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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.

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.

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.

Tips for Remodeling the Perfect Front Porch

October 7, 20140

Decks and porches make a great home improvement project.

Make your home more welcoming with decks and porches.

Front porches are a fantastic way to enjoy the scenery surrounding your home. If you are currently looking to add decks and porches to your home, you may need a home improvement contractor to make sure the job is done right. Adding features to your existing home is subject to city building codes and regulations, which can be difficult to understand if you don’t have prior experience with renovations. Before you make any improvements to your home’s exterior, there are some helpful remodeling tips to keep in mind.

Use

Before you even start picking the wood you want to use, it’s important to determine exactly how you want to use your new decks and porches. For example, if you want a space for your small children, make sure your design does not include dangerous stairs. If you enjoy entertaining, a bar or fire pit may be an essential feature. Swings and rocking chairs make great additions to a front porch if you want a place to sit and watch the sun go down. Figuring out which features you want for your new addition will help your home improvement contractorcreate the best plans for you.

Looking for home improvement projects? Consider decks and porches.

Decks and porches create a finished look for your home.

Seasons

It’s critical to consider the type of weather your region experiences. For home owners living in warm or rainy climates, an awning or other covering to protect your exterior home improvement may be a great addition. On the other hand, those living in areas that have more cold days may need to add options to keep the deck free of ice. Your local home improvement contractor has experience making your outdoor space a great place year-round.

Practicality

You want to make your decks and porches as user friendly as possible so you can spend the most time on them. Make sure you don’t forget to add small creature comforts, such as lights, ceiling fans and plenty of seating. These items create an inviting space for family time or entertaining.

If you are looking for a design and building contractor in Massachusetts to make renovating your decks and porches hassle free, contact us. We have years of experience and can make your next outdoor space the perfect place to spend time with your loved ones.

Expert Tips and Ideas for Remodeling the Master Suite

September 9, 20140

Ask a home improvement contractor to help transform your master suite.

Your master suite can become a relaxing environment with the help of a home improvement contractor.

The master suite can be one of the most valuable rooms in your home. In fact, upgrading master bedroom suites can have a dramatic impact on the resale value of your home. Therefore, this type of project can be one of the first options for those who only have the budget to complete one project at a time. Your home improvement contractor can provide tips and ideas to make this project go more smoothly.

A Personal Getaway

Many people treat their master suite as a personal getaway to relax for the evening after the kids have gone to bed. To make your bedroom the ideal place to unwind, consider creating a special nook for a table and a couple of chairs or a comfortable couch for relaxing on the weekends or in the evenings. Another option is to install a bay window with a window seat so you can enjoy the view outside. Anything that creates a comfortable environment to spend some alone time or private time together works well for this type of space.

Master bedroom suites can be a great place to relax.

Create a relaxing atmosphere in master bedroom suites.

Renovate the Bathroom

Home improvement contractors are full of ideas for renovating bathrooms to create ideal master bedroom suites. For instance, installing a large shower with dual showerheads can be a great way to share the space. Likewise, many homeowners enjoy creating his and hers sinks so both can get ready for a date or a special event without having to wait for the bathroom to open up. A Jacuzzi tub can also be a great addition to any master bedroom suite, giving you another way to relax and eliminate the stresses of daily life.

The Ideal Atmosphere

The master bedroom is often seen as a romantic getaway right within the home. One great way to improve this ambience of romance is to install a double-sided fireplace into the wall separating the bedroom and bathroom. This allows you to enjoy a fire from within your bedroom, as well as take a nice bath with candlelight and the light from the fire. This is a feature you will find in many newer homes. Another way to change the atmosphere of the room is to add a balcony with French doors or a patio door. This solution works best if you have an amazing view outside your bedroom.

Transforming master bedroom suites is one of the best ways to improve your quality of life and the resale value of your home. However, many people aren’t sure where to start on this type of project. Hiring a home improvement contractorwill help you make the right choices for your new bedroom, creating a romantic atmosphere and enhancing the functionality of this important room in your home.

If you are thinking about remodeling your master bedroom suite, contact us. Our experienced Massachusetts home improvement contractors have plenty of ideas to help you create a plan that suits your lifestyle.

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