Home Improvement Blog

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.

Remodeling Tips to Make Selling Your Home Easier

July 3, 20140

The right home remodeling ideas help your home sell.

Sell your home faster with the help of the right home remodeling ideas.

Selling your home can be exciting, but it can also be extremely stressful. If your home isn’t what someone else is looking for, it can take a long time to sell, causing you to miss out on homes that you want to buy in the process. However, with the help of a few home improvement ideas and some experienced local home improvement contractors, you can increase the chances of a fast sale.

An Updated, Functional Kitchen

The kitchen is one of the most used rooms in the home, which means prospective home buyers will often look at this room first. While aesthetics plays a minor role in their decision to buy, it is more likely they are looking for functionality in your kitchen. Therefore, if you notice potential issues with your kitchen, talk to local home improvement contractors about your options. Sometimes a few simple upgrades may be all you need.

Bathrooms Are Important Too

Just like the kitchen, many prospective buyers are interested in the bathroom as well. This room also sees frequent use, which means homeowners want a room that serves its purpose and looks great. If you haven’t updated your bathroom recently, many home improvement ideas for the bath can help you enhance its appeal to buyers.

Clean up the Exterior

The exterior of your home is the first impression others get. If they don’t like the way the outside of a home looks, how the inside looks won’t have a powerful impact. You can increase the chances of buyer interest by cleaning up the outside. Power wash walkways, driveways and siding. Add a fresh coat of paint outside. Trim back trees and shrubs and pick up any debris in the yard. All of these tasks will enhance curb appeal.

Consider an Addition

A smaller home can be appealing, but if it doesn’t have a lot of space, it limits the types of buyers who may be interested. If your home is smaller, consider a home addition. Local home improvement contractors can add a family room, an extra bedroom or even a master bathroom to enhance the appeal for buyers who may need the additional space. Talk to your home improvement company about what they suggest for your home. It is important for the style of your addition to match the rest of your home.

If you want to sell your home, home improvement ideas can be one of the best ways to increase interest in your home and help you sell it faster. When you hire local home improvement contractors, they can help you determine the best options for your home to improve curb appeal and generate more interest. Because it is important not to price your home out of your neighborhood, local contractors can be your best option.

If you are looking for help with your home remodeling in Boston, MA, contact us. Colony Home Improvement can help you sell your home faster and bring a higher sales price too.

Skylights and Sky Tunnels Not Only Add Natural Light, They Are Energy Efficient

July 1, 20140

Installing skylights lets the natural light in.

Let the natural light shine in your home by installing skylights.

Are you looking for a way to not only brighten your home, but save money on your electric bill? Skylights and sky tunnels may be the answer you are looking for. They also add an attractive element to your home. Here are a few things you need to know when installing skylights.

Simple Skylights

Skylights open up dark rooms or hallways by bringing in natural light. They are easier to implement than installing a window into enclosed areas of your home. However, it is important to carefully consider where you install your skylight. Adding one to a roof that faces south can overheat a room, while north facing skylights emit a softer light throughout the day.

If you install a skylight in your kitchen or bathroom and are worried about sun bleaching your cabinets, you can opt for tinted glass that can block the sun’s ultraviolet rays. There are also multiple forms of shades for your skylights that can provide insulation from the heat and cold.

Just like regular skylights, sky tunnels bring the natural light into your home through an avenue other than typical windows. With a roof-mounted ultraviolet dome, sunlight is collected, reflected off the tunnel and guided down into your room.

Save Money

When it comes to the cost to install your skylight, the price isn’t as expensive as you may fear. Most of the cost relates to the skylight installation, not the skylight itself, regardless of the size you choose.

Not only does natural lighting affect your mood and well-being in numerous positive ways, skylights can also save money on your electric bill each month. Using natural lighting can reduce your need to use lamps, ceiling lights and other artificial lighting in darker areas of your home during daylight hours.

Installing skylights can also save money on your utility bills during the colder months of the year. A medium-sized skylight can help warm a room due to the exposure to natural sunlight throughout the day. A properly installed skylight will also insulate your home from the outside so there is no excess hot or cold air leaking into your home.

Design Functionality

Not only do skylights and sky tunnels help you save money on your utility bills, they can add a special touch to your home. From the outside, your roof doesn’t look so plain and boring. Your home has a new attractive element that draws attention and can increase the overall value of your home.

Whether you are looking to add a skylight or sky tunnel to your home for a personal touch or to help you save money in energy costs each month, we can help. At Colony Home Improvement in Massachusetts, we have more than 40 years of experience and hundreds of satisfied customers. If you would like a quote on installing a beautiful skylight in your home, contact us.

Important Questions to Ask Contractors before You Hire Them

June 26, 20140

Hiring a licensed general contractor is important.

If you want the job done right the first time, hire a licensed general contractor.

When deciding to remodel your home, one of the more important decisions is hiring the right contractor. You need to ensure the person you hire for the job has the time and skills necessary to complete your project. Here are a few important questions to ask before choosing a licensed general contractor.

Time and Experience

A great first question is how many projects a contractor is currently working. If he has too many projects going on at once, your remodel may take longer than you would like. Everyone wants their job done in a timely manner. When a remodeling contractor has too much on his plate, he may not be able to hold up to his promised timeline. However, a busy general remodeling contractor can indicate a good reputation.

Asking how much experience they have is key as well. While your project may not be complicated, if the candidate you are thinking of hiring is a new contractor, he may not have much experience. Asking for references can help answer this question. If the contractor has done work similar to your project, talking to his past clients lets you know the contractor has valuable experience in that particular area.

Itemized Bids and Changes

Instead of getting a single, set price for your project, ask your general remodeling contractor for an itemized bid. This will show the various costs of all elements of the job, and there won’t be any surprise costs. This will also make it easier to compare various licensed general contractors so you can choose which one to hire.

Keep in mind estimates are always subject to change, especially with remodeling projects. Ask the contractor how they handle any revisions and how it will affect the cost of the overall project. You don’t want to change your mind a few times during the project and end up with thousands of dollars in additional charges.

Finding References

A good licensed general contractor should have plenty of references available. If you ask for references and they won’t give you any, this can be a serious red flag. You can also ask who their suppliers are. Asking this question can give you information on a contractor’s reliability. Talking to the suppliers can help you find out about their reputation, such as whether he’s on time with his bills and whether he is someone you should consider hiring.

These are just a few basic questions you should ask when choosing a licensed general contractor for your remodeling project. You need to make sure the contractor you hire has the right skills, time and professionalism to get your project done in a timely manner without additional costs.

At Colony Home Improvement in MA, we have more than 40 years of professional experience and hundreds of happy customers. If you’re looking to hire a contractor who can make your home remodeling dreams come true, contact us.