home improvement | Colony Home Improvement

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.

The Advantages of Adding Custom Millwork to Your Home

October 21, 20140

Your home can benefit from beautiful custom millwork.

Custom millwork can create a new look for your home.

If you want to increase the value of your home, consider a home improvementproject using custom millwork building materials. One popular use of millwork is to create custom stairs and trim. While commodity millwork manufacturersoffer mass-produced lineal material for lower prices, a custom shop will make each product unique for the specific customer. Consider the following benefits when deciding whether to add custom millwork to your home:

High Quality Pieces

A custom millwork shop will ensure every one of your pieces is of the highest quality. With a commodity manufacturer’s mass-produced pieces, discerning homeowners may not be satisfied with the material quality, workmanship, profile and species choices. In order for a commodity producer to keep prices low, the high-speed machines must churn out large quantities of product. When this happens, quality is reduced because there isn’t enough time to visually inspect all lengths for defects.

Custom millwork shops will visually inspect all of your pieces and will replace any defective items. These shops will notice and replace small imperfections like milling marks and machining variability patterns.

Consider the beauty of custom millwork for your home.

Add Beauty to Your Home

Unlike lineal millwork, custom millwork will add individualized beauty to your home. Beautiful custom stairs and trim can help the interior of your home stand out to visitors. Ceiling molding and some decorative millwork in other areas of the home will make it memorable and increase the value of your residence.

Personal Attention

Products from commodity millwork producers are generally available through wholesale distributors, building centers, lumberyards and home improvement centers. It is unlikely you will receive personal attention and advice tailored to your needs from your local big box store.

Your custom millwork producer will make a personal connection with you, just as he does with every customer. No detail is too small to discuss or modify. The producer will assist you through the steps so the result is a product made to your specifications. Aspects, such as color, doors, type of materials, finish, depth or height, can be adjusted. Custom millwork producers care about customer satisfaction. They want to be sure the finished product meets your needs and wishes.

Increased Home Value

Though a custom producer is more expensive than a commodity producer, theincreased value added to your home is worth it. In addition, the custom producer can work with you to determine an appropriate level of products and services for your budget. For a new house, quality custom millwork generally costs less than 5 percent of the total house project. The resulting value of the finished project will usually be greater than your initial purchase price.

If you are thinking about a custom millwork home improvement project, contact us. Our contractors in Massachusetts can help you transform your vision into reality.

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 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.

Renovations That Can Add Value to Your Home

September 18, 20140

Home improvement projects increase your home's value.

Consider these home improvement projects to increase the value of your home.

Home improvement can be expensive and time consuming so it’s important to make sure your home remodeling also adds to the value of your home. Several projects can significantly add to the cost of your home if you ever decide to sell and relocate. General contractors can help you add beautiful new features to your house, while also increasing its market value.

Home Offices

With the rise of telecommuting and working from home, there’s a large demand for homes featuring home offices. Including a designated office space in your home remodel may allow for a higher asking price when it comes time to sell. It’s also a great addition for your current needs, allowing you to get your bills or other administrative tasks taken care of away from the distractions of the rest of the family.

Ceilings

When hiring general contractors for home improvement, some people don’t consider one of the biggest features in a room: the ceiling! While most ceilings are left alone during home remodeling, paying attention to the finer details could mean more money if you decide to sell. Buyers are often impressed by vaulted or crown molded ceilings, and a pop of color or great light fixture could land you a great offer.

Quality home improvement projects can improve your home's value.

Get more from your home with these home improvement projects.

Exterior

General contractors are not only great for remodeling the space inside your home. Curb appeal is an easy way to bring people into your home, whether they are visiting family members or home buyers walking into your open house. Investing in your lawn and exterior décor is a simple way to vastly improve the look of your home, while adding to its value.

Windows

Windows are a beautiful addition to any room, but did you know they also provide affordable energy bills? Adding new windows and window treatments is a great way to improve the look of your home, save money on your utilities and create a beautiful space to show potential buyers. A general contractor can help you choose the best windows to cut your energy bills.

Home remodeling can be expensive, but if you choose the right renovations, you can easily see returns on your investment, while creating the home of your dreams.

If you are looking for an experienced design and build contractor for your next home improvement project, contact us. Our experienced team in Massachusetts can help you create the home of your dreams and increase the value of your home with beautiful renovations.

Tag: home improvement