Tag: remodel
Is it time to add a deck?
For people looking to upgrade their Tampa home this spring, there are a myriad of ways to improve its functionality year-round. Adding a fantastic looking outdoor deck is one of the most popular methods by which to improve things because a deck provides a great place to spend family time and host parties all year! There are a number of benefits associated with adding a deck:
Do you have questions about bathroom remodeling?
Do you know how long it will take to remodel a small bathroom? How much will a bathroom remodel cost? How do you choose a focal point for the room? If your answer to any of these questions happens to be resounding confusion, you are not alone.
A bathroom remodeling project has so many moving parts that unless you are a professional who works in the field every day, or a Tampa homeowner who has captained more than one remodeling project, then the details and all of the small decisions will be overwhelming. That does not mean it is difficult to educate yourself before a remodeling project.
If you will be remodeling your bathroom, it pays to have a working knowledge of what you should expect and what to devote extra thought toward. Walking in with your eyes wide open can spell the difference between a nearly pleasant remodeling experience and a waking nightmare. Take a look at the collection of tips below to develop a cheat sheet for minimizing stress associated with your Tampa bathroom remodeling project.
It pays to set a realistic budget.
Before you commit to a project, it is important to manage expectations when it comes to how much money you want to spend on the renovation. All budget calculations will need to include one fixed number in the size of the bathroom, but material quality and some do it yourself demolition labor can impact the total cost of the remodel. Creation of a budget for the bigger items will help you make decisions about the fixtures, tile and assorted extras that make it into the finished product.
Time is money, a Tampa contractor can be your friend.
Do I need to hire a contractor for a small bathroom remodeling project? If you keep in mind that the project involves plumbing, tile work, electrical and a host of additional specialties, it is advantageous to hire a contractor capable of completing the work.
How long will the remodeling project make my bathroom inaccessible?
Most people are under the impression that a small bathroom remodeling project will take no more than two weeks. This will not prove true in all cases. A remodeling timeline will depend on the total number of items being moved or changed in your bathroom.
Bonus Tip:
Never make the toilet the focal point of the bathroom.
Nearly every homeowner with a fifteen to twenty year old home, with at least one bathroom that has never before been remodeled, has a toilet that remains in sight lines when a door is open. We can all agree that the look is not aesthetically pleasing. If find yourself unsure as to what to make the focal point, aim for anything but the toilet!
The truth is, a Tampa bathroom remodeling project will always be confusing to an unprepared and inexperienced homeowner. Rossi Construction, Inc. will help from beginning to end to make the process problem-free.
Tampa Residential Remodeling Specialist Discusses Home Remodeling for Veterans
Tampa residential remodeling specialists, Rossi Construction, Inc. issued an informative announcement to veterans across Tampa on Wednesday. The topic of discussion was home improvement and modification programs offered by the VA to accommodate injured veterans as they move back home after receiving medical care.
Jason Rossi explained that there are currently three types of grants available, but discussed two of popular grants.
Rossi explained that the first type of grant available to injured veterans is a Home Improvement and Structural Alteration Grant (HISA). The HISA grant offers financial resources to disabled veterans to make modifications to their homes to improve the overall access and mobility within the house. Rossi explained that a particular focus is put on facilitating ease of use in the bathrooms. It is not a requirement that the disability be service related, or service incurred, but veterans with service incurred injuries will be eligible for up to $6,800.00 in grant funding.
Jason Rossi went on to explain that eligibility for a HISA grant requires a doctor’s diagnosis that explains the medical reasoning for needing the home modifications, as well as bids from three contractors who conduct work similar to that of Rossi Construction, Inc. for the proposed cost of the work. Appropriate paperwork can be obtained from the local VA hospital in either Tampa or St. Petersburg. It is possible that the veteran can have these home modifications completed on a home he or she does not own, as long as the homeowner has approved of the work.
Rossi explained that the second type of grant available to injured veterans is a Specially Adapted Housing Grant (SAH). The SAH grant provides financial resources to veterans for home modifications to make their house accessible to wheelchairs. He explained this grant is ONLY available to veterans with service incurred disabilities; very often the type brought about by recent deployment and improvised explosive devices. The maximum amount allowable under SAH grants is a total of close to $64,000.00.
