Get help with your roof from home improvement contractors.

Winter’s Almost Here: Should You Repair or Replace Your Roof?

October 27, 20160

The days are getting shorter and finally a bit cooler. Before long, the mercury will plummet, the leaves will fall from the trees, snow will fall and we will be in the midst of another frigid winter. If the integrity of your roof is questionable, you should have it evaluated and addressed by a roofing contractor in Westwood, MA before the snow falls and the ice builds up.

How Do You Know If Your Roof Is Damaged?

As with most components of your home, your roof will eventually wear out or become damaged. Hail, wind, falling branches and years of expansion and contraction due to changing temperatures all contribute to roof problems.

The quickest and easiest way to assess your roof’s condition is to call a roofing contractor in Westwood, MA. Most Westwood home improvement contractors are happy to evaluate your roof for free and give you a complimentary repair or replacement estimate. If you’re determined to check it out for yourself, water damage, leaks, dark spots, sags, missing shingles, loose material, the appearance of loose sand-like shingle granules in your gutters and visible light coming into your attic are all signs your roof may be damaged.

Repair or replace your roof under the advice of a roofing contractor.

A roofing contractor can help you repair or replace.

To Repair or to Replace: That Is the Question

When your roof shows signs of trouble, you have two options: patching the worn and/or damaged areas or completely replacing your roof. Repairing your roof by replacing missing or worn shingles is definitely the cheapest option. One downside of this approach is your replacement shingles probably won’t be identical to the majority of your roof. If you’re concerned about aesthetics or plan to sell your home in the near future, that’s something to consider.

Replacing your roof will cost significantly more than repairing it, although if damage is due to a major weather event, your home insurance policy may cover the cost. Replacement provides the peace of mind you have a completely new roof that probably comes with a warranty. Barring a storm or unusual event, you won’t feel you must continue to check your roof’s condition for wear and tear. Because replacing your roof addresses current and future issues, most home improvement contractors in MA recommend this approach for homeowners who can afford it.

A Word on Roof Replacement

If you decide to replace your roof, you have another decision to make: install a new roof over the old one or remove the old roof and then install the new one. If your roof already has a couple of layers, it must be stripped down before the next roof replacement. If your roof only has one layer and you decide to re-roof over that layer, you’ll probably save a significant amount of money on labor costs. But the end result won’t look perfect; if you look carefully at your new roof, you may notice mismatched edges.

If you suspect it’s time to repair or replace your roof, contact us at Colony Home Improvement for a free roof evaluation and estimate. We are a trusted local provider of new roofs, as well as southeastern MA premier home remodeling and additions!

Are you looking for kitchen remodeling ideas for your Massachusetts home?

home additions, kitchen remodeling

Kitchen Décor Is Always Changing…Here Are the Latest Trends

June 2, 20160

If you’re considering upgrading your kitchen, you’re smart. A kitchen remodel has one of the biggest returns on investment of any home improvement project. When you decide to sell your home someday, you’ll be able to command a higher sales price if your kitchen is up to date, in great condition and on trend. Even if you have no plans to sell anytime soon, the kitchen is the heart of the home and remodeling yours will be something your entire family will appreciate. Read on to learn about some of the most popular kitchen remodeling ideas for your Massachusetts home.

Goodbye Open Concept, Hello Transitional

To be clear, open-concept kitchens are not going the way of the dinosaurs but they now share popularity with a new trend known as the transitional kitchen. A large multipurpose island is the heart of this type of kitchen. The island allows kitchen users to easily transition from one task to another, such as prep, cooking and dining. It gives users the main benefit of an open kitchen, allowing someone to cook and converse with their guests at the same time, without requiring demolition.

Move Over Granite, Meet Quartz and Hardwood

Stainless steel appliances and granite countertops have had a long run and for good reason: They’re durable and beautiful. If you’re a fan, don’t worry. They’re not passe by any means. However, in terms of kitchen countertop materials, there are a couple of newer trends many homeowners are embracing: Quartz or wood countertops. Quartz is scratch- and heat-resistant. With proper sealing, wood can be nearly as durable and heat-resistant. Both are unique and eye-catching countertop options.

