Choosing the Right Indoor Paint for Your Custom Built Floor Plan

October 22, 20150

Choose the right colors for custom built floor plans.

Custom built floor plans need the right colors.

One of the last considerations you make when designing custom built floor plans in Brookline is the colors you will choose for your interior paint. This is because painting is often one of the last tasks completed by your Brookline, MA, home builders. These tips will allow you to choose the right colors to create the atmosphere you want for your home.

Don’t Go Too Dark

Darker colors are currently trending in the interior paint market, but it’s important to make sure you don’t choose a color that makes the overall room seem dark. Many professionals recommend using a darker color on just one wall. The bottom line is if the colors on the walls make you turn on your lights earlier than you otherwise would, it may be best to consider a lighter shade instead.

Room Size Does Matter

While most people claim size doesn’t matter, this isn’t true. In fact, when it comes to choosing the right paint colors, size does, indeed, matter. Smaller rooms require lighter shades to help them feel bigger. Darker colors should be reserved for larger rooms that have plenty of natural light to help keep the room bright.

Your Furnishings and Décor Play a Role

You may have a good idea what you want from your paint colors, but have you really considered what they will look like with your existing home décor and furniture? There’s a reason paint companies offer color strips you can take home and hold up against the elements in your home to help you make the right choice. You will notice the color on that little sheet of cardboard changes when you hold it next to your couch, curtains or other décor elements.

Get help with colors from your home builders.

Home builders can help you choose the right colors.

Colors Affect Perception

What you see and the rest of your furnishings look like can be greatly affected by the colors you choose. For instance, in a bathroom or bedroom where you may be looking in the mirror, it’s important to stay away from all but the warmest shades of green and avoid gray altogether. Neutral tones are often the best choices in areas where you will be looking at yourself. Other areas of your home, such as the dining room, are more likely to benefit from more trendy colors.

Choosing the perfect colors for your home addition floor plans may be the last step in the process, but it’s no less important. You want your home to reflect positively on you and have an atmosphere you will enjoy. Following these tips will help you select the colors and hues that will best complement the rest of your décor and furnishings and ensure you are happy in your home for many years to come. After all, who wants to paint again in a couple of years when you can get it right the first time?

If you’re looking for Brookline, MA, home builders to help you select the right paint colors, contact us. Our professional team can make the paint selection process easier.

How to Successfully Integrate a Second Story Addition to Blend in With Your Massachusetts Home

August 27, 20150

Sometimes you need more space in your home, but you have no room to build out. When this happens, a Plymouth County home improvement contractor can help you draw up home addition floor plans that make the most of your space by building up. A second story addition in Hingham and the surrounding towns can add up to double the space you already have. However, it’s important to make sure you fully integrate the second story with your current home so it looks natural.

Adding a second story addition should blend in.

A second story addition should look natural.

Talk to Your Contractor

The first step in the process is to find a home improvement contractor that can provide this service. Not all contractors are willing to take on this task. However, when you take the time to choose someone who has experience, you can feel confident your home will look like it was originally designed as a two-story home. Once you find the right contractor, you can discuss whether your home can support a second story and any other preliminary steps that may be needed, such as permits.

Choose the Right Exterior

Integrating your second story addition with your existing floor plan can be difficult, especially if you live in an older home. Siding materials have changed drastically over the years and finding a perfect match may be complicated, especially if your home is made from brick. An experienced contractor may be able to find a match, but if not, you may need to consider changing the entire exterior of your home. In some cases, such as when you have a brick home, they may be able to use vinyl siding on the second story in a way that transitions smoothly and looks natural.

Make sure your home addition floor plans match the rest of your home.

Home addition floor plans should blend in.

A Seamless Transition

Adding a second story naturally requires more than just matching the exterior of the home; the interior transition must also be seamless. For some homes, this means creating a second story that spans the entire first floor. In other situations, adding a second story addition above the garage or one small part of the home may be all that is needed, particularly in size. Your home improvement contractor can help you create home addition floor plans that flow naturally and create the illusion that your home was always two stories.

