Home Improvement Contractor in Melrose, MA

3.5 Reasons To Replace Your Windows

Wed, 30 Nov 2022 18:55:38 GMT

Winchester, MA Replacement Windows

3.5 Reasons to Replace your windows living in Winchester, MA

1. Energy Efficiency

Fall is here and its time to shut those inefficient widows and crank up the furnace. Energy efficiency is obviously one reason to replace your windows but it’s only one of several for replacing your windows this fall.

2. Energy Star

Window manufacturers like Harvey earn the "Energy Star" label by meeting the energy efficiency requirements set forth in ENERGY STAR product specifications. EPA establishes these specifications based on the following set of key guiding principles:

Product categories must contribute significant energy savings nationwide.
Certified products must deliver the features and performance demanded by consumers, in addition to increased energy efficiency.
If the certified product costs more than a conventional, less-efficient counterpart, purchasers will recover their investment in increased energy efficiency through utility bill savings, within a reasonable period of time.
Energy efficiency can be achieved through broadly available, non-proprietary technologies offered by more than one manufacturer.
Product energy consumption and performance can be measured and verified with testing.
Labeling would effectively differentiate products and be visible for purchasers.

Source: http://www.energystar.gov/products/how-product-earns-energy-star-label

3. Improve the Look of Your Home

New windows can dramatically improve the aesthetics of your home on the inside and outside. Today's replacement windows come with many features that will improve general esthetics and totally revitalize a room's atmosphere and your home's curb appeal.

3.5 Ease of Use

Most new windows have a tilt-in feature making it easier to clean the inside and outside of your windows from inside your home instead of doing so from the outside of the home.

Glenn Crowell Construction is a replacement window contractor with over 35 years experience and expertise at choosing the best windows for your style and budget. We have installed thousands of windows in the Winchester area. Contact us for a free quote.

Attic Remodeling

Wed, 23 Nov 2022 19:04:44 GMT

Attic Remodeling Melrose, MA

Consider basement remodeling or attic remodeling to create more living space. An affordable alternative to an addition.

The house I grew up in in Melrose, MA had a walk up attic that had two large rooms with a closet in each. The rooms were semi-finished with horse hair plaster walls, closets and a floor that was just randomly sized pieces of scrap wood placed over the joists and held down with an occasional nail. The rooms had electricity but with only one outlet in each. These rooms were unheated in the winter; you could see your own breath on a really cold day. In the summer the heat was unbearable probably easily reaching over 100 degrees. The attic space was a true diamond in the rough.

A growing family needs more space

For a growing family either an addition or the need to finish the attic space was definitely needed. My parents opted to refinish the attic as it was the most economical choice for extra space. We had a head start versus most unfinished attics as the layout of the rooms had already been completed. My folks hired a local general contractor from Melrose.

Our attic remodeling project begins

I remember the project clearly. The contractor first showed up with his demolition crew and stripped off the old horse hair plaster from the walls and ceilings down to the studs and joists. Next came his electrician who roughed in new outlets and switches bringing the rooms up to code. The HVAC guy was right behind the electrician measuring to add duct work for heat and AC. Days later the HVAC guy showed up with the new duct work and his “tin-knockers” to install the duct work. Now that the electrical work and duct work were roughed in the contractor brought in his insulation crew who quickly insulated the rooms giving the rooms a sound proof effect. Just a day later the sheet rock crew showed up. I was amazed watching these guys carry 4x8 sheets up two flights of stairs for about two hours then hung all the sheet rock within two days. Over the next couple of days, the sheet rock crew taped and mudded all the joints and corners to perfection. All that was needed was a little sanding to smooth things out and the walls and ceilings were ready for painting.

Time for the finishing touches

Our new space was buzzing with workers over the next few days; carpenters, painters, electricians, and HVAC guys were all busy applying there finishing touches. All my folks had to do next was pick out new carpet and have it installed and we had two additional bedrooms for a fraction of the cost of an addition. 20 years later my folks sold the house to a new growing family who really appreciated the extra finished bedrooms in the attic.

Crowell Construction has been a local General Contractor in Melrose, MA for over 3 5 years. For a free estimate on any home improvement, home addition or attic remodeling project call us at (781) 665-3269

Cedar Impression Siding by CertainTeed

Wed, 23 Nov 2022 18:39:35 GMT

Cedar Impression Siding Contractor

One of the nicest types of vinyl siding on the market today is CertainTeed’s Cedar Impression. “Dramatically Textured, and “Distinctly Realistic.” With over 30 color options including natural stains and different sizes, edges and textures these Cedar Impressions are charming without the high cost and maintenance of real cedar shakes.

