Change the look of the room with bathroom remodeling.

Need a Bathroom Update But on a Budget? Colony Home Will Create the Perfect Remodel

July 21, 20160

When you embark on any remodeling project, you have options galore in terms of the construction materials you’ll use, the layout of the space, color scheme, accessories and more. If you want to pursue a project in bathroom remodeling in MA but are on a tight budget, you are fortunate most area bathrooms are small spaces. That in itself saves you money. Don’t make the mistake of deciding to do it yourself. More often than not, you will end up hiring a professional to correct your DIY fixes. You can afford to hire a pro when you heed some of these tips for remodeling your bathroom without breaking the bank.

Use Tiles Strategically

Most home addition contractors in MA will encourage you to use tile on your bathroom floors. Not only is it attractive, but it can withstand moisture and the frequent cleanings it will likely be subject to. Any home improvement store will offer a decent selection of affordable floor tiles. Unfortunately, unless you find them on sale or clearance, decorative tiles often used in bathroom showers and on bathroom backsplashes are usually expensive per square foot. Instead of tiling an entire wall in your shower, consider tiling a strip in the center so it will tie the room together, but save you money on materials.

Consider Repurposing Your Tub or Shower

If your bathtub and/or shower are structurally sound, consider having them re-glazed or relined instead of replacing them. You’ll save a significant amount of money and achieve the updated look you want.

Discuss tiles with your home improvement contractors.

Talk to your home improvement contractors about adding tiles.

Splurge on Plumbing Fixtures and Lighting

Even if you decide to go with stock rather than custom cabinets and a tile or Formica countertop rather than granite or marble, you can add elegance with strategically placed luxury finishes. Choose a statement piece, perhaps a small chandelier, as your main lighting source. Splurge on higher-quality sink and tub/shower faucets. Instead of boring contractor-pack cabinet knobs and pulls, look for unique options. You can find stunning, unique cabinet hardware that will transform the feel of your space for less than $10 each.

Paint Is Your New Best Friend

A fresh coat of paint (professionally applied, of course) is the least expensive way to change the look of any room. Ask Newton home improvement contractors for photos of bathroom remodels they have done and look at home improvement magazines and websites to get inspiration. Don’t overlook the ceiling! There is no reason your ceiling has to be painted white! A light color that complements your wall color can create a warm, inviting space. Make sure to splurge on high-quality, mold-resistant paint that is designated as bathroom-friendly.

For Small Bathrooms, Consider Pedestal Sink

Many custom built home plans in Newton include powder rooms or half bathrooms. If you want to remodel such a bathroom or any small bathroom, ask yourself if you really need a full countertop. Installing a compact pedestal sink instead of a traditional sink and countertop combination will make your bathroom feel significantly larger and roomier.

If you are underwhelmed by your current bathroom, dream of having it remodeled, but assume you can’t afford to do so, you may be pleasantly surprised! Contact us at Colony Home Improvement to discuss your project. If you’re on a tight budget, we’ll work with you to get the job done beautifully and affordably.

Choose the right windows in your sunroom addition.

home additions, replacement windows

Choosing the Perfect Windows for Your Newton Sunroom Addition

May 5, 20160

A Newton sunroom addition is your opportunity to bring the beauty and light of the outdoors inside, while leaving the rain, sleet, snow and bugs outside. A sunroom is the ideal place to relax and read a book in climate-controlled comfort or set up a game room or entertaining space. There are a vast array of options for putting your sunroom to great use. There are also more window options than you probably realize. Read on to learn what to consider when choosing windows that will provide the best ambiance and energy efficiency for your space.

What Material Do You Want Your Windows to Be Constructed Of?

The three most popular window material options are vinyl, wood and vinyl- or aluminum-clad. Here are the pros and cons of each.

Vinyl — Typically priced between $300 and $800, vinyl windows are the most economical windows. These no-frills windows are low maintenance because they don’t need to be painted or repainted. The drawback is they are available in white and only a few other colors. They do the job but don’t really add any aesthetic pizazz and may look out of place on a high-end home.
Wood — Usually priced from $400 to $1,000, wood windows are classic, have an upscale look and can easily be painted or stained any hue you wish. Over time, repainting or re-staining may be needed. As with anything made of wood, repeated exposure to moisture can cause wood rot.
Clad — Priced from $500 to well over $1,000, these windows provide all the benefits of wood without the drawbacks. These are wood windows, but the exterior is coated in vinyl or aluminum to make them low maintenance.

