Tag: kitchen remodeling
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!
The BIG question before you remodel your kitchen
How do I want to be able to use my kitchen?
How you plan to use your kitchen is a pertinent question to consider before you kick-off a kitchen remodeling project. When you are drafting rough designs or searching the internet or home improvement programs for ideas, you will without a doubt take pleasure exploring innovative options that are available.
However, the number one priority for your remodeling project needs to be kitchen functionality. To answer the question well, you need to take stock of the real way your kitchen is used. This means that if you are not a fan of cooking and you like to order-in several days a week, a high-end range is not a good investment. You do not want to make decisions on the basis of impressing relatives and friends with an ostentatious display of wealth.
On the other hand, if you like to have friends over to enjoy from scratch meals, your regular routine needs to be given plenty of consideration. If the kitchen will serve a dual purpose as a dining room, you will want to make sure the cabinet and appliance choices leave room for a comfortable dining table. Additionally, make sure any seating takes the family and some guests into account.
The Rossi Construction team will help ensure your kitchen remodeling project is tailored to your individual tastes and the needs of your family. You will receive individual attention and customized care as we work to provide you breathtaking results!
Onyx An Unusual Countertop Option
For a Tampa, FL homeowner who is tired of traditional kitchen countertop options like marble and granite, we suggest taking a look at premium onyx as a unique countertop material choice. This natural countertop choice is formed when stalagmites and stalactites drip in caves and form the strikingly dramatic stone. It should be noted that onyx also stands out because it happens to be translucent, which offers you a unique opportunity to install a backlit feature when completing your kitchen remodeling project. This stone option is available in veined pastel patterns.
If you want your kitchen to stand apart from the crowd, there is no denying the beauty of onyx!
Do Kitchens And Bathrooms Really Sell Homes?
The answer is a resounding, yes.
Whether you are thinking of sprucing up your home for personal enhancement or selling your home, these two rooms are especially important to the value of your home.
As a result, these upgrades can come with a hefty price tag and a whole lot of myths.
Smashing Myths
Myth #1: Remodeling is easy. Sorry but that isn’t always true. Renovation jobs can be very easy or tough depending on the home’s layout, age, and any preexisting issues. So, go it your kitchen and bath project with an open mind.
Myth #2: The Lowest Bid Is the Best Value. That is not necessarily true either. The lower bid could end up being costly in the end if they are major mistakes to be repaired. Sometimes the higher bid could be the better value.
Myth 3: My renovation needs to be overdone to get a higher offer from a buyer or a higher price value from an appraiser. Some renovations can be done that add value to your home with having to be expensive.
Myth 4: I can do most of the renovation myself. Sure, it’s possible, but it can be much easier, cost effective, and well-done if you use a contractor.
Before you tackle a kitchen or bath reno, consider these tips before you commit.
Do Some Research
You may not be interested in the opinions of your neighbors, but their style and the style of your community can have a place in your home renovating projects. For example, if homes in your neighborhood include granite countertops and hardwood floors in the kitchen, it is likely that buyers will be interested in seeing those features in your home if you decide to sell. Also, staple and traditional kitchens and bathrooms can add value to your home because they never lose appeal.
Everything In Moderation
It can be tempting to make expensive upgrades to your kitchen and bathroom to give your home its personal touches. A bathroom renovation can be a week long project that focuses on added new paint to cabinets and upgrading hardware, or it can turn into a multi-month project that includes a backsplash, new flooring, new cabinets, and an oven range that would rival any 4-star restaurant.
No matter your renovation needs, the idea is to get the most for your buck, and that may mean making small adjustments that matter.
Finding A Professional
The craftsmanship of the home is equally as important. You should avoid skimping on quality professionals for costly upgrades. When the craftsmanship is down right, these renovations will be well worth the money and can decrease headaches during the entire process.
I Need New Countertops!
Finding the right kind of countertop for your kitchen can be complicated and pricey! Before jumping-in and making a quick purchase on a large kitchen modification, take a moment to review the positives and negatives associated with some popular kitchen countertop materials to help you choose the right one.
Quartz:
Engineered quartz is nearly maintenance free. The material is resistant to:
- Stains.
- Impacts.
- Scratches.
Its non-porous nature also means it does not need to be sealed yearly like granite. Its list of positive features can be expanded to include that it can be purchased in a number of colors and natural patterns, both of which help it rank close to granite for popularity.
