home addition floor plans in Needham | Colony Home Improvement

Consider adding an island with kitchen remodeling.

A Kitchen Remodel Modernizes Your MA Home, and an Island Makes It Easy

July 14, 20160

People often say, “The kitchen is the heart of the home.” In many cases, that is entirely true. The kitchen is where amazing meals are prepared and friends and family gather to enjoy them. If your kitchen is cramped, dated or not as functional as you wish it was, you can benefit from a kitchen remodeling project. Here are five compelling reasons a Needham custom built floor plan that includes a kitchen island is the way to go.

1. Provides Extra Storage

A major reason so many MA kitchen remodeling projects include islands is because many homeowners covet additional storage space. You can design an island that includes drawers, shelves and cabinets to store things like kitchen accessories, table linens, kids toys, cookbooks or whatever you like to keep out of sight. Some islands also include slide-out trash cans and recycling bins!

2. Provides Extra Seating

If you’ve never lived in a home with a kitchen island, you may not realize how convenient it is to accommodate guests. Keep stools on-hand and you can quickly accommodate unexpected dinner guests or kids working on a class project. Many homeowners use their kitchen islands for a lot more reasons than just preparing food.

A custom built home plan should include an island.

Consider an island in your custom built home plan.

3. Can Be a Beautiful Focal Point for Your Kitchen

Undoubtedly, one of your main reasons for researching home addition floor plans in Needham is to make your home more attractive. In the kitchen, you can create an island that’s made out of granite, marble, wood, tile or metal. There are options galore for creating an island that will be not only functional, but truly beautiful. Consider it a work of art for the kitchen!

4. Ideal Gathering Place

A huge reason to pursue home additions in MA is to make your space more livable. When you’re comfortable and happy with your surroundings, you’re more likely to invite friends and family over to your home. In the kitchen, an island lets you visit with your guests while you are cooking or cleaning. They can simply pull up a stool and keep you company!

Additionally, an island is a convenient place for your kids to do their homework while you’re making dinner. You can get what you need to get done while still being able to help them when they need it.

5. A Movable Island Delivers Flexibility

Many people incorrectly assume they must have a large, open-format kitchen in order to have a kitchen island. That’s not necessarily the case. Movable islands are ideal for smaller or galley-style kitchens. You can park the island away in a corner when you don’t need it, then wheel it out to provide extra prep space or seating.

If you’re considering a kitchen remodel, make sure you choose a contractor you can trust. Our staff at Colony Home Improvement has decades of experience completing beautiful home additions and remodels for clients in Needham and the surrounding areas. Contact us today to see how we can help build the kitchen of your dreams!

Your Custom Build Floor Plan Should Include a Fabulous Closet

December 15, 20150

Include plenty of closet space in your home addition floor plans.

Home addition floor plans should include plenty of closet space.

Next to an amazing kitchen, most women understand the value of having a large, well-organized clothes closet in their home. Many men also see the advantages. In fact, everyone who dresses themselves every morning will benefit from a spacious and structured closet. Not only will this save valuable time in your day, but it will pay off in the increased value of your home.

Whether you’re including a great closet in your custom build floor plans or planning a room addition solely for that wonderfully large closet, here are some things to consider that will help maximize your design.

His and Hers vs. Ours. Many homeowners prefer separate closets that flank the master bathroom. Otherwise, plan on a room large enough for two people to share the space. Walk in closets in custom built floor plans can range from 25 to 100 square feet or larger.

Eliminate heavy furniture in your bedroom. Do you want to maximize your bedroom space by eliminating dressers and vanities? Your closet layout should include ample drawer space.

Your existing closet. Are handbags stuffed into nooks and crannies? Do you have multiple pairs of skirts on one hanger? Does seldom worn ski-wear crowd out clothing you wear every day? Keep these issues in mind when designing your closet layout.

Take an Inventory

The best way to ensure you factor ample room into your new closet dimensions is to take an inventory of your current situation. Measure the length of the clothes rods in your existing closet. Unless your hangers are now spaced two inches apart, plan on adding half to twice that length for rods in your custom closet plan.

Divide your garments into four categories and determine which items should command the most attention in your closet and be the easiest to access and which items can be stored away out of easy reach:

Work clothes and other everyday items
Occasional wear such as formal attire
Off-season clothes
Heavy coats, bulky jackets and ski-wear

Note: Those who live in colder climates typically have more winter wear and often plan for separate coat closets near the front door or mudroom.

Don't forget closets in your custom built home plan.

Your custom built home plan should include closet space.

Built-ins

While putting together your inventory of items for your new closet, consider these options to help you decide the best layout for your built-ins.

Island — A popular feature included in Needham custom built floor plans is a built-in island of shelving or drawers that is either centered in the room or banked against one wall. Islands are a great way to achieve surface space that can be used for many purposes.
Shelving for shoes — If you’re all about the shoes, plan on a floor to ceiling bank of tilted shelving. A shelf that is approximately 22 inches in width will hold three pairs of shoes. If you have many tall boots, you will want to factor in shelves at the bottom to accommodate the height of your boots.
Shelves of varying heights — If you are meticulous about folding your garments, then openly displaying them is right for you. For the rest of us, the best way to stay neat and organized is to stack folded sweaters in deep drawers or in woven bins. Make sure your shelving dimensions will accommodate the height of different sized bins.
Drawers — Items like socks and undies are best stored in drawers. Again, vary the height of your drawers. For example, shallow drawers for socks and deep drawers for sweaters.
Cubbies — These are great for items you’d like to keep visible, such as handbags.

