Category: Tampa Bathroom Remodeling
Essential Things to Consider Before Hiring Your Contractor
If you are looking to remodel your home in Tampa Bay or St. Petersburg, finding a reliable and experienced contractor can be the difference between peace of mind and sleepless nights. Our team at Rossi Construction have put together a list of the top things to consider and look for when hiring a contractor.
Have a Solid Vision for Your Space
Spend time researching trends and timeless touches you would like to incorporate into the remodel. Explore what kinds of looks and architectural elements you might be interested in adding as well. By have a solid grasp on what you are looking for in your remodel, you can then compare the work of the contractors you will meet with later.
Compare Rates as Well as Quality
A general number is to compare at least three local contractors before deciding on one to renovate your home. Your goal with this tip is to determine how they stack up against one another. This will give you a clearer idea of the costs and budget required, as well as the caliber of work each contractor can produce. As an example, one contractor might bid a low rate that might equate to low quality work, while a higher bid usually suggests top notch quality. Use this information and your research to determine where you fall on the spectrum, and what will meet your project’s needs as well as your standards.
Do Your Research to Determine if the Contractor is a Good Fit
While contractors of all specializations use the title of contractor, there are subcategories within the industry. Some are considered specialists and some generalists. So, seek to ensure their experience and abilities align with what your goals are for your renovation. The top things to look for when reading reviews and looking over their business website are: Do you see a similarity in their past projects and what you are looking for in yours? Do they exhibit quality workmanship and use quality materials? Do their reviews reflect consistent high levels of client satisfaction?
Be Sure to Read the Fine Print
From establishing a start and completion date, detailing information about building fees and required permits, an explanation for what services are covered (demolition, labor, equipment, etc.) and the consequences of a default by their business – the fine print holds the details. Noting the fine print is especially important for the terms of default as it can include things such as the unexpected departure of a subcontractor or an array of other unforeseen challenges. Be sure you are clearly excluded from liability in these instances and look for contractors who have their terms laid out in a fair and easy to understand manner.
How We Can Help
Rossi Construction has proudly served Florida’s Tampa Bay area for almost two decades. We have helped homeowners create or re-invent their space into one they are proud to come home to. Feel free to reach out and request a consultation to discuss the topics mentioned above! If you are interested in more home remodeling inspiration, head over to our gallery to check out some of our recent work. We look forward to speaking with you and seeing how we can make your home remodeling dream a reality.
Tips for Planning Your Bathroom Remodel
A bathroom can be a calming retreat so it is important to get the perfect design for your style and interests. When planning a bathroom remodel, you should know consider some of the below-mentioned things.
Styles
Consider a classic or traditional style for simplistic bathrooms. A traditionally designed modern bathroom remains timeless. Modern bathroom design incorporates bright colors with contrasting textures. An eclectic bathroom style has an assortment of dissimilar elements. A countrified bathroom has the “bringing the outside inside” element. A romantic bathroom has ornate fixtures and beautifully crafted cabinet designs. Continue reading “Tips for Planning Your Bathroom Remodel”
Do you have questions about bathroom remodeling?
Do you know how long it will take to remodel a small bathroom? How much will a bathroom remodel cost? How do you choose a focal point for the room? If your answer to any of these questions happens to be resounding confusion, you are not alone.
A bathroom remodeling project has so many moving parts that unless you are a professional who works in the field every day, or a Tampa homeowner who has captained more than one remodeling project, then the details and all of the small decisions will be overwhelming. That does not mean it is difficult to educate yourself before a remodeling project.
If you will be remodeling your bathroom, it pays to have a working knowledge of what you should expect and what to devote extra thought toward. Walking in with your eyes wide open can spell the difference between a nearly pleasant remodeling experience and a waking nightmare. Take a look at the collection of tips below to develop a cheat sheet for minimizing stress associated with your Tampa bathroom remodeling project.
It pays to set a realistic budget.