Crowell Construction is a local siding contractor with over 35 years experience installing Cedar Impression vinyl siding. Contact us to learn more about Cedar Impression vinyl siding or to request an estimate contact us at (781) 665-3269 .

Porch Construction

Wed, 23 Nov 2022 17:58:36 GMT

Porch Construction Melrose, MA

At Crowell Construction we have replaced many front porches, stairs and railings especially in Melrose. We recently completed this porch renovation/replacement on Cleveland St in Melrose, MA. The project included demolition, debris haul away, and rebuild to state and local building codes. The project was completed on time and on budget.

Basement Remodeling

Wed, 23 Nov 2022 15:44:55 GMT

Basement Remodeling Melrose, MA

Create more living space with basement remodeling—an affordable alternative to putting an addition on your home. A basement remodeled into a family room, a man cave, a home gym, or a home office can add significant living space. Imagine a small hip-roofed colonial with a footprint of 30’ x 30’ that remodels half of the basement and adds a 15’ x 15’ (225 sq. ft.) new living space. Read on for ideas on ways to transform your basement space.

5 Basement Remodeling Ideas to Transform Your Space

If you're like most homeowners, your basement is probably one of the most underutilized rooms in your house. But with a few strategic basement remodeling ideas, you can transform this space into a functional and stylish room that the whole family can enjoy. Here are 5 basement remodeling ideas to get you started.

1. Add a kitchenette. If you're tired of running up and down the stairs every time you want a snack, consider adding a kitchenette to your basement. This doesn't require a full kitchen renovation; simply install a small sink, fridge, and microwave in one corner of the room. Add some cabinets for storage, and you're all set.

2. Install a wet bar. Have friends over often? Consider installing a wet bar in your basement. This will give you a place to mix drinks and store glassware, and it can even double as a makeshift buffet for parties and gatherings.

3. Create a home theater. With some comfy seating and a large television or projector screen, your basement can easily be transformed into the ultimate home theater experience. Don't forget the popcorn machine!

4. Turn it into a game room. Got kids? If so, they'll love having their own dedicated game room in the basement where they can play to their heart's content. Plus, it'll keep them out of your hair when you're trying to relax upstairs!

5. You'll add value to your home by increasing its overall square footage. So if you're thinking about selling in the near future, this is a great way to make your home more appealing to buyers and more livable for your family at the same time.

There are endless possibilities when it comes to basement remodeling ideas. Whether you're looking to add an extra bedroom, bathroom, or simply want to increase the value of your home, there's an option for you. Get creative and start planning your dream basement today!

Crowell Construction has been a local carpenter in Melrose, MA , for over 35 years. For a free estimate on any home improvement, home addition, or basement remodeling project, call us at (781) 665-3269 .

Replacement Windows in Malden, MA

Tue, 22 Nov 2022 21:59:31 GMT

Malden, MA Replacement Windows

At Crowell Construction we have been preparing for the cold winter f or our customers in the Malden, MA area with energy efficient replacement windows . Its only August 11th but now is a good time to get the ball rolling to get your windows replaced. We have been working in the Malden area frequently this season as customers are anxious to get there windows replaced before winter. Call us today to discuss your replacement window needs. Call today 781-665-3269 .

Glenn Crowell Construction has installed thousands of energy efficient replacement windows in Malden in the past three decades.

Siding Choices

Tue, 22 Nov 2022 21:39:23 GMT

Vinyl Siding Melrose, MA

There are many choices for siding your home in the Melrose, MA area. One of the most popular choices is vinyl siding. After spending a month scraping and painting one side of my colonial, I can see why. After completing the job, I decided it was time to go maintenance-free. I think I made a good choice. 5 years later, it still looks fantastic. However, it’s really not “maintenance-free,” as I wash the siding once a year. My neighbor, who had his house painted the year before I sided my home, has hired a painter to touch up some peeling paint on two occasions in the past 5 years.

When I decided to choose the vinyl siding route, I had to choose if I go with clapboard or cedar shakes. They both looked fantastic in the brochure and had many colors to choose from. I decided to go with the cedar shake look because my house had wooden cedar shingles. I wanted to keep the look similar to the original construction. I believe either the clapboard or cedar vinyl siding would have looked good. It all comes down to personal preference and budget.

Excerpt from: This Old House Magazine

Written By: Mark Ferirer

“For many people, price isn't the issue at all; the real seduction of plastic siding is reduced maintenance. That's exactly why a wood guy like This Old House general contractor Tom Silva put vinyl on his house 20 years ago. “I don't have time for painting,” he explains. “I'd rather spend weekends on my boat.”

Glenn Crowell Construction has been installing siding in the Melrose, MA , area for over 35 years. For a free siding estimate, contact us at 781-665-3269 or request a quote online.