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Whether you're completely remodeling your kitchen or just looking for a simple update, changing the color of your kitchen cabinets is a great way to liven up your kitchen. Cabinets take up the majority of space in most kitchens, so it's important that they're designed in a visually appealing way. While cabinets can be designed in a variety of colors, it's important to choose a hue that nicely compliments your kitchen design.  Kitchen Cabinet Color Ideas White or Neutral Look around your kitchen. If there is already a lot of color from the flooring, appliances, walls, backsplash and more, then it's best not to add another color to the mix. Stick with a white or neutral toned color to avoid a chaotic color scheme. There are a variety of shades to choose from, and light cabinets can brighten up the entire room. Light grey and beige cabinets can also serve a similar purpose. Yellow If you're looking to add a splash of color to your kitchen, yellow cabinets are a great option. If you don't want anything to bright, choose from a light pastel or buttery yellow. However, bright yellow can also look great, if balanced out by more neutral flooring and countertops. Green While the initial idea of green cabinets may seem off-putting, this color can be very eye-catching and elegant if done right. Mint green can be a very subtle way to add color and a retro feel to any kitchen. Blue Deep hues of blue can turn your kitchen into a space of opulence and grandeur. Navy clue cabinets add a rich feel and pair well with white walls and gold accents. It's important to note that these dark colors can make your kitchen feel slightly smaller, so this might not be the best option for a small kitchen. Cost to Change Cabinet Color If you're painting existing kitchen cabinets, the project will likely cost you between $500 and $1,000. If you're installing new cabinets, the cost will be around $3,500 for 6 cabinets. Make sure to consider this when designing your kitchen renovation budget. Ready to start on your kitchen remodel? Our licensed experts are here to help you navigate your project. Give us a call at 978.697.4625 or start designing your project here. Powder Room Remodel Ideas While small, half bathrooms serve an important purpose and can be very elegant spaces in a home. Also known as powder rooms, half bathrooms are typically used by both residents and guests alike due to their (often) central location. Remodeling your powder room is a great opportunity to showcase your personal style, whether its through detailed lighting fixtures or ornate tiling.  Designing Your Powder Room Remodel
While the small size of your powder room may seem like it hinders your ability to be creative, it actually does the opposite. Since the space is so small, this is a great chance to splurge on more luxurious materials, as you'll need very little of them. If you're looking to add marble countertops or rich wood cabinets to your house, this is the space to do so. As your powder room will often be used by guests, go big to make a strong impression. Don't hesitate to install a stunning glass vessel sink or hang an eye-catching work of art. In this small space, every fixture matters. The following are some other design suggestions to consider:
Powder Room Remodel Costs Half bathrooms are on the cheaper side of all bathroom remodels, due to their small space and limited fixtures. The typical price for this type of project is between $1,000 and $6,000. Interested in learning more about half bathrooms? Our licensed experts are here to help you navigate your project. Give us a call at 978.697.4625 or start designing your project here. Interested in adding a bathroom to your basement? Adding a bathroom can help complete a finished basement and prove to be very convenient. Below is a comprehensive guide to basement bathroom installations including benefits, pricing details, and more.  About Basement Bathrooms
An additional bathroom is a great way to add value to your home, especially if you are adding one on a floor that does not already have an existing bathroom. A basement bathroom is generally a less expensive project than a new ground level bathroom that requires adding square footage to the home. This is because the basement is “found space,” as opposed to an addition that would require additional flooring and roofing as well. Designing a Basement Bathroom Determine scope with design first. Knowing what kind of layout you want and what kind of fixtures are included in your new bathroom will help you constrain your budget and give your general contractor or subcontractors a cohesive vision to work with. For example, if space is tight, opt for a comfortable half bath or three quarter bath with a standing shower rather than trying to make a tub work in an uncomfortable space. Small bathrooms still add a lot of value to your home. Part of this process will be working with a professional to understand what drainage options are compatible with your upper level sewage system and local building codes. These factors will influence the types of toilets and other plumbing aspects that you can include in your design. Some types of toilets that may work better in basement level bathrooms are pressure-assisted, composting, sewage-ejector, or up-flushing toilets, rather than traditional plumbing systems that rely on gravity to flush waste and are sometimes incompatible with basement bathroom additions. Key Considerations
Interested in learning more about basement bathrooms? Our licensed experts are here to help you navigate your project. Give us a call at 978.697.4625 or start designing your project here. How do you know when it’s time for a new roof? Most roofs are made of asphalt shingles, which typically need to be replaced once every 20-25 years.  But even before a roof reaches its 20th birthday, homeowners should look out for several important warning signs.
