When It Comes to Kitchen Remodeling, Which Is Best…Open or Closed?

September 23, 20140

Do you want an open or closed kitchen remodeling project?

Open or closed….these are your options when it comes to kitchen remodeling.

If you are currently making kitchen remodeling plans, you may have spent some time researching the latest looks and trends in home renovation. Kitchens can have a variety of features, including the ability to be open or closed. If you are having a difficult time deciding whether to add more walls for a closed look or tear down a few for a more open space, there are some advantages and disadvantages to both types of kitchen additions.

Closed Kitchens

When it comes to kitchen remodeling, many homeowners are looking to convert their current kitchens into open living spaces. Creating an open kitchen could mean major construction and tearing down your existing walls, which could greatly increase the cost of your kitchen remodeling plans. If you would rather focus on upgrading other features, such as appliances and cabinets, a closed option could save money.

Other advantages of a closed kitchen include:

· More walls mean more room for cabinets and other storage options

· Messes are easily hidden because your kitchen isn’t so open

· Cooking odors are contained

While closed kitchen additions provide more storage, they do have some disadvantages. For example, if you have small children or pets, it can be more difficult to keep an eye on them if you need to stay in the kitchen. Adding or having more walls in your kitchen remodeling plans can also take up more of your current square footage than an open floor plan.

Your kitchen remodeling options include open and closed designs.

Which design do you prefer? Open or closed kitchen remodeling.

Open Kitchens

Open kitchens are currently one of the most popular home renovation trends. Many new homes already include these open spaces, but if you have an older home and are looking for the same design, kitchen remodeling can help you get the kitchen of your dreams. Along with tying all of your living spaces together, open kitchens:

· Provide a full view into other rooms, such as the family area

· Create a social hub for parties and entertaining

· Allow conversation while cooking

· Bring in more light from windows

Open kitchen remodeling plans can help your family stay connected throughout your home, even when you are busy cooking. Open plans let you keep an eye on small children and pets without leaving the room. Unfortunately, if you don’t currently have an open space and are looking to add one, wall demolition may be needed, which will add to your kitchen additions cost.

If you are looking to add a beautiful open or closed kitchen to your home, contact us. Our Massachusetts design and build contractors have the experience you need to make your dream home a reality.

Renovations That Can Add Value to Your Home

September 18, 20140

Home improvement projects increase your home's value.

Consider these home improvement projects to increase the value of your home.

Home improvement can be expensive and time consuming so it’s important to make sure your home remodeling also adds to the value of your home. Several projects can significantly add to the cost of your home if you ever decide to sell and relocate. General contractors can help you add beautiful new features to your house, while also increasing its market value.

Home Offices

With the rise of telecommuting and working from home, there’s a large demand for homes featuring home offices. Including a designated office space in your home remodel may allow for a higher asking price when it comes time to sell. It’s also a great addition for your current needs, allowing you to get your bills or other administrative tasks taken care of away from the distractions of the rest of the family.

Ceilings

When hiring general contractors for home improvement, some people don’t consider one of the biggest features in a room: the ceiling! While most ceilings are left alone during home remodeling, paying attention to the finer details could mean more money if you decide to sell. Buyers are often impressed by vaulted or crown molded ceilings, and a pop of color or great light fixture could land you a great offer.

Quality home improvement projects can improve your home's value.

Get more from your home with these home improvement projects.

Exterior

General contractors are not only great for remodeling the space inside your home. Curb appeal is an easy way to bring people into your home, whether they are visiting family members or home buyers walking into your open house. Investing in your lawn and exterior décor is a simple way to vastly improve the look of your home, while adding to its value.

Windows

Windows are a beautiful addition to any room, but did you know they also provide affordable energy bills? Adding new windows and window treatments is a great way to improve the look of your home, save money on your utilities and create a beautiful space to show potential buyers. A general contractor can help you choose the best windows to cut your energy bills.

Home remodeling can be expensive, but if you choose the right renovations, you can easily see returns on your investment, while creating the home of your dreams.

If you are looking for an experienced design and build contractor for your next home improvement project, contact us. Our experienced team in Massachusetts can help you create the home of your dreams and increase the value of your home with beautiful renovations.

Sunroom Additions

September 18, 20140

Create a Beautiful Sunroom

Sunrooms are a great way to bring the outdoors into your home, while avoiding the weather and bugs. There are many custom options for sunroom additions, such as central heat and air, full windowed ceilings and glass walls to allow sunshine into the room. With Colony Home Improvement’s unique design and build contracting expertise, we can create plans and build your sunroom addition.

We Offer the Right Experience

If you are looking to add an all-weather sunroom to your home, we have 40 years of experience to make sure the job is done right. Our designers and contractors will be with you during every step of the process, making sure your sunroom addition costs remain within your budget without sacrificing the features you want.

While some homeowners would typically use the services of both a designer and a contractor, Colony Home Improvement can help you design and build your addition. We help with the entire process from start to finish, lowering your sunroom addition costs.

