Category: Tampa Kitchen 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 to Stay Within Your Kitchen Renovation Budget
It’s no secret that your kitchen is a fantastic choice when deciding where to upgrade your home. From a mini-make over to a full-scale revamp, not only does a kitchen remodel improve you and your families lives, but your resale value will dramatically increase. But where to start when planning and designing your kitchen renovation? We are here to help. Since 2000, we at Rossi construction have been helping folks throughout the Tampa Bay area create the kitchen of their dreams – and we have learned a few things along the way. Here are the top 5 things to consider before taking on the exciting endeavor of renovating your kitchen.
What is Your Budget?
A common first consideration when taking on a large home improvement project. It is easy to start out with good intentions, but there are commonly overlooked considerations that come into play drafting your expense list. The first step to ensuring you stay within your budget begins with planning your renovation. The surest way to spend more than is necessary is to make changes after construction and remodeling gets underway. This in one reason why is it considered best practice to consult with and professional, because we can ensure all aspects of the remodel are detailed and priced out beforehand.
Secondly, another common expense is unforeseen structural or electrical damage that requires upgrades to complete the renovation. Our team of professionals can help you budget for the unexpected and help with a pre-renovation inspection to determine the likelihood of these sorts of challenges.
Finally, consider the overall value of your home. A kitchen remodel is considered the best investment when it comes to reselling your home. A recent study found that an average $15,000 renovation saw a return value of roughly 93%. Further, a kitchen generally accounts for 10-15% of a home’s value. With this information in mind, you should seek to prioritize what changes will have the largest impact on the space and maintain or even increase the value of your home.
Establish Your Splurge-Worthy Investments
Have you been eyeing that side-by-side refrigerator? Or envision marble countertops in your upgraded kitchen? Start researching the big-ticket expenses for your remodel and look into customer reviews. This will help you get a feel for not only the quality of top items on your list, but the price. Pricing out appliances is another area where having an experienced professional on hand can be helpful. From evaluating energy costs to planning out how the space will look cohesively, we can help keep with in your budget while still building out the kitchen to your specifications.
Do You Know Who You Are Hiring?
As mentioned, your contractor will play a huge role in ensuring you stay with in your budget and that your kitchen vision is realized. For this reason, is it essential that you are hiring someone who clearly understands your hopes for your remodel. From ensuring your contractor is insured to establishing a realistic and feasible budget and creating a workable timeline the right contractor can make all the difference. Finally, check out their previous work. What better way to determine if a contractor is a good fit than letting their work speak for itself? From residential, to commercial, we at Rossi construction have designed, managed and built out kitchen renovations in the Tampa Bay area of all kinds.
Let’s Get Your Kitchen Renovation Plans Underway
To learn more about how we can help you begin your kitchen or home remodel, feel free to contact us for more information about our services. If you are searching for some renovation inspiration, have a look at few of our previous projects. We look forward to working with you and turning your kitchen into one you’ll never want to leave!
Kitchen Remodeling the Right Way
Remodeling kitchens and bathrooms remain two of the most cost effective ways to increase the value of the house and get a significant boost out of your own enjoyment of your home. Kitchens and baths showcase homes, giving it the “wow” factor when it comes time to sell your house. Read on to learn more about kitchen remodeling and how to execute it correctly.
There is no way around the expense:
A well-done kitchen remodeling project will not be accomplished inexpensively. The national average expense for a minor kitchen remodeling project is roughly $19,000, while a major remodel will come in at close to $55,000. No matter choose a major remodel or minor modifications, you will want to get your priorities in order and only bend where it feels appropriate.
Know what your budget can handle:
To save on expenses, do not try to make any structural changes. This will include adding additional square footage or turning a family room into part of the kitchen. If it is at all possible, you should also try to keep appliances and doors where they started. Keeping the sink where it was originally located will help you avoid additional expenses associated with moving plumbing.
Countertops:
Most of us dream of going all out with concrete or granite countertops. If you want to keep costs down, laminate or concrete are good options that can give you a look with that “wow” factor. Laminates are refined and imitate granite and stone without the same hefty price tag. It can also resist staining, scratching and chipping.
