Home Improvement Blog

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.

Expert Tips and Ideas for Remodeling the Master Suite

September 9, 20140

Ask a home improvement contractor to help transform your master suite.

Your master suite can become a relaxing environment with the help of a home improvement contractor.

The master suite can be one of the most valuable rooms in your home. In fact, upgrading master bedroom suites can have a dramatic impact on the resale value of your home. Therefore, this type of project can be one of the first options for those who only have the budget to complete one project at a time. Your home improvement contractor can provide tips and ideas to make this project go more smoothly.

A Personal Getaway

Many people treat their master suite as a personal getaway to relax for the evening after the kids have gone to bed. To make your bedroom the ideal place to unwind, consider creating a special nook for a table and a couple of chairs or a comfortable couch for relaxing on the weekends or in the evenings. Another option is to install a bay window with a window seat so you can enjoy the view outside. Anything that creates a comfortable environment to spend some alone time or private time together works well for this type of space.

Master bedroom suites can be a great place to relax.

Create a relaxing atmosphere in master bedroom suites.

Renovate the Bathroom

Home improvement contractors are full of ideas for renovating bathrooms to create ideal master bedroom suites. For instance, installing a large shower with dual showerheads can be a great way to share the space. Likewise, many homeowners enjoy creating his and hers sinks so both can get ready for a date or a special event without having to wait for the bathroom to open up. A Jacuzzi tub can also be a great addition to any master bedroom suite, giving you another way to relax and eliminate the stresses of daily life.

The Ideal Atmosphere

The master bedroom is often seen as a romantic getaway right within the home. One great way to improve this ambience of romance is to install a double-sided fireplace into the wall separating the bedroom and bathroom. This allows you to enjoy a fire from within your bedroom, as well as take a nice bath with candlelight and the light from the fire. This is a feature you will find in many newer homes. Another way to change the atmosphere of the room is to add a balcony with French doors or a patio door. This solution works best if you have an amazing view outside your bedroom.

Transforming master bedroom suites is one of the best ways to improve your quality of life and the resale value of your home. However, many people aren’t sure where to start on this type of project. Hiring a home improvement contractorwill help you make the right choices for your new bedroom, creating a romantic atmosphere and enhancing the functionality of this important room in your home.

If you are thinking about remodeling your master bedroom suite, contact us. Our experienced Massachusetts home improvement contractors have plenty of ideas to help you create a plan that suits your lifestyle.

Bathroom Remodeling Can Be Done on a Budget

September 4, 20140

Bathroom remodeling can create a functional space.

Bathroom remodeling on a budget can still create a charming room.

Does your bathroom need a fresh look? Whether you’re trying to sell your home or you’re sick of looking at your 1950s water closet, taking on something likebathroom remodeling can seem overwhelming and costly. Fortunately, there are ways to tackle your next home improvement project on a budget.

Cheaper Ways to Update Your Bathroom

The simplest option for a bathroom upgrade on a budget is to spruce up the look without a full-scale remodeling project. First, try a fresh coat of paint. This is probably the cheapest way to change the look of your bathroom, and there are so many colors to choose from. Try patterns like polka dots, stripes or an accent wall for something different.

From there, you can try out new lighting. While Hollywood lighting may seem cool backstage, it is no longer ideal in modern bathrooms. Try a unique light fixture for a more luxurious or modern look. Some other simple ideas include replacing your shower curtain and doorknobs and painting your cabinets.

Many bathroom remodeling ideas can be done on a budget.

Ways to Save on a Full Bathroom Remodel

What if your bathroom needs a more drastic change? There are plenty of bathroom remodeling ideas that can save you a few bucks as you embark on your renovations. One of the most expensive parts of bathroom remodeling is replacing the counter tops. Most people automatically opt for granite. Fortunately, there are some tricks you can use to bring the cost down.

Look for granite in more unique colors; the less popular the color, the less it will cost. Also, look for granite with imperfections to save some money. It may sound like a sacrifice, but if the imperfection is where the sink basins will go, it won’t make a difference in the long run. Think of it as a unique style choice. You’ll have the most distinctive bathroom on the block!

If your fixtures need to be replaced, consider purchasing them used. Websites like Craigslist and eBay have some legitimate deals. You can also try websites like Etsy for bathroom accessories that have already had a makeover. These pieces can allow you to use your imagination to create a unique and custom bathroom with a low price tag.

Where to Spend Your Money Wisely

Another way to stick to a budget while renovating your bathroom is to put aside a certain amount of money toward each area of the bathroom. The most money should be reserved for plumbing essentials that are needed for functionality. Count on about 20 percent. Then, worry about the cabinetry, flooring and shower tiles. These will make the biggest style impact. The least amount should be spent on details, such as wall color, especially since these items cost little to begin with.

If you are in need of bathroom remodeling in Boston, contact us. We are the home improvement experts, ready to help you start planning today!

How to Transform Your Basement into a Space the Whole Family Can Enjoy

September 2, 20140

Basement finishing transforms the entire space.

Transform your space with a basement finishing project.

For many, the basement feels like wasted space only suitable for storage and your laundry room, if you don’t have one on the first floor. With the help of a basement remodeling company, you can complete a basement finishing project to create a space your whole family will love. The basement can be the ideal place to expand the usable space in your home.

Consider Your Needs

Some homeowners want finished basements so they can use the space any way they’d like. If you have specific needs your current home doesn’t meet, such as extra space for a playroom, weight room or even a guest bedroom, the basement can be the ideal location for creating this space to avoid adding onto your home or moving to a bigger one. Basement remodeling is one of the most affordable remodeling options for many homeowners. Once you know what you want from your basement, you will be able to move forward with your project.

Work on a Design

Finding the perfect layout for your basement finishing is important to maximize your use of the space and its functionality. Hiring a remodeling company to help with this process can produce the best results. They will send someone to your home to evaluate the current layout of your basement and how much space you have to work with. Once they know the dimensions and where everything, such as your staircase, is located, they will make recommendations based on your desired uses for your basement. For instance, adding a bathroom to your basement will work best in a different location than a playroom or office.

Create a place to spend time with basement finishing.

A basement finishing project can create a comfortable living space.

Add Popular Features

There are plenty of extra features you may want to add to your basement remodeling project. For instance, it is important to choose mold- and mildew-resistant materials to combat the moisture problems many basements experience. You also need to consider whether you want to construct walls to separate certain areas, or if furniture is suitable for creating separate spaces. Accent lighting, heating and cooling and a wet bar are all popular features many people want in their basements. Talk to your contractor to find out what options they recommend to meet your needs.

Transforming your basement into a livable, usable space for your whole family can maximize the potential uses of your home. It can also reduce the amount of clutter by restricting certain activities to your basement, instead of the rooms on your main floors. An experienced contractor can help with your basement finishing project to create the ideal space to meet your every need. With their recommendations, your basement will become the favorite place in your home.

If you are looking for an experienced contractor in MA, contact us. We can help you design and carry out your basement remodeling project to create functional space.