas around focal points like fireplaces or artwork can add beneficial light to a room.

If you are considering increasing the natural light in your home by installing skylights or replacing home windows, contact us. At Colony Home Improvement in Massachusetts, we have the experience and expertise to help you achieve optimal lighting.