home additions | Colony Home Improvement

Keeping Your Pets Safe During Your Interior Renovation

February 5, 20150

Keep your pets safe during home additions.

Home additions aren’t the place for pets.

Remodeling your home can be the dream of a lifetime. Whether you are interested in home additions to make your home larger or you need help with other smaller home construction projects, it can be difficult to get the work done when you have pets underfoot. A professional remodeling company in Brookline, MA, doesn’t want to worry about harming your pets while they are working so it’s important to take the proper precautions to ensure everyone’s safety.

Another Area of the Home

Instead of allowing your pets free roam of the house during home construction, it’s best to secure your pet in an unaffected area of the home. Make sure the area is as comfortable as possible for your pet. Give your pet an ample supply of food and water, a litter box, toys and any special bedding. Let the home remodeling team know where your pets are to ensure no one opens the door accidentally and lets your pets free. This is the ideal option if you have nowhere else to take your pets and it’s too cold to leave them outdoors for an extended period of time.

Consider a Kennel

Some kennels will offer short-term care. While this is designed for those who want their pets to get interaction while they are at work, it can be the ideal option for keeping pets out of the way during home additions. If you will be able to keep your pet out of the areas that are being worked in during the evenings, you can bring your pet home from the kennel. However, some home construction may require overnight stays to keep your pet as safe as possible.

Don't let your pets wander during a home construction project.

Keep your pets safe during your home construction project.

Ask Someone You Know

Housing your pet in a kennel for even a day can be costly. Some kennels won’t even accept smaller pets, such as birds, rodents or fish. However, home additions and other remodeling projects can often be dangerous for all types of pets. In these situations, asking someone you know to watch your pets for the duration of the project can be the ideal option. A friend, family member or even a neighbor may be willing to make some extra room in their homes to provide your pets with the care they need while you renovate your home.

A professional remodeling company in Brookline, MA, will recommend finding ways to keep your pets safe. Their contractors expect to work in a safe, distraction-free environment and your pets deserve safety during these projects. The best ways to ensure your pets are as safe as possible is to secure them in another area of the home with all the comforts they need, house them in a kennel for the duration of the project or to find someone close to you to take over their care. Regardless of which option you choose, you will enjoy a beautiful home construction project, while keeping your pets safe and healthy.

If you are looking for a professional remodeling company in Brookline, MA, or the surrounding area to complete your next project, contact us. We can help you create the home of your dreams.

Transform the Size of a Room with Paint

October 14, 20140

Learn how your home improvement contractor can use paint in your home.

A home improvement contractor can create various effects with paint.

Besides adding home additions to your current space or moving to a new place altogether, it can be a challenge to make smaller rooms in your home feel more spacious. The most obvious way to make a space larger is to remove any extra furniture and clutter; however, if you don’t want to get rid of anything, adding more space to a room without addition plans can be more difficult. One solution is to consider changing the paint color in the room. Using the right color can make the space feel larger without remodeling. Keep these tips in mind when deciding what color to put on your walls.

Paint It White

White paint makes a room appear larger. It can add space to a crowded room, even if you have too many pieces of furniture or other objects around. White is a reflective color, which causes light to bounce off the surfaces around your room.

White can even make small bathrooms or closets feel larger. Painting your room this neutral color can trick your eye into thinking it’s bigger than it really is. Rather than remodeling a cramped space, try this paint color to enlarge the room, saving money on costly addition plans.

A home improvement contractor uses paint to change the size of a room.

Make a room look larger or smaller with the help of a home improvement contractor.

Use Lighter Colors

If you don’t like white paint, consider painting with light colors instead. Neutral colors, such as pale yellow, beige, taupe or gray, give the room a more expansive feel. These colors are also warm and inviting.

Another trick for making a space seem larger is to use complementary colors on your furniture. A monochromatic palette will give a room the appearance of openness. A home improvement contractor can analyze the size of your space and help you choose the right colors for your room.

Use Paints That De-Clutter

Still have a cluttered space? If your room features hanging bookcases or shelves, consider painting your walls and shelves the same neutral color. That will make them blend in with the natural surroundings of your room, adding to the appearance of more space.

This same technique applies to furniture. If you have a worn-out table set, consider painting it a color that complements your home. This will make your room appear more open. Plus, your furniture will look new and bright.

Add Length to a Short Room

Maybe you have a short room you wish you could make longer. If addition plans aren’t possible, you can visually lengthen a room by painting one of the ends with a lighter color. Choose a color several shades paler than the paint on your remaining three walls for the greatest effect.

On the other hand, painting an end wall with a darker shade will also give that same illusion. Paint your remaining walls a lighter complementary shade for a similar impact.