Rossi Construction, Inc. is a general contractor located in Tampa Florida. Rossi Construction specializes in residential and commercial construction. Rossi has been building excellence by design since 1979. Rossi Construction, Inc. can be found online by visiting http://www.jrossiconstruction.com.
Tampa Residential Remodeling Specialist on Instagram
Rossi Construction, Inc. announced that the Tampa, Florida residential remodeling specialist had joined the fast growing ranks of businesses on the social media platform Instagram. The image based social media platform is Rossi Construction, Inc.’s social media account and will be used to host before and after images of all remodeling projects. There are plans to launch a Pinterest account as the Instagram followers begin to grow.
Rossi Construction, Inc. has been interacting with readers and homeowners in search of a remodeling specialist across Facebook; Twitter and Google+. As Rossi grew in presence and engagement expanded, it was time to add new accounts and Instagram was just the obvious progression. On Instagram, Rossi Construction, Inc. will share images from its residential and commercial remodeling projects, interesting new building materials available and special events around the Rossi Construction, Inc. office.
The team members from Rossi Construction, Inc. are encouraging all current clients and business partners to find the residential remodeling specialist on Instagram at http://www.instagram.com/rossiconstructiontampa. If any person is interested in receiving regular updates from Rossi Construction, Inc. they are encouraged to follow the remodeling specialists on Instagram. The Rossi team also indicated that they would love to stay in touch with any followers by following back on Instagram.
Beyond Instagram, Rossi Construction, Inc. has been keeping people up to date regarding current projects using their electronic newsletter and Facebook.
Rossi Construction, Inc. is a general contractor based in Tampa, Florida. Rossi Construction, Inc. specializes in all types of local residential and commercial construction. Rossi Construction, Inc. works in both Tampa, Florida and St. Petersburg, Florida. Rossi Construction, Inc. has been building excellence by design since 1979 and can be found online by visiting http://www.jrossiconstruction.com.
Tampa Residential Remodeling Checklist from Rossi Construction, Inc.
In a statement made to media in both Tampa and St. Petersburg, the home remodeling specialists from Rossi Construction, Inc. issued a pocket sized guide to local home owners. The guide is meant to serve as a simple checklist by which a Tampa home owner can keep his or her budget for a home remodeling project truly under control.
The guide was initially launched by Jason Rossi with a simple connect the dots “best practices” outline, moving through topics like budget for a remodeling plan and tips for saving on different fixtures.
Rossi started with the budget, believing that it is the best place to kick-off any home remodeling project. It is his belief that a sound understanding of the budget will illustrate which materials are viable and it will set boundaries regarding what the design will incorporate.
A surprising tip in the pocket guide was the concept of going “green.” The specialists from Rossi Construction, Inc. feel that green products are good for both a family and the environment they plan to call home. Green products are often more visually appealing, they function better, emit fewer chemicals and are generally healthier because of the manner in which they are produced. An eco-friendly approach to Tampa remodeling is not just about new products, it can be as simple as choosing refurbished wood for your living room floor instead of a laminate.
To stem the tide of a growing remodeling budget, it was suggested that home owners avoid moving plumbing in rooms like the kitchen. Moving a sink looks easy at first glance, but the problem lies beneath the surface and the total costs involved in big plumbing moves. Spending less cash moving a sink means there will be more money for something else later in the remodeling project.
Rossi finished by explaining a home owner should NOT underestimate the importance of good lighting in any room being remodeled. He offered the example of dim lighting in a relaxing bath, compared to bright lighting for all the early morning preparation.
Rossi Construction, Inc. is a general contractor based in Tampa, Florida. Rossi Construction, Inc. specializes in all types of local residential and commercial construction. Rossi Construction, Inc. works in both Tampa, Florida and St. Petersburg, Florida. Rossi Construction, Inc. has been building excellence by design since 1979 and can be found online by visiting http://www.jrossiconstruction.com.
Remodel My Tampa Home or Move?
Do you want to stay in your home and remodel your existing house or do you want to move to another, newer, house in Tampa? How do you make the decision? Some will tell you to leave the old house and buy something new. Others will tell you to rip it all down and start fresh in the same location, while others still will tell you to contact a Tampa general contractor about remodeling your home.
