Home Improvement Blog

You’re Ready to Add Your 2nd Story Addition: What to Know before You Grow

July 22, 20140

A 2nd floor addition can add value and space to your home.

Many homeowners don’t realize one of their options for adding on to a house is to add a 2nd story addition. This allows you to double your living space without taking up more of your property. With the right addition plans, you can add value to your home and create the rooms you always wanted. Before you start your project, you must consider the following.

Structural Requirements

Unfortunately, not all homes are structurally able to support a 2nd story addition. Before you consider adding another floor, talk to an experienced contractor. He should visit your home and inspect the structure to determine if your home is a good candidate for this type of addition. In some cases, adding structural support can allow you to move forward with your project.

The Addition of Stairs

Adding on to a house with another floor means you need to consider space for a new staircase. This means you will likely have to change the floor plan on your main floor. However, keep in mind your addition plans will still add square footage, even if you are losing usable space on your first floor. Talk to your remodeling contractor about the best location for your new staircase for functionality and practicality.

Necessary Upgrades

One of the last things most homeowners consider when thinking about adding a floor to their home is the upgrades they have to make. Your current heating and air conditioning system, as well as your electrical and plumbing, are designed to accommodate your one-story home. Adding another story requires you to upgrade some or all of these systems to provide the services you need for your entire home. In addition to wiring, plumbing and ductwork, you may need a larger air conditioner or furnace as well.

A Matching Exterior

Depending on the age of your home, matching the exterior can be difficult. As you make your addition plans, consider whether the siding and windows currently on your home are still available. If not, your project will cost more to make your 2nd story addition match the existing parts of your home. However, in some cases, your remodeling contractor may be able to recommend other materials that are similar and will blend well together to create a fluid look for the exterior of your home.

Adding on to a house is a great way to expand your living space and can often be cheaper than buying a new, larger home. In either case, a 2nd story addition allows you to add the extra space without taking up space on your property. If you are thinking of adding on, consider the option of building up instead of out. Meeting with an experienced remodeling contractor will help you determine if this option is the right choice.

If you are considering a 2nd story addition for your home, contact us. Our Connecticut remodelers can help you create your addition plans and carry them out.

How Lighting Can Affect the Personality of Your Kitchen

July 17, 20140

Lighting is important for kitchen remodeling.

Improve your kitchen remodeling with the use of the right lighting.

Good lighting is a necessity when it comes to cooking. It helps you see your recipes and the food you are working with, as well as what you are eating. When it comes to kitchen remodeling, especially kitchen remodels on a budget, focusing on the lighting can help improve the look and feel of your kitchen. The extra lighting is also useful in small kitchen remodels, giving you the results you want.

An Inviting Atmosphere

Because your kitchen often becomes a gathering place to enjoy family meals or entertain, it is important to create an inviting atmosphere with your kitchen remodeling. Increasing the size of the windows in a kitchen or adding plenty of lighting, particularly above a table or island, can be useful in making your kitchen a place in which people want to gather. Natural light is the preferred option, but if you can’t increase natural light, your remodeling contractor can help you make the right lighting decisions.

Create a Focal Point

The eye is naturally drawn to lighter areas in a room. This means you should consider what you want people to see when they first enter your kitchen. With small kitchen remodels, you won’t have a lot of choices for your focal point. However, it should still be a priority. For instance, under cabinet lighting can attract attention to your kitchen counter decor or small appliances. Some people choose accent lighting in the ceiling to showcase a favorite piece of art. The options are endless. Talk to your kitchen remodeler to find out what he suggests for your focal point and how to draw attention to it.

Types of Lighting

The type of lighting you choose can play a significant role in the personality of your kitchen. Kitchen remodels on a budget may not have as many options, but lighting doesn’t have to be expensive. Natural light is often preferred in the kitchen, but even with the best windows, you will need lighting for evenings spent in this room of the home. Recessed cans can be a great option under cabinets or above counters. A chandelier can provide a touch of elegance when hung above your table. You can even add more casual pendant lighting over your kitchen island.

The lighting you choose for your kitchen can play a significant role in the personality of this room in the home. Because your kitchen is used often, you need plenty of light to function. However, it can also create a unique sense of style for your kitchen. Before you get started on your kitchen remodeling, work with your contractor to determine which lighting options will give you the exact look and functionality you want.

If you are ready to start your kitchen remodeling project, contact us. At Colony Home Improvement in MA, we can update your kitchen personality, including the right lighting options.

What’s New and Exciting in Bathroom Remodeling?

July 15, 20140

Find the right options for your bathroom remodeling.

Modernize your bathroom with the right bathroom remodeling.

Because the bathroom is frequently used, it is often one of the first steps homeowners take when remodeling their homes. They want their bathroom remodeling to improve the functionality of this room and make the most of the space they have, especially when they need to remodel a small bathroom. If you are looking for great bathroom remodeling ideas, these options can help you get started.

Stand-Alone Showers

A bathtub can take up a lot of space and disrupt the flow of a bathroom. If you aren’t the type to soak in a tub or you don’t have small children who require a bathtub, choosing a stand-alone shower can maximize your space. It also creates an elegant look to any bathroom, particularly if you choose a frameless glass shower.

Tap Activated Faucets

How many times have you made your sink or faucets dirty because you had to use your hands to turn them on and then had to touch the dirty faucet to turn it off? One of the best bathroom remodeling ideas today is tap activated faucets. All you need to do is tap the faucet with any part of your body, such as your elbow, and the water will turn on and off.

Chromatherapy Tubs

If you enjoy a good soak in the tub, the addition of a chromatherapy tub can be great for your bathroom remodeling. These large tubs are designed for a long soak and are equipped with color-changing lights to create a relaxing atmosphere.