Is too much space in a room your problem? You can also make your room feel cozier with a little paint. Use warm colors to bring in the walls and ceiling. This will make your room feel more intimate, especially when entertaining guests.

If you are interested in changing or upgrading the size of your room with paint, contact us. An experienced MA home improvement contractor on our team can show you ways to make your room feel larger or small, depending on your living situation.

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.

How to Prepare For The Perfect Garage Addition

August 7, 20140

A garage addition can add plenty of space for storage and parking.

Your garage was designed as a place to park your vehicles and to serve as storage for your outdoor items. However, sometimes you don’t have enough space or maybe you don’t have a garage at all. In these situations a garage addition is one of the best home additions you can consider. Before you talk to your contractor about garage remodeling ideas, learn how you can prepare for this project.

Do You Have the Space?

Zoning restrictions can make or break your idea for a garage addition. Most municipalities have regulations that dictate how close to the lot line you can build, as well as other factors in this type of project. Make sure you talk to your home additions contractor about any potential problems and whether you need to obtain permits or if they will. It is important to get the facts before you set your heart on this project.

Detached or Attached?

There are many benefits to each type of garage. When you consider all of the garage remodeling ideas, this is one you should pay close attention to. Sometimes your decision is made for you based on zoning regulations. In other situations, you must weigh the pros and cons to help you choose. An attached garage is often less expensive because there is one less wall to build, but a detached garage can give you greater flexibility and keeps exhaust fumes and power tool noise away from your home.

What Is the Right Size?

The size of your garage addition may also be dictated by zoning restrictions. However, if you have enough space, you will need to consider your needs to help determine the right size. For instance, if you have two large vehicles, a two-and-a-half car garage is your minimum. However, if you only have one small car and don’t have a lot of extras to store, a one car garage can work well. Also consider other features you want. For some, a tool bench is one of the necessary garage remodeling ideas.

Don’t Forget Access

Many homeowners don’t think about access and traffic flow when thinking about garage remodeling ideas. However, if you don’t already have a driveway or you choose a different location for your garage addition, you may also need to install a driveway, which can add to your budget. Make sure your chosen contractor keeps these factors in mind when creating your estimate.

A garage addition is a great option if you don’t already have one or your current garage isn’t meeting your needs. However, when you are working on garage remodeling ideas, it is important to consider these factors as you make your plans. The right home additions contractor will guide you through the process so you can have the garage you’ve always wanted.

If you are thinking about adding a garage to your property, contact us. Our Connecticut contractors have the skills needed to help you build the perfect garage.

10 Room Additions to Add Square Footage to Your Home

June 11, 20140

Room additions can add square footage to your home.

Increase the amount of space in your home with these 10 home additions.

Room additions are the ideal way to create more space in your home and add value. There are many reasons homeowners consider home additions. Learning more about your options to increase the square footage in your home can help you choose the right options.

Bathrooms

The bathroom is one of the most used rooms in the home, and there never seems to be enough of them. Adding a new bathroom to your home can improve quality of life for your whole family.

Bedrooms

Whether you have another child or a family member is moving in, bedroom additions can add the extra space you need. You can even expand on an existing bedroom or create a master suite.

Sunrooms

A sunroom can be a great place to relax and spend time when the weather is nice. These homes add beauty and value to any home.

Family Rooms

Most homes already have a living room, but a family room can be a good option for home additions. This type of addition gives you more space to spend time together as a family.

Second Floors

If you don’t have enough land on your property for room additions, adding a second floor can be the answer. This second story can be used for a number of purposes, giving you the home and square footage you’ve always dreamed of.

Kitchen Expansion

The kitchen is another frequently used room in your home. Expanding your kitchen can provide more functional space, as well as plenty of room for entertaining.

Dormers

Sometimes creating the look and feel of extra space doesn’t involve adding floor space. The addition of dormers on a second floor adds extra light and makes the room seem larger.

Space above the Garage

Most people don’t consider their garage when they think of home additions. However, that space is often wasted. A construction company can help you transform it into livable space, including a full apartment.

Decks

Adding a deck onto the back of your home can be a great way to increase value and provide extra space for entertaining. Decks create the ideal environment for a backyard retreat.

Porches

If you are looking for a way to change the curb appeal of your home with a home addition, adding a beautiful porch to the front can make all the difference. A back porch can also be a great option.

Room additions can be the ideal way to add square footage and livable space to your home. Before you start working with an experienced contractor, it is important to consider all of your options and determine which home additions will best suit your needs. These additions can provide you with extra space, as well as increase the value of your home.

If you are interested in room additions in MA, contact us. We can help you decide which option will provide the extra space you desire.

Tag: home additions