Building a second story addition in Hingham requires careful attention to detail. Not only does your contractor need to determine if your home is a suitable candidate for this type of renovation, but they also need to complete the project so no one can tell it was added as an afterthought. With the help of a qualified Plymouth County home improvement contractor, your new second floor addition will match both the exterior materials and design, as well as the interior, to create a seamless transition between the old and the new.

If you’re looking for a contractor experienced in second story additions, contact us. We can help you create a plan and get all the necessary approvals to enlarge your home.

Tips for Planning and Budgeting Your Home Addition and Improvement Projects

June 9, 20150

Make sure you budget for your home addition.

Your home is probably the biggest investment you’ll ever make, and the initial purchase is just the beginning. Financial experts say homeowners should plan to spend between one and two percent of their home’s purchase price each year on home improvements and maintenance. More and more homeowners are opting to stay in their homes longer and remodel, rather than sell and purchase an upgraded house. Remodeling and upgrading makes sense from a personal and an investment standpoint. Just make sure to set out with a concrete plan and budget or else you may discover your home improvement and remodeling costs quickly spiral out of control.

Ask Yourself: “Is the Expense of This Project Worth It to Me?”

Before you start a project, determine the cost-benefit ratio. If you plan to sell your home in the short-term, a room addition or new roof may not make sense. Therefore, if you are remodeling with the goal of selling your home, focus on big-impact improvements that will add quick value, such as strategic kitchen or bathroom upgrades. If you plan to stay in your home for a while, it does make sense to add extra living space if it will make life more comfortable. Only you can determine what projects are a wise use of your money.

Decide on the Scope of Your Project

Rather than thinking “I’m going to remodel my kitchen,” create a list of specific improvements you would like to make to the room. A kitchen remodel might include refacing or replacing cabinets, adding granite countertops, upgrading appliances, adding a kitchen island, painting, changing out tile, etc. Prioritize your list accordingly.

Plan your project with home improvement contractors.

Home improvement contractors help you plan your project.

Determine Your Maximum Budget

Armed with your to-do list, create a budget. Make sure to include labor and material costs, equipment and tools, permits and clean up. If the estimated cost exceeds the scope of your project, pare the project down by focusing on the high-priority jobs on your list. Depending on your budget, you may be able to complete a large project all at once or you may find it a wiser move to complete the project in steps, over time.

Get Recommendations for Skilled Home Improvement Contractors in the Massachusetts Area

Simply look in the phone book and you will see there’s no shortage of home improvement contractors in the Massachusetts area. However, not all are experienced, reputable or trustworthy. Before you select a contractor, ask to see before and after photos of their work and customer testimonials, verify their licenses and credentials and find out how long they have been in business. It’s especially important to research your contractor when you’re tackling complex projects that require drawing up home addition floor plans. It’s imperative to choose a contractor committed to delivering projects on time and within budget.

Whether you are in need of extensive home addition floor plans or need help with a simple home improvement project, contact us. Colony Home Improvement is a Westwood home addition and remodeling company that provides outstanding workmanship and customer service. If your home doesn’t feel like your castle, we’ll help you change that and create a comfortable, functional, beautiful living space you will be proud to call home.

A Homeowner’s Guide to Beginning a 2nd Floor Addition

May 28, 20150

A second floor addition needs the right support.

Make sure your home can support a second floor addition.

A second floor addition in Newton can double your living space and give you room to grow without resulting in lost yard space. This makes it an attractive option for many homeowners. However, before you move forward with your home addition floor plans, there are a few elements you need to understand to ensure the project goes as smoothly as possible.

Structural Requirements

Not every home can accommodate a second story addition. When working on custom built home plans for Newton and the surrounding towns, your contractor will evaluate the structure of your home to determine whether a second floor is an option. If the structure can’t hold up to a second story, they may be able to make changes that will allow for the project to continue. They can also help with any required permits to complete the project.

Your home addition floor plans will address the size of the project.

Consider the size of your home addition floor plans.

