Tag: contracting projects
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!
Become a Carpenter for Rossi Construction, Inc.
Rossi Construction, Inc. is a fast growing construction company doing business around the Tampa Bay area. Rossi Construction, Inc. is currently hiring for the following positions in and around the greater Tampa Bay area. Please express your interest for the position by submitting your work history using our employment tab on our website.
Become a Carpenter for Rossi Construction, Inc.
A Carpenter will construct, erect, install, and repair structures and fixtures of wood, plywood, drywall and wallboard, using carpenter’s hand tools and power tools.
Job Experience Required
A Carpenter must have a minimum of 3 years in all phases of residential construction.
Knowledge Required to Successfully Execute the Job
Carpenters use a variety of tools to accurately measure, cut and join wood, drywall, fiberglass, plastic and other building materials. Depending on the particular jobs, you frame structures and walls and install cabinets, ceilings, doors, floors, fixtures, drywall, prefabricated panels and scaffolding. Many projects require the carpenter to be able to read and act on blueprints and other plan documents.
The candidate will need to be able to:
- Measure and mark cutting lines on materials, using ruler, pencil, chalk, and marking gauge;
- Follow established safety rules and regulations and maintain a safe and clean environment;
- Shape or cut materials to specified measurements, using hand tools, machines or power saw;
- Assemble and fasten materials to make framework or props, using hand tools and wood screws, nails, dowel pins or glue.
If your skills and work experience match our requirements, please express your interest for the position by submitting your work history using our employment tab on our site.
Potentially Deadly Chemicals in a Home
The combination of an economy in recovery and a lack of quality general contractors have made DIY renovations more popular than ever. While this can save you money, it introduces risks that homeowners may not be aware of. A home remodel can release toxic chemicals into the air, which in and of itself presents a very serious health hazard. A couple of common toxins are explained below.
Asbestos
Asbestos is a mineral fiber which was often used in older homes and buildings across Tampa Bay due to its ability to resist heat and its durability. It can be found in roofing and flooring materials, as well as older insulation. The danger in asbestos comes in the form of tiny fibers which enter the body by inhalation and settle in the tissue of the lungs, where they remain dormant for decades before causing disease. Mesothelioma is a cancer often linked to asbestos exposure.
If a home or other building contains asbestos, it should be removed by a professional abatement team before the remodel proceeds. This will greatly reduce the opportunity for exposure to everyone involved. If you are worried your home contains asbestos, call Rossi Construction Inc. at 813.436.0177 for a referral to a professional capable of removing the asbestos.
Lead
Any Tampa home built before 1978 will most likely contain lead, which will always be the most prevalent in older layers of paint. Lead is so dangerous because it can spread from the house into nearby soil, presenting a hazard to kids and pets. Signs of exposure will include nausea, fatigue and headaches.
Like asbestos, it is best to have lead removed by a team of experts before the remodeling project begins.
Practice Safety
It pays to be as safe as possible in a home renovation project, the house should be inspected and tested for toxic chemicals before the work commences. If any are present, they can be removed with the help of a professional and prevent deadly health problems down the line. While this will add cost to the Tampa remodel, it is worth the peace of mind.
The Right General Contractor for Me
Hiring a general contractor can be similar to adding a family member that you are not quite sure you are ready to add, except when it comes to a general contractor, you are the one who gets to do the choosing. Reviewing from a family perspective stems from the idea that you will be seeing a lot of your contractor, depending on the size of the Tampa kitchen remodeling project and the number of subcontractors involved. This means it is important to find someone you can get along with, someone who will do the job right!
In order to make a solid choice, there are some questions you need to pose to any potential general contractor, ideally you need to ask a pool of at least three to five candidates to compare and contrast their responses. This will help you ensure you that you have made a good match. After all, this is your home; you need someone who proves to be dependable and determined to see the project through to a positive end.
Is there any way you can give me a timeline?
Before you hire a general contractor, you need to ask if he is ready to provide you with a fixed start date and a completion date for the Tampa kitchen remodeling project. The proposed timeline needs to include all cleanup work as well. These dates need to be included in the formal written agreement, along with a timetable for the specific aspects of the project and a list of all materials that will be needed. It is also a good idea to address how changes will affect the timeline in the contract.
If you are not watching the project firsthand, you will want to check-in with the general contractor from time to time to see how everything is coming along.
Can you tell me a little about your remodeling routines?
Communicating with your contractor about specifics you would like to see become a part of a remodeling project can be difficult. Do you really want concrete countertops? Should you install bamboo flooring? With this many details to keep in mind, remember that you are going to have a general contractor around your house for the next several weeks. To them, your home is a workplace. Do not hesitate to ask them if they are a respectful colleague.
Understanding and expectation of a general contractor’s routine is going to be key to your own happiness. Ask if they start work at a specific time. Do they do one project at a time, or will there be multiple projects in different stages of completion? It is also good to know what they do with the leftover scrap material. Will there be piles of junk in your yard for months at a time?
Hiring a general contractor is all about finding the right fit for your family and your kitchen remodeling project. It is always better to work with someone who makes you comfortable, rather than hiring a loud mouth who intends to make the next eight weeks miserable. Call 813.436.0177 today to find out if the general contracting services from Rossi Construction, Inc. are the right match for you!
Finding the Right Tampa General Contractor
It is the Tampa general contractor you pick that will make or break a remodeling project. Finding the correct general contractor for the job will determine the quality and the expedience of the work completed, and the amount of emotional and financial stress your family will have to deal with.
To make sure you are getting the best work from a Tampa general contractor, here are a few questions to ask potential candidates!
Always listen prospective contractors answer your questions. Difficulty talking with you now means they will continue to have a difficult job communicating.
Can you provide me with an itemized bid?
Many Tampa general contractors prefer to give you one bottom-line price for your Tampa remodeling project. The only problem with a single price for your project is that it leaves you in the dark about what they intend to charge for each aspect of the job.
If you receive an itemized bid, it will show the costs for all of the elements of the job, including:
- Demolition and hauling.
- Framing and finish carpentry.
- Plumbing.
- Electrical.
- HVAC.
- Tiling and other floor installation.
- Lighting fixtures.
- Drywall installation.
The itemized bid makes it easier for you to compare the bids from each Tampa general contractor. If you need to cut project expenses, it will also provide you an easy overview of your options.
If a Tampa general contractor resist providing an itemized bid, it is most likely a gigantic red flag!
Can you tell me more about your suppliers?
Tampa general contractors are networked with specific suppliers. You can learn more about a general contractor’s reliability and level of quality by researching more with the proprietors of:
- Tampa tile shops.
- Tampa kitchen and bath showrooms.
- Lumber yards.
Always try to learn more about a general contractor’s reputation, whether he has left a trail of unhappy customers and suppliers in his wake, if he is paying his bills and whether he is someone you will want to hire. If the contractor has qualms about providing the information, think twice before hiring this remodeling firm.
How long have you been working as a general contractor in Tampa?
A Tampa general contractor who has been working successfully for at least five years has an established network of subcontractors and suppliers. He also has a reputation to uphold. That makes him the safe bet compared to a contractor who is either new or not from the immediate area.
Try to get:
- Proof of the contractor’s physical address.
- References from one or two of his earliest clients.
The Tampa general contractor you choose will either make or break your Tampa remodeling project. Choosing the right contractor for your job will determine the ultimate satisfaction you feel with your new addition or remodeled room. Contact Rossi Construction, Inc. at 813.436.0177 to set a time for a consultation with our remodeling team! We look forward to answering your questions!
Preparing to Work With a Tampa General Contractor
Remodeling or building a new Tampa home is a massive financial and emotional investment. It can also be a big investment of time if you want to be an active participant in the decision making process. Understanding what to expect before you get started will prepare you for the process. Here are some questions you need to ask anyone you are interviewing as a general contractor.
What kind of schedule should I expect?
The schedule is more than the start and end date of a Tampa remodeling project. Having a schedule that puts in place specific timelines for tasks will give you a big-picture view of the sequence and deadlines for things like tile and counters. It will also give you a benchmark, so that you will be able to easily identify if things are beginning to slip behind.
With projects like kitchens and baths, the cabinet lead time will determine the start date and sub-trades will need to be scheduled in quick succession. Do not start without a schedule that explains what dates and times workers are expected to be on site.
Will I see you every day, or should I expect someone else?