Before you commit to a project, it is important to manage expectations when it comes to how much money you want to spend on the renovation. All budget calculations will need to include one fixed number in the size of the bathroom, but material quality and some do it yourself demolition labor can impact the total cost of the remodel. Creation of a budget for the bigger items will help you make decisions about the fixtures, tile and assorted extras that make it into the finished product.
Time is money, a Tampa contractor can be your friend.
Do I need to hire a contractor for a small bathroom remodeling project? If you keep in mind that the project involves plumbing, tile work, electrical and a host of additional specialties, it is advantageous to hire a contractor capable of completing the work.
How long will the remodeling project make my bathroom inaccessible?
Most people are under the impression that a small bathroom remodeling project will take no more than two weeks. This will not prove true in all cases. A remodeling timeline will depend on the total number of items being moved or changed in your bathroom.
Bonus Tip:
Never make the toilet the focal point of the bathroom.
Nearly every homeowner with a fifteen to twenty year old home, with at least one bathroom that has never before been remodeled, has a toilet that remains in sight lines when a door is open. We can all agree that the look is not aesthetically pleasing. If find yourself unsure as to what to make the focal point, aim for anything but the toilet!
The truth is, a Tampa bathroom remodeling project will always be confusing to an unprepared and inexperienced homeowner. Rossi Construction, Inc. will help from beginning to end to make the process problem-free.
Ideas to consider before a bathroom remodel
Choosing to remodel a bathroom in your Tampa home is a fantastic way to modernize a part of your home and produce an interesting, relaxing and more efficient space. When planning for the bathroom remodel, it pays to ask yourself a couple of questions first.
How does my budget look?
Initially, you will need to decide how much you are interested in spending on the bathroom renovation. Developing a budget before you begin the project will provide a foundation for all planning and ensures that you do not invest more than you are capable of affording. Your budget will also prevent you from failing to complete the master bath renovation due to financial inability.
Why do I want to remodel my bathroom?
Will my focus be beauty? Do I need to make the bathroom handicap accessible? Am I remodeling to make efficient use of space? Are the proposed changes for me to enjoy, or is the end goal to increase the value of my St. Petersburg property and make my home attractive to potential buyers?
Do I have specific priorities?
When you have an idea as to how much you can spend and the main purpose of the bathroom remodel, you will want to start to prioritize the facets of the project. After accounting for what must be accomplished, like replacing cabinets that are beyond repair, think of what would be the most helpful in meeting your goals. If your attention is focused on raising the value of your home, speak with a real estate agent to confirm what kind of return you can expect on for the addition of an easy-access, ADA compliant shower.
How can I save a little money?
Reconfiguring a bathroom to meet ADA guidelines can be an expensive undertaking, but you can save money by keeping most fixtures in their original location. Redirecting electrical wiring and some plumbing can complicate matters and add unexpected expense.
How much ventilation do I need?
You will want to ensure any bathroom remodeling project includes adequate ventilation. Inability to control moisture will allow mildew and mold to quickly overtake any updates, thereby undoing the time and cash you have put into modernizing your bath.
If it is time to remodel a bathroom in your Tampa Bay area home, please give the specialists Rossi Construction a call at 813-436-0177 to schedule an appointment for a consultation.
Bathroom renovation checklist
Bathroom renovation is often overwhelming for a typical Tampa family. You need to decide how much you can comfortably spend, select the best products and figure out if you will be modifying the layout.
All of this happens before you call a contractor like the specialists from Rossi Construction.
To guarantee that your bathroom renovation project keeps on schedule, here is a checklist you can keep. Always remember: A successful Florida renovation project is all about the timing.
Six months before the renovation
Now is the best time for inspiration!
Determine what you want your updated Tampa bathroom to look like, rip pages out of magazines and bookmark samples so you can build either a scrapbook or a Pinterest inspiration board. Be sure to make notes about what you like in each bathroom design. As the list of compiled samples grows, flip through the photos and find the similarities and see what is out there by way of fixtures and flooring that are a good match.
Talk to a specialist from Rossi Construction.
While it is not necessary to talk to a contractor this early, it is the ideal time to open communications and get an idea as to their upcoming schedule.
