Benefits of Installing a Storm Door

December 25, 20140

Consider asking local home improvement contractors to add screen doors.

Talk to local home improvement contractors about screen doors.

Have you ever noticed not all homes have a screen door? Whether homeowners love their entry door so much they don’t want to hide it or they don’t see a need for one, these doors serve a specific purpose. Many local home improvement contractors emphasize the importance of considering one of these doors in order to provide your home with a long list of benefits.

Increased Energy Efficiency

Many homeowners are looking for ways to improve the energy efficiency of their homes. If you talk to any licensed general contractor, you would find out these types of projects are among the most often requested from home improvement companies. A storm door creates a pocket of air between the outside world and the interior door, which can provide the buffer necessary to keep warm or cool air inside your home. When you leave your interior door open on a warm winter day, the sun’s rays through the glass can help heat up your home without letting the cold air inside.

Convenience Features

Another reason your Massachusetts home improvement contractor may recommend installing a storm door is for the convenience features they often offer. Many homeowners like to open up their homes in the warmer months to let the fresh air inside. You wouldn’t open up your windows without screens to keep the bugs and debris out of your home, so why would you leave your entry door open without the same level of protection? A storm door can also add a level of security. Studies have proven burglars are more likely to skip a home that requires going through two doors to gain entrance because it slows them down and increases the risk of being caught.

Talk to your licensed general contractor about a storm door.

A licensed general contractor can recommend a good storm door.

An Aesthetic Addition

While there are functional benefits to installing a storm door, you may want to add one for aesthetic reasons. Some people simply don’t like the look of a home without a storm door. Others choose a beautiful door that adds to the character of their home. Local home improvement contractors typically offer a variety of styles from which you can choose, including etched glass, retractable screens, split windows and more. Your licensed general contractor can help you choose the best option that looks great on your home and offers the functionality you’re looking for.

A storm door may seem like an extra element you don’t need on your home, but it actually serves a number of purposes. These doors can increase the overall energy efficiency of your home and can provide a variety of other convenience features. It can also enhance the look of the exterior of your home to create the aesthetic you’ve always wanted. Your Massachusetts home improvement contractor can help you weigh your options and make the right decision.

If you are interested in adding a storm door to your home, contact us. Our experienced contractors can help you decide which one will enhance your home’s curb appeal.

Inspiring Ideas to Transform Your Basement Into the Extra Room You’ve Always Wanted

October 30, 20140

If you want to change your basement, hire a licensed general contractor.

A licensed general contractor can help you transform your basement.

If you’re looking to add extra space to your home, you should look no further than your basement. It can be the ideal spot for a variety of uses, such as an entertainment area or providing additional room for guests. With these basement remodeling ideas, you’ll be inspired to transform your space into a comfortable, welcoming spot everyone can enjoy.

Adequate Lighting

The right lighting is a simple way to improve any room. If it’s possible, add windows to your basement for warm, natural light. You can also buy lamps that feature natural light bulbs for a similar effect. Other basement remodeling ideas for lighting include installing French doors, hanging mirrors and painting your walls a lighter color to make the space feel brighter.

Additional Space

Like light, additional space in your room is an important characteristic for transformation. Create an open floor plan with a licensed general contractor to help make your room feel more spacious.

Moving pipes and ducts along the walls or ceilings can greatly improve the space in your room. If you have a ceiling that hangs lower than others in your home, you may want to remove any objects that might make it feel lower than it is.

Change your basement with a general licensed contractor.

A general licensed contractor can help you transform your basement.

Consider the Safety of Your Space

Basement remodeling ideas are a great way to transform your home and give it extra space, but you should also consider safety when creating an open floor plan. Your licensed general contractor will say safety is the most important step in any home improvement project. This includes finding safe materials and features to improve your room.

For example, all rooms should have two methods of exit in case of a fire. Having a second exit will make it easier for firefighters to access the home in an emergency. Bedrooms in basements also require a second form of escape.

Include a Small Kitchen

If you’re creating room in your basement for guests or entertaining, a small kitchen is an excellent feature to include. This will allow your guests to have some extra privacy while staying with you or make hosting get-togethers even easier. A kitchenette is a great option. A typical kitchenette often includes cabinets, a refrigerator, a sink, a microwave, mini appliances and outlets but doesn’t require the space a standard home kitchen does.

When considering this option, be aware stoves are illegal to use in basements. Make sure you follow the coding requirements when including appliances in your kitchenette. Your Massachusetts general contractor can help you with this information.

Add a Bathroom to Your Space

It can be inconvenient for guests to use the upstairs bathroom when they’re staying downstairs, especially during the night. If you plan on using your basement as a space for out of town friends and family, a full or half bathroom can be a valuable addition.

No matter how you plan to use your new basement space, there are factors you should address with a licensed general contractor before you get started on any improvement project. Your contractor will be able to ensure all building codes and regulations are met and your new space is safe, sound and secure.

If you are looking for a Massachusetts home improvement contractor for a basement remodel or other project, contact us. Our experienced team can help you transform your vision into reality.

Important Questions to Ask Contractors before You Hire Them

June 26, 20140

Hiring a licensed general contractor is important.

If you want the job done right the first time, hire a licensed general contractor.

When deciding to remodel your home, one of the more important decisions is hiring the right contractor. You need to ensure the person you hire for the job has the time and skills necessary to complete your project. Here are a few important questions to ask before choosing a licensed general contractor.

Time and Experience

A great first question is how many projects a contractor is currently working. If he has too many projects going on at once, your remodel may take longer than you would like. Everyone wants their job done in a timely manner. When a remodeling contractor has too much on his plate, he may not be able to hold up to his promised timeline. However, a busy general remodeling contractor can indicate a good reputation.

Asking how much experience they have is key as well. While your project may not be complicated, if the candidate you are thinking of hiring is a new contractor, he may not have much experience. Asking for references can help answer this question. If the contractor has done work similar to your project, talking to his past clients lets you know the contractor has valuable experience in that particular area.

Itemized Bids and Changes

Instead of getting a single, set price for your project, ask your general remodeling contractor for an itemized bid. This will show the various costs of all elements of the job, and there won’t be any surprise costs. This will also make it easier to compare various licensed general contractors so you can choose which one to hire.

Keep in mind estimates are always subject to change, especially with remodeling projects. Ask the contractor how they handle any revisions and how it will affect the cost of the overall project. You don’t want to change your mind a few times during the project and end up with thousands of dollars in additional charges.

Finding References

A good licensed general contractor should have plenty of references available. If you ask for references and they won’t give you any, this can be a serious red flag. You can also ask who their suppliers are. Asking this question can give you information on a contractor’s reliability. Talking to the suppliers can help you find out about their reputation, such as whether he’s on time with his bills and whether he is someone you should consider hiring.

These are just a few basic questions you should ask when choosing a licensed general contractor for your remodeling project. You need to make sure the contractor you hire has the right skills, time and professionalism to get your project done in a timely manner without additional costs.

At Colony Home Improvement in MA, we have more than 40 years of professional experience and hundreds of happy customers. If you’re looking to hire a contractor who can make your home remodeling dreams come true, contact us.

Tag: licensed general contractor