Home Improvement Blog

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.

Custom Cabinets Can Add Character to Your Kitchen

August 28, 20140

Custom cabinets are an easy way to change the look of your kitchen.

Add style with custom cabinets for your kitchen remodeling.

It’s true, the kitchen is the heart of your home. You might be thinking about remodeling so your kitchen better matches the warmth and love your family represents. If you can’t afford full kitchen remodeling, it’s amazing what change something like new kitchen cabinets can make to your space. Whether it’s the color, material or positioning, custom cabinets can be an easy way to improve your kitchen and the value of your home. There are a few things to think about if you’re debating between custom and semi-custom cabinets to add character to your kitchen.

Freedom of Choice

You may be wondering whether it’s worth the cost of custom cabinets over stock cabinets you could pick from a catalog. Included in the higher cost is the ability to customize cabinets to fit your ideal dimensions and storage purposes. With custom cabinets, you are able to select:

the finish
the crown molding
the colors
the trim

If you opt for lighter woods, your kitchen will appear brighter and more cheerful. If you prefer bolder colors, choose darker woods. For a particular color you want in your kitchen, you have the option to choose custom paints or stains for your cabinets. All of the unique characteristics you prefer can be included in made-to-order cabinets, crafted with your creative ideas in mind. You can also easily change a traditional kitchen into a modern one with the help of your custom cabinet choices or visa versa.

Change the look of your kitchen with kitchen remodeling.

Choose the right custom cabinets to suit your kitchen’s new style.

Quality Matters

The kitchen is a valuable part of your home, so why not update it with the best quality material? With custom cabinets, you can have the quality you desire because your options are limitless. The purpose of your cabinet upgrade is not only to change the atmosphere in your kitchen, but to create a user-friendly addition that allows for comfort and fits your family’s style. And don’t forget about the wear your cabinets experience from heat in the kitchen, water droplets from the dishes or the occasional food transfer from a spill or a dirty hand. Purchasing custom cabinets that withstand everyday wear can make the difference in the durability you wish to maintain with your customized cabinets.

Although there is a lot that goes into the kitchen remodeling process, planning for, purchasing and installing your custom cabinets doesn’t have to be a headache. When you finally decide to go with custom cabinets, bank on Colony Home Improvement in MA for the complicated installation process. With more than 40 years of experience under our belts, you can tell us what you want and rest assured your vision will come to fruition. Contact us when you’re ready to get started.

Kitchen Additions Are Money Well Spent

August 26, 20140

Custom cabinets can transform your kitchen.

Change the look and style of your kitchen with custom cabinets.

With all the home improvement television shows about remodeling and renovation and the housing market constantly changing, many homeowners are concerned about investment. Where is a homeowner’s money best spent? This can be a tough question to answer, especially if you are looking to sell your home. It seems the answer may lie in your kitchen.

Kitchen Additions and Remodeling

Many real estate agents will tell you just how important the kitchen is when trying to sell a house. Buyers often look for a kitchen they love and don’t have to spend a lot of money to fix up. That’s why many kitchen makeovers have a return of more than 60 percent. The kitchen is often seen as a style focal point of the house, and a kitchen that isn’t updated will not entice people to buy. Anything that can be done to bring the kitchen up to date will greatly increase the value of your property.

It may sound like a scary and expensive job to take on, but the result will be more than worth it for you in the long run. Be sure to take a good, objective look at your kitchen before deciding how to proceed. What does it really need? You may discover certain elements are perfect the way they are. If your kitchen needs a full overhaul, it is best to put in the work for a greater return on investment. If only part of the kitchen needs updated, you can save time and money with somekitchen additions, such as custom kitchen cabinets, and still get the look the buyer wants. You can even update the existing cabinets by adding a fresh coat of paint, re-facing old, worn cabinets and adding under-cabinet task lighting for better functionality.

Custom kitchen cabinets can be a beautiful addition.

Create the look you’ve always wanted with custom kitchen cabinets.

Custom Cabinets

Cabinetry is the first thing many people notice about the kitchen. In fact, it can make or break the entire style of the room. Luckily, there are many ways cabinets can be customized to fit in with the style of your kitchen to bring them into this century. The simplest choice for custom cabinets is a coat of paint. A bright color can make the kitchen look modern and vibrant if the space seems dreary. Darker cabinets, on the other hand, can bring in the right amount of contrast for light-colored countertops. Try crown molding on your cabinets for that extra touch of elegance. It can really pull a space together and give your kitchen an appearance of luxury, even if the rest of the house is simple in comparison.

When it comes to making over your kitchen, there are an endless number of possibilities. If you are trying to add value to your home, you can count on Colony Home Improvement. Our home improvement services will help you with the perfect plans and materials for your new kitchen. To begin designing custom kitchen cabinets or other kitchen additions for your Massachusetts home, contact us today.