Tag: kitchen remodeling
Easy and Effective Ways to Make Your Home Energy Efficient
Making “green” decisions are important in our everyday lives in order to help create a sustainable earth.These days, technology has advanced so much that we can modify and create energy efficient homes. Now more than ever it’s important to think of our environment during the building or remodeling process.
Solar Panels
Utilizing solar panels is typically the first thing that comes to mind as an option to make your home energy efficient. While they are an investment up front, the long-term savings and benefits are worth it. Solar power systems create clean, pure energy from the sun. While it helps to have abundant sunshine to power the system, solar panels can still draw energy on cloudy days. Solar power will work during a drought or heat wave too. Solar panels save you money from day one. Not only will they reduce your monthly costs, there are also tax incentives to installing them on your home. Most importantly, the environment and our earth will benefit too. Solar power won’t pollute water resources or put strain on the world’s water supply. Overall a win-win all around!
Update Windows
Did you know heat gain and heat loss through windows accounts for nearly 30% of residential heating and cooling costs? By updating your windows,you can reduce energy loss, keep your home comfortable and save money on energy bills.Energy efficient windows are designed to prevent your heated or cooled air from escaping from your home.Look for the Energy Star logo when choosing windows and be sure to speak with us about the most efficient frame to use with your window for the most savings.
Energy Efficient Appliances
Home appliances accounts for nearly 20% of your home’s electric bill. With rates going up each year, why not choose Energy Star appliances? Energy Star appliances are certified by the U.S. Department of Energy and use 10 to 50% less energy each year than standard appliances.
Replace your refrigerator alone with an Energy Star model could prevent more than 5,000 pounds of carbon pollution over five years.Imagine if we all did this how much that would greatly help the environment?Also,don’t forget to recycle your old appliances too. By recycling, you’ll prevent thousands of pounds of carbon emissions.
At Rossi Construction, we are committed to excellence. If you’re in the process of building or remodeling your home, let our team help guide you in making energy efficient decisions for your home. From the design process through the build, we can help you help the environment while also helping you save money. Contact us today to learn more 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.
How to Choose The Best Flooring For Your Kitchen
At first thought, you may not think much of your kitchen floor. But the reality is, your kitchen is the heart of your home. The floor needs to be practical and durable while also fitting the design of your kitchen.
There are a variety of flooring options available on the market today. We’re sharing a few of our favorites:
- Stone and tile: a great choice for heavy traffic. Stone and tile are highly durable and are available in many different colors and decorative styles.This is the perfect choice if you have children and expect to entertain often.
- Wood: a classic choice. Wood floors can withstand heavy traffic and water stains. Laminate is an alternative choice that provides the same look for less money.If you’re looking to create a warm look in your kitchen, wood or laminate would be a nice choice.
- Cork: a durable and versatile material available in many different colors. While it may not be a popular choice, it’s unique qualities like being water resistant and offering reduced impact noise make it an option worth considering.
- Limestone: while it requires maintenance every year, limestone gives an old world look that some people love.
- Vinyl: If you’re on a budget, vinyl flooring is the best option. It is available in many different colors or styles and can spruce up your kitchen floor for very little money.
We always recommend our clients do some of your own research before the project begins. Check different interior design sites so you can get a feel of what you like or don’t like. We always welcome our clients to bring examples of what they are looking to achieve. Our number one goal is to make sure we design and build the kitchen of your dreams!
Kitchen remodels are one of our most popular services. We have been performing kitchen remodeling in the Tampa Bay area since 2000. Our services can take you from a basic cosmetic kitchen remodel to an extensive change in floor plans and locations of products. If you have questions or would like to get started on your kitchen remodel, give us a call 813-436-0177.
How Much Should You Spend on a Home Remodel?
There is a saying often coined on home remodeling tv shows like HGTV’s Fixer Upper– “buy the cheapest house in the best neighborhood.” The reasoning for this is simple and proven time and time again. The cheapest house in a desirable neighborhood has the largest opportunity for growth or “expansion potential”. Simply put, the remodeling investment made in homes that fall into this category tend to see the greatest ROI and resell faster when the time comes!
Maximizing Your Home’s ROI
Even if you are not on the hunt for a fixer-upper, spending the right amount on a remodel can be the difference between a highly sought-after home when on the market, and a home that is overpriced for the neighborhood. You tend to see the best return on a medium remodel project that will in turn appeal to the widest range of potential buyers in the future. You might have heard hard and fast numbers like $10,000 remodel for a bathroom and $25,000 for the kitchen. However, these numbers are meaningless if the value of the home is not taken into consideration. To account for this, the best method is to consider your remodeling budget as a percentage of the cost of your home overall.
As an example, let’s imagine you are considering your kitchen. Should you remove the countertops, cabinets, and floors and completely remodel? Is anything salvageable? What should you spend? One website uses the following as a detailed example.
“Let’s say you bought the house for $1,000,000. It has three bedrooms, two bathrooms, 1,800 square feet of living space, and a 5,000 square foot lot. A property’s value is made up of land value and building value. In your case, the split is 50/50. If you include the kitchen, living room, and laundry room, the house has a total of eight rooms. The value of each room is therefore around $62,500 ($500,000 building value divided by 8 rooms). You can consider $62,500 as the max you would ever spend doing anything to a room.” (Financial Samurai)
While this is useful information, not all rooms are equally worthy of the investment. Generally, the kitchen is the first place people look to remodel, and this is because there are costly appliances, plumbing, and materials used within this space. Further, many home buyers regard a remodeled kitchen as the #1 must-have when on the market for a home. The master and guest bathroom in addition to the master bedroom are other rooms that rank highly on the list of home buyers when deciding which house they will purchase.
It is also worth mentioning that the kitchen and bathrooms do generally cost the most to remodel and other rooms like family rooms and bedrooms can appeal widely to buyers simply with a fresh coat of paint, updated flooring, and light fixtures! Be sure to consider, as mentioned, the percentages involved in your remodel to ensure your remodeling projects best align with the value of your home.
How Rossi Construction Can Help
We have years of experience in construction, from crafting blueprints, sourcing quality materials to helping establish budgets to maximize the resell value of your home. Reach out to us today to learn more about what we can do for you and your home!
Top Kitchen Remodeling Trends of 2019
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.