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.

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.

A Second Story Home Addition: The Answer to Your Space Issues

June 4, 20140

The addition of a second floor can increase living space.

Increase your living space by adding a second story home addition to your home.

When many people buy a new home, especially their first one, they don’t take the future into consideration. As their family grows, they find the need for more space than their original home offered. In these situations, there are two choices: buy a new home or consider home additions, such as expanding upward by creating a second level. If you are thinking of adding a second story to your home, learning more about home addition plans and the costs can help you make the right decision.

Add More Space without More Land

The most common type of home addition is adding an extra room onto the original floor of the home. However, not all properties have the space to add more square footage on the main floor. Instead, homeowners may choose home addition plans that take the home up instead of out. This allows the addition of more living space without the need for more land. It’s the perfect alternative for those limited on space who enjoy their current neighborhood.

A Variety of Uses

There are many uses for second story home additions. For instance, most people consider adding rooms because they require more bedrooms or a home office. However, the opportunities are endless for your new floor. Perhaps you want an entertainment room or in-home theater. Families with young children can benefit from a dedicated playroom. Still others may wish to provide living space to elderly parents who can no longer live alone. Regardless of your reason, exploring the home addition cost versus buying a new home can help guide your decision.

A High Cost with an Amazing Yield

One of the reasons individuals are hesitant to consider second story home additions is due to the cost. It is true that adding an entire floor will cost more than a simpler first-story room addition, but the return on your investment will also be much larger. In fact, adding a second floor to your home can increase the value of your home by more than 10 times. Depending on the home addition plans you choose, you can double your square footage, giving you that much more living space to create the home of your dreams.

If you have been thinking about home additions, consider adding a second floor to your home. Adding a second story to your home allows you to add twice as much square footage without requiring more land to build it on. It also dramatically increases the value of your home, giving you multiple advantages. Before you make the decision about how to change your home to meet your needs, weigh the home addition costs against all of the benefits. This will ensure your choice creates the extra space you want.

If you are thinking about second floor home additions in MA to increase your living space, contact us. We can help with your home addition plans and build the space you need.

Tag: home addition plans