home construction | Colony Home Improvement

How to Stay Sane During Home Renovations

February 24, 20150

Your home construction project doesn't have to be stressful.

Learn how to relax during your home construction project.

Home improvement projects can be stressful. Eventually, cooler heads will prevail, but it’s easy to lose sight of that when you’re in the middle of a major remodel. Sometimes things don’t go as planned, and it can be easy to lose your cool, especially if your project takes longer than expected or if you have to spend more than you planned. Here are some tips to help you stay sane during your home construction project.

Hire the Best You Can Afford

While price is a major factor for renovation, don’t make it the only factor. The company with the lowest price may turn out to be the one with the unreliable crew that doesn’t show up on time, leaves early or leaves garbage on your property. You should check the references for any contractor you’re considering for home additions in MA. The budget electrician your low-priced contractor brings in may cut corners, which could be a nightmare if things go wrong.

Establish a Temporary Replacement Space

Taking your family out to eat for every meal, every day during your kitchen renovation will get old—and expensive—fast. If you’re going to be remodeling a heavily used room, such as the kitchen, you should set up an alternative to use while the room is out of commission. There are lots of small appliances you can easily put in another room like a microwave, hotplate, crock pot or toaster oven. You won’t have gourmet meals, but your budget, and likely your waistline, will thank you. Unfortunately, if you’re without a kitchen sink, you may need to wash dishes in the bathroom.

Plan your home improvement project to reduce stress.

Are you undertaking a home improvement project?

Accept the Mess

Even the most careful and considerate workmen can’t always help the dust and debris from home construction. Of course, they can prevent some debris from entering areas of your home that aren’t being worked on by using plastic sheets to cordon off the areas under construction. However, you will likely have to deal with your belongings being in disarray for a short time period. If you’re renovating the kitchen, you may have to remove everything from your kitchen cabinets and put the dishes in the dining room or bedroom. You may have to move all of your living room furniture into the garage while you install new floors. It’s best to be realistic about the mess and prepare yourself in advance to deal with some disorganization in your home.

Take a Vacation

You don’t need to run off to some exotic locale, though it’s a nice option if you have the time and the money. Moving out temporarily and staying in a local hotel can help preserve your sanity. The kids will most likely love the temporary digs, especially if it has amenities you don’t have at home like a swimming pool. If you can afford it or can get the hotel to upgrade you, try to stay in a suite. This way, the kids can have a separate bedroom and you can all avoid too much togetherness in a cramped hotel room.

If you are interested in home additions in MA, contact us. We can make your home improvement vision come to life and help keep you sane during the process.

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.

How Do You Know When Your Home Improvement Plans Should Include a New Roof?

November 13, 20140

Find out if your home improvement project should include a new roof.

Should your home improvement project include a new roof?

Making home improvement plans is an essential duty of being a homeowner. Your home’s roof protects the structure of your home, as well as everything and everyone inside it from the outside elements. An aging or deteriorating roof can be quite dangerous if it is left in disrepair for too long. If you have an aging roof or your roof has been recently damaged, you may need a home improvement contractor to inspect and potentially replace it.

Here are some ways to determine if a new roof should be your next home construction project.

Visually Inspect It

As a homeowner, you should periodically look at your roof so you can take note of any changes over time; however, this does not mean you have to climb a ladder It is inadvisable to go up on the roof because many serious injuries have occurred to well-meaning homeowners. It is possible to look at your roof while standing in the yard. If you do decide to get up on the roof, make sure your ladder is secure and you are extremely careful while walking around.

Common indications of a deteriorating roof include bent or torn flashing, algae or moss growth and damaged or missing shingles. You should particularly check to see if the flashing around chimneys and vents is damaged. That can mean there is water seepage, even if you haven’t noticed any water leaks in your home yet.

Ask your contractor if your home improvement project should include a new roof.

A new roof may be necessary as part of your home improvement project.

Next, look at your roof’s ridge and make sure it follows a straight line. Structural damage is likely if you notice the line has a saddle-back in the center or it sags.

Finally, look to see if any debris has accumulated because it can lead to water damage, especially if you have a flat roof. Getting a professional roof cleaning done on an annual basis can prevent water collection and damage due to debris. If you have neglected this task, it could lead to replacing the roof earlier than you expected.

Inspect Your Gutter System

If your gutter system is healthy, so is your roof. However, if your gutter leaks, is clogged or has poor drainage, this can cause problems with your home’s structure. A poor gutter system will spill water and saturate your landscaping, which can potentially lead to moisture accumulating inside your home and damaging the foundation. If you have a flat roof and it is leaking, the likely culprit is the scuppers, which are used for drainage.

When you inspect your gutter system, look for signs of damage or aging, such as granules or pieces of shingle washing out the downspouts. Check the shingles for water damage, as well as inspect for rot or mold along the roof’s edge or eaves. If too much water seeps under your shingles, it will rapidly deteriorate your roof. You should also look for scratches, dents or rust. If you notice any of those problems, it is likely your gutter needs to be repaired or replaced.