Add value to your home by adding a sunroom.

Adding a sunroom can add value to your home.

Do You Want Your Windows to Open? If So, How?

If you don’t care if your windows open, prefer a seamless look reminiscent of a wall of glass, and/or want maximum insulation, fixed windows fit the bill. If you do want to let the breeze in (or the heat out), consider:

Hinged windows (awning hinged windows open from the top and casement hinged windows open from side to side).
Horizontally-sliding windows come in a large array of styles and don’t obstruct your view of the outdoors.
Bay windows are built into the sunroom and provide an ideal space to build a bench underneath.
Double-hung windows are easy to clean, versatile and deliver the best ventilation of all the window styles.

What Type of Glass Do You Want?

You may be surprised to learn not all window panes are created equally! Your glass options include single-, double- and triple-glazed panes. Basic single-glazed glass (the least expensive option) lacks insulation, middle-price-point double-glazed glass features two layers of glass sandwiching a layer of air or argon gas for improved insulation and the priciest option, triple-glazed glass, provides outstanding insulation. Whichever option you choose, make sure your window glass is tempered so it will shatter in little pieces rather than jagged shards if broken.

If you’re a bit overwhelmed by all of your sunroom window options, skilled Newton home improvement contractors can help you make a smart choice for your specific home.

Colony Home Improvement specializes in designing, building and remodeling homes and has completed many room additions in Newton and the surrounding areas. Building sunrooms is one of our favorite projects because we know customers will enjoy them year-round. If you’re considering adding a sunroom in eastern MA, contact us for a free consultation.

Confused About Building Permits? Newton Home Improvement Contractors Have the Answers

February 16, 20160

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Home improvement contractors can help you get the permits you need.

Building permits can be confusing for a lot of people. After all, building permits aren’t something the average person typically has to deal with, unlike professional contractors. Regulations governing these permits aren’t uniform. They can differ from state to state and, because counties and cities can add to state requirements, rules and regulations can vary from town to town. In some places like Newton even something as seemingly innocuous as putting up kitchen cabinets requires you to fill out a permit application and pay a fee to the city.

When you are working with a reputable eastern MA home improvement contractor, you don’t usually have to deal with obtaining building permits. A good contractor usually handles that sort of thing for you or gives you close guidance on the right way to get it done if, for some reason, you prefer to do it yourself. In fact, it should raise your suspicions when a contractor won’t handle the permits. It can mean there is a license or insurance problem since license information is required on the building permit application and workers’ compensation insurance information must be filed with electrical permit applications.

A Building Permit Offers Confirmation

The regulations governing building permits are based on a locality’s building codes, zoning laws and other restrictions that may be at play, such as land covenants and home owner association rules. This group of regulations governs construction and structural safety standards, land use restrictions, community standards, fire safety code and regulations, restrictions and standards governing sewage, water, sanitation and electrical work. Building permits offer confirmation the plans for the work have been reviewed by local officials and judged to be in compliance with all applicable regulations and standards.

The right permits are needed for custom built home plans.

Custom built home plans require the proper permits.

Types of Permits

Depending on the project, there may be multiple permits required. The specifics of a construction or remodeling project will determine the types of permits required. That’s one of the reasons its often easier for Newton home improvement contractors to handle the permit process. They know what the work entails and what permits they need so there’s less of a chance of delays due to error or missing paperwork. Simple remodeling projects with no electrical or plumbing work often require only the basic building permit.

When building a home using custom built home plans in Newton, expect to need a handful of permits, including one allowing a generator at the site during building, if it’s needed. Local contractors deal with permit officials frequently, building professional relationships over time. They know exactly who is in charge of what and are up-to-date on permit requirements. Contractors working regularly in an area are often extended a little professional courtesy, allowing them to get permit applications through the approval process a bit quicker than the average non-professional person.

Contact us to learn more about what types of home repairs require local building permits. What may be fine to do without a permit in one city may cause trouble in another. Always use reputable contractors to avoid the costly problems that can arise from improper permits.

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