Tag: bathroom remodel
What Your Contractor Isn’t Telling You
When looking for a contractor to work on your home or business, it’s important to take your time, do your research and ask the right questions. Being in the industry for nearly two decades, we’re here to help you navigate the process.
Here are four things you should know that your contractor isn’t telling you:
You get what you pay for.
When it comes to construction, cheaper isn’t always best. You want the best quality for your home and business and your contractor wants to be able to provide you with just that. Contractors have relationships with vendors that will help save you money on big ticket items, so while the initial quote may seem high, you’ll see the difference in the work compared to others at lower price points.
I might not want to work with your tradesmen.
When you hire a contractor for a full-scale remodel or renovation, they will need to hire experts to tackle specific projects like plumbing and electric. Even though your Uncle Johnny, a licensed plumber, is a great guy – contractors have relationships with sub-contractors who they know the quality of their work, what to expect and how to best execute the task at hand. In the end, it works out in your favor.
I know how to get the job done.
While contractors won’t ask you to leave your home or business, please know it’s best if you stay out of the way and let them do their job. Even if you just want to take a peek and help where you can, it’s best to speak with the contractor as it can be considered a safety issue. Don’t worry, if you’re needed – they will reach out to you.
You should check my work history.
If you haven’t already checked out the contractor’s reviews you should. Keep in mind some people will complain about anything, but you’ll be able to get a feel for the type of business the contractor has and the quality of work based on the majority of reviews.
Also, it wouldn’t hurt to ask to visit other job sites to take a look around and see how things are. Is there trash everywhere? Are employees smoking on the job? These are things you’ll want to know before they get started at your home or business.
If you’re in the process of hiring a contractor to work on your home or business, keep these things in mind. At Rossi Construction, we’re honest, trustworthy and happy to answer any questions you may have – schedule a free consultation with our team to learn more.
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 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.
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!
The Best Things To Change In Your House
Home and building remodeling can be an expensive endeavor, and deciding whether or not you want to go ahead with the project is the first step towards success. The four most important qualities for successful building remodeling are quality, pricing, energy efficiency, and low-maintenance. In order to plan the best project possible, try to find a building remodeling construction company that comes highly recommended in these four areas. Once you’re satisfied with your contractor, you can go ahead and make the renovations that you’ve been planning!
Here are two home remodeling tips to help you plan some quality design and construction.
1. Room Conversion.
Some of the best building remodeling jobs involve the conversion of a room to something nicer. In fact, attic-to-bedroom conversions are incredibly popular, and are considered to be one of the best values with regards to financial return. Turning a rarely used space into something both well-designed and practical will benefit your home and allow you to create something special. Whether it’s an attic, a basement, or converting an extra bedroom into that entertainment center you’ve always wanted, room conversion can be exactly what you need.
2. Kitchen Remodeling.
Sometimes your kitchen seems out of date and inconvenient, unable to keep up with the rigors of a busy household. Planning a kitchen remodeling and design change can improve one of the most important and highly trafficked rooms in your house. Studies report that almost 70% of all building remodeling projects revolve around the improvement of the kitchen area, and those findings aren’t surprising. The kitchen is crucial to day-to-day activity and family gatherings, and is often a high-traffic area that acts as a hub for the home. Updating your kitchen to provide a better space for your family is a good decision that will do wonders to improve the function of your home.
These two suggestions are relatively simple, but they will provide a baseline for where to start your renovation project. Consider whether your kitchen accomplishes all the tasks you’d like, and think about whether there’s a room in your home that you’d use more, if only it were something else. Remodeling your home is a big project, but it can also be one of the most rewarding.
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”
Common Mistakes in a Bathroom Remodel
It is easy to make big mistakes in a bathroom remodel; with so many interchangeable small pieces requiring your consideration, you are liable to miss one. With some assistance from the local bathroom remodeling experts from Rossi Construction, Inc. you will be prepared to avoid the most common mistakes in bathroom remodeling. Please feel free to call us at 813.436.0177 to schedule a consultation after you have had an opportunity to review our list.
- Make an effort to avoid the “I can handle anything” contractor. It may not look like it, but a bathroom remodeling project requires a unique set of skills from a contractor. Even a modest bathroom remodel has more than 50 primary components that must be matched and installed correctly.
- Skip the eclectic look and make an effort to match fixtures and hardware. Many of you will not care that your faucet and cabinet door models do not match, but the people looking to buy your house next week will care. So here it is. This means that if you choose a faucet that is brushed nickel, it will be necessary for all components to have a brushed nickel finish.
- Never buy on price alone. How many of us do not want the best deal that we can find? The problem is, within bathroom remodeling, price can be dramatically slashed by using cheap materials and omitting components you need. Better materials honestly work better, have a longer life and give you a much better chance of avoiding costly disasters.
- Do not overpay for your new bathroom. The process of bathroom remodeling can be expensive. There are a number of expensive trades participating in the full redesign (carpentry, plumbing, electrical, tile setting) and a lot of expensive materials packed into a small room. So, you need to keep track of cash spent by keeping lines of communication open with your contractor.
Tampa Bathroom Remodeling Checklist
A bathroom remodeling project can be an exciting task. But, before making the jump to choosing the latest tile or shower design, there are some less exciting things to contemplate so your project turns out just the way you want. Because bathroom remodeling can be overwhelming, time-consuming and expensive, we prepared a checklist to make sure that your project stays on track and the remodel runs smoothly.
- Budget.
- Time.
- Work sequence.
- Hidden problems.
- Design style.
- Functionality.
- Measurements.
- Contractor.
- Plumbing fixtures.
- Cabinets and storage.
- Walls.
- Flooring.
- Lighting.
- Accessories.
- Ventilation.
- Going green.
- Final clean after the project.
A bathroom renovation project can be the project of a lifetime! If you have completed all of these tasks, call the team from Rossi Construction, Inc. at 813.436.0177 to schedule an appointment for a free bathroom remodeling consultation.