Cabinets:
Cabinets make up at least one-third of the average total kitchen remodeling budget. Installing cabinets means you will often need new flooring too. One way to cut cabinet costs is to with standard cabinets, in preset sizes, colors and materials. If the concept of all standard cabinets bothers you, a combination of standard and custom cabinets may work best for you. A third option involves replacing just the cabinet doors and drawer fronts and replacing the existing veneer on the box structure.
If you enjoy spending time in your kitchen with your family, you will want to call Rossi Construction, Inc. at 813.436.0177 to schedule a free consultation to discuss kitchen remodeling.
The BIG question before you remodel your kitchen
How do I want to be able to use my kitchen?
How you plan to use your kitchen is a pertinent question to consider before you kick-off a kitchen remodeling project. When you are drafting rough designs or searching the internet or home improvement programs for ideas, you will without a doubt take pleasure exploring innovative options that are available.
However, the number one priority for your remodeling project needs to be kitchen functionality. To answer the question well, you need to take stock of the real way your kitchen is used. This means that if you are not a fan of cooking and you like to order-in several days a week, a high-end range is not a good investment. You do not want to make decisions on the basis of impressing relatives and friends with an ostentatious display of wealth.
On the other hand, if you like to have friends over to enjoy from scratch meals, your regular routine needs to be given plenty of consideration. If the kitchen will serve a dual purpose as a dining room, you will want to make sure the cabinet and appliance choices leave room for a comfortable dining table. Additionally, make sure any seating takes the family and some guests into account.
The Rossi Construction team will help ensure your kitchen remodeling project is tailored to your individual tastes and the needs of your family. You will receive individual attention and customized care as we work to provide you breathtaking results!
Onyx An Unusual Countertop Option
For a Tampa, FL homeowner who is tired of traditional kitchen countertop options like marble and granite, we suggest taking a look at premium onyx as a unique countertop material choice. This natural countertop choice is formed when stalagmites and stalactites drip in caves and form the strikingly dramatic stone. It should be noted that onyx also stands out because it happens to be translucent, which offers you a unique opportunity to install a backlit feature when completing your kitchen remodeling project. This stone option is available in veined pastel patterns.
If you want your kitchen to stand apart from the crowd, there is no denying the beauty of onyx!
Do Kitchens And Bathrooms Really Sell Homes?
The answer is a resounding, yes.
Whether you are thinking of sprucing up your home for personal enhancement or selling your home, these two rooms are especially important to the value of your home.
As a result, these upgrades can come with a hefty price tag and a whole lot of myths.
Smashing Myths
Myth #1: Remodeling is easy. Sorry but that isn’t always true. Renovation jobs can be very easy or tough depending on the home’s layout, age, and any preexisting issues. So, go it your kitchen and bath project with an open mind.
Myth #2: The Lowest Bid Is the Best Value. That is not necessarily true either. The lower bid could end up being costly in the end if they are major mistakes to be repaired. Sometimes the higher bid could be the better value.
Myth 3: My renovation needs to be overdone to get a higher offer from a buyer or a higher price value from an appraiser. Some renovations can be done that add value to your home with having to be expensive.
Myth 4: I can do most of the renovation myself. Sure, it’s possible, but it can be much easier, cost effective, and well-done if you use a contractor.
Before you tackle a kitchen or bath reno, consider these tips before you commit.
Do Some Research
You may not be interested in the opinions of your neighbors, but their style and the style of your community can have a place in your home renovating projects. For example, if homes in your neighborhood include granite countertops and hardwood floors in the kitchen, it is likely that buyers will be interested in seeing those features in your home if you decide to sell. Also, staple and traditional kitchens and bathrooms can add value to your home because they never lose appeal.
Everything In Moderation
It can be tempting to make expensive upgrades to your kitchen and bathroom to give your home its personal touches. A bathroom renovation can be a week long project that focuses on added new paint to cabinets and upgrading hardware, or it can turn into a multi-month project that includes a backsplash, new flooring, new cabinets, and an oven range that would rival any 4-star restaurant.