How do you make the decision to stay or go? What criteria do you use to make a sound decision to stay and do a remodel or move to a new address?
Here are a few questions to ask yourself. Your answers will help you decide whether a move is in your future.
How do you feel about the neighbors and the neighborhood?
Is the neighborhood a place you like living? Do you like your neighbors? Are the amenities in the area good? Are you happy with the local schools and their record with the state?
Is there something that is really unique and a little cool about your house?
While not every house has a significance beyond being the roof over your head, some do. Whether it is design or some other quality, a home that is special should NOT be subjected to the wrecking ball.
Does remodeling make sense for your finances?
There are a ton of factors to weigh when it comes to the question of finances. If you are remodeling, there is not only the cost of the project. There could also be additional costs, such as temporary housing while the house is in one state of work or another.
Does the house currently have good bones?
Not all houses are a good candidate for a remodel! While there are valid reasons to rebuild a historic building, a 15 year old suburban home with a bad foundation may not be the best candidate for remodeling. Accurately take this into account when assessing the best plan for the house, because you need to understand the story behind sloping floors and cracks in the foundation.
Is there one personality trait I need to practice while assessing my options?
Patience is the key! Being patient will help you identify the right place for you to start. No matter if you end up in your current home or five miles from where you live right now, it will make the end result worth the journey! Call us at 813.436.0177 to schedule an appointment during which we can start to determine the best path for you and your home!
Tampa Remodeling Tips for the Future!
Here are some home remodeling tips which can “future-proof” your Tampa home!
Never skimp on the insulation.
In our modern age, there are multiple forms of insulation, many of which are marketed to the public as “green.” These include soy-based foams, recycled newspaper and even denim. Aim for the highest thermal resistance, a bigger number will mean better insulation against the elements. Pay particular attention to all exterior walls, a crawlspace or an attic.
Blanket insulation is often the least expensive option, the drawback being that it must be trimmed to fit around pipes and fixtures. The fitting process leaves spaces susceptible to air leaks.
Loose-fill insulation made of fiberglass and cellulose can flow better around pipes and other obstructions in the dwelling. Spray-in foam can do a particularly good job and it will not settle or sag over time, though the price is significantly higher. Many are still urethane-based, but manufacturers are beginning to substitute petroleum content with soybean material.
Find formaldehyde-free options for kitchen cabinets.
Inquire whether kitchen cabinets contain added urea formaldehyde, which has been used as an adhesive in some pressed-wood products. Formaldehyde is a human carcinogen, and it is suggested by the National Cancer Institute that buyers should ask about the formaldehyde content of kitchen cabinets.
Mainstream wood-product manufacturers are adjusting their product lines, developing cabinetry boxes with no added formaldehyde.
Build a media room that is prepared for the future.
Make sure a media room is designed to meet the future of home technology. Wiring should be able to support a centrally located media distribution system that feeds internet access, films, games and music to the rest of your home. Can you control lighting, security and the thermostat from a touch screen or remotely from a cell phone or tablet?
The days of making sure you had enough outlets to run the television, video device and stereo are now in the past. Advancing home automation technology is creeping into every corner, meaning there will be a point when home appliances will efficiently notify you with a text message when the refrigerator malfunctions.
The professionals from Rossi Construction, Inc. are prepared to help you remodel your home with a better future in mind. Call 813.436.0177 to schedule a free consultation!
Tips to Finding the Best Tampa Home Remodeling Company
The problem you will come across when seeking a good home remodeling professional in Tampa is that contractors will always promise more than they can deliver when you ask them to remodel your home. When the sun, the moon and the stars are promised, Tampa contractors tend to fall short on the promises and failure is the outcome. The continued tough economic climate has many Tampa contractors taking jobs they are not skilled enough to handle. If you are trying to find the best home remodeling company, like Rossi Construction, Inc., here are some simple tips to follow:
The first option is to always find a Tampa remodeling company that is recommended by friends and family. Ask a neighbor who did their remodeling, talk to them about the speed of the project and the quality of work executed. If the project did not live up to expectations, ask where the contractor fell short in the process and where it is felt the project fell apart. If friends and family do not have recommendations, ask your colleagues for referrals.