Sketch your preferred bathroom layout.
It is important to plan your bathroom layout early. Think about what works and what does not work in your current bathroom layout, because a lot of St. Petersburg homes were built when families had a smaller list of “must have” features.
Do you want to move the shower or toilet, and if you do, is this practical? It is important to understand that the toilet is the most expensive thing to move in the bathroom while a shower with multiple sprayers will typically require additional rough plumbing work. Both plumbing situations will equate to more money spent.
Three months before the renovation
Finalize the project budget.
After figuring out what you can comfortably spend to remodel the bathroom, look at the number again and understand that roughly 2/3 of the money will be spent on qualified labor. If it feels like the remaining budget is too small, do not worry: Thanks to an array of flooring and fittings options, you can replicate a pricey look for less.
Call Rossi Construction to schedule an in-person meeting.
With just ninety days before the demolition, now is the time to call 813-436-0177 to schedule an appointment to meet with our team. Ask all of the questions that will be plaguing you as the demolition approaches:
- How much will I pay at the beginning of the project?
- How long will I be without a shower during a Tampa summer?
Two months before the renovation
Purchase all required fixtures and tiles.
Always play it safe by ordering your preferred tiles and fixtures 6 – 8 weeks before your scheduled bathroom demolition date.
One month before the renovation
Prepare for the arrival of the Rossi Construction team.
Clean the cabinets, medicine cabinet and all additional storage space. Take some time to establish a temporary preparation space where you will be able to get ready for work out of the sight of our team.
During the renovation
Try to remain patient.
If a project is delayed by a couple of days, do not get overly frustrated. If a two day delay is the only problem you experience in the entire renovation process, things are good!
Do You Have Enough Closets?
Some people remodel their homes because there is a need that must be filled, such as new appliances needing to be installed or wanting energy-efficient windows. Thirty-six percent of all remodeling jobs are done to repair property damage. Other times, the homeowner simply wants to update an existing room and make it more aesthetically pleasing.
When remodeling a home, many people find that a new bathroom ranks fairly high on their wish list, making up 78% of all home renovations. Installing a new master bathroom is a great way to increase a home’s resale value, with bathroom remodeling averaging a 63.6% return on investment. There are many different master bathroom designs available, and most are customizable to fit a homeowner’s personal style and needs.
Some of the most popular master bathroom designs actually don’t feature a bathtub at all! Free-standing showers are growing in popularity, with luxury shower heads that imitate rain or waterfalls. In rooms where the bathtub is included, it is likely to be a standalone tub, as well. Clawfoot tubs, inspired by historic home renovations, and modern basin tubs are both growing in popularity.
Another frequently-requested home remodeling service is the installation of a new kitchen. Upgrading appliances to be energy-efficient and attractive is always in, and stainless-steel remains the most popular material choice for appliances. Interior remodeling contractors recommend custom cabinetry so that homeowners can get the biggest value for the price.
Pantries and other storage options are also becoming increasingly popular. Many home renovation service providers are seeing an increase in closet size and number. Many homeowners add a walk in closet for each spouse in the master suite, with custom shelves and dividers to match each person’s height.
With home renovations on the rise, kitchen and master bathroom designs becoming easier to customize. From appliance layout to tile coloring, every aspect of home renovation can be tailored to the homeowner’s needs. Talk to your local contractor today to find the right remodeling plan for you.
Ideas for his and hers bathroom designs
When you are in a relationship with someone, you begin to get used to sharing most things. You might share the butter and jelly in the morning. You might share a car during the day and you probably share a bed at night. Sharing can be a wonderful thing about being in a relationship but when it comes to bathroom space, sharing isn’t always ideal. In fact, having your own space in the bathroom can be wonderful! Below are some awesome design ideas for his and her bathrooms.
Sinks for each of you
Cabinets between the sinks for each of you
Individual closets
Seating for the times you are waiting on your spouse to finish getting ready
Double shower heads and a large shower space
Create a bathtub for two
If you like any of the designs here or if these photos inspired you to come up with an idea of your own, call Rossi Construction for ultimate bathroom remodeling in Tampa.