Design a great kitchen with the help of home improvement contractors.

Home improvement contractors can help you design a great kitchen.

Fewer Uppers

More is not always better because this new trend proves. Many homeowners planning southeastern MA premier home remodeling and additions on their kitchens are shunning upper cabinets for a minimalist look. Fewer upper cabinets also free up wall space to show off prized artwork or even to add a window.

Wood-Inspired Flooring

When you think of kitchen floors, you probably think of tile. Many homeowners who love the warmth of hardwood floors are choosing porcelain tile that looks like wood planks. This option mimics the natural beauty of wood but has the durability and easy maintenance of tile.

If you are interested in having your kitchen remodeled and are researching Westwood home improvement contractors, we encourage you to contact us at Colony Home Improvement. For more than 40 years, our friendly, skilled team has transformed Massachusetts homes of all styles and sizes. We’d love to put our expertise to work on your kitchen! Not all contractors for room additions in Westwood, MA, have years of experience and thousands of happy clients. We do!

Consider new windows in your home improvement.

home additions, replacement windows

Your Brookline, MA, Home Addition Should Include Energy Efficient Windows

March 31, 20160

There are many benefits associated with pursuing a home addition. You’ll be appending square footage to your home, adding glorious living space and increasing your home’s resale value. You’ll also have an ideal opportunity to incorporate upgrades that make your home more energy efficient and comfortable. If your Brookline, MA, home improvement project includes windows, make sure you choose energy efficient models. Fortunately, you can find both replacement windows and window restorations that are energy efficient.

To Repair or To Replace: That Is the Question

When you are conducting a home addition, you can often salvage and reuse components to save money and reduce waste. When considering whether to reuse or replace your windows, ask yourself:

How well have the existing windows been maintained?
Do you love the look of the windows, are you indifferent to them or do you hate them?
How rare are the existing windows?
Are your existing windows weather-tight and hearty or do they let in moisture?
What is the condition of the panes and the frames?

As you contemplate these questions, you’ll likely see a pattern in your answers. If the pattern points toward the negative, replacing your windows may be quicker and more cost effective than trying to salvage them. On the other hand, there is no substitute for old-world craftsmanship and simple historic value. If your complaints about your existing windows are minor, why not try to salvage them and add energy-efficient features that will serve you and future owners for decades to come?

Your ranch style house plan should include new windows.

Add new windows to your ranch style house plan.

Why Opt for Energy Efficient Windows?

Whether you are interested in saving money on your utility bills or being eco-friendly by reducing unneeded greenhouse emissions, your windows can further your goals. Most homeowners have no idea loss of heat through windows accounts for 20 percent of a home’s energy leaks. That may not sound like a big deal, but do the math over the course of a year and you’ll realize it most certainly is a problem. Energy efficient windows can have a huge impact on your bottom line and comfort, as well as the environment.

Consider the Size and Age of Your Existing Windows

Many, but not all, southeastern MA premier home remodeling and additions involve homes that are a century or more years old or nearing that milestone. Many older homes have leaded or even stained-glass windows that often are non-standard in size. Decades ago, home components, including windows, were custom built, rather than mass-produced. If your home is an older Brookline, MA, ranch style house plan or prairie, tudor, Federal or Spanish Colonial plan with one-of-a-kind windows, energy efficient restorations will provide cost savings and comfort while protecting your home’s architectural integrity.

Whether you need a custom built floor plan in Brookline, MA, or a skilled home improvement contractor to bring your plans to life, contact us at Colony Home Improvement. We are the smart, reliable, professional choice to conduct your southeastern Massachusetts home improvement project.

A second story addition requires careful planning.

2nd floor addition, home additions

Evaluating Your Ranch-Style Home for a Second Story Addition in Hingham

March 17, 20160

There are several reasons homeowners decide on a second story addition in Hingham. Sometimes it’s about creating additional space, and it can add to the value of your home. Adding a second story is a huge project and deserves plenty of consideration. Here are a few things to think about before you begin your addition.

