Tag: general contractor
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!
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.
