There are a lot of ways to add interest to your home and help it stand out from all the other houses on the block. Adding stonework, for example, to the front of the house can give your house that special touch that makes it unique to your and your style. However, stonework has, in itself, a ton of choices: the shape of the stones, color, and location, just to name a few.

So where to get started? This is when the home style and design experts at Carolan Contractors come in. We can help you plan out a terrific upgrade to your house that is all your own.

How? Well, in this article, we’re going to take some inspiration from a gorgeous project we did on a rustic-style Verona Craftsman House to discuss some ways to add character, elegance, and charm to your home.

Ways To Add Character and Charm To Your Home

To get your own creative juices flowing, here are some of the methods Carolan Contractors used to improve this Verona Craftsman house, which included giving the facade a major upgrade:

• Metal roofing accent: a new mansard roof over the garage, clad in bronze-colored metal roofing
• Custom masonry
• A new bracketed portico
• Gable ornaments
• Two-toned siding (clay and canyon), mixing clapboard vinyl siding and cedar shake impressions vinyl siding
• Mixing siding profiles/types
• New fiberglass front door by ProVia

Adding A Portico To Your New Jersey Home

Carolan Contractors are master craftsman, and adding a portico to your house in will provide quite a few benefits, such as adding dimension to the front of your house, so it’s not flat and/or plain. In addition, not only is a portico stylish, but it’s functional! Porticos provide shelter from the rain or snow when you’re getting your keys out.

And as you can see in the picture featured here, cladding the portico in metal roofing gives a farmhouse accent while still looking appropriate for your New Jersey neighborhood. Just that little bit of style goes a long way!

Why Metal Roofing in New Jersey Is A Great Choice

While we do roofs in all kinds of styles and materials, we love when a client is looking for metal roofing. This is because metal roofing is long lasting, available in a wide variety of colors to match your home style, and very popular in farmhouse decor. In addition, if you’re a fan of home design shows, you’ll see it used all the time–just watch an episode or two of Fixer Upper.

Learn more about our roofing services here.

What To Consider When Renovating Or Installing New Doors

A door is not just functional, but is a statement for someone entering your home. (Read more about our entryway services here.) Fiberglass is nice because it’s maintenance free, which is extra important in NJ, since we have harsh winters and harsh summers. In addition, Fiberglass doors are more energy efficient than wood.

It’s also important to consider which manufacturers and suppliers your contractor is working with. One thing we like is that there are hundreds of door options from ProVia, one of our preferred door partners, including different wood grains, different colors and stains, decorative art glass in a variety of styles, hardware upgrades, door shapes/profiles, and much more. This variety allows us to work with our clients to get that exact, specific look for their home.

View all of our suppliers here.

Materials Needed To Add Character and Charm To Your Home

Great ideas is only part of the solution, obviously. You still need to make it happen! So what products went into creating this new dream home?

• Cedar Impressions
• Vinyl siding
• ProVia Doors
• Entry Doors
• Stonework/Custom Stonework/Masonry/Stone Veneer
• Metal roofing
• Gable ornaments for an added touch of character

Add Curb Appeal and Stand Out From the Other Houses In Your Neighborhood

We all know how important curb appeal is when determing the value and sellability of your home. Having a house that stands out from the pack is not only aesthetically pleasing to you as a homeowner, it will also help attract more potentials buyers and, hopefully, more bids if and when you’re ready to sell.

A beautiful home is also a comfortable and nice place to live, and we here at Carolan Contractors want to make that a reality for all of our clients. Give us a call today at (973) 857-1555 for a free quote or contact us here so we can discuss your project.

The post How To Add Character And Charm To Your Home appeared first on Carolan Contractors.

Tips on Finishing Touches

1. Do you want shutters or decorative trim on your windows? Shutters are typically louvered (with slats), or raised panel. Options for window trim range from simple crown molding to decorative Fypon Crossheads in a range of profiles. You can apply these treatments to all of your windows, or just the ones in front. Decorative trim also nicely dresses up a sliding door or garage door.
2. Consider entryway trim. New low maintenance pilasters and a mantle to match your window trim will make your front door a great first glimpse at your home.
3. Another great place to add some character and charm through detail is fascia trim. Either stately dentil trim or classic crown molding are a great finishing touch just under the roofline.

Tips for a smooth renovation

1. Does your home have any built-in china closets, book cases,  or storage closets on the exterior walls? What about radiators recessed into the walls? When installing siding, your contractor is putting nails in the exterior walls of your house, so make they’re aware of these special attention zones. Other items you want to let your contractor know about include fuse boxes and AC draining systems.
2. If you want to top off your exterior makeover with new house numbers, a new mailbox, new door bell, etc., try and have those ready when your project begins. Contractors are of course happy to install small items, but as an example, we just want you to make sure the wiring on your doorbell is functional.
3. If you want the exterior light fixtures replaced, order them ahead of time so they are ready when your project begins.
4. Last but perhaps most important, if you have paintings, mirrors, or knick-knacks mounted to the walls bordering the exterior of your home, remove them. These items can often fall when installing siding. If any items are too large for you to manage, ask for help.