No matter your renovation needs, the idea is to get the most for your buck, and that may mean making small adjustments that matter.
Finding A Professional
The craftsmanship of the home is equally as important. You should avoid skimping on quality professionals for costly upgrades. When the craftsmanship is down right, these renovations will be well worth the money and can decrease headaches during the entire process.
I Need New Countertops!
Finding the right kind of countertop for your kitchen can be complicated and pricey! Before jumping-in and making a quick purchase on a large kitchen modification, take a moment to review the positives and negatives associated with some popular kitchen countertop materials to help you choose the right one.
Quartz:
Engineered quartz is nearly maintenance free. The material is resistant to:
- Stains.
- Impacts.
- Scratches.
Its non-porous nature also means it does not need to be sealed yearly like granite. Its list of positive features can be expanded to include that it can be purchased in a number of colors and natural patterns, both of which help it rank close to granite for popularity.
Polished Granite:
Traditional granite countertops remain the number one choice of most Tampa homeowners, because they offer a pricey look and durability. Being that it is natural, granite has variations in its pattern, a fact that adds to its charm with homeowners but pattern differences can make it a nightmare when matching slabs becomes a necessity.
The nature of granite requires that all that the countertop be sealed once a year and all stains be wiped-down quickly, particularly:
- Oil.
- Red wine.
- Acid.
- Cola.
Laminate:
Laminate countertops are a budget-friendly countertop option that is experiencing a renaissance thanks in part to its price and patterns that have the appearance of wood, stone or quartz. If you are updating a mid-century Florida home, it is worth noting that laminate countertops are also manufactured in bright colors you would not expect.
Wood:
When it is properly sealed, budget-friendly and hardworking wood is sanitary and perfect for food preparation. Unlike laminate, you do not have to worry about accidentally placing a hot lid or pan on the surface. If a cozy kitchen filled only with wood countertops does not fit your plans, keep in mind you can match the countertops with natural granite or engineered quartz for a unique look.
Stainless Steel:
If the cozy comfort of wood is not your style, stainless steel can help create an industrial and modern appearance in any kitchen. The metal will match well with an array of colors and is exceedingly easy to clean, all it takes is a soft dish cloth and some mild soap. Stainless steel can also boast that it is considered the most-hygienic countertop material option on the market.
Recycled Materials:
If you are eco-minded, you will want to consider recycled countertops. Materials used in recycled countertops include glass, paper, glass and plastic.
How do you feel about the six countertop options described? Did you find a countertop that will fit well within your planned kitchen remodeling project? If we can answer remodeling questions or help you move forward with your plans, give us a call at 813-436-0177 to schedule a free consultation.
Granite Countertop Alternatives
In Tampa kitchen remodeling, granite countertops continue to be king. If the speckled stone leaves you feeling cold, stop worrying. There are warmer alternatives. Here are some of our favorites!
Marble:
Marble is gorgeous and less expensive than granite, but the maintenance can be difficult for a Tampa family with young children.
Butcher Block:
Butcher block is less expensive than granite or marble, and it offers warmth if you opt to install neutral white cabinets. The downside is that butcher block can stain, and you will want to protect it from pots that have just left the stove. Regular scheduled oiling will help maintain the appearance and longevity of the countertops.
Engineered Stone:
If you opt for engineered stone countertops in planning your Tampa kitchen update, you will find it is made of small bits of quartz that is mixed with a binding agent and then molded. The resulting material has the appearance and durability of stone. If the look of marble is appealing but the maintenance is a deterrent, engineered stone can be a solid choice for you. Engineered stone is also a good choice for a homeowner who prefers a minimalist look, because there are option free of the veining that is found in marble.
Stainless Steel:
Homeowners in Tampa often find that stainless steel is highly durable, and it has a unique industrial feel.
Concrete:
A concrete kitchen countertop has an interesting, raw elegance that you will not find with some of the other options on the market. Concrete provides you with the feel and movement you expect to find in natural stone, but it still maintains the edge found in stainless steel.
How do you feel about these alternatives for your kitchen remodeling project? Do you still feel granite is the only option?