A best practice we recommend is to inspect your roof twice per year and after any major storm to check for damage and signs of aging. Wait, twice per year? Yeah, we hear you… who does that? At a minimum you should check in once a year to see if your roof presents any of the following warning signs. If you do, the next step is to decide whether you need to replace or repair your roof. Signs You Need a New Roof You don’t need special training to spot many common issues from inside your home or from the street outside. We created a handy list of what to look for: 1. Leaks and water damage. These are the most obvious signs that your roof is in need of repair or replacement. In your attic, check any dark corners with a flashlight for signs of water infiltration or sagging between the rafters. If you see any signs that water has leaked through the roof, it’s time to call in a professional. 2. Missing shingles. Do you notice any missing shingles when you look at your roof from the ground? If any shingles have blown away or detached from the roof, the underlying roof decking is not adequately protected and will become vulnerable to water damage. 3. Cracked or curled shingles. Do you see any shingles starting to wrinkle or buckle? Any curled edges? Use binoculars to get a closer look from ground level. Shingles will experience some normal weathering over time, but any pronounced curling or buckling could mean that your roof is coming to the end of its useful life. 4. Granules in your gutters. Granules are tiny, ground-up pieces of rock that give your roof its color, and, more importantly, they add weight, strength, and UV protection to an asphalt shingle. It’s not unusual to find some granules in your gutters if a new roof has just been installed. However, if there was no recent work done to your roof and you’re finding large amounts of granules in the gutters, or if you’re noticing open blisters on the shingle where the asphalt is revealed, it’s a sign that the shingles are getting old and worn out. 5. Cracked or broken flashing. Flashing is what seals your roof around openings like chimneys, vents and skylights. If metal flashing is not installed properly or if it cracks, it makes the area much more susceptible to leaks. To check your flashing, start by inspecting it with binoculars from the ground. If you need to climb a ladder to get a better view, follow this guide to access your roof safely. 6. Discoloration or dark stains. This issue is cosmetic, but it can be bothersome to many homeowners. Dark, mold-like stains on a roof are usually due to algae and are more likely to develop in warm, humid climates. The algae doesn’t cause damage to the roof from a protective standpoint, so it’s not a reason to rush to replace the shingles. When it is time to replace the roof, however, look for a shingle that offers at least a 15-year algae-resistance warranty, such as CertainTeed’s Landmark Pro or Premium. In the meantime, you may want to try washing the algae stains with a bleach-water mixture. If you notice any of these warning signs, it might be time for a roof replacement. If you’re still unsure, or are ready to start on your project, speak to a Boston Renovation expert. Give us a call at 978.697.4625 or visit Boston Renovation.com. Your roof has the incredibly important job of protecting the interior of your house, so it’s important to give careful consideration to the roofing material that is right for you. Roofing materials have some of the most variety out of any housing product, and each material is accompanied by unique pros, cons and pricing. The average costs highlighted below include installation and are listed as the price per square foot.  Top Roofing Materials Asphalt ($2 - $4)  Asphalt shingles are the most popular shingles across the country due to their cost-effectiveness and variety, and are currently installed on over 70% of residential sloped roofs in the US. This shingle material is one of the most affordable roofing options on the market and is available in a wide variety of colors and styles, including 3-tab, designer and architectural styles. Asphalt shingles typically last between 20 and 30 years. Metal is the second most popular roofing materials, holding an 11% share of the roofing market. This is likely due to its incredibly long-lasting nature, which is often accompanied by decades-long warranties. It is also incredibly durable, as many metal roofs are resistant to cracking, extreme winds, and other forms of damage. Additionally, metal roofing is often recyclable and many materials are made of previously recycled products. However, metal roofing is usually more expensive than asphalt, and has high installation costs due to the specialty skills needed. There are a few different metal roofing material options, which are detailed below. Aluminum ($8 - $12) Aluminum roofs are a great choice for homes on the coast, as the material is extremely resistant to salt corrosion. However, it is a more expensive material, which causes some installers to use thinner sheets in an effort to save money. This can cause the roof to be easily damaged by extreme weather, so it is important to understand the conditions your roof will face. Copper ($18 - $25) Copper is not a new material in the world of roofing, having been used to protect homes for centuries. This