Replacing the siding of your house is a big undertaking, but Carolan Contractors has decades of experience in New Jersey – so give us a call at (973) 857-1555 to see how we can help you!

The post Tips When Getting Ready to Replace your Siding appeared first on Carolan Contractors.

Most Costly Option

The most costly option to spruce up your home is our total exterior renovation service. This typically includes replacing the siding, masonry if present, trim, garage doors, and more. Doing all of these projects at once will save you a bit of time and money, and you will also be able to totally customize the look of your home.

Indeed, new siding, a new entryway, and new garage doors often make a home look completely brand new. This is a great option for those who are dissatisfied with the entire look of their home, and have the budget to do a major overhaul. But note that as a small, private enterprise, we at Carolan Contractors can work with you to make your home’s exterior reflect your dreams.

Mid-Range Options

Some mid-range options would include new doors, a new roof, or maybe a portico, for example:

• Doors: While often overlooked, your front door is the first thing you and guests see when entering your home. A new door is a great start at making your home more attractive. We work with ProVia entry doors, which are available in a wide variety of styles and budgets. Contact our office for an e-catalog if you want to learn more.
• Roof: Depending on your home, your roof is more important to its aesthetics than you probably realize. For example, on Cape Cod and ranch style homes, where much of the roof is visible from the street, an old stained roof can really drag your house down. Replacing your roof with Architectural Shingles by GAF or Owens Corning will not only add value and water security to your home, but will also refresh its look.
• Portico: A new portico (also known as a “covered entry”) is a very popular project to boost curb appeal. Either as part of a larger project, or as a standalone job, a portico adds great value to your home. Not only does it provide shelter from the elements, it adds important dimension to the front of your home. When they come to us, our customers sometimes complain about their house looking ‘too flat’ or too much like other houses on their street. A portico is a custom detail that sets your house apart from the rest.

Other Options

Our recommendation for sprucing up ones home on the lower end of budgets is a full trim/shutter upgrade. We have often worked with customers who have purchased homes with vinyl siding that don’t have much character or charm on the outside. Adding decorative crown molding over windows, new shutters, and luxurious yet low maintenance Fypon entry door surrounds can totally transform the look of your home.

There’s a lot you can do, and there are a ton of options. But the best way to figure it out is to contact us so we can discuss the best strategy for you to upgrade your home. Call us today at (973) 857-1555.

The post How to Spruce Up Your Home On a Range of Budgets appeared first on Carolan Contractors.

• White: If your house is white, consider a contrasting dark roof color. Some of our favorites are GAF ‘Charcoal’ and Owens Corning ‘Estate Gray’. If you’re not a gray person, consider a light brown that mimics the look of a cedar roof; some of our favorites are GAF ‘Shakewood’ and Owens Corning ‘Amber.’
• Dark: If your house is a darker color, such as gray or a brown, we recommend picking a dark roof color. For a roof that can stand up to a dark colored home, you will want want to look at GAF ‘Charcoal’ or Owens Corning ‘Onyx Black.’
• Blue: If your house is blue, you will want to pick a similarly cool-toned roof that will complement your home. For a cool gray, we like GAF ‘Oyster Gray’ and ‘Pewter Gray,’ as well as Owens Corning ‘Quarry Gray’ and ‘Slatestone Gray.’
• Neutral/Beige: If your house is a neutral to beige color, consider a dark roof color for some contrast. GAF ‘Charcoal’ and Owens Corning ‘Onyx Black’ are dark colors that complement beige well. We would also suggest avoiding a brown hue, which can look drab on a beige home.

The post How To Select a Roof Color appeared first on Carolan Contractors.

Remember: Vinyl is Final

More Tips

• Keep in mind how long you plan to stay living in your current home. If you’re planning on bringing your home to market within the next 5-10 years, its best to consider a neutral color that people will not find particularly unappealing. If you plan to own your home for many years, you can have a little more fun and pick something you really like.
• Consider the architecture of your home. For example, whites and neutrals are great on homes large and small, and allow the little details to really shine. Colonial homes, however, look great in traditional color schemes, like reds, yellows, greens, and blues.
• If your house doesn’t have much detail, consider going for dark grey, with white or black trim for a clean and contemporary look.
• Grey is great, but… If you like gray, but want something different, consider a dark brown. It looks equally contemporary, but just a little different.
• Consider the color of the homes on either side of yours. Avoid picking something close to your next door neighbor, you want your house to have a sense of individuality. With that said, consider picking a color that compliments the homes around you. We always recommend customers take their samples outside to visualize their color choice, and even hold them up to the neighbors house
• Last but not least, consider your landscaping. If you have a lot of shrubs and trees on your property, consider something that will work well with all that green. If you have flowers or blooming bushes and trees, pick a color that will serve as a great backdrop to their colors.

Carolan Contractors has been working with homes in New Jersey for many years, and we would be thrilled to consult with you on the right color of your home’s new siding. Give us a call at (973) 857-1555 or contact us here.