I’m Ready to Remodel My Kitchen!
Hurrah, you have made the decision to remodel the kitchen in your Tampa home! Now, what do you need to do to get the project kicked off? Having no idea where to begin, most homeowners will first look for new stainless steel appliances. A smaller group of homeowners will begin by building a Pinterest board filled with kitchen remodeling images. Still others will find they prefer to hire a professional to handle drafting remodeling plans and commencing the project immediately.
Once you have considered a preferred kitchen look and you are prepared to hit “go” on your kitchen remodeling project, it is time to break it all into helpful steps!
Think about what you need and want.
This step in the process is centered around how you intend to use the kitchen in your cool, updated mid-century modern St. Petersburg home. Give consideration to a potential layout and features that will work well for your family today and in the future. Try to get as many ideas as possible!
Plan, plan and plan a lot more!
If you feel you are prepared to take the plunge, you will want to begin pulling together what is referred to as a scope of work. This part of the process will also include determination of a preliminary budget. It will be quite important to remain calm if one, or both, changes during the planning stages.
Find a Tampa Bay kitchen remodeling specialist who can help.
Even if you are a DIY kind of family, you will need to consult with a Tampa residential kitchen remodeling specialist at one time or another.
Prepare a kitchen schematic.
This part in the planning will include planning for appropriate space, basic floor plans and elevations, sketches and information on cabinet dimensions. Make layout and space planning your primary concerns, even though you will want to focus on looks.
Talk to a Tampa general contractor.
A DIY kitchen remodeling project may hold a special appeal, but few people are actually prepared to handle every step on their own. Find a licensed general contractor, like Rossi Construction, who will be able to carry the project through to completion.
Be prepared to keep track of a checklist.
When construction is nearly complete, there will always be a checklist of minor items that will need to be handled before everything is officially complete. If there is a larger issue, do not be afraid to talk to your Tampa Bay general contractor!
Tips for updating your kitchen
The decision to renovate your kitchen will add comfort to your life and value to your Tampa home. Here are the some key concepts to consider when you are updating the heart of your home.
Always choose quality components
High-quality drawer slides and door hinges mean cabinets will remain closed, and silverware drawers will not stick. Keep away from drawers that are fabricated using particleboard or held together with staples. For all cabinet interiors, a wood veneer is more durable in our humid weather than laminate, particleboard or medium-density fiberboard (MDF).
Determine height of cabinets using the ceiling
If your kitchen has eight-foot ceilings, you will want to purchase cabinets that reach the ceiling. This height will offer additional storage space, allowing you to use all available wall space for open shelving or art. If your ceilings are taller than eight-feet, you will need to leave 15 – 18 inches above the cabinets.
Make the decision between paint and stain
Stained-wood cabinets will often be more forgiving for a busy Florida family, but finishes become dated and are difficult to alter quickly. Painted cabinets can provide a unique perspective on your personality.
Install an island that respects the space
Consider all potential hazards when placing a bulky cabinet in the center of the updated kitchen. Islands with an open, airy look are preferable in this region. Ideally, the island should remain free of major appliances, but if you want it to house a cooktop or a double sink, make a real effort to maintain a light appearance.
Too much detail can be a bad thing
An accent like a pediment above the stove and plaster mouldings on cabinet fronts look out of place in a modern southern kitchen. Try to keep the style of your kitchen compatible with the rest of the house.
Avoid kitchen cleaning nightmares
Natural surfaces like terra-cotta tiles, slate, brick and certain styles of marble, are more difficult to clean quickly but they hide the odd smudge. Smooth surfaces in light colors, such as white ceramic tiles, are simple for anyone to maintain, but they show every bit of dirt. And, no matter how much we love the look of stainless steel, its tendency to smudge is not a good match for Tampa families with young children.
Always purchase reliable appliances
Instead of buying a lot of kitchen appliances and gadgets, select a few reliable units. For instance, a commercial-quality stainless range provides an interesting focal point for the room and requires less space than a wall oven and range.
If you like any of the tips and concepts shared here, call Rossi Construction at 813-436-0177 for the best kitchen remodeling in Tampa.