is due to their unbelievable durability, with some copper roofs surviving for over 200 years and a typical lifespan of up to 70 years. It is a luxury roofing material, so is often accompanied by high product and installation costs. Steel ($6 - $11) Often found on commercial construction sites due to its durability, steel has transitioned over to becoming a trusted material for residential roofs as well. Steel is the least expensive metal roofing option, and is available in three forms: galvanized steel, which is protected by a layer of zinc; galvalume steel, which is coated with a combination of aluminum and zinc; and weathering steel, in which the outer layer intentionally rusts, protecting the inner steel. While the lifespan of steel depends on the material and coating, it has the ability to last up to 50 years. Zinc ($12 - $15) Zinc is another luxury roofing material, but is trusted for its ability to heal scratches, long lifespan, and flexibility. While fairly uncommon in the US, over 70% of residential roofs in Europe are protected by zinc. Zinc forms a protective patina, which protects it from rusting and allows it to last up to 100 years. It requires very little maintenance, due to its self-healing abilities. Slate ($30 - $75)  Slate is a high-end and elegant roofing material that is made of thin sheets of real stone. This material is incredibly long-lasting, with the ability to last hundreds of years if maintained properly. Slate is also one of the most beautiful roofing options, adding a classic look to any house. However, slate tiles are not for every homeowner, as installation can be challenging and the tiles are quite fragile. Slate tiles are also one of the most expensive roofing materials available.
Rubber ($6 - $12) Rubber roofing often mimics the appearance of slate tiles, but at a much more affordable price. These tiles are composed of mostly recycled materials and engineered polymers. Rubber tiles are much more lightweight than slate, which allows for a simpler installation, but lessens the durability. This roofing material requires little maintenance and typically lasts up to 25 years. Clay Tile ($10 - $30) Clay tiles are a popular choice for Spanish-style villa homes and is often used in hot climates. After the clay is hardened, it is often left unglazed, which creates a matte appearance. It is a very heavy material, a factor that must be considered before installation. While it is durable and requires little maintenance, it is also expensive to have installed. Clay tiles can last over 100 years, so the investment is worth it for many. Wood ($5 - $12) Wood shingles or shakes are a visually appealing roofing option, but are accompanied by a number of limitations. They are not particularly durable, as they are susceptible to damage from moisture and shouldn’t be installed in areas where fire is a risk. There are two wood roofing styles available: wood shingles are thin, smooth slabs of wood, whereas wood shakes are thicker and rougher in texture. Wood roofs typically last between 20 to 60 years, depending on maintenance and conditions. Final Thoughts No matter which material you decide on, it's important to find a highly-rated licensed contractor to complete your roofing project. Your roof serves an extremely important function, so ensuring it's installed correctly is key. Our licensed experts are here to help you in your search, by scoping your project, gathering bids and offering advice to help you navigate the process. We make it easy to complete your roof replacement. There’s nothing more exciting than your dream home project coming together. Tens of thousands of homeowners in your area are completing a job this year. But which remodels are the most popular?  Top 10 House Renovations
All of these projects will help with resale value, but which ones are best for lifestyle upgrades? Here are some of the most common home improvement projects, listed in no particular order: Building a deck Sipping morning coffee by day and grilling out by night, the advantages of a new deck are endless. Improving the exterior of your home via deck space (especially in warm weather climates) creates a major upgrade in lifestyle. Refacing cabinets Many people find the cost of a full kitchen remodel prohibitive. That’s why a more budget-friendly cabinet refacing is one of the most popular home improvement projects. It feels like a whole new kitchen! Replacing a roof Replacing your roof is not an exciting project. It’s not done for aesthetic reasons, either. Mostly, the roof is not functioning anymore (read: leaking) and needs to be upgraded if not immediately, then sooner rather than later. Kitchen remodel For those who have the funds, a full kitchen remodel is a dream project. It takes the hearth of your home and upgrades it to somewhere you truly enjoy hanging out. For those of us who love to cook, having a modern kitchen is second to none. Siding replacement Now here is one of those exterior projects that’s a mix of “have to” and “want to”. A siding upgrade can add much needed curb appeal to any home that’s on the market. It also gives that “brand new” look and feel to a home that just needs some exterior love. Watch out: siding replacement is one of the most expensive projects homeowners can undertake. Window replacement Replacing your windows is