Consider Your Local Building Codes and Restrictions

Even though you’ve decided you are ready to build a second story addition in Hingham, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the local ordinances and building codes. Building a second story is a major project, and it’s important to know if you are going to face any obstacles before you get started. In some instances, utility companies can have pre-established right-of-ways on your property. This could cause a problem when building a large structure. If a second story addition violates any building regulations, you may end up paying high fines or even need to remove the work you’ve completed. It’s important to know about these and other possible restrictions before starting the project.

Consider a second story in your custom build floor plan.

A custom build floor plan can include a second story.

Consider Your Neighborhood

As much as we hate to compare ourselves with others, in this situation it’s best to see how your Hingham home addition compares to other homes in your neighborhood. Take a look at how your house compares with others size-wise and aesthetically, as well as check out the various features. Will your second story addition in Hingham make your house stand out from the rest of the homes? If it is not complementary of the rest of the area, it can affect its resale value if you decide to sell later on. Check with the tax assessor’s office or website where you’ll find information on property values in the area. This can also give you an indication of how an addition might raise your taxes.

Consider Your House and Property

Take a good look at your home as it is and see if you can identify any barriers like trees or landscape features. How is the Hingham home addition going to affect how people enter or exit the dwelling? How will the new rooms affect the flow of traffic inside the house? When you work with a professional to develop a custom build floor plan in Hingham, MA, these are things you should have already decided. Will you be adding an additional exit and how will it affect outdoor features, such as a patio or deck? Discuss any structural concerns you may have with your contractor.

We are your southeastern MA premier home remodeling and additions contractor. Contact us to help guide you through the process of building an addition on your home.

Benefits of Natural Lighting for Your Custom Built Room Addition in Scituate

February 23, 20160

Natural light is important when you design your own home.

When you design your own home, natural lighting can help.

Natural lighting holds many benefits, not just in terms of interior design and reduced energy consumption, but also in terms of health. If you are planning to adding to your home in Scituate, you may want to consider ways of maximizing the amount of natural lighting brought into your home. Window placement and style can bring sunlight to just about any room addition or room improvement project in your home.

Practical Value

Making sure your custom room addition plans in Scituate allow your home to be filled with natural light has practical value. With natural lighting, you use less electricity, which saves money on your monthly utility bill. Skylights can bring sunlight into your home in ways windows can’t. Use smaller windows to bring natural light into closets and pantries so you can keep the lights off. Window installation and placement can stylishly brighten hallways and foyers.

However, reducing electric light use isn’t the only way natural lighting can reduce your energy costs. You can position your home and windows to use the sun’s heat instead of your utility company’s to meet a major portion of your winter heating needs. A passive solar system design features a lot of south-facing glazed windows to collect the heat of the sun during winter. Precisely measured and positioned overhangs on those southern windows help prevent too much sun from coming through during the summer months. That could cause the home to overheat, and the cooling system to work too hard.

Talk to your local southeastern MA premier home remodeling and additions specialist for ideas on how to incorporate this type of solar planning into your custom home design. You may even want to consider going all the way, completing your passive solar system with a heat absorbing thermal mass to enable you to gain even more utility cost-cutting benefits from the sun.

Use natural light in your custom built room addition.

A custom built room addition requires natural light.

Natural Light Is Healthier

Numerous studies during the past decade have confirmed natural light holds benefits for health. Natural light is important for proper eye growth and development. Too little exposure to sunlight can contribute to the development of vision problems in children. Spending three hours a day in natural light can reduce the risk of children becoming nearsighted. Separate studies in different countries found bringing natural lighting into work sites and schools improved productivity rates for both adults and children. Spending time in sunlight during the day can yield longer, deeper sleep at night and can improve cognitive function and mood.

Plan to Benefit

When you design your own home in Scituate, plan your windows carefully, positioning them so you can maximize the health and energy benefits natural lighting has to offer. Talk to a southeastern MA premier home remodeling and additions expert who uses 3D design technology to help you experiment with window placement until you find an attractive arrangement that yields the amount of sunlight you want throughout the day.

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