Tag: home remodel in dover and the surrounding towns

Add value to your home with a garage addition.
garage remodeling, home additions

Is a Dover, MA, Garage Addition Worth the Investment?

One of the main considerations of any remodeling project is its potential return on investment (ROI). Typically, when homeowners think about remodeling, they think about bathrooms, kitchens and second stories. However, the most popular home remodel in Dover and the surrounding towns is often a garage addition. There’s a compelling reason for that. Typically the ROI on a new garage is about 64 percent. That’s higher than the typical ROI on a new bathroom, which is about 56 percent.

Why a Garage Addition Is a Smart Addition

If you’ll park your cars in your new garage, they will be protected from the elements and out of sight for potential criminals. In other words, your garage could save you money on repairs or insurance claims. Additionally, by having the space to store tall ladders, wheelbarrows, lawn mowers and other bulky equipment and tools, it’s likely you’ll be more inspired to tackle your own yard work and maintenance projects rather than hiring a contractor. This can save you significant money over time. Likewise, having a place to store clutter where it’s out of sight and protected is priceless.

Your home improvement plans can include a garage addition.

Consider a garage for your home improvement plans.

What to Consider When Adding a Garage

Before you begin vetting eastern MA premier home builders for your Dover, MA, garage addition project, you’ll need to make some important decisions about the scope of your project. Specifically, if you will be parking cars in the garage, how many will there be? Do you wish to attach the garage to your home or create a free-standing model? A detached garage usually costs less, but you may want the convenience of being able to enter your home through the garage on snowy or rainy days. What will you use the garage for, such as storage or as a work area? Do you want a no-frills manual garage door or an electric door? Do you wish to add extras like plumbing? Before you proceed, narrow your wish list so your contractor can give you an accurate cost estimate and time frame.

Choose a Contractor Experienced in Southeastern MA Home Improvement Plans

Before beginning your project, do your research and find a contractor who is experienced with local regulations and the local architectural style. For any home improvement project to be successful, it needs to blend seamlessly with your existing home and fit in with the rest of the neighborhood. Choose the right partner, and you can proceed with confidence and the expectation your new garage addition not only will be a smart investment, but will add storage space, functionality and resale value to your home. If you are ready to move forward with a garage addition, contact us at Colony Home Improvement. We can help you draft plans and complete the job on time, on budget and with beautiful results.

If It’s Time for a Home Remodel, It’s Time to Hire a Professional Builder

The right home improvement contractor is important.

Learn how to find the right home improvement contractor.

You’ve decided to move forward with your home remodel in Dover and the surrounding towns. Now, your next decision requires a little more time and research before choosing which Dover home improvement contractor will deliver on that vision.

Plan Ahead

Before choosing a builder, make sure you understand the full scope of your remodel. Deciding you’d like an additional closet midway through construction may add unplanned time, money and stress, and any unexpected deviation from the plan can hold up the entire project. A professional remodeler will have suggestions to help you make some decisions; however, it’s in your best interests to have a well thought out master plan in advance of starting your project.

Select your products, such as appliances, fixtures, finishes and other materials, ahead of time. Armed with your research, a builder with established relationships with suppliers can advise you on product choices, cost savings and possible extended warranties. Then they can ensure all products are available at the right time.

Look into the right contractor for your home remodel.

Don’t trust your home remodel to just anyone.

What to Look for in a Professional Builder 

  1. They should be licensed and have a solid reputation. There are strict regulations a licensed builder must follow to ensure the best quality work. Research their standing with the Better Business Bureau and the National Association of Home Builders.
  2. They should have technical training and experience with energy efficiency, smart homes and trends, such as green building and solar panels.
  3. You should like their work and design ideas. Take the time to explore the builder’s website, which should provide images of their work. Ideally, they will have case studies about what particular remodels entailed and how they were accomplished.
  4. They should have plenty of client testimonials. They are the best endorsements, and a reputable builder has clients you can contact for confirmation. Find out if they received excellent customer service and if all of their concerns were addressed.
  5. They should help hone your vision by providing design options you haven’t considered, as well as the latest trends and materials.
  6. They should be able to save you money.  A reputable builder will not only tell you how they will save you money, but they will monitor your budget as closely as you do. In addition to finding savings on products and materials, a reputable builder can show you how energy efficient products and upgrades can cut your energy bills and provide tax credits and rebates.
  7. They should be able to accommodate your schedule. Keep in mind professional builders will need time to plan and coordinate your entire project, order materials and schedule contractors around their existing and previously scheduled work load. Make sure their scheduled start date aligns with yours. If not, make sure they are worth the wait.

What to Do Before Demolition Begins

  • Make sure all terms and specifications are agreed upon and you have everything in writing.
  • Take care of all of your funding expectations.
  • Once you have a construction start date, begin planning how you and your family will navigate around various plumbing, electrical and construction factors. You may need to reschedule certain activities.
  • Prepare your home. Relocate furnishings, knick-knacks and any electronics from the work area.

Whether your home remodel in Dover and the surrounding area includes creating more livable square footage for your family or adding a wine cellar, you need to place your confidence in a reputable builder. Colony Home Improvement has an outstanding reputation for southeastern MA premier home remodeling and additions. Contact us today to discuss your plan and to get a free quote.