a smart, energy-efficient improvement you can make to your home. Both replacement windows and new construction windows provide a number of benefits to homeowners. When installing new windows, there are many questions that arise beginning with which brand is right for you - Andersen windows, Harvey, Marvin, Pella, and more. Manufactured stone veneer A cousin of the siding replacement, upgrading the front of your home to stone veneer gives a touch of elegance to any home. Popular in the midwest and the south, stone veneer is an instant, stunning upgrade. Entry door replacement Your entry door needs to be functional and beautiful. For the safety of your belongings and the enjoyment of your family, an entry door update is not only critical, but one of the lower cost options on this list. Check out our guides on Top 10 Entry Door Colors and Reasons To Replace Your Entry Door. Bathroom remodeling Whether your bathroom is outdated and aging or just doesn't reflect your personal style, investing in a remodel is a great way to increase the value of your home. Bathroom remodels provide a great return on investment, and can also increase the comfort and appeal of your house. In choosing products and fixtures, it’s important to strike the right balance between style and functionality. Finishing a basement Feeling cramped in your home? Tired of wasting hundreds of square feet on just concrete and support beams? Want a second living room for entertaining and a fantastic sound system? Consider a finished basement and all that comes with it. Ready to complete a project of your own? Contact us today to have an introductory conversation with your personal Boston Renovation expert. We’ll do all the heavy lifting to get you competing quotes from local contractors for your job. You’ve saved up your hard earned money. You’ve got a general idea of what you’re looking for. And now you just need a ballpark price. So here are the big questions - how much will a new addition cost? What is the average cost of a new addition in my area?  House Addition Costs
The average national cost of adding a room or building an addition is $43,547, with most homeowners spending between $20,900 and $66,942. This data is based on actual project costs as reported by HomeAdvisor.com members. So obviously that is a big range, and whether you fall closer to $20,000 or $70,000 depends on a few factors. Let’s dig in shall we? It’s an investment in your current home and an upgrade to your lifestyle. If done properly, it can make your current house feel like your dream house - and that’s the goal. Consider what type of addition you want
Cost Factors When you’re planning your budget for this project, you need to consider many different factors, including the square footage and the size of the addition. The larger you go, the more expensive the project will be. Other important factors include necessary services, including:
Other Considerations
According to HomeAdvisor, adding on to your home is among the priciest projects that you can undertake as a homeowner. Experts suggest that you can expect to see a return on your investment of:
Local Zoning Laws Always check with your local government to research zoning restrictions. In some areas, you may not be able to build within a certain number of feet of the front, sides or rear of the property lines. Other areas have rules about how much space on your property can be covered with buildings, how close you can get to protected spaces such as wetlands or how high you can build up. Ready for a new addition? Don't renovate alone. Contact us today to speak with a Boston Renovation project expert and we'll get you multiple quotes for your project, no matter how large or complicated! There's too much at stake to make a mistake. Is your kitchen hopelessly out of date? Do none of your appliances or cabinets function properly? It’s likely time for a kitchen remodel. While kitchen projects can seem overwhelming, they're not something that can be ignored. This is your dream kitchen we’re talking about! Let’s get started.  Cost of a Kitchen Remodel
The primary concern many homeowners have when upgrading a kitchen is that of cost. However, conducting research, finding cost-effective products and planning ahead can allow for an affordable kitchen remodel. While getting quotes from contractors is typically a time consuming process, HireHaven’s licensed experts gather multiple bids from vetted contractors after just one in-home meeting to scope your project. Before you embark on your kitchen project, it’s important to understand the factors that may impact the cost. Read on to learn how to mitigate costs and design a project under budget. Kitchen Types One of the most influential factors related to the cost of your kitchen project is the material you choose and the style of your kitchen. Contemporary Contemporary kitchens beautifully combine old and new styles, creating a warm and family friendly space. They are typically minimalist in style, with sleek lines and bold colors. Cabinets in contemporary kitchens are typically dark wood or black, balanced out by lighter countertops. This style involves very intentional design to keep countertops clean and uncluttered through well-hidden storage compartments. Farmhouse Farmhouse kitchens combine rustic charm with stylish design. They