Depending on size of the general contractor you hire, the answer will range wildly. Many Tampa remodelers will use a lead carpenter system, where a staff member is responsible for managing day-to-day work on the site, and often participates in projects as well. Ask any general contractor direct questions about who will be responsible for taking care of your house, who will supervise subcontractors and who you can talk to on a daily basis if there are any questions.
How will you and I stay in touch over the course of the Tampa remodel?
With an array of electronic communication techniques at your fingertips, you have some definite ideas as to how you would like to receive updates about your project. All general contractors have specific formats they prefer to use for communication too. Make sure you both understand how you will receive information. If the contractor uses a format you do not like, you will need to compromise on a method and format that is easily accessible for all parties.
What kind of written documentation will I receive when the Tampa remodeling project is complete?
Contracts call for end-of-project paperwork, lien releases and copies of inspection reports. There may be extra information you find valuable: a list of subcontractors and contact information, operating manuals, care for the newly installed flooring and well-marked technical specifications for any installed hardware. Confirming that you will receive these things before you start will ensure that you end the project with all of the information required to enjoy the remodeled room.
If you believe hiring a general contractor is the best bet for your Tampa remodeling project, the team from Rossi Construction, Inc. is all ears. Call 813.436.0177 to schedule a consultation today!
Are You Crazy? Questions to Ask Yourself Before Beginning a Kitchen Remodeling Project.
You might be crazy!
Unlike any other remodeling projects, kitchen renovation is made up of so many things. From the raw to the beautiful, from the pointless to the important, a home remodeling project can overwhelm even a determined homeowner.
On the other hand, a Tampa kitchen remodel instantly raises the value of your home, provides you with a more effective space to cook, and makes you the envy of the neighborhood. So, before beginning the rough but really rewarding project, you need to ask yourself:
- What are my desires for a remodeled kitchen? Is your kitchen a danger zone where you really do not stand a chance boiling an egg? Is the kitchen in need of a fresh face, perhaps new appliances; floors or cabinets? A need could be classified as: “I need a new refrigerator because my old one no longer runs efficiently.” Desires can be classified as: “I need a new dishwasher because my old one is bright orange.”
- Is it really worth the effort to have my kitchen remodeled? Consider the addition of a work crew to your home life over an extended period. If you can see working around the renovation project, a remodeling project is a good idea that can add value to the home.
- Do you want a kitchen renovation project that goes down to the bones, or do you want to keep it on the surface level? There is no shame in either choice.
Our specialists have years of experience remodeling kitchens in and around Tampa and are all well-versed in the intricacies of what homeowners are really looking for in the perfect kitchen. Schedule a time with a member of our team to run through the basics, and discover if you have what it takes to remodel a kitchen or if you will think the project is crazy. Call us today at 813.436.0177!
The Right Plan for Tampa Home Remodeling!
There is no doubt that even planning a Tampa home renovation project can be time-consuming and stressful to the entire family. The process includes finding a trusted contractor, pursuing construction permits, securing money and planning for the unexpected. Here are some remodeling and renovation preparation tips from our pros at Rossi Construction, Inc. to help you get started the right way!
Plan: Know what you will need for the Tampa home renovation project.
- It is vital that you do your homework. Start with a list of preferences for items like flooring, appliances, lighting and the detail features too. Include brand names in your list of preferences. Keeping things out in the open will keep you and the Tampa general contractor on the same page about the costs and the quality of the products being used. The more detailed your list, the easier it will be for you to make the connection with a general contractor.
- Allow your ideas to hit paper by making sketches, and draw your ideas for the floor plans in the remodel. This will give your general contractor a visual to work with in his or her efforts to bring the renovation to life.
Budget: Keep a tight watch on your bank account!
- Never just make the budget a matter of what products you want a general contractor to use, you need to add the estimate for how much installation will cost. Factor this information along with miscellaneous expenses such as dining out, if construction makes your kitchen temporarily unavailable to your family. If you look at the big picture, it will lead to a realistic budget.
- If it is possible set aside and additional 10% – 15% more than you figure the Tampa remodeling project will ultimately cost.
Hiring a Team: Never be afraid to ask the right questions!
- Ask a potential general contractor what type of warranty will be offered, and what the warranty covers.
- Always ask for a copy of his or her business license.
- Determine who will be responsible for getting the permits for the job.
Rossi Construction, Inc. invites anyone interested in renovating their Tampa home to call 813.436.0177 to set a time and date for a free remodeling consultation.
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!