The post What to Consider When Picking a Siding Color appeared first on Carolan Contractors.

In this article, we’re going to offer some window replacement tips and tricks that we’ve learned over the decades serving Northern New Jersey.

So you’re thinking about replacing your windows–here are some of the most important aspects to consider:

1. What are your biggest goals in replacing your windows?

Typically, customers are looking for a few things when replacing their windows:

• Increase the energy efficiency of their home
• Improve the look of their home, both inside and out
• Maximize their home value and curb appeal

Keep the balance of these in mind when selecting a window manufacturer. You should always ask your contractor for information about the energy efficiency of the proposed new windows, as well as ask to see, if possible, a couple of homes where the product has been previously installed.

2. Do I need my windows replaced using the standard replacement or new construction method?

There are two options for getting windows, standard replacement, or new construction. The replacement method entails fitting a new “replacement” window into the existing frame of an original window. This is a very common and more economic option, but you must make sure your contractor plans to insulate any hollow pockets around the replacement window.

The new construction method entails removing the trim and installing the window either in the old frame or in a new opening.

3. The State of the Original Windows

When you’re thinking about replacing your windows, there are a few questions you need to answer about the original windows in order to figure out the best strategy:

• What is the condition of your current windows?
• Are they original to your home, or previously replaced?
• Are they wooden or vinyl?

If you have stained wooden windows and trim and prefer to keep that look, you have two options: a range realistic wood laminates offered by Sunrise Vinyl Windows on the one hand, and pre-finished wooden replacement by Andersen, Pella, Marvin, on the other. Typically, vinyl replacement is a more economic option, while wooden replacement is best for those looking to most closely replicate what they have now, but in a more energy efficient form.

If your windows are original, you’ll need to know if they are large enough to accommodate a replacement application (which slightly reduces the glass size). Because of the Narrowline Frame from our manufacturer, Sunrise Windows, most of the time the answer to that question is no. Sunrise’s frames minimize one of the larger drawbacks to replacement windows, which is thick unappealing frames. The frames on Sunrise Windows are narrower than others on the market, and they are double contoured to add curb appeal and depth.

If they have been previously replaced, think about if you could benefit from the Narrowline Frames of Sunrise Windows–and if you’re not sure, feel free to call us at (973) 857-1555 and we can help advise you.

4. Do I need the window trim replaced inside or out?

When installing windows using the replacement method, typically the trim does not need to be disturbed. If your trim is in bad condition on all or some windows, or if you would like the trim painted, ask your contractor for a price ahead of time.

Some window install situations, call for the new construction method, which will always require re-trimming and thus added cost.

Next Steps

All in all, our best advice when thinking about replacing your windows in Northern New Jersey is to plan ahead! Know what you are trying to achieve, and work with your contractor to make it happen. If you have specific goals or concerns with your window replacement, make your contractor aware of them so you are all on the same page. And when you’re ready to get started, give us a shout and we’ll be happy to provide a free quote.

The post Window Replacement Tips, Tricks, and More appeared first on Carolan Contractors.

Woodgrain or Vinyl Window?

White Vinyl windows are the most affordable option, but don’t expect a lack of quality. Sunrise White Vinyl Windows are made right here in the USA, outside Detroit, Michigan. They have double-paned Low E glass, insulated with a layer of Argon Gas for an extra thermal barrier. They have a narrower frame than your typical low-cost vinyl window, allowing the most sunlight in as possible while maintaining a very attractive look.

If you need a woodgrain finish to match existing woodwork in your period home but need to stay within a certain price range, you may want to consider Sunrise’s line of Wood Laminate Interiors. This is a high-quality laminate application, printed to have a very realistic woodgrain look. Specials and finishes include English Walnut, Colonial Cherry, Provincial Oak, Norwegian Maple, and More.

If you live in a home that calls for real wood, we recommend the Andersen Woodwright 400 series. This may possibly be the most expensive option, but there is something to be said for real authentic wooden windows. Andersen Windows are famous for looking like a historically accurate window and performing like a modern window. They are truly the best of both worlds, but you pay a premium price. That being said, if you’ve gotten Andersen quotes already that were too high, consider having us give you our best price on them, we may surprise you!

Choosing your Grid Style

The most cost-effective option will be to get no grids. This may not look as nice as other options, but you will save a bit of money and still get a beautiful new window

The first upgrade is to flat, between-the-glass style grids. This gives the appearance of colonial style grids, but still at an affordable price point.

The next upgrade is Divided lights. This is the most historically accurate and high-end finish, the grills are on the outside of the windows, simulating the days when high glass costs meant windows were made of small panes joined together by grids.

While 9 out of 10 customers choose traditional colonial style windows, you are not limited to those options–we love getting creative!

Next Steps

These are just a few of the considerations you will have when choosing to replace your windows, but as with any project, unforeseen complications may always arise. That’s why it’s great to have professional help, and Carolan Contractors specializes not only in replacing windows, but in aesthetics and design as well. Contact our office today at (973) 857-1555 if you want to talk more about how we can complement your home’s existing style!

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