Tag: remodeling
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!
Are You Crazy? Questions to Ask Yourself Before Beginning a Kitchen Remodeling Project.
You might be crazy!
Unlike any other remodeling projects, kitchen renovation is made up of so many things. From the raw to the beautiful, from the pointless to the important, a home remodeling project can overwhelm even a determined homeowner.
On the other hand, a Tampa kitchen remodel instantly raises the value of your home, provides you with a more effective space to cook, and makes you the envy of the neighborhood. So, before beginning the rough but really rewarding project, you need to ask yourself:
- What are my desires for a remodeled kitchen? Is your kitchen a danger zone where you really do not stand a chance boiling an egg? Is the kitchen in need of a fresh face, perhaps new appliances; floors or cabinets? A need could be classified as: “I need a new refrigerator because my old one no longer runs efficiently.” Desires can be classified as: “I need a new dishwasher because my old one is bright orange.”
- Is it really worth the effort to have my kitchen remodeled? Consider the addition of a work crew to your home life over an extended period. If you can see working around the renovation project, a remodeling project is a good idea that can add value to the home.
- Do you want a kitchen renovation project that goes down to the bones, or do you want to keep it on the surface level? There is no shame in either choice.
Our specialists have years of experience remodeling kitchens in and around Tampa and are all well-versed in the intricacies of what homeowners are really looking for in the perfect kitchen. Schedule a time with a member of our team to run through the basics, and discover if you have what it takes to remodel a kitchen or if you will think the project is crazy. Call us today at 813.436.0177!
Calculating a Budget for Tampa Bathroom Remodeling Projects
Budgeting for a Tampa bathroom remodeling project can be a test of both your time and self-control. It is possible to create a spa retreat in your master bathroom, but does that mean packing a lunch for work for five years? Also, will your bathroom renovation plans cancel out other plans for additional home remodeling projects? Think of a luxury bathroom as an island, if it is set within a home that is in disrepair!
This means you need to approach the bathroom budgeting project with a realistic attitude. Before you get upset, keep in mind that there is almost nothing that is impossible to do on a budget because manufacturers offer a wide range of fixtures and finishes with which you can accomplish goals.
It is time to do your homework!
Begin by researching all of the options currently available on the bathroom remodeling market today. Flip through magazines, visit Pinterest, check local home improvement trade shows, talk to a professional and begin to build a list of everything you are not able to live without. After the wish list is built, revise that to a reality list with pricing.
Ask for the real numbers!
When you are interviewing a professional to do a Tampa bathroom remodel, make sure the number you are being given is both accurate and realistic. Be wary if any professional quotes a project at $40,000 and another claims he can complete the same job for $15,000. You need the hard numbers, something that is only accomplished when a list of materials is chosen before the actual project begins.
Live for the unexpected moments!
The one sure thing about any renovation project is that you will spend more than planned. The key is to keep all of the unexpected overages within reason. There is a fine line between splurging and making foolish mistakes with a budget. Beyond fixture changes, there is also tear-out surprises that can suddenly appear behind the walls.
If it is time to turn your reality based wish list into a Tampa bathroom remodeling project budget, call us at 813.436.0177 to schedule a free consultation. A specialist from Rossi Construction, Inc. will consult with you regarding the realities of a remodeling budget, and put you on the path toward a successful project!
Tampa Remodeling Projects – Rossi Construction, Inc. Sets the Stage for Success
Imagine spending hours tearing the pages from home magazines, weeks getting lost in Tampa remodeling plans, finally choosing the look wanted for a remodeling project and then throwing it all out the window by going with the first general contractor on the internet. No! The question remains: Who will be the right general contractor for the job? To assist with the selection of the right Tampa general contractor, Rossi Construction, Inc. has built the comprehensive list of questions to ask potential contractors and builders.
- Can you tell us a little about the Tampa remodeling projects you have completed?
Rossi Construction, Inc. suggests matching the remodeling job to the right contractor or builder. Some contractors may have a better track record with new construction, while others have the knack to give Tampa homes a facelift with a remodeling project. The specialists from Rossi Construction, Inc. explain that it is also a good idea to explore pricing options, because all projects need to be geared toward the specialty area of the participants.
- May we see examples of completed Tampa remodeling projects?
A credible general contractor will always be proud of his or her own work, