Tag: bathroom remodeling
Is a General Contractor Right for the Renovation?
People often wonder if it makes sense to hire a general contractor for their Tampa home remodeling or renovation project. It depends on the nature of the project, your construction knowledge and the free time you have on your hands. First, we really need to talk about cost.
As with any service, there is a cost associated with hiring a general contractor for your home renovation project; it falls to them to pay a staff and ultimately make a profit for their company. Unlike some other service providers, all fees are clearly stated. The problem is that the fee for a general contractor is often buried in the overall price of the project, leaving people to assume that general contractors simply buy a product and resell it at a profit. That is not really the case. A general contractor is a service company, providing expertise, planning, management, advice and problem solving skills. If you have the time and the expertise, there is no reason for you to rely on the services of a trained professional. If you are honest with yourself about the commitment required, you will see that managing a large construction project takes time and expertise that you just do not have.
For the right Tampa renovation project, a good general contractor will save you money in the end. Projects will be completed much more quickly, there will be fewer mistakes made and there will be minimal need for reworking a completed segment of a project. If problems do arise during the renovation, the general contractor can work with you to value engineer cost-effective solutions. In addition, the general contractor will also manage subcontractors to ensure that the work produced is of the highest possible quality. It all saves you money maintenance down the road.
The bigger and more complex a Tampa remodeling project is, the more likely you are to benefit from the skills and training of a general contractor.
If you are not able to commit the time, and will not be able to be on site when work is being done, then it is in your best interest to find a general contractor to manage your renovation project. Schedule a free consultation with an expert in project management from Rossi Construction, Inc. by calling 813.436.0177.
Avoiding Delays in Tampa Remodeling Projects!
There is a lot to think about, select and organize on a Tampa remodeling project, whether it is a single room or a whole-house remodeling plan. Small remodeling projects often have the same list of tasks as larger projects, and the same potential for material selection and delivery to throw your schedule for a loop. Anything can go wrong during a Tampa remodeling project, but some parts will cause more difficulty than others.
Here are a couple of areas you should keep an extra close eye on as you plan any Tampa remodeling project for your home.
Cabinets:
Cabinets affect a wide range of tradespeople who are lined-up to work directly after their installation during your Tampa remodeling project. Flooring, tile and countertop installation are all linked to the casework in both baths and kitchens. Ordering cabinets requires multiple layers of design and selection, including decisions about room layout; door function; wood and paint; and molding choices. A field measure will also be a must.
Expect a floor plan and drawings showing how cabinets will look straight-on, with complete measurements and notes. You will need to approve these before production can begin.
Best Practice:
Narrow the number of wood choices and general style of the cabinets early, so the biggest decisions are out of the way early. Knowing the lead time from the cabinet shop is also critical, and it will not hurt to add an extra cushion to that to make sure your cabinets arrive on time.
Tile:
When you make tile selections, you will have to consider more than just how it looks after the Tampa remodeling project is complete. You also need to make sure the tile you select has all of the pieces necessary for installation, a question an architect or a tile setter will be able to answer. Still, there are times that the tile will arrive with all of the appropriate pieces but it is still not quite right due to color differences from the sample. The dimensions and colors may not be quite what you saw in the showroom, particularly if you have chosen a natural stone or slate. It is important to understand that even factory-made tile can vary from one batch to another.
Best Practice:
Ask for a sample from the local tile supplier’s warehouse to ensure that the stock delivered is what you really want for your Tampa remodeling project.
Taking care to correctly measure, allow for extra time in a cabinet order and verify color tile all can help prevent snags from occurring in your Tampa remodeling project. The team from Rossi Construction, Inc. can also provide additional tips and tricks that you should always take into account, and would be glad to do as such in a private consultation at your home. You can schedule an appointment by calling our office at 813.436.0177!
Developing a Plan for a Tampa Remodeling Project
Are you looking to breathe new life into an old or poorly functioning kitchen? Wait a minute! Before contacting a Tampa remodeling professional, you will need to do a little researching and soul-searching first.
Planning is the first phase of any remodeling, and sometimes it is the phase that is ignored. The more pre-planning you can do, the more chance there is for your Tampa remodeling project to be a success.
Start to plan by creating a stylebook.
If you are even thinking about a Tampa remodeling project, odds are good that you have been perusing multiple design magazines and watching home improvement shows. Both are great ways to jumpstart the creative spark, but to get the most out of the casual surfing, you will need to do more than turn the pages of a design magazine.
While looking through the magazines, find photos of room remodeling projects that appeal to you and write what you like about the project on the back of the photo or in the margin. Then place the image into a clear protector and insert it into a three-ring binder to create your Tampa remodeling stylebook.
The internet is another great source to remodeling inspiration. If you see room design that interests you, try to find if the photos of the room are available for download. Simply print the pictures and add them to your Tampa remodeling project stylebook. As the book grows, a clear image of your desired style will begin to merge, a fact that is helpful to you and a Tampa remodeling professional.
Define the goals for your Tampa remodeling project.
There is obviously a reason you want to remodel your Tampa home. What is that reason? Perhaps you want a family room that will help with resale in a few years. Maybe you need a kitchen that is built for entertaining or a kitchen that allows several family members to cook at one time. This is the time to make notes, assessing your needs and wants for the remodeling space, then distill the notes into a one or two sentence goal that applies just to your family.
Have realistic expectations for your Tampa remodeling project.
Above all else, make sure that you have reasonable expectations when it comes to your remodeling project. Talk to people who have been through the process before. The project is going to take a certain amount of time, there will be mess and there will definitely be stress. Understanding this from the beginning allows you to smash rose colored glasses, keeping some fun in the project.
If you have had time to develop your vision for your Tampa remodeling project, and feel prepared to speak with a remodeling professional, call the team from Rossi Construction, Inc. to set an appointment for a free consultation. Our office can be reached by calling 813.436.0177.
Rossi Construction, Inc. Offering General Remodeling Checklist
Rossi Construction, Inc. is an experienced trustworthy full-service Tampa remodeling firm helping a wide variety of clients in the Tampa, Florida area. We create beautiful home additions, remodeled Tampa kitchens and remodeled baths, consistently and professionally adding substantial value to your homes through home remodeling projects.
Having trouble deciding? Not quite sure where to begin with your Tampa remodeling project?
When a homeowner is considering a Tampa remodeling project, the extent of the remodeling work involved is not often apparent. In some cases, it is difficult to know where to begin the work; in other situations, it may seem like it is impossible for a homeowner to decide which project is the right project. Rossi Construction, Inc. is here to help!
Below is a partial list of the Tampa remodeling services we offer. In a remodeling project, most of these services are performed in some capacity. Please review the list of services, and contact us at 813.436.0177 to schedule a consultation to discuss your unique needs. If you do not see a desired Tampa remodeling service, please ask us about it.
Exterior doors and windows
- Install high quality replacement windows.
- Repair rotten wood around windows and doors.
Carpentry and hardware
- Repair or replace doors.
- Repair or replace rotting exterior wood or interior wood.
- Replace, design and install crown molding; chair rails and baseboards.
Masonry
- Block and brick work.
- Interior tile for kitchens and baths.
Electrical work
- Install under-cabinet lights.
- Install or replace light fixtures and chandeliers.
- Pre-wire new media rooms for installation of electronic components.
Flooring
- Supply and install tile and hardwood floors.
Interior design
- Space planning.
- Recommend color and finish selections.
- Closet design consultation and construction.
Tampa Home Remodeling – Avoiding Conventional Wisdom
PRLog (Press Release) – Oct. 10, 2013 – TAMPA, Fla. — Conventional wisdom in home remodeling is often too much convention and not enough wisdom. The home remodeling specialists at Rossi Construction, Inc. explain that each year, someone publishes a conventional guide to Tampa remodeling projects. The list is always composed of the best and/or worst return on your remodeling investment (ROI). Remodel a Tampa bathroom. Replace siding. Do not add a swimming pool. Appeal to the masses. All of it is tried and true advice, the kind one expects from a parent, but the specialists from Rossi Construction, Inc. explain that Tampa remodeling projects should be about livability before there is ever discussion of return on investment (ROI).
The specialists from Rossi Construction, Inc. passionately support the concept that a better quality of life must be first, ROI needs to be considered a bonus and not the primary goal.
In their challenge against conventional thinking, Rossi Construction, Inc. explained that a family must determine if a project makes sense for their lifestyle. Cost effective examples for improving livability include;
- Forgoing some kitchen cabinets in exchange for a walk-in pantry.
- Adding an interesting spa-like shower that meets ADA guidelines.
- Spending more time planning the Tampa remodeling project, and less time fixing the project.
- Spending money on the best products and materials that fit a budget, rather than buying things outside of your means. This includes concepts like temporarily choosing to go with a countertop that is not granite, instead choosing a more affordable option.
The professionals from Rossi Construction, Inc. understand that most of these ideas will never make it to a list of “best return on investment for Tampa remodeling projects,” but the ideas will allow real people to save real cash.
Rossi Construction, Inc. is a general contractor located in Tampa Florida. Rossi Construction, Inc. specializes in residential and commercial construction. Rossi Construction, Inc. has been building excellence by design since 1979. Rossi Construction, Inc. can be found online by visiting http://www.jrossiconstruction.com.
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Is It The Right Time For a Tampa Remodeling Project?
In many places around the country, temperate weather is the right time for remodeling. It is true that sunny days and warm weather are beneficial when it comes to working outside, but there is more to consider when planning Tampa remodeling projects than the temperature. In many cases, knowing when to remodel is likely to save you money as well as time during your Tampa remodeling project; while spring and summer may be the most popular seasons for home improvement, the best time to remodel is when your hassle and budget will be at a minimum.
Know when it is the right time for a Tampa remodeling project: Understanding supply and demand.
The battle between supply and demand is a constant, and is one of the main factors in how much we all pay for all of our favorite things. Just as Christmas candy is a steal on December 26th, the price of materials like cement; paint and lumber fluctuates depending on the time of the year and the demand for specific materials. The best time for your Tampa remodeling project is not always when the prices of materials is lowest, but by carefully planning your Tampa remodeling project well in advance, you may be able to acquire the materials when they are cheapest and simply store them until it is time for your Tampa remodeling project. Another factor to consider in the supply and demand chain is the busy season for contractors, because it may be better to discuss approaching your project at a time when our schedule is open.
Contractors’ can better handle your Tampa remodeling projects when their schedules are clear.
Have you ever been to a counter service restaurant during the lunch rush? Perhaps you sat through the dreaded traffic returning to Tampa in the evening? If so, you are aware that there are certain times during the day when things seem to work better. Knowing when to conduct your Tampa remodeling project is not about the total cost of materials, but also availability of a qualified Tampa general contractor. Your Tampa general contractor is more likely to do a better job when he is handling fewer Tampa remodeling projects, particularly when he has far fewer similar Tampa remodeling projects on his mind. Additionally, when every Tampa general contractor is putting in orders for kitchen cabinets, there is a greater chance for delays or aggravation.
If you have a Tampa remodeling project in mind, give the specialists at Rossi Construction, Inc. to discuss the right time for your Tampa remodeling project! We can be reached at 813.436.0177.
Adding a Half Bath
Adding a half bath to a home is a common request that we get. Many homeowners want to increase the value of their houses, but what most people really want is a bathroom that is convenient for their guests to use while never compromising on privacy. Who really wants friends and extended family to see dirty laundry, prescription bottles and preferred shampoo?
Depending on the layout of your house, there are several ways to add a half bath by carving some space from your existing floor plan. You can consider a bathroom tucked beneath an existing stairway, a bathroom carved from the garage or a bathroom nestled into an attic dormer. Other options include splitting a large bathroom into a smaller half bath and a smaller full bath, or repurposing an oversize storage closet and turning it into a half bath.
No matter where you put your half bath addition, there are a few factors you should keep in mind as you plan this renovation project.
Dimensions
Keep in mind that a half bath does not need to be large. You will have enough space for the renovation if you can find spot in your house that is about three to four feet wide, and roughly six feet long. A space that is any smaller will be uncomfortable for people to access.
Keep it Functional
Your half bath must contain, at a minimum, a toilet; a sing and a mirror. Having an under-sink cabinet is nice, but it can be cut if space is tight.
Keep it Close to the Plumbing
A have bath needs running water as well as drainage and ventilation. To keep the budget low, try to locate your new half bath as close to the existing water supply and sewage connections as is possible.
If it is time to assess the space available in your home for a half bath, call Rossi Construction, Inc. at 813.436.0177 to schedule a consultation.
Develop A Tampa Bathroom Remodeling Plan!
Tampa bathroom remodeling is an adventure in both style and design. Give your bathroom a fresh appearance, and increase your home’s value in the process!
Develop a plan that allows you to relocate fixtures during a Tampa bathroom remodeling project.
The first tip before your Tampa bathroom remodeling project begins is to develop a plan. Use the current design as the basis for Tampa bathroom remodeling changes. Perhaps you have wanted a specific change in the location of a toilet or bathtub. If you have hesitated because it would require relocating plumbing or fixtures, a plumbing contractor can make changes easily. Include the idea in your Tampa bathroom remodeling plan and share all of your ideas with your contracting professional.
