Tag: contractor
Four Steps for the Perfect Fresh Coat of Paint
Staring at the same colored walls can become boring very quickly. Painting is a fast process to add a new light to a room in need. Finding the perfect color is often a difficult process, but the painting job is simple! Here’s what you need to know about painting your walls in order to adda smooth and beautiful look to your home:
Step One: Deciding Which Paint to Use
Paint comes in a variety of sheens. When picking the perfect gloss, it’s important to understand how each may affect the final product. Paints with a higher gloss often result in obvious imperfections and blemishes. By contrast,a glossy trim will add a beautiful touch to flatter your walls. Semi-gloss is a perfect choice for rooms such as kitchens and bathrooms to help ensure the walls are easy to wipe clean. Matte paints are typically used for ceilings and won’t require as many coats to cover the blemishes that may have appeared.
Step Two: Paint Preparations
After picking your new color, we recommend removing all furniture from the room before prepping the walls. Painters must be careful to cover every inch of the room before they begin the project. Drop cloths will be used to cover any remaining furniture and flooring, while painter’s tape is often used to perfect the cuts and creases of the room. Nails and other marks on the walls should be cared for before beginning the paint job, along with cleaning the walls of both dirt and dust.
Step Three: The Perfect Primer
Paint primer is designed to provide a surface that subsequent paint layers will lock onto. It is usually applied to a fresh, clean surface that has not been painted. The paint applied on top of the primer will be more durable and bright in color for a longer period of time. Primer is not only the safest route, but also allows the color coat to do its job of providing a fresh feel to a room and showing the truest color.
Step Four: Get Painting!
After what may seem like a long period of prepping for your new beginning, now comes the easiest part: painting! With a good primer, the painting job will typically need one to two coats to leave your room without any splotches. With the perfect color to compliment the beauty of your home, you are bound to be satisfied with this fresh look. To ensure color clarity and durable finishes, it is imperative to follow each step listed above.
At Rossi Construction, our team is here to provide you with the support you need to for a fresh start in your home. Our team of professional painters in St. Petersburg and Tampa Bay will make sure that your painting job is a job well-done. We are determined to paint your idea of perfection. For more information and questions, feel free to contact us: 813.436.0177
How to Budget for a Renovation
Preparing for a home construction project is a big task. There is a lot of planning from both a financial and technical standpoint. It is important to have the right team on your side to help you plan accordingly and execute everything within budget.
Before you get started trying to plan your budget, it’s important to ask yourself these questions:
- What do you want this project to accomplish?
- What details are needed to make it happen?
- What are you willing to compromise on?
- What are you willing to splurge on?
With those questions in mind, these are some important budgeting considerations we tell all our clients:
- Expect to spend at least $100 to $200 per square foot on any renovation.
- It’s easier, and potentially more affordable, to prioritize projects by room and build a budget around the cost of each individual project.
- Before you set your budget, decide how you will finance the project (cash, credit, loan, etc.)
To get an estimated idea of what your remodeling budget should be, consider the value of your home as a whole. You don’t want to spend more than 10 to 15% of your home’s value on a single room.Additionally, we always tell clients to set aside 10 to 20% of your available funds for unexpected expenses. While we try to plan for all situations, sometimes things come up in a project that is beyond our control. We’ve also found that sometimes homeowners choose to upgrade certain aspects too. We’d rather have extra funds allotted for these instances rather than being stuck and unable to complete the job.
If you’re currently planning a home remodeling project, we’re here to help. With our experience, we can guide you early in the planning process to help make decisions that will stay within your budget while still accomplishing your desired design. Reach out today and let’s discuss how we can create a plan for making your remodeling dreams a reality! Call today at 813-436-0177.
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!
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!
