Home Improvement Blog

Siding Has Evolved: It’s Not Just Vinyl Anymore

October 23, 20140

Stone siding is a great alternative to vinyl siding.

Vinyl siding has quickly been overtaken by stone siding.

As a decorative element, siding makes your home look attractive and gives it character. It also has some functional uses because it provides weatherproofing and protects the inside walls. Vinyl siding is a popular choice among homeowners. It came into play in the 1980s, and while better than previous options like wood and aluminum, it still had issues. Some homeowners are selecting another, newer option: veneer stone siding. Here are some of the most common types of siding.

Wood

Wood has been a popular siding option for hundreds of years, with its heyday going way back to the colonial era up to the 1950s. It was attractive, but it didn’t handle extreme weather like rain and snow well and could rot over time. It also needed to be painted, cleaned and maintained, which could eat up a homeowner’s time and money.

Modern wood siding, such as cedar, is strong enough to withstand harsh weather. It is low-maintenance because it does not require painting or staining, though you can do so if you want. If you’re looking for an eco-friendly option, wood is a good choice because it is a natural insulator. This means it blocks the cold and keeps in warmth, resulting in lower utility bills.

Wood siding is an excellent alternative to vinyl siding.

Instead of vinyl siding, consider wood siding instead.

Aluminum

Later in the 20th century, aluminum siding became popular. Homeowners liked that it didn’t rot or crack. It was also more airtight and had strong wind resistance. It did not need to be painted. Problems with aluminum siding include it can easily dent, the paint fades and it is difficult to clean without taking off some of the paint. Another big issue in today’s eco-friendly society is this type of siding makes homes less energy efficient since aluminum conducts heat.

Vinyl

Vinyl siding, still a popular option today, was originally seen as better than aluminum because it had many of the same benefits and came in a variety of colors for personalizing. In addition, the color didn’t wash off like it did with aluminum siding.

In its early days, vinyl was prone to buckling because it would expand and contract when the temperature changed. Manufacturers improved upon the siding’s design to fix this problem and also added chemicals to protect the siding from sun damage and color fading. Today’s vinyl siding is considered maintenance free because it does not need painting, there is little fade and the panel floats.

Veneer Stone Siding

Thin stone veneer is a newer option some homeowners are choosing. It is aesthetically appealing, as well as permanent and maintenance free. Many styles and shapes are available. Options include real stone veneers cut from quarried building and manufactured stones.

Siding has continued to evolve over the years. Early varieties of siding were prone to rotting and drafts and needed time-consuming maintenance. Now there are energy-efficient options that need little to no maintenance.

If you are thinking about vinyl siding or looking for wood siding in MA, contact us. Our contractors can install your beautiful new siding.

The Advantages of Adding Custom Millwork to Your Home

October 21, 20140

Your home can benefit from beautiful custom millwork.

Custom millwork can create a new look for your home.

If you want to increase the value of your home, consider a home improvementproject using custom millwork building materials. One popular use of millwork is to create custom stairs and trim. While commodity millwork manufacturersoffer mass-produced lineal material for lower prices, a custom shop will make each product unique for the specific customer. Consider the following benefits when deciding whether to add custom millwork to your home:

High Quality Pieces

A custom millwork shop will ensure every one of your pieces is of the highest quality. With a commodity manufacturer’s mass-produced pieces, discerning homeowners may not be satisfied with the material quality, workmanship, profile and species choices. In order for a commodity producer to keep prices low, the high-speed machines must churn out large quantities of product. When this happens, quality is reduced because there isn’t enough time to visually inspect all lengths for defects.

Custom millwork shops will visually inspect all of your pieces and will replace any defective items. These shops will notice and replace small imperfections like milling marks and machining variability patterns.

Consider the beauty of custom millwork for your home.

Add Beauty to Your Home

Unlike lineal millwork, custom millwork will add individualized beauty to your home. Beautiful custom stairs and trim can help the interior of your home stand out to visitors. Ceiling molding and some decorative millwork in other areas of the home will make it memorable and increase the value of your residence.

Personal Attention

Products from commodity millwork producers are generally available through wholesale distributors, building centers, lumberyards and home improvement centers. It is unlikely you will receive personal attention and advice tailored to your needs from your local big box store.

Your custom millwork producer will make a personal connection with you, just as he does with every customer. No detail is too small to discuss or modify. The producer will assist you through the steps so the result is a product made to your specifications. Aspects, such as color, doors, type of materials, finish, depth or height, can be adjusted. Custom millwork producers care about customer satisfaction. They want to be sure the finished product meets your needs and wishes.

Increased Home Value

Though a custom producer is more expensive than a commodity producer, theincreased value added to your home is worth it. In addition, the custom producer can work with you to determine an appropriate level of products and services for your budget. For a new house, quality custom millwork generally costs less than 5 percent of the total house project. The resulting value of the finished project will usually be greater than your initial purchase price.

If you are thinking about a custom millwork home improvement project, contact us. Our contractors in Massachusetts can help you transform your vision into reality.

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.