A Seamless Approach

When completing a second floor addition in Newton, the end result can be awkward if your contractor doesn’t take a seamless approach to the project from the start. In addition to making sure the exterior materials match up with the first floor, it’s also important to make sure the interior design is in alignment as well. While there are only certain areas in which the stairs can be built, you don’t want to place them in an unusual position. Your contractor can help you create a plan that will make your second floor look like it was built with the first.

Consider the Size

Not all homes need a full second story addition. When working on your custom built home plans, consider your exact needs. Perhaps you only want to add an extra bedroom and a half-bath to go with it. These projects often cost less and can create just what you need, helping you keep your budget down. You can also cut back on costs by saving your existing roof and building under it. Skilled contractors can remove your roof, build the second floor and replace it with no damage.

Custom built home plans should factor the mechanical units.

Consider the mechanical factor of custom built home plans.

The Mechanical Factor

Your existing heating and cooling system were purchased and installed to fulfill the needs of the space available in your home at the time. When you’re adding an entire second story, these units will most likely need to be replaced to accommodate the change in size. Talk to your contractors about how much space you are adding so you can determine the right size for your next heating and cooling system.

Home addition floor plans for adding a second story can be more complex than other types of home addition plans. For this reason, you need experienced contractors who are familiar with this type of custom built home plans in Newton and the surrounding towns. They can help you make the right decisions so you can get the beautiful home you’ve always wanted and the additional space you need.

If you’re interested in a second floor addition for your Newton home, contact us. Our Massachusetts contractors can provide the guidance you need to tackle this project.

Are You Ready for a Room Addition: Eight Facts You Need to Consider

May 5, 20150

Ask the right questions before a home addition.

A home addition can be a major undertaking.

A home addition in Weston can be a great way to create more space in your house. However, before you start working on home addition floor plans, it’s important to do your research on the topic to ensure you are fully prepared for the project. This includes viewing photos of room additions before and after in Weston and the surrounding areas, as well as taking into consideration the following factors.

1. Set Your Budget

The cost of a home addition can vary greatly, depending on the current structure of your home and how much work needs to be done. For this reason, it’s important to work with a home improvement contractor to determine the overall cost of the project. Setting a budget ahead of time can help them recommend a home addition that fits within those constraints.

2. Get Your Funding

After you have a quote from your contractor, you need to arrange for the funding before your project begins. Take your quote to your bank or another lender to apply for a loan. Your mortgage lender can also help you get a home equity loan if you have enough to cover the project.

Home addition floor plans require a good budget.

Set your budget for home addition floor plans.

3. Create a Wish List

You likely have visions of what you want from your home addition floor plans. Looking at images of room additions before and after can help you determine what you you prefer. Make sure your contractor knows what is a necessity and what is negotiable.

4. Match the Exterior Materials

One of the most difficult aspects of a home addition, especially on an older home, is matching the exterior materials. However, it’s essential to make sure your home flows well together and doesn’t look awkward.

5. Check Your Zoning

There may be legal ramifications to adding a home addition, especially if you’re planning on building out toward the property lines. Your contractor should be able to help you get the permits you need. Once the zoning regulations are addressed, you will be able to move forward with your project.

6. It’s All in the Details

Don’t forget you need to pay close attention to all the details to ensure your addition matches the rest of your home. In addition to the exterior materials, you’ll need to choose lighting fixtures, windows and other features that blend with the rest of your home.

Look at room addition before and after pictures.

Room addition before and after pictures can give you ideas.

7. Don’t Forget Landscaping

A home addition in Weston will change the landscape of your yard. For this reason, you will likely need to re-landscape areas of your property. This can include putting in a new garden or changing the path of your walkway.

8. Expect a Little Chaos

Home remodeling projects aren’t a walk in the park. When you’re adding onto your home, life may become a little chaotic. There will be a lot of noise and dust and you may lose some use of your home for a short period of time. The good news is, it will be worth it in the end.

If you’re looking for a contractor to help with home addition floor plans, contact us. Our Massachusetts contractors can help you design the perfect addition for your home.

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