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Bathroom Remodeling Can Be Done on a Budget

September 4, 20140
Bathroom remodeling can create a functional space.

Bathroom remodeling on a budget can still create a charming room.

Does your bathroom need a fresh look? Whether you’re trying to sell your home or you’re sick of looking at your 1950s water closet, taking on something likebathroom remodeling can seem overwhelming and costly. Fortunately, there are ways to tackle your next home improvement project on a budget.

Cheaper Ways to Update Your Bathroom

The simplest option for a bathroom upgrade on a budget is to spruce up the look without a full-scale remodeling project. First, try a fresh coat of paint. This is probably the cheapest way to change the look of your bathroom, and there are so many colors to choose from. Try patterns like polka dots, stripes or an accent wall for something different.

From there, you can try out new lighting. While Hollywood lighting may seem cool backstage, it is no longer ideal in modern bathrooms. Try a unique light fixture for a more luxurious or modern look. Some other simple ideas include replacing your shower curtain and doorknobs and painting your cabinets.

Find great bathroom remodeling ideas.

Many bathroom remodeling ideas can be done on a budget.

Ways to Save on a Full Bathroom Remodel

What if your bathroom needs a more drastic change? There are plenty of bathroom remodeling ideas that can save you a few bucks as you embark on your renovations. One of the most expensive parts of bathroom remodeling is replacing the counter tops. Most people automatically opt for granite. Fortunately, there are some tricks you can use to bring the cost down.

Look for granite in more unique colors; the less popular the color, the less it will cost. Also, look for granite with imperfections to save some money. It may sound like a sacrifice, but if the imperfection is where the sink basins will go, it won’t make a difference in the long run. Think of it as a unique style choice. You’ll have the most distinctive bathroom on the block!

If your fixtures need to be replaced, consider purchasing them used. Websites like Craigslist and eBay have some legitimate deals. You can also try websites like Etsy for bathroom accessories that have already had a makeover. These pieces can allow you to use your imagination to create a unique and custom bathroom with a low price tag.

Where to Spend Your Money Wisely

Another way to stick to a budget while renovating your bathroom is to put aside a certain amount of money toward each area of the bathroom. The most money should be reserved for plumbing essentials that are needed for functionality. Count on about 20 percent. Then, worry about the cabinetry, flooring and shower tiles. These will make the biggest style impact. The least amount should be spent on details, such as wall color, especially since these items cost little to begin with.

If you are in need of bathroom remodeling in Boston, contact us. We are the home improvement experts, ready to help you start planning today!

Kitchen Additions Are Money Well Spent

August 26, 20140
Custom cabinets can transform your kitchen.

Change the look and style of your kitchen with custom cabinets.

With all the home improvement television shows about remodeling and renovation and the housing market constantly changing, many homeowners are concerned about investment. Where is a homeowner’s money best spent? This can be a tough question to answer, especially if you are looking to sell your home. It seems the answer may lie in your kitchen.

Kitchen Additions and Remodeling

Many real estate agents will tell you just how important the kitchen is when trying to sell a house. Buyers often look for a kitchen they love and don’t have to spend a lot of money to fix up. That’s why many kitchen makeovers have a return of more than 60 percent. The kitchen is often seen as a style focal point of the house, and a kitchen that isn’t updated will not entice people to buy. Anything that can be done to bring the kitchen up to date will greatly increase the value of your property.

It may sound like a scary and expensive job to take on, but the result will be more than worth it for you in the long run. Be sure to take a good, objective look at your kitchen before deciding how to proceed. What does it really need? You may discover certain elements are perfect the way they are. If your kitchen needs a full overhaul, it is best to put in the work for a greater return on investment. If only part of the kitchen needs updated, you can save time and money with somekitchen additions, such as custom kitchen cabinets, and still get the look the buyer wants. You can even update the existing cabinets by adding a fresh coat of paint, re-facing old, worn cabinets and adding under-cabinet task lighting for better functionality.

Custom kitchen cabinets can be a beautiful addition.

Create the look you’ve always wanted with custom kitchen cabinets.

Custom Cabinets

Cabinetry is the first thing many people notice about the kitchen. In fact, it can make or break the entire style of the room. Luckily, there are many ways cabinets can be customized to fit in with the style of your kitchen to bring them into this century. The simplest choice for custom cabinets is a coat of paint. A bright color can make the kitchen look modern and vibrant if the space seems dreary. Darker cabinets, on the other hand, can bring in the right amount of contrast for light-colored countertops. Try crown molding on your cabinets for that extra touch of elegance. It can really pull a space together and give your kitchen an appearance of luxury, even if the rest of the house is simple in comparison.

When it comes to making over your kitchen, there are an endless number of possibilities. If you are trying to add value to your home, you can count on Colony Home Improvement. Our home improvement services will help you with the perfect plans and materials for your new kitchen. To begin designing custom kitchen cabinets or other kitchen additions for your Massachusetts home, contact us today.

Energy Efficient Windows Are More Affordable Than You Think

August 21, 20140
Energy efficient windows can save money and the environment.

Energy efficient replacement windows are an affordable home improvement project.

Finding ways to cut back on energy usage is a big deal, especially in the cooler and warmer months when energy bills tend to skyrocket. Windows play a big part in the hike in price due to leaks from insufficient amounts of insulation. This is particularly true for older homes. A good money-saving home improvement option is to replace older windows with energy efficient windows, which will help prevent the unwanted loss of energy, saving you money in the long run.

What Are Energy Efficient Windows?

The frame around your windows may be aesthetically pleasing, but it’s really all about the glass. Energy efficient windows keep the cooler air in and the heat and UV rays out during the summer, while keeping the heat in and the cold air out during the cooler months. Newer energy efficient replacement windows have a large variety of options. Thermal-paned windows, which have an insulated glazing that reduces heat transfer, leave you with a lower utility bill and a decrease in energy consumption. For an extra installation fee, choose a double- or triple-paned window, which provides more insulation and will increase in value.

Replacement windows can add value to your home.

Increase the value of your home with energy efficient windows.

An Investment for Your Home

Even if you’re not currently thinking about selling your home, you do want to make good home improvement choices for the prospect of selling in the future.Replacement windows are attractive to buyers looking to save on home improvement costs. In addition, think about how much you will save from low-maintenance, energy-efficient windows. There are also government incentives and tax breaks, such as a partial reimbursement, for installing energy saving windows in your home. Not only will you have a lower utility bill, you won’t have to worry about improving them later.

How to Tell If Your Windows Are Energy Efficient

If you’re wondering whether you already have energy efficient windows, look for a sticker with National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) ratings, which qualifies your windows for Energy Star status. The sticker will cover the U-Factor, measuring a window’s resistance to heat loss, as well as the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC), which measures the amount of heat that enters through the glass. The lower the numbers, the better. As a bonus, these windows come in different shapes and sizes so you will still be able to achieve the look you want with your windows. Since having energy efficient windows means less energy lost, you will also be responsible for shrinking your carbon footprint. Ultimately, it’s good for your wallet and the environment.

Are you ready to make a money-saving investment in your MA home? Contact usand request a no obligation quote. Colony Home Improvement specializes in replacement windows and other quality home improvements.

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