Stay Informed Throughout the Process

Our team of experts can provide your family with a written analysis for your entire project. The more you know about your sunroom addition, the easier it will be to ask questions and stay informed during our work.

Our full disclosure policy is intended to give you a full explanation of the work, costs, timeline and any problems that may occur during the project. Each customer works with an onsite foreman to make sure concerns are quickly addressed and resolved, your family remains safe and comfortable during construction and your sunroom is finished on schedule.

If you want to bring the outdoors inside without inviting the bugs or weather, a sunroom allows your family to enjoy the beauty of being outside, while providing interior comforts. Contact us to get started!

How to Turn a Small Space into a Home Office

September 16, 20140

A home office is one of the most effective home additions.

When choosing home additions, consider adding a home office.

Do you have a catch-all space in your house not being used for anything productive? It might be the perfect area for a small office. In many homes, there may not be an unused room to turn into an office, but there are several other areas that might be repurposed for this practical function. Some of the most ingenious home additions have been created out of necessity.

Finding the Right Spot

The first step is to find the ultimate spot for your office. Any room in the house will work, from the space under the stairs to the basement or a closet. The catch is finding the perfect location to meet your needs. To create the ideal home office, there are several things that need to be considered. You’ll need a source of light, minimal traffic and comfort since you might be spending a lot of time there. You’ll also want to find a corner not already being used for something substantial. The area should be free from bulky furnishings and unblocked by opened or closed doors.

Choosing the Right Color

It might not sound like it’s important, but the color used in a home office is a key element. Colors affect your mood, and using the wrong color can inhibit productivity. Dark neutrals can even sap your energy. Other colors like blue can be relaxing to the point you’ll have difficulty staying focused. Shades of yellow can be uplifting as long as it’s not too bright. Shades of green are usually preferred for home office spaces since they are stimulating without being overly exhilarating. What’s important is choosing the right color combination to increase your productivity.

Home additions can include a home office.

Consider a home office for your home additions.

Choosing the Right Lighting

The best case scenario for your home addition plans is to fit your small office into an area with a couple of windows to allow for natural light. Even the smallest of areas can feel larger when properly lit. The best choice for lighting is not too bright or overbearing. Try using options like desk or table lamps or free standing lamps. These types of lamps have shades so you can add color to your space and adjust the amount of direct light you use.

Working within Space Limitations

Sometimes the best home office remodel idea makes use of a small area not being put to good use. For instance, under a stairway or inside a closet might be the perfect out-of-the-way alcove for a home office. You may be able to position a small desk in the space and install built-in shelves to create the perfect workstation.

When you are ready to turn a small space into an office area, contact us. Our Massachusetts contractors can help you with your home addition plans.

Adding Value and Space to Your Home with a Dormer Addition

September 11, 20140

Add more functional space to a room with dormer additions.

When many homeowners look at the possibility of a home addition, they may realize they don’t have the space to complete an outward addition. Many homes have attics that could be transformed into livable space, but the ceilings are sloped and aren’t always conducive to creating a usable room in this space. In these situations, dormer additions can be the perfect way to add space and value to your home.

What Is a Dormer Addition?

A dormer addition typically installs into the attic of a home and extends the roof out horizontally to lift the roof space without adding an entire second story. This type of addition can be any size. In some situations, the dormer will only accommodate a single window. Larger dormers can extend the entire length or width of the home. Your home remodeling contractor will talk to you about your requirements to determine which dormer additions would work best to suit your needs.

A dormer addition can increase the space in a room.

Raise the roof with a dormer addition.

A Low-Cost Renovation

A home addition can be a costly endeavor. However, different projects have varying prices depending on the work involved. For instance, a full second-story addition and an external addition requiring a foundation are the most expensive options. Dormer additions, on the other hand, are one of the least expensive choices for homeowners who need a little extra space. Whether you already have a room in this area of your home and you want to raise the roof a little or you are transforming the space completely, talk to your contractor about the various options to ensure you choose one that fits your budget and your needs.

Choosing the Right Style

As you consider the options for a dormer addition, you need to think about the style of your home and how it will change with this type of home addition. This will help you choose the right style to complement the rest of your home. One of the considerations you must make is the height of your roof. The dormer can’t exceed the current height of your roof. You will also need to select the slope of the roof over the dormer. Some people choose a gabled roof that slopes down on both sides from a peak, similar to your original roof. Others prefer a shed roof, which slopes from the joint with the existing roof toward the front of the dormer.

Choosing a home addition adds more space to your home, as well as increases its value. If you are considering an addition in your attic space, dormer additions can be the ideal option. These additions often cost less than many other projects and allow you to create more space with fewer disturbances to your existing home. With the right choices, you will match the overall style of your home and create a beautiful and functional living space.

If you are considering dormer additions for your MA home, contact us. Our experienced contractors can help you make the best decisions for your home.

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