Tag: general contractor
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.
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!
Questions to Ask Every General Contractor!
You have spent hours tearing out pages of home remodeling magazines and getting lost in plans, and finally you have chosen the look you want. You are ready to remodeling your home, perhaps turning that bathroom into a master bathroom. Just a single question remains: Who is going to be your Tampa general contractor? To assist with the selection, we have put together several questions for you to ask potential contractors and builders.
What type of projects have you completed around Tampa?
Match your job to the right builder. Some general contractors may be better at new construction, while others are superb at Tampa remodeling projects. Explore pricing options as well. A builder who concentrates on huge homes may not be the best choice for a modest Tampa remodeling project with a tight budget.
May I see examples of your completed Tampa remodeling projects?
A good general contractor will be proud of their work, and enjoy showing it to a potential client. Ask to see photos of completed projects, and choose someone whose work looks similar in style to the job you have been planning.
Are you licensed and insured?
Depending on the location, builders need to have a state issued license in addition to a local business license. They and their subcontractors also should carry a general liability, and worker’s compensation liability insurance.
How long have you been doing remodeling projects?
While longevity is not a guarantee of quality, it is an indication that the general contractor can run a job and keep clients successfully satisfied.
Who will be my primary contact on the worksite?
Know who your main point of contact will be on the jobsite. Some general contractors supervise in person; others choose to use superintendents to handle the day-to-day operations.
In your preparation for a Tampa remodeling project, do not hesitate to inform yourself regarding the qualifications of potential general contractors. The team from Rossi Construction, Inc. would love to have the opportunity to go through our portfolio and qualifications during your review and research phase. You can call us at 813.436.0177 to schedule an appointment for a consultation.
Rossi Construction, Inc. and Your Tampa Remodeling Project
How Rossi Construction, Inc. does business in and around Tampa, Florida:
What to expect from Rossi Construction, Inc.
From project inception to project completion, we anticipate any and all situations that may arise during your Tampa remodeling project. Some include logistics, noise concerns and your continued quality of life at home during the remodel. We also work with the neighborhood before construction begins, to ensure that possible concerns are brought directly to us and addressed with speed. Our skilled and professional contractors are all trained to minimize safety concerns and hazards that you and your family may be exposed to. All of our Rossi Construction, Inc. professionals will offer advice about safety precautions to take at home, to ensure that your family and pets are protected during the Tampa remodeling project.
The Rossi Construction, Inc. construction process:
From the beginning, we identify your needs, wants and vision for the Tampa remodeling project. Whether your project is big or small, requires a design, or requires an assessment regarding how easily you will be able to use your home as you age, our process is systemized and addresses each project individually.
Communication:
For your Tampa remodeling project, we begin by creating a detailed plan of action, developed by using valuable information gathered at the consultation appointment and pre-construction conference.
Your dreams, your budget:
Rossi Construction, Inc. incorporates your needs and visions into the process every step of the way. By having our team involved in the design, we can ensure the project is built as designed and within budgetary guidelines.
Our resources:
Rossi Construction, Inc. is a full service Tampa remodeling contractor who works with a dependable and talented network of contractors, designers and suppliers.
If it is time for a Tampa remodeling project, the professionals from Rossi Construction, Inc. are prepared to get a meeting for a consultation set. Call us at 813.436.0177 to get a date on the calendar!
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.
Matching a General Contractor to Your Tampa Remodeling Project
Most licensed general contractors are competent, credible, honest, hardworking and financially responsible. Yet, home improvement is a top source of consumer complaints around the nation. By asking at least two questions you will greatly reduce the chances of having a bad Tampa remodeling experience.
Are you licensed to complete Tampa remodeling projects?
Always make sure the company you are considering for your Tampa remodeling project is properly licensed. It is vital that you make them verify their license, because anyone can simply tell you that they possess the correct and valid Florida licensure. Check the expiration dates, and never hesitate to contact the issuing authority to verify if the license is in good standing.
What are the risks of having an unlicensed contractor complete my Tampa remodeling project?