Polished Granite:
Traditional granite countertops remain the number one choice of most Tampa homeowners, because they offer a pricey look and durability. Being that it is natural, granite has variations in its pattern, a fact that adds to its charm with homeowners but pattern differences can make it a nightmare when matching slabs becomes a necessity.
The nature of granite requires that all that the countertop be sealed once a year and all stains be wiped-down quickly, particularly:
- Oil.
- Red wine.
- Acid.
- Cola.
Laminate:
Laminate countertops are a budget-friendly countertop option that is experiencing a renaissance thanks in part to its price and patterns that have the appearance of wood, stone or quartz. If you are updating a mid-century Florida home, it is worth noting that laminate countertops are also manufactured in bright colors you would not expect.
Wood:
When it is properly sealed, budget-friendly and hardworking wood is sanitary and perfect for food preparation. Unlike laminate, you do not have to worry about accidentally placing a hot lid or pan on the surface. If a cozy kitchen filled only with wood countertops does not fit your plans, keep in mind you can match the countertops with natural granite or engineered quartz for a unique look.
Stainless Steel:
If the cozy comfort of wood is not your style, stainless steel can help create an industrial and modern appearance in any kitchen. The metal will match well with an array of colors and is exceedingly easy to clean, all it takes is a soft dish cloth and some mild soap. Stainless steel can also boast that it is considered the most-hygienic countertop material option on the market.
Recycled Materials:
If you are eco-minded, you will want to consider recycled countertops. Materials used in recycled countertops include glass, paper, glass and plastic.
How do you feel about the six countertop options described? Did you find a countertop that will fit well within your planned kitchen remodeling project? If we can answer remodeling questions or help you move forward with your plans, give us a call at 813-436-0177 to schedule a free consultation.
Granite Countertop Alternatives
In Tampa kitchen remodeling, granite countertops continue to be king. If the speckled stone leaves you feeling cold, stop worrying. There are warmer alternatives. Here are some of our favorites!
Marble:
Marble is gorgeous and less expensive than granite, but the maintenance can be difficult for a Tampa family with young children.
Butcher Block:
Butcher block is less expensive than granite or marble, and it offers warmth if you opt to install neutral white cabinets. The downside is that butcher block can stain, and you will want to protect it from pots that have just left the stove. Regular scheduled oiling will help maintain the appearance and longevity of the countertops.
Engineered Stone:
If you opt for engineered stone countertops in planning your Tampa kitchen update, you will find it is made of small bits of quartz that is mixed with a binding agent and then molded. The resulting material has the appearance and durability of stone. If the look of marble is appealing but the maintenance is a deterrent, engineered stone can be a solid choice for you. Engineered stone is also a good choice for a homeowner who prefers a minimalist look, because there are option free of the veining that is found in marble.
Stainless Steel:
Homeowners in Tampa often find that stainless steel is highly durable, and it has a unique industrial feel.
Concrete:
A concrete kitchen countertop has an interesting, raw elegance that you will not find with some of the other options on the market. Concrete provides you with the feel and movement you expect to find in natural stone, but it still maintains the edge found in stainless steel.
How do you feel about these alternatives for your kitchen remodeling project? Do you still feel granite is the only option?
The Best Things To Change In Your House
Home and building remodeling can be an expensive endeavor, and deciding whether or not you want to go ahead with the project is the first step towards success. The four most important qualities for successful building remodeling are quality, pricing, energy efficiency, and low-maintenance. In order to plan the best project possible, try to find a building remodeling construction company that comes highly recommended in these four areas. Once you’re satisfied with your contractor, you can go ahead and make the renovations that you’ve been planning!
Here are two home remodeling tips to help you plan some quality design and construction.
1. Room Conversion.
Some of the best building remodeling jobs involve the conversion of a room to something nicer. In fact, attic-to-bedroom conversions are incredibly popular, and are considered to be one of the best values with regards to financial return. Turning a rarely used space into something both well-designed and practical will benefit your home and allow you to create something special. Whether it’s an attic, a basement, or converting an extra bedroom into that entertainment center you’ve always wanted, room conversion can be exactly what you need.