If you are looking for a home improvement contractor to work on your roof, contact us. Our experienced Massachusetts contractors can discuss many roofing options with you.

Reasons You May Want to Choose a Cedar Roof over Conventional Options

October 16, 20140

Ask roofing contractors why you should consider cedar.

Roof contractors often recommend cedar roofing over traditional roofing.

Cedar’s natural beauty makes it an appealing choice for homeowners looking to replace their roof. A cedar shake roof isn’t just good looking on the outside. It is a practical, durable home improvement option and offers many unique benefits when compared to traditional roofing.

Weather Is No Worry

One reason roof contractors recommend cedar is because it is extremely durable. If you live in an area of the country with extreme weather like snowstorms and thunderstorms, you can rest assured your cedar roof will stand up to the impact. Cedar is also resistant to moisture and insects, which cannot be said for other natural types of wood. Resisting moisture minimizes the possibility of decay and allows cedar to be used in many climates throughout the country.

Adaptable to Your Style

The natural appearance and varied looks of cedar make it a versatile option for your roof. You can mix cedar shakes and shingles to match with any house style or exterior paint color. Cedar comes in a natural honey color but typically ages to a silver tone. Since cedar can vary in color, cut, thickness and pattern, it will look different from the other cedar roofs on your block.

Choose the right materials for your roofing contractor.

A roofing contractor can create a beautiful home.

A Natural Resource

Homeowners who are looking for eco-friendly home improvement projects will be pleased with a cedar roof. Cedar, a natural resource, is renewable and biodegradable. Researchers have found, when compared to other types of roofing, cedar will likely use less energy and has less of an impact on global warming.

Stands the Test of Time

Cedar roofing has a life expectancy of 30 to 60 years. Regular and proper maintenance, such as power washing, using the correct cleaning solutions and selecting acceptable pigmented finishes, will help ensure your roof stands the test of time. In particular, the western red cedar is one of the world’s strongest woods. Since cedar has a low shrinkage rate, it installs without difficulty, lying flat and straight, and tends to hold nails tightly over time. All of these aspects of cedar will help extend the life of your roof.

The popular look of cedar roofing has led other roofing product manufacturers, such as clay and concrete tiles, to create versions made to look like cedar shakes. Cedar roofing is not going to be your least expensive roofing option; however, the large investment you make for this home construction project will result in a roof that will last.

Contact us to discuss cedar roofing for your next home improvement project. Our MA contractors understand the fundamentals of roofing design and construction.

Tips for Choosing the Perfect Paint Color for the Exterior of Your Home

October 9, 20140

Ask your home improvement contractor about paint colors.

Your home improvement contractor ensures your home looks great.

The outside of your home is the first thing your guests and neighbors see. The exterior adds personality to your home and to your neighborhood. Using the right design build plans can help you figure out the perfect paint color for the exterior of your home. A new color is a great way to give your house a facelift. Whether you want to make a statement or add curb appeal, keep these tips in mind when choosing your paint color.

Figure out Your Home’s Personality

The first step to choosing the perfect paint color for the exterior of your home is to determine what kind of personality your home has. It all depends on the style of your home, the type of neighborhood you live in, your family lifestyle and your geographic location. Choosing the right shade of paint can help reflect the design and style of your home. For example, a bold shade will make your home appear trendy and urban. On the other hand, a subdued palette can make your home look more refined.

Consider Your Neighbor’s Exterior Paint Colors

Before painting, consider which colors would work well in your neighborhood. Think of your neighborhood as your canvas and what colors would work on that canvas. A home improvement contractor can give guidance during this process, helping you look at your home from an artistic standpoint.

Choosing the right exterior paint colors can also give your reputation a boost in the neighborhood. It shows you are considerate when it comes to your neighbors and the appearance of the homes. Think about the colors you want to use. Will they fit in with the surrounding home construction? Do they blend in with the look and feel of your area?

Before you choose paint, talk to your home improvement contractor.

A home improvement contractor understands how to pick an exterior color.

Use Your Natural Environment for Color Selection

The surroundings of your home can have an impact on the colors you choose. Keep your setting in mind when choosing the right exterior paint colors for your house. Research the colors used most around your home. For example, a home on the beach may feature tans, whites, blues and yellows, while a home in the mountains might consist of more earthy shades. Match the paint colors before you consider which design build plans to use on your home.

Use Color Tools to Help You Choose

When in doubt, use color tools to help select the right exterior paint colorsfor your home. You can use a color wheel or a color fan to help you select the right shade. Ask your home improvement contractor if you can borrow his fan or if you can try some samples on your home. You can also buy a fan from professional stores and hardware shops.

Once you chose a color you like, have a wet sample painted on the outside of your home. The colors on the wheel can look different than they do on the actual material of your home. The color may look lighter or darker than you want.

If you are interested in home improvement in MA, contact us for a free quote. An experienced home improvement contractor on our team can give your home a new look and help you decide what paint colors to use.

Tag: home construction