The second option for researching for a remodeling company is to start searching online for the right contractor in your area. It will take time to sort through all of the contractors who claim to be the best remodeling company in Tampa today. Use their website to your advantage and then contact the Better Business Bureau to check rating information with the BBB.
Ask the contractor is there is an opportunity to tour a current job site. This is a good way to determine if the home remodeling company does good work. Know what to look for in their work. If you are looking for a contractor to work on a bathroom remodeling project, then you should try to inspect the bathroom work they have completed on an actual job site. Ask solid questions about how they develop designs and how closely they will work with the client before, during and after the project.
Fixes to Make a House Feel Bigger!
It isn’t inconceivable to feel trapped in your home without being underwater in your mortgage.
Now may not be the ideal time to take on a larger debt, halting your plans to move into a bigger home in the immediate future. That doesn’t mean you’re stuck in a home that makes you feel less than “at home.”
For a reasonable investment, you can make your home feel bigger without actually making any major structural changes. It can be called home renovations that make sense for your family and your budget! Maybe it should even be called “creatively thinking inside the box!”
Several solutions for families in need of space.
Make the dining room into a multi-purpose room!
With the eye of a general contractor from Rossi Construction, Inc., and your own plans for expanding your home business, a dining room can be creatively repurposed for office duties without losing its original purpose. It can simply be a door installation, the addition of custom shelves or cabinets, and possibly a recessed nook for your computer. Custom desk options even exist which can be telescoped into a full-size dining table.
A general contractor can help you develop amazing plans for a room that tends to see no more than two or three major days of service each year.
Add a half-bath to the first-floor of your home!
Adding a half-bath to your first-floor is simple if you have a crawlspace for running the new pipes. The half-bath is often a good fit for a room which will not miss the lost space, or even a coat closet that matches the requirements for local codes. Our specialists from Rossi Construction, Inc. will be able to advise homeowners regarding the best location for the half-bath.
Remove the claustrophobia from the equation!
A choppy layout of small rooms can make even a large house feel claustrophobic.
To open your floor plan on your own, you can remove doors from rooms that don’t really need them. A contractor can also advise homeowners regarding the removal of interior walls that don’t support the home or hide pipes. If neither method will work, a contractor can also devise plans which may open at least a portion of the wall for the homeowner.
Think outside the box and make your home feel bigger!
Basic Steps to Budgeting for the Perfect Tampa Kitchen Remodel!
Managing the amount you spend on a kitchen remodeling project can be easy if you follow these guidelines.
Decide what you are willing to spend, and stick to the number you established.
Setting a budget for a kitchen remodeling project and staying within it sounds simple and obvious, but it is harder than you think.
The average cost of a high-end kitchen remodel is upwards of $80,000, but there are factors which will determine whether you want to spend that much. The first is how much you are capable of spending. Review your finances to determine this number.
The second is how long you intend to stay in your home. If you are planning on selling the home within the next five years, then your kitchen renovation should be considered an improvement on a real estate investment. Only spend what you think you will be able to get back when you sell your Tampa home. If you intend on living in the home longer than five years, you will want the remodel to be focused on making your family feel comfortable in your home.
The third factor is the surrounding neighborhood. Are the homes modest? Are the homes upscale? If you put a massive kitchen in a middle-class neighborhood, you will lose cash on your investment when you sell the house. Never over-improve.
Understand how the costs will break down in the remodel.
Labor will always consume anywhere from twenty percent to thirty-five percent of your Tampa kitchen remodeling costs. Cabinets can also eat-up a big chunk of your kitchen remodel budget.
Here is how it typically breaks down:
- 35%: cabinets.
- 20%: labor.
- 20%: appliances.
- 10%: windows.
- 05%: fixtures.
- 03%: fittings.
- 07%: miscellaneous.
Maintaining a clear understanding of your budget allows you to build or remodel a kitchen that satisfies the needs of your family, while still offering a good return on your investment. Our remodeling specialists can help you nail down your “must have” modifications, making it possible for you to develop a kitchen remodeling budget. Call Rossi Construction, Inc. at 813.436.0177 to schedule an appointment for a free kitchen remodeling consultation today!