Other Considerations

You may be tempted to completely line all four walls with built-ins. However, if the new closet in your home addition floor plans in Needham will be large enough, you’ll have room to dress and undress in there. Make sure you allow space for these items:

Dual hampers — One for dry cleaning, one for laundry.
Mirror — Positioned to give you a full-length view.
Seating — Can be a small ottoman just for putting on shoes.
Adequate lighting — Overhead, recessed fixtures or even a small window to let in natural light.
Blank wall space — For hanging necklaces, scarves and belts.
Room for bins and boxes — Storing off-season items, such as ski gloves, scarves and hats, on the top or bottom shelves keeps the items you currently wear in full view and within easy reach.

Think of how your wardrobe options will double when you can actually see all of your clothes in a well-designed master closet. You can actually have a place for everything! When designing your Needham custom built floor plans, you’ll want to work with experts who have more than 40 years of experience in design and build projects. Contact us at Colony Home Improvement for a design and construction consultation today.

What to Consider When Your Home Addition Plans Include a Basement Remodel

September 3, 20150

Get the right work permit before carrying out home addition plans.

Make sure your basement home addition plans include the work permit.

Your basement can seem like wasted space due to its condition and lack of finishing, but when your home addition floor plans in Needham include a basement remodel, you can create a beautiful, functional space. Contractors for home additions take great pride in transforming your cold, dark basement into a place you will enjoy spending time in. Before you begin this aspect of your home addition plans, consider the following.

The Condition of the Area

The condition of your basement can play a major role in the ability to transform it into a livable space. When you’re considering Massachusetts premier home remodeling and additions, you need to make sure the money you invest is safe. This means you need to address any moisture issues to ensure your basement remains dry. This will prevent mold and water damage to your additions. Taking care of any waterproofing and repairs should be done prior to completing a remodeling project.

Choose the Right Materials

Basements require certain materials that are designed to hold up well in a moist environment and can help prevent mold. Flooring is of particular importance. Talk to experienced contractors for home additions in Needham and the surrounding areas to determine which types of flooring and other materials are best suited for a basement environment. When you take the time to make the right choices now, you will save major expenses and headaches in the future.

Your home addition floor plans should include the basement.

Consider your basement in home addition floor plans.

Create a Stylish Staircase

Too many homeowners ignore the staircase when they’re working on a basement remodel. It either becomes an afterthought or they don’t think about it at all. However, if you’re turning your basement into an extension of your existing living space, you should have a staircase that reflects that and ties it in with the rest of your home. Consider making some minor changes to the layout and create a beautiful staircase you would want to have in another area of your home.

Don’t Forget the Permits

Just because you’re making changes inside your home doesn’t mean you won’t need permits to complete the work. Your home contractor can discuss this important step when creating your home addition floor plans. In most cases, your contractor will take care of obtaining the appropriate permits to ensure your project is completed in a timely manner.

If you’re considering Massachusetts premier home remodeling and additions, the basement can be a great place to start. While this is a common request among homeowners, few people truly recognize what it takes to transform a basement into additional living spaces. Choosing the right contractor and following these steps will ensure your project goes as smoothly as possible.

If you’re looking for contractors for home additions in Needham or the surrounding areas, contact us. Colony Home Improvement can help you create livable space from just about any basement.

Your Attic Can Be Renovated into the Perfect Room Addition

July 2, 20150

Talk to your home improvement contractor about using your attic.

Your home improvement contractor can make your attic into livable space.

Using an attic to add space to your home may be a suitable option for those who are considering home addition floor plans in Needham. Having more usable space is not only beneficial, but it can also increase the value of your home. There are many benefits to using attic space as another room, such as improving your home’s storage capacity and insulation. When you are considering how to best use this space, there are plenty of ideas to keep in mind.

Turn an Attic Room Addition into a Bedroom

The sloped roof in an attic can provide the perfect setting for an additional bedroom since beds don’t typically need to use large amounts of vertical space. However, you need to choose the right sized bed to put in your new bedroom. If it’s too large, it can shrink your space, and if it’s too small, it can look like it’s being swallowed by the wide open room. If you are concerned about using up storage space, you might want to consider under-bed storage options. A platform bed offers an extra place to sleep, as well as offering space underneath for storing items. If space allows, you can also use a pull-out trundle bed to provide additional sleeping space.

Turn an Attic Room Addition into a Reading Nook

Smaller attic spaces can be perfect for creating a reading nook. This can reserve some space for storage but still allow you to take advantage of the extra room. Most attics have windows, which are perfect for creating a nice window seat. This makes a comfortable space to read your favorite books. Built-in bookcases can be used to line the walls. Most bookcases are just 12 inches deep, but they can be created in any shape, slant or height.

Instead of a room addition, consider changing your attic.

An attic can be the ideal room addition.

Turn an Attic Room Addition into a Built-in Storage Room

Attics of any size are great for providing a secluded area for entertaining, working on hobbies or studying. Seating can be arranged in a variety of ways, including under the sloped ceilings where headroom is not an issue. You may need to discuss lighting options with your Needham home improvement contractor since there isn’t always enough natural lighting in attic areas. You may be able to add highlights or more lighting fixtures. The rest of the space can be used to provide built-in storage. This allows you to keep the attic neat and use the area for more than one purpose. Long attics are designed perfectly so you can line the wall spaces with cabinets or shelves to use for storage. If the area is small or dark, try painting surfaces in light colors to help brighten the area and make it more pleasant.

Are you ready to talk to a home improvement contractor about how to use your unused attic space? Contact us for ideas and prices on renovating this space in your home.

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