Plenty of Light

Gone are the days when you have to stand in a dark bathroom to take a shower or shave. Bright vanity lights have been a trend for a long time, but today, many bathroom remodeling ideas call for plenty of LED lights or skylights to let in natural light. This is a great option if you want to remodel a small bathroom as light makes it seem larger.

Showerhead Variety

Another interesting bathroom remodeling trend lies in the showerheads you choose. Some people enjoy a rain showerhead for the feel of standing out in a rain shower. Others love multiple heads to create streams of water from all angles. Still others prefer the traditional or removable showerhead options. The choices today are endless.

When you are looking for great bathroom remodel ideas, there are plenty of options to create a useable space that is also attractive. Talking to your bathroom remodeling contractors about the latest trends can help you make choices that will enhance the beauty of your home, especially if you need to remodel a small bathroom. In these situations, you need to find ways to make the most of the space you have, still including all of the necessities.

If you are interested in starting a bathroom remodeling project, contact us. Colony Home Improvement in Boston, MA, specializes in bathroom remodels, giving you the quality and beauty you desire.

The Latest Trends in Deck Remodeling

July 10, 20140

Large decks are a great choice in deck remodeling.

The latest deck remodeling trends can help you entertain your guests.

A deck can be a fabulous option for the backyard of any home. It is a great place to entertain and relax after a long day or week at work. It can also be a smart way to add value to your home. Before you consider deck remodel ideas, it is useful to understand the latest trends in deck remodeling. Implementing the right backyard deck designs will give you the greatest advantages.

Large Decks

While some homeowners only have room or the desire for smaller decks, today’s deck trends call for larger decks that are ideal for hosting family and friends. Instead of creating just enough room for your grill and some patio furniture, larger decks have plenty of room for full outdoor kitchens, hot tubs, storage and more. Some individuals even install a privacy fence around the deck’s edges.

Outdoor Kitchens

Grilling out is a popular pastime many people are taking beyond your average grill. Many deck remodel ideas call for a full built-in kitchen that allows homeowners to spend more of their time outdoors. Instead of cooking part of the meal inside, the cook can spend more time entertaining outside and enjoying the weather when they can cook everything from their own deck. Some of these kitchens even include a sink, refrigerator and cabinet space.

Green Decking

As you choose the backyard deck designs that best meet your needs, the materials are another important consideration. Today’s deck remodeling trends call for the use of green decking materials that are more environmentally friendly. For instance, composite decking combines the look of real wood with the durability of plastic to create a beautiful, low-maintenance deck that doesn’t require a lot of real wood. Depending on the other features you choose for your deck, solar lighting and gas appliances can be ideal green options as well.

Water Features

Another popular trend in deck remodeling is to add some water to your deck. Perhaps you’ve always wanted a hot tub or spa to relax away the stress of your daily life. If this isn’t a good option for you, consider adding a soothing water fountain. Imagine sitting on your deck, drink in hand, listening to the sound of splashing water as you soak up the sun’s rays. It’s the perfect way to relax and unwind.

Decks are one of the most versatile backyard options, creating an ideal space for relaxing and entertaining. If you are thinking of a deck remodeling project, learning about the latest in deck remodel ideas can give you plenty of great choices. Backyard deck designs can include a large deck able to hold more people or features, an outdoor kitchen, the use of green decking materials and the addition of water features.

If you are interested in deck remodeling, contact us. Our experienced staff in Massachusetts is ready to help you make the right choices for your deck.

How New Energy Efficient Windows Can Increase the Value of Your Home

July 8, 20140

Replacing windows makes your home more energy efficient.

Using replacement windows can give your home a boost in value.

Windows are one of the biggest reasons why homes lose energy. If your home has older windows, it may be time to consider energy efficient replacement windows. Something as simple as replacing older home windows can have a significant impact on your energy costs. However, in addition to improving your energy bills, you can also increase the value of your home.

Increase Sales Appeal

If you are trying to sell your home, it can be difficult to make your house stand apart from the others on the market. This is especially true with the increased number of foreclosures available. To make your home more appealing to prospective buyers, adding energy efficient replacement windows can increase the amount of offers and improve curb appeal, bringing more foot traffic to your home. This can make your home more attractive to prospective buyers.

Low Maintenance, Big Savings

Even though a few home buyers look for a fixer-upper, many want a home that doesn’t need a lot of updates. In addition, they don’t want to spend extra money on their utility bills if they don’t need to. By replacing home windows with energy efficient options, you can increase the chances a prospective buyer will offer more on your home. The energy savings and easy maintenance can be appealing selling points.

A Great Return

Replacement windows offer a great return on the investment you make. It can be unsettling to think about the cost of replacing the windows, but you can often recoup a significant portion of that cost, especially if you want to sell your home. However, even if you intend to remain in your home, energy efficient replacement windows can begin paying for themselves in the energy you will save.

Other Benefits

If you still aren’t sure whether replacing home windows is the right option, there are other benefits to consider. In addition to increasing the value of your home and decreasing your energy bills, new windows can:

Improve your curb appeal.
Provide protection from the sun’s UV rays.
Qualify you for government rebates and incentives.
Eliminate dangerous moisture problems that can result in structural damage.

Replacing windows can create a new look for your home, which can be helpful whether you plan to stay in your home or you intend to sell it.

Energy efficient replacement windows can be one of the best renovations you make for your home, especially if you are trying to increase its value or save money on your energy bills. This simple project can improve your home’s curb appeal and make it more attractive to buyers who are looking for energy efficiency and minimal updates.

If you are interested in replacing home windows, contact us. Our MA contractors can help you choose the right windows to look great and keep your utility bills low.