Is Building Up or Building Out the Best Choice for Your Brookline, MA, Home Addition?

August 18, 20160

Once you’ve made the decision to add square footage to your home by building an addition, the next decision you need to make is where you want the addition built. While there are some homeowners who decide to tunnel down for their home additions in MA, the vast majority stick with one of the two obvious choices: building up or building out. You’ll need to weigh several factors before deciding which option is right for your property. An experienced Dover home improvement contractor will discuss these factors with you in detail. Read on for some general considerations regarding the “up or out” question.

Your home improvement contractor can help you make the right choices.

Talk to your home improvement contractor about your options.

Pros of Building Up

One of the biggest benefits of building up is it’s possible, regardless of the size of your lot. Another major benefit? Building up is usually less expensive than building out because it doesn’t require adding to the foundation or increasing the square footage of roofing. When you build up, you will need a new roof, of course, but when it comes time to upgrade that roof, you’ll pay less than you would have had you built out. Many people prefer multi-story homes because they offer options. Depending on your living situation, you can use your new floor for all of the bedrooms upstairs, just the children’s bedrooms or an elaborate master suite. You could also create an upstairs playroom, game room or workout room. The possibilities are endless! When you build up, you gain extra living space without sacrificing the size of your yard or worrying about setbacks.

Benefits of Building Out

Arguably the biggest benefit of building out is you will avoid adding stairs to your home. If you have small children you worry about falling down stairs and want to be able to keep an eye on easily or if you or someone in your home has physical limitations or who may find it difficult to climb stairs in the future, a one-story home makes sense. Additionally, from a design perspective, you can incorporated vaulted, barrel, cathedral and other unique ceiling styles in single-story homes because you don’t have to worry about creating a floor above the ceiling. Of the two options, building out tends to be the least disruptive.

One Option Is Not Inherently Better than the Other!

Lot size limitations aside, the decision to build up or build out is similar to the decision to purchase a ranch-style, Cape Cod or mid-century modern home. In other words, it’s a matter of personal preference. Be wary of home addition contractors in MA who are unwilling to work with you to deliver your vision. It’s your home and your investment. Ultimately, the right decision is the one you’re most excited to pursue.

When you are ready to add on to your home to increase its functionality and your quality of life, contact us at Colony Home Improvement. We are a well-known, well-respected home improvement contractor for Dover and the surrounding area. We have more than 40 years of experience and thousands of happy customers in the region, and we hope to make you one of them!

Ask your roofing contractor if your roof is causing issues.

home additions, roof contractor

Warning Signs Your Dover, MA, Home May Need a New Roof

June 9, 20160

You probably take your home’s roof for granted and don’t think too much about it until something obvious goes wrong. It’s true most roofs are built to last for decades unless they become damaged by external forces. Considering the important function of your roof, namely protecting you, your family and your belongings from the elements, it’s smart to have a trained professional evaluate it annually just to be safe. Is it time to hire a roofing contractor in southeast MA? Read on to learn the warning signs you might need a new roof.

You Haven’t Replaced Your Roof in Decades

If your asphalt roof is approaching the 20-year mark, it’s time to consider replacing it. Especially if your exterior roof was installed over past roofs, it probably will begin to fail around the 20-year mark if it has lasted that long. Decades of exposure to the elements take their toll. Eventually shingles will break down and allow moisture to seep in. When that begins happening, it’s important to fast-track a new roof.

Troubleshoot your roof with the help of a home improvement contractor.

Your home improvement contractor can help you troubleshoot your roof.

You Notice Distorted Shingles

If your once-flat shingles appear to be curling at the edges or you see areas where the roof appears to be buckling, that is a roof red flag. It’s time to call a Dover home improvement contractor who specializes in roofing.

You Have Water Stains Inside Your House on the Ceiling

Arguably, this is the most telling sign you may need a new roof. While the reason your ceiling is wet may not be roofing related (it could be an overflowing AC drip pan or leaking pipe, for example) an interior leak should be checked out thoroughly as soon as it’s detected.

You Notice Sandy Granules on Your Gutters, Exterior Window Sills and AC Unit

Traditional shingles are coated with course granules that protect them from the sun’s damaging UV rays. As the roof approaches the end of its useful lifespan, it will shed granules. These granules look gritty, almost like sand but larger. If you find granule deposits around your home’s exterior, it’s time to call a roofing home improvement contractor for Dover and the surrounding area.

You See the Sun Where It Shouldn’t Be Shining

Head up to your attic during the day and look toward the sky. If your roof is in good working order, you should see darkness. If you can see sunlight peeking through the boards of your roof, that’s a bad sign. If sunlight can get through, so can rain, snow, wind and bugs.

If you are in need of roof installation in Dover, MA, or if you suspect you might need a new roof but aren’t sure, contact us at Colony Home Improvement. Our friendly, skilled, experienced team will evaluate your roof and let you know if it’s time to replace, if it’s possible to repair or if it’s just fine and working as it is designed to work.

Add functional space to your home when adding a sunroom.

home additions, sunroom addition

What to Consider Before Adding a Sunroom in Eastern MA

March 3, 20160

If you’ve ever wished you could bring the outdoors into your home and enjoy sunlight and the sights of nature year-round, you can! Adding a sunroom in eastern MA allows you to enjoy the serenity of nature, even on days when the mercury dips into the single digits. A bright sunroom can be a cozy spot to curl up with a good book or the ideal spot for an inspiring home office. Before you begin looking for a home improvement contractor to tackle your sunroom addition in Dover, MA, there are a few decisions you should make.

Is It Allowed?

Before proceeding with any construction project, check your plat to see if you are subject to setback or easement restrictions. If you live in a historical district or HOA community, find out if your sunroom design plans need to be approved before you proceed.