often have lots of light wood, white cabinets and pops of pastel colors. Farmhouse style kitchens are very inviting spaces, that allow for the incorporation of eclectic and vintage elements. It's common to find intentionally aged furniture in these kitchens that give the space a lived-in feel. Modern Modern style kitchens are similar to contemporary in their minimalist appearance. However, they are usually less warm in style. Modern kitchen typically incorporate concrete countertops and stainless steel appliances to create a very sleek appearance. Lots of storage is necessary to create a no-clutter look. Mediterranean Mediterranean style kitchens are inspired by coastal European design and are often very elegant and ornate. Dark wood cabinetry and rich fabrics create a warm atmosphere that can be accented by accessories such as copper pots and ceramic dishes. Coastal Even if your house isn't on the beach, you can still bring the same airy feel into your home with a coastal style kitchen. This style uses lots of green, white, blue and tan colors throughout. Whicker chairs and light wood enhance the beach feel. Coastal kitchens can be accented with modern stainless steel appliances. These are only a handful of the kitchen styles out there, and at the end of the day, you don't have to stick to a prescribed style for your kitchen remodel. It's important to follow your personal style to design a kitchen that truly suits your needs and preferences. Size and Layout of House After deciding on a material, the next step in estimating the cost of your project is to determine how large your kitchen is and where it’s located in the home. The cost of a project is heavily based on the kitchen style and layout, with this being the driving factor behind both material and labor costs. Additional Costs There are a variety of other customizations and factors that can influence the cost of your project. For example, many homeowners have the option to move plumbing or other critical appliances around, which adds thousands to the budget. Also, of course the grade of appliances and materials used in the project will greatly affect the cost. Location The location of your house can also influence the cost of your kitchen project. For example, projects in the South can be almost half as expensive as projects completed in the Northeast or on the West Coast. Unfortunately, this is one factor that homeowners have little control over. While a kitchen remodel project can seem like a big undertaking, with careful planning and budgeting, many homeowners are able to benefit from this major home upgrade. Estimating and understanding the cost of your project is an important first step that will allow you to enjoy a smooth renovation process. There are a number of influential factors that affect the overall cost of a project, and balancing these factors can allow you to complete the project within your budget. To learn more about the potential costs of your kitchen project, call our licensed experts at 978.697.4625 or request a free quote. If your kitchen is outdated, a remodeling project is the perfect opportunity to update the style to match your own. Your kitchen is the heart of your home, where family and friends gather to enjoy time together, so it's important that it's a space you and others enjoy being in. There are many different ways to design your kitchen, but what matters most is that you pick a style that suits your tastes.  Top Kitchen Styles
Contemporary Contemporary kitchens beautifully combine old and new styles, creating a warm and family friendly space. They are typically minimalist in style, with sleek lines and bold colors. Cabinets in contemporary kitchens are typically dark wood or black, balanced out by lighter countertops. This style involves very intentional design to keep countertops clean and uncluttered through well-hidden storage compartments. Farmhouse Farmhouse kitchens combine rustic charm with stylish design. They often have lots of light wood, white cabinets and pops of pastel colors. Farmhouse style kitchens are very inviting spaces, that allow for the incorporation of eclectic and vintage elements. It's common to find intentionally aged furniture in these kitchens that give the space a lived-in feel. Modern Modern style kitchens are similar to contemporary in their minimalist appearance. However, they are usually less warm in style. Modern kitchen typically incorporate concrete countertops and stainless steel appliances to create a very sleek appearance. Lots of storage is necessary to create a no-clutter look. Mediterranean Mediterranean style kitchens are inspired by coastal European design and are often very elegant and ornate. Dark wood cabinetry and rich fabrics create a warm atmosphere that can be accented by accessories such as copper pots and ceramic dishes. Coastal Even if your house isn't on the beach, you can still bring the same airy feel into your home with a coastal style kitchen. This style uses lots of green, white, blue and tan colors throughout. Whicker chairs and light wood enhance the beach feel. Coastal kitchens can be accented with modern stainless steel appliances. These are only a handful of the kitchen styles out there, and at the end of the day, you don't have to stick to a prescribed style for your kitchen remodel. It's important to follow your personal style to design a kitchen that truly suits your needs and preferences. To learn more about your kitchen remodel options, speak to one of our licensed experts. Give us a call at 978.697.4625 or request a free quote below. If you’re looking to add a new bathroom to your house, but are working with a small amount of space, it’s important to design your project intentionally to maximize the space you do have. Planning out your project is key, so to help you with your remodel, we’ve compiled this guide to small bathrooms.  About Small Bathrooms
Small bathrooms are preferable over larger ones if you’re looking for a simpler and speedier renovation project. The installation itself is usually fairly quick, but the planning process requires a lot of attention to detail and making sure the space is utilized well. You must first decide whether you’re going to create a powder room or a full bath with the space you have. Small Bathroom Remodel Design The first step in the design process is to consider who will be using the bathroom. For example, a guest bath, even a full one, doesn’t require much storage space as compared to a bathroom experiencing daily use, such as a master bathroom. Additionally, a kids bathroom would be better equipped with a tub than a standing shower. The following are some design tips to help make the space feel bigger:
Small Bathroom Remodel Cost The average cost for a small bathroom remodel is around $8,000, but the price could vary from as low as $2,000 to as expensive as $15,000, depending on the products and customizations. A general rule of thumb, which is not always accurate, but serves as a good guide, is that labor will cost twice as much as materials. Additionally, big layout changes, such as turning a tub space into a large walk in shower, can drastically increase price.Make sure to factor into the budget having the rough-in wiring and plumbing inspected before closing up the walls and floor, as this could save repair costs in the long run. Interested in learning more about small bathroom remodels? Our licensed experts are here to help you navigate your project. Give us a call at 978.697.4625 or start designing your project here. Your master bathroom should be a place for relaxation, as well as serving a functional purpose. Many homeowners are taking on bathroom remodels to transform their worn-out space into a luxurious haven. It's important not overlook how much time is spent in your bathroom, as it's often the space in which you start and end your day. Shouldn't it be as welcoming as possible? If you're ready to begin planning your master bathroom renovation, our comprehensive guide is here to help you.  Designing a Master Bathroom Remodel
There are a few important aspects to consider when it comes to designing your bathroom remodel: materials, style, and layout. In terms of material, your only real limit is your imagination and your budget. Homeowners are incorporating increasingly luxurious materials into their bathrooms, from granite countertops to marble showers. In terms of style, it's important to get a sense for your personal style before starting your project. Get inspired by looking at project examples online or visit a design showroom in person. Both of these options can help you get a sense for your many options, so that you can pick out your favorite materials and fixtures. Lastly, it's extremely important to consider the layout of your space when designing your project. Given the space that you're working with, you must decide whether a bath or shower is a better fit for the space. In recent years, baths have become less popular, as showers are typically more economical uses of space, and can also be customized with a variety of water features. Other design decisions, such as number of sinks or shower size, will vary greatly given the dimensions of your space. We recommend picking out your materials, fixtures, and other design features before beginning your project so that you have a realistic sense of your projected costs. Bathroom Feature Ideas Two sinks: A remodel is a great time to add a second sink to your master bathroom. This allows each person to have their own space, and saves time in the morning and at night.
Cost to Remodel Master Bathroom As they are often the largest bathrooms in the house, master bathroom remodels tend to be the most expensive of the bathroom renovations, as compared to renovating smaller bathrooms. The cost of these projects varies greatly, as the project could be a full-gut or a partial remodel. Additionally, the fixtures and materials chosen will influence the final price. Master bathroom remodels can cost anywhere from $8,000 to $50,000. To get a better sense of your master bathroom remodel options and potential costs, speak to one of our licensed experts. Give us a call at 978.697.4625 or start designing your project by requesting a free quote. Basement level windows, also known as "hopper windows," are most commonly installed in basements, as the name suggests, and swing open from a hinge on the bottom of the frame. This window style is important for bringing light and fresh air into a space of your home where this is particularly difficult to achieve. Below you’ll find information about how hopper windows operate, pricing, pros and cons, and more.