Never just buy for your Tampa bathroom remodeling project without shopping first!
Any bathtub, vanity, sink or toilet that you can buy today is designed for style as well as convention and use. Take the time to review varieties before you buy, and ask for advice from the contractor who will be working on your Tampa bathroom remodeling project. He will be able to give you advice regarding best style choices, and the best manufacturing companies. This is one area in which your desires definitely need to mesh with what the contractor tells you will work for your bathroom.
Consider adding a few new safety features during your Tampa bathroom remodeling project!
It definitely is in your best interest to make choices for a Tampa bathroom remodeling project that will make you happy on a physical level, but you may want to consider the addition of “peace of mind” features. By mentioning this concept, we mean that you may want to add a simple safety bar to a bathtub or add a shower that can easily be accessed by someone in a wheelchair.
If it is time to remodel your Tampa bathroom, contact Rossi Construction, Inc. by calling us at 813.436.0177!
Make It Feel Like A Completed Tampa Bathroom Remodeling Project
Between twenty and sixty minutes of each day are spent in your bathroom, meaning that you should not skimp on its function or style. You can make your bathrooms comfortable and easier to clean with just a few inexpensive Tampa bathroom remodeling ideas. Amazing bath transformations can be made on a small budget.
If a full Tampa bathroom remodeling project is not in the budget, there are a few simple steps that you can take to make it appear that a Tampa bathroom remodel was executed.
Deep clean all surfaces to give the appearance of a completed Tampa bathroom remodeling project.
Your bathroom looks better when all of the surfaces and fixtures have been given a thorough cleaning.
- Dust the ceilings and exhaust fan.
- Scrub all surfaces, including crevices and grout.
- Dismantle the fixtures and wash all light fixture globes.
Replace fixtures, like the showerhead and faucets, to give the appearance of a recently completed Tampa bathroom remodeling project.
A fancy showerhead adds a pampering touch to your bathroom, giving guests the idea that a full-scale Tampa bathroom remodeling project is in the works. Newer budget-friendly fixtures feature pulsating sprays, adjustable features and rainfall-style heads.
The project will not require a general contractor, because all you need to do is unscrew the old fixture using a wrench or a set of pliers. Then you simply screw on the new showerhead, but consider using a rag or a towel as a wrap to prevent scuffing. A shiny new showerhead makes you feel like that Tampa bathroom remodeling project is more than just a dream.
Installing a new vanity may feel like a difficult project, but it will definitely make you feel like that Tampa bathroom remodeling project changed your daily life.
Even a new homeowner can remove a dated vanity and sink to replace it with a new model, the kind you might see in a Tampa bathroom remodeling project. Your local box store carries many all-in-one bath vanity units, and most are designed for easy installation.
Tips To Make Tampa Remodeling Projects Run Smoothly
No matter if you work with a Tampa general contractor or act as one on your own Tampa remodeling project, a discussion with a general contractor can give you a different perspective into remodeling projects around your home.
The specialists from Rossi Construction, Inc. have learned a lot managing projects, and some of these lessons will help Tampa homeowners too. Decisions you make are just as important as the decisions that you want to avoid, and your gut as a homeowner can negatively affect a home remodeling project.
How can you know if you are helping or hurting your Tampa remodeling project? Read our tips to find out how to judge the impact you are having on your own home improvement project, and see if there is anything that you can do to simplify your home improvement project.
Delay will be deadly for your project:
If you are ready for a Tampa kitchen remodeling project, and want it to go well, the best thing to do is get all of the decisions made before work starts. A good Tampa general contractor will be able to walk you through any and all potential problems that can arise, but situations are not what will typically cause delays on any remodeling project. Most of the issues are related to decisions about things like paint, trim and fixture selection.
Avoid buying your own materials for the remodeling project:
Buying your own materials seems like the easy way to save money, because you have heard that a builder will buy at a reduced price and pass along extra cost to you. This can be true, but a builder will typically be able to buy the building supplies at a better price than the lowest price you can find. This means that even if there is a markup, you will end up paying the same price if not less.
If you want the remodeling project to go faster, keep distractions to a minimum:
While many Tampa general contractors will try to accommodate your family and work around both your pets and children, but you should try to avoid this. It is not safe to have your kids and dogs around any type of construction.
These are just a few potential landmines that a Tampa general contractor can help you avoid. Always feel free to contact us at Rossi Construction, Inc. to discuss your Tampa remodeling plans.