Contractors without licenses generally do not have a license for a reason, which needs to be a gigantic red flag for anyone planning a Tampa remodeling project. Licensing requires passing a written test on codes, proper building practices and it carries with it specific experience requirements and additional aspects which verify that this person is competent to complete a Tampa remodeling project. A contractor who is unlicensed likely has committed a big transgression in the past.
Do you carry general liability insurance?
Make sure any company you are considering for your Tampa remodeling project carries general liability insurance. This is the insurance that protects your home from potential damage or negligence of a contractor, his employees or any sub-contractors brought in to complete a portion of the Tampa remodeling project. A policy of at least one million dollars is the standard for the industry. Much like with the licensing, make the contractor prove that there is general liability insurance by providing a copy of the insurance certificate. Be sure to verify that the policy is in full force and effect before making a decision to hire to contractor for the Tampa remodeling project.
Are there risks associated with completing a Tampa remodeling project if there is not general liability insurance?
If something goes wrong with the Tampa remodeling project you will have three potential choices; 1) pay for the damages out of your own pocket; 2) go after the contractor in court for the cost of the damages; 3) ask your own homeowners insurance policy to cover the damages.
The team from Rossi Construction, Inc. can answer both questions above in the affirmative, and provide proof of both licensure and general liability insurance. Contact us today at 813.436.0177 to schedule a consultation today!
When To Hire a Tampa General Contractor
PRLog (Press Release) – Oct. 9, 2013 – TAMPA, Fla. —
In many places around the country, temperate weather is the right time for a home remodeling project. The specialists from Rossi Construction, Inc. agree in principle that sunny days are best for a project, but contend additional concepts must be considered.
In an effort to get the word out across Tampa, Florida they issued an informational blast covering topics associated with the timing of general construction projects around a house. Rossi Construction, Inc. owner Jason Rossi stated, “Spring and summer are popular times for remodeling, but the best time to remodel will always be when your own hassle and the total expense are at a minimum.”
Specialists from Rossi Construction, Inc. explained that the key to any home remodeling project is understanding the idea of supply and demand. The battle between the two is a constant, and it is one of the main factors that determine how much is paid for materials like cement; paint and lumber. The best practice is to not simply to plan the project for when all materials are at their lowest price, but to carefully plan the remodeling project to allow for stockpiling of materials. A homeowner will also want to consider the busy time for Tampa general contractors in the equation of supply and demand, because it may be better to approach the project at a time when a contractor has an open schedule.
Rossi Construction, Inc. specialists explained that it is always a good idea to work with a Tampa general contractor when he or she has fewer projects as a focus.
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.
Smart Tampa Remodeling Projects
A soft economy has prompted homeowners to take a look at their existing footprint. Even as the housing market conditions improve in some regions, making things a little brighter, many homeowners still choose to stay put and update their current home instead of selling at lower prices.
The numbers prove it. Tampa remodeling hit a five-year in 2012, and it has carried over into the majority of 2013. In many cases, the decision to execute a Tampa remodeling project is often reflective of the times, but the Tampa remodeling trend detailed below is here to stay:
Tampa remodeling projects can create smarter kitchens!
The use of the word smarter does not mean that the kitchen will prepare your bacon and eggs, but it can mean that you are in and out of there in less time. The peak of the construction surge featured hot-button words like “granite,” “stainless steel,” “cabinet suites” and many more terms. It is not that people now want lower quality kitchens, they are just moving toward Tampa remodeling projects providing more customization. Some put cash into walk-in-pantries, while others choose to have their Tampa remodeling project cover the “guts” of parts of the kitchen. They are giving up dedicated food preparation area in favor of larger eating areas, the kinds of room that can double as a family room. They are opting for open shelving and islands that do a heavy lifting, with loads of extra storage. Kitchens are and will continue to look less like a work area and more like an extension of the living area.
If it is time to consider a smart Tampa remodeling project, call Rossi Construction, Inc. at 813.436.0177 to schedule an appointment for a consultation.