Mistakes That Make Your Home Look Messy
Even if your home is immaculate in terms of cleanliness, there are still a number of organizational mistakes that can make your home and belongings look messy. After you’ve devoted lots of time and resources to a remodel of your home, it would be a shame to let clutter get in the way of everything looking its best, so be sure to avoid these practices that will distract from the luxurious feel you’ve worked so hard to create.
Mistake #1—A Busy Refrigerator
The kitchen is typically one of the busiest rooms in the house, and many people treat their refrigerator as a giant message board—covered with schedules, bills, magnets, and everything in between. However, these things can get out of hand quickly and make your kitchen as a whole look cluttered and unorganized. Instead, try keeping all of your important documents arranged on a clipboard. Your family will still have access to all the information they need but without the unnecessary mess on the refrigerator. Continue reading “Mistakes That Make Your Home Look Messy”
Renovations that Will Increase Your Homes Resell Value in Tampa
Are you thinking about putting your home on the market soon? Before you do, you may want to consider making a few key renovations to your home—when done correctly, these renovations can increase the value of your home, which translates to more money in your pocket! Focus your time and money on these specific renovations that have been shown to effectively increase your home’s resell value. Continue reading “Renovations that Will Increase Your Homes Resell Value in Tampa”
How to Get the Modern Bathroom You’ve always Wanted
Bathroom remodeling is not a quick or cheap affair, so it’s understandable why you want only the best out of the process. Thankfully, there are some easy tips to follow when it comes to designing and creating the modern bathroom of your dreams.
Tip 1—Invest in Expansive Wall Mirrors
Large wall mirrors in a bathroom serve two purposes—they look great and they offer plenty of space for getting ready. And we all know that mirror space is prime real estate in any home!
On top of all this, mirrors can actually help your bathroom look larger than it really is. Sure, it might just be your eyes playing tricks on you, but your envious house guests don’t have to know that!
Tip 2—Choose Your Countertops Carefully
When doing a Tampa bathroom remodel lots of people make the mistake of installing countertops in their bathroom that are just too low, which leads to a lot of hunching, bending, and general inconvenience. To remedy this, install your countertops at the same level you would in your kitchen.
When choosing a surface, you should seriously consider granite. It’s easy to clean, and its dark color makes hiding stains a breeze.
Tip 3—Invest in Custom Glass Shower Enclosures
Nothing says modernism and class like a glass shower enclosure. They’ll give your bathroom a sleek feel, and they’re much more hygienic than a shower curtain, which is susceptible to mold. Plus, with a glass enclosure you’re much less likely to accidentally get water everywhere when you shower than with a traditional shower curtain.
Tip 4—Use Recessed Ceiling Lighting
Most Tampa bathroom designs you see today rely heavily on recessed lighting, and this a great alternative to hanging fixtures because it takes up less space. This means that your bathroom will look larger, and more importantly, you won’t be ducking to avoid your lights as you get ready at the mirror.
Tip 5—Try Self-Closing Drawers
Sure, self-closing drawers aren’t a necessity, but they’re great to have regardless! They really bring out that modern feel and ensure you’re not bumping into one that you forgot to close.
Tip 6—Use Elongated Toilets
No one likes talking about toilets, but since we’re on the subject—go with an elongated model! These are typically more comfortable and more space saving than a rounded bowl.
Tip 7—Lay Down Large Tiles
Tile adds a modern, elegant feel to any room, and large tile is an especially good choice. Large tiles mean less work when laying them, and they mean fewer grout lines to clean in the long run.
Tip 8—Choose Earth Tones for your Bathroom
Earth tones not only look great, but they really help to open up a space as well. Since the bathroom is typically one of the smaller rooms in the house, dark colors will make them appear downright tiny. Earth tones, on the other hand, will give you the appearance of a larger room.
References:
[1] http://www.hgtv.com/topics/bathroom-makeover/index.html?layout=desktop