2. Kitchen Remodeling.
Sometimes your kitchen seems out of date and inconvenient, unable to keep up with the rigors of a busy household. Planning a kitchen remodeling and design change can improve one of the most important and highly trafficked rooms in your house. Studies report that almost 70% of all building remodeling projects revolve around the improvement of the kitchen area, and those findings aren’t surprising. The kitchen is crucial to day-to-day activity and family gatherings, and is often a high-traffic area that acts as a hub for the home. Updating your kitchen to provide a better space for your family is a good decision that will do wonders to improve the function of your home.
These two suggestions are relatively simple, but they will provide a baseline for where to start your renovation project. Consider whether your kitchen accomplishes all the tasks you’d like, and think about whether there’s a room in your home that you’d use more, if only it were something else. Remodeling your home is a big project, but it can also be one of the most rewarding.
Rossi Construction, Inc. Selected for Best of Brandon Award
Tampa residential remodeling specialty company, Rossi Construction, Inc. announced on Wednesday that it had been selected for the 2014 Best of Brandon Award in the Custom Home Builders category by the Brandon Award Program.
Each year, the program finds companies that they believe succeeded in achieving marketing success in the local community and their specific business category. All nominees are local companies that build the positive image tied to small business through positive service to their regular customers and local community. These companies help make the local area a better place to live, work and play.
The Brandon Award Program collected and analyzed a number of sources of information in order to find winners in each business category. The 2014 Brandon Award Program focuses specifically on the idea of quality, not quantity in the way a business accomplishes its goals. Winners are actually determined based upon internally gathered info by the Brandon Award Program and certain third parties.
About the Award Program:
The Brandon Award Program is an annual awards program honoring the achievements and accomplishments of local businesses throughout the Brandon area. Recognition is given to those companies that have shown the ability to use their best practices and implemented programs to generate competitive advantages and long-term value.
The Brandon Award Program was put in place to recognize the top local businesses in our community. The organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations and other business advertising and marketing groups. Their mission is to recognize the small business community’s contributions to the U.S. economy.
About Rossi Construction, Inc.:
Rossi Construction, Inc. is a general contractor located in the Tampa Bay area. Rossi Construction, Inc. specializes in residential and commercial construction and remodeling. Rossi Construction, Inc. has been building excellence by design in Tampa FL since 1979. Rossi Construction, Inc. can be found online by visiting http://www.jrossiconstruction.com.
Things You Will Want to Avoid When Building a New Home in Tampa
Building your dream home is an exciting undertaking, but it’s also one that requires a lot of preparation. Overlooking something in the planning process can lead to trouble as you begin the construction. Here are a few things that you’ll want to avoid when designing and building a new home here in Tampa.
1) Not Using Your Space Wisely
Space is the number one resource that a new home provides you, and not using that space wisely will only make life harder for you. Finding a balance between living and storage spaces will vary depending on what your needs are, but take time to think about where and what you want your spaces to be before you start building.
2) Misjudging Your HVAC Needs
AC and heat are the only things that will make your home bearable in the hot summer months and cold winter months. Choosing an HVAC unit that is too small for your home will leave you wanting more from it, while choosing a unit that is too big will cost you a fortune in energy bills.
3) Messing Up the Lighting
Compensating for a lack of window lighting with light fixtures will be expensive, and too much window lighting might affect your privacy. Take some time to think about how you can strike a balance between the two.
4) Misplacing Your Laundry Room
Since most people keep their clothing in the bedroom, it’s best to have a laundry room that’s nearby. Lugging heavy loads across the house will get tiresome very quickly.
5) Building Useless Rooms
If you’re a childless family, will you really be using a game room enough to warrant building one? Unused rooms are not only costly when working with Tampa construction companies but also end up being makeshift closets.
6) Misplacing Your Kitchen
Your kitchen should be near an entrance to your home but not so close that it receives too much foot traffic. To help cut down on this problem, consider placing it near the rear entrance.
7) Misplacing Your Bedroom
Unlike the kitchen, you want your bedroom to be far away from the entrances of your house. Also try to keep the master bedroom from sharing a wall with any key living areas.
8) Misplacing Your Garage
Limit the amount of mud and dirt that get tracked in your house by placing the garage away from your busiest rooms.
9) Poor Planning in General
Building a home should not be a rush job, and hurrying the process too much will cause you to make the mistakes listed here as well as others you might not have considered. Take your time so that you can enjoy the finished product.
10) Getting too much Outside Advice
While most people giving you construction advice mean well, they can become overbearing at times. You’re the one who will be living in the home, so make sure that you’re calling the shots during construction.