About Replacement Basement Windows Basement windows tilt down and can swing either into or out of the house. The downward tilt prevents dirt and dust from falling into your home. They are similar in design to awning windows but are hinged on the bottom to expedite airflow into rooms on the basement level. Hopper windows can open using the commonly employed crank mechanism or using a hinge, which makes them extremely easy to operate. The crank is controlled by using a fold down handle that glides the window open and closed. Hopper windows, as seen from the outside, are found near the foundation of the house due to their interior location near the top of basement walls. They can also be found above glass doors in older homes. Pros & Cons Pros
Cons
Glass Types Most windows are double pane (with two layers of glass), but can be upgraded to triple pane for increased energy efficiency. This upgrade initially makes for a more expensive window, but over time lowers energy bills. Regardless of how many panes you choose, hopper windows can also come with tempered glass and insulated glass upgrades as well. Tempered glass is stronger and can handle impact better than non-tempered glass. Insulated glass contributes to energy efficiency and can retain heat better than non-insulated glass. Energy efficient windows can be key for retaining heat in basement level areas of the home. Materials Vinyl windows are on the less expensive side of the price spectrum, whereas wood and composite frames will be more expensive. The type of hopper window that will work best for your house depends on your functional needs and budget. Wood windows are often chosen for aesthetic appeal. Vinyl and composite are generally subtle, white framed choices, and although composite fiberglass tends to be more expensive than vinyl, it is also more durable. Vinyl is the most common option for hopper window frames. Basement Window Replacement Cost The price of basement windows can vary by brand, frame material, size and additional features, but a general price range is between $400 and $500. Find out if a hopper window is the right style for your project - speak to our expert at 978.697.4625 or request a free quote below. Feeling cramped in your home? Tired of wasting hundreds of square feet on just concrete and support beams? Want a second living room for entertaining and a fantastic sound system? Consider a finished basement and all that comes with it. Here are five of the top reasons why homeowners everywhere are finishing basements like never before: 1. Add value to your home If you’re selling your home or have plans to sell in the near future, a finished basement can be a major selling point. For all the reasons we list below, finishing a basement can add massive value to your home. According to Zillow.com, a midrange basement remodel (meaning the materials used are not builder-grade or basic, yet not luxury) costs an average or $71,115 nationally and recoups $49,768 (or roughly 70 percent) at resale, a slight decrease from the previous year. 2. Adding flexible Space So your living space is getting smaller because your family is getting bigger, having a finished basement adds a flexible new space in your home. Use it as an office, or a workout room, or a playroom for kids or teens. Adding roughly 300 or more square feet that is now livable can truly change how you feel about your current home.  3. Entertaining Guests There’s no better feeling than hosting a party and walking down your carpeted basement with plenty of space for entertaining. Inviting the neighbors over for the football game or hosting book club with chairs for everyone seems like a small thing, but if you lack space for entertaining in the main living area, the basement can really make up for that space. 4. Rental Income With vacation rental websites growing in popularity, finishing your basement to use it as a short term rental or even a traditional apartment rental is popular. This side income can be a huge boost your finances. With that in mind, you’ll need to finish the space in a way that’s properly up to your state and local laws. The space will most likely need a bathroom, closet, kitchen, and window to be properly zoned as a rental. 5. Fix Various Issues You may want to upgrade your basement due to a number of possible integrity issues. From water damage to sinking floors, the perfect time to upgrade your basement is when you're already down there fixing something else. Basement upgrades are a massive modern trend and you shouldn’t be hesitant to try! Contact us by phone or email to speak with your Boston Renovation basement expert today. If your kitchen is outdated, a remodeling project is the perfect opportunity to update the style to match your own. Your kitchen is the heart of your home, where family and friends gather to enjoy time together, so it's important that it's a space you and others enjoy being in. There are many different ways to design your kitchen, but what matters most is that you pick a style that suits your tastes. Contemporary Contemporary kitchens beautifully combine old and new styles, creating a warm and family friendly space. They are typically minimalist in style, with sleek lines and bold colors. Cabinets in contemporary kitchens are typically dark wood or black, balanced out by lighter countertops. This style involves very intentional design to keep countertops clean and uncluttered through well-hidden storage compartments. Farmhouse Farmhouse kitchens combine rustic charm with stylish design. They often have lots of light wood, white cabinets and pops of pastel colors. Farmhouse style kitchens are very inviting spaces, that allow for the incorporation of eclectic and vintage elements. It's common to find intentionally aged furniture in these kitchens that give the space a lived-in feel. Modern Modern style kitchens are similar to contemporary in their minimalist appearance. However, they are usually less warm in style. Modern kitchen typically incorporate concrete countertops and stainless steel appliances to create a very sleek appearance. Lots of storage is necessary to create a no-clutter look. Mediterranean Mediterranean style kitchens are inspired by coastal European design and are often very elegant and ornate. Dark wood cabinetry and rich fabrics create a warm atmosphere that can be accented by accessories such as copper pots and ceramic dishes. Coastal Even if your house isn't on the beach, you can still bring the same airy feel into your home with a coastal style kitchen. This style uses lots of green, white, blue and tan colors throughout. Whicker chairs and light wood enhance the beach feel. Coastal kitchens can be accented with modern stainless steel appliances. These are only a handful of the kitchen styles out there, and at the end of the day, you don't have to stick to a prescribed style for your kitchen remodel. It's important to follow your personal style to design a kitchen that truly suits your needs and preferences. To learn more about your kitchen remodel options, speak to one of our licensed experts. Give us a call at 978.697.4625 or start designing your project request a free quote. Looking to upgrade your home? Whether it be simply for yourself, or you trying to add resale value, these are the top 10 house renovation projects.