Where Should It Be Located?

Living in Massachusetts, we often deal with frigid winter temperatures but rarely experience oppressive, unrelentingly hot summers. A southern exposure makes the most sense for a Massachusetts sunroom. Building your sunroom with southern exposure will maximize the amount of sunlight the room will receive each day and help heat it in winter.

Add value to your home with a sunroom addition.

A sunroom addition can add value to your home.

What Should It be Constructed Of?

It’s not possible to build a room entirely of glass so you will need to decide which material you’d like to use for the sunroom’s supports, which are the components that will connect the windows in your “room of glass.” Vinyl, aluminum and wood are all options. Supports with vinyl exteriors covering internal metal reinforcements are the affordable, lowest-maintenance and strongest option. Vinyl also is a good insulator, which can reduce your utility costs. Wood supports cost the most and requires periodic maintenance, but some people prefer that look. Aluminum costs more and doesn’t insulate as well as vinyl. However, many designers like to combine vinyl vertical supports with aluminum supports for the roof, since aluminum is stronger.

Is Your Contractor Knowledgeable and Qualified to Build a Sunroom?

When looking for a home improvement contractor for Dover and the surrounding area to build your sunroom, make sure they have built sunrooms before. Unlike adding on a regular room, a sunroom requires specialized expertise. Sunroom windows and doors are of paramount importance. A builder with experience with sunrooms will know it’s usually best to choose windows and doors with durable roller wheels on stainless-steel tracks. The last thing you want is for your doors and windows in your door-and-window-filled room to stick. Additionally, contractors knowledgeable about sunrooms will know whether a sunroom’s design will be best served by using surface-mounted electrical boxes and conduits to run wires and mount outlets or by using electrical raceways instead.

Once you’ve done your homework to make sure you’re allowed to build a sunroom and have a general idea of what you want it to look like and where you want it built, it’s time to find a skilled contractor. Colony Home Improvement has extensive expertise building sunrooms, as well as all kinds of beautiful home additions. Contact us! We’d be happy to look at your space and provide you with a free estimate.

Use a Local MA Home Improvement Contractor to Make Sure Your Roof Is Ready for Winter

December 17, 20150

Is your roof ready for winter?

Damage to roofs may start small and can be difficult to detect, but over time and with the havoc created by a severe winter storm, your roofing problems may begin to snowball. The combination of weather, trees and animals can be a triple threat when it comes to keeping your roof in good shape.

Weather

Is your roof ready for winter? MA home improvement contractors are familiar with the following damages caused by harsh northern winters.

Wind and wind-blown debris accumulates and clogs drains and downspouts.
Rain and inadequate rain water drainage – are your gutters and downspouts clear and securely attached?
Hail damages shingles by wearing away the granules. This exposes the asphalt, which can dry up and crack from sun exposure.
Ice and packed snow can weaken and rot out surfaces. Snowfalls can worsen gutters that are already weakened from too much debris.

Trees

As much as we enjoy the majesty of trees, they require ongoing maintenance for the protection of your roof. MA home improvement contractors regularly inform their clients of the importance of tree trimming. Overhanging branches can brush against the roof, and heavy winds will cause those branches to wear down shingles over time. They also create a pathway for termites and carpenter ants to gain access to your roof and attic. If tree branches block too much of the sun over your house, moss can grow on the shingles.

Trees are also subjected to fierce winds, which can snap weak tree limbs, twigs and other flying debris and throw them against your roof. You may need to clear the limbs, twigs, pine needles and other debris from your roof.

Animals

Squirrels and raccoons can create a lot of damage. They chew on surfaces to keep their teeth trimmed, as well as to gain access to your attic for warmth during the winter. Squirrels can gnaw through anything but metal so thoroughly check your roof surfaces, soffits, soffit vents and fascia. Squirrels and rats can enter your attic through holes as small as two inches. Use caulk or foam sealant to close up any holes you find and then paint over them.

Now that you know how much abuse your roof can take, especially during the winter season, here’s where to look for problems and some tips on how to make sure your roof is ready for the winter weather.

Ask an MA home improvement contractor to check your roof.

An MA home improvement contractor can check your roof.

Inspect from the Inside

Go into your attic during daylight hours with a flashlight. Turn the flashlight off and look for cracks of light appearing through the roof and note where these cracks are so you find them when you’re outside inspecting your roof.

With the flashlight on, check for dark spots on the attic ceiling and flooring and dark trails down the attic walls. Notice any sagging areas along the roof deck. Also look for evidence of animals that may have gained access to your attic and where they may have entered.

Inspect from the Outside

Home improvement contractors for Dover and the surrounding area will advise you check these areas for holes, cracks, crevices, moisture, mold and rot:

Soffits and soffit vents
Fascia
Flashings around roof windows, dormers, chimneys and skylights
Gutters and downspouts are free of debris and drain water properly

Regular Inspections

Maintain a log of your inspections. Note the date and any flaws, such as shingles that are curled, blistered, worn or broken, in addition to any other holes, cracks and wear around your roofing system that should be checked periodically.
Perform any repair and maintenance tasks and note the date and time of repairs.
Take photos for insurance validation or for a reminder of repairs needed.

Not every DIYer is willing to climb up to the roof and inspect for damage, but if you’re one of those who do, take the appropriate precautions. Roof inspections and repairs can be more dangerous than even police and fireman occupations.

If you have conducted an inspection and would rather leave the repair work to a professional home improvement contractor in Dover, contact us at Colony Home Improvement. We can ensure your inspections were performed thoroughly and the repairs are done correctly.

Tag: home improvement contractor for Dover and the surrounding area