Entry door replacement Nothing says "welcome home" like a beautiful front door. It's said to be the #1 upgrade you can make to your home in order to increase the perceived value of it. And one can imagine why: because of first impressions. Your door (and stairs leading up to it) is the very first thing a potential buyer, friend, or family member see before setting foot inside. Adding a back deck Adding a back deck can add resale value to your home. Many families, when touring a property, want to see that there is hosting space available beyond their kitchen and living room. Often times, an outside area, such as a deck and yard, is the answer to that need. Throw a grill, chairs, and table on the deck, and you're ready to host the next big BBQ. Bathroom remodeling Bathroom remodels provide a great return on investment and, after kitchens and entry areas, are often times the most scrutinized parts of the entire home. One thing to keep in mind when remodeling your bathroom: You want it to appeal not only to your lifestyle preferences, but also functionality. Large stand up showers are a key component to any bathroom remodel, as well as extra vanity space. House siding replacement If there's one way to make your house appear "like new" when you first drive up, it would be a complete siding upgrade. Today, there are many choices from vinyl to clapboard. However, it's important to know how often your siding should be replaced because it can be very expensive. The average siding project will cost you anywhere from $20k - $50k for a typical 4 bed, 2 bath house. Kitchen remodel If there's one project that says "upgrade" in the home, it would be a kitchen remodel. Kitchens are often times talked about as the focal point to the home; the place the entire family revolves around. And while we may think that it actually is the TV and living room (hahaha), it can certainly be said that having a functional kitchen that also fits your style and level over elegance is a must. If there's one common thing we hear from customers after we've finished a kitchen remodel, it's "Oh my gosh. I wish I had done this sooner." Suffice is the say, it's something to consider when you have the budget. Refacing cabinets A budget friendly approach to a full blown kitchen remodel would be to reface your kitchen cabinets. Between that and adding new appliances, you can avoid the large expense of a full remodel, and instead cut the budget from 1/4 to 1/2. Replacing a roof Most of you probably already know that you'll need to replace your roof every ~25 years. What you may not know is there are opportunities to prolong that length of time with updates made every few years, and by selecting the right materials. While you'll never actually see your roof (unless you have a drone), it ultimately protects the bones of your home and everyone in it. We suggest you take roof upgrades seriously and do not put this off. And if you're not sure if you need your roof replaced, we can send someone out to give you our opinion. Hardwood floor upgrades Have you ever walked into a friend's house to see beautiful hardwood floors? Ya... you can have those, too. Don't think it's something just for everybody else. Window replacement One of the most energy efficient improvements one can make to their home is replacing their windows. Whether you're looking to have Andersen, Harvey, Pella, or Marvin windows installed, all of them are likely better than what you have today. Finishing a basement No, finished basements are not just for mancaves today. They are now one great way to add usable square footage to your home footprint. Use it as a second living room, as a kids play room, or to that teenager of yours who you're looking to get a little more space from. Finished basements give you, or your loved ones, another place to call home within your home. Ready to complete a project of your own? Contact us today. We'll come visit within 48 hours and we'll give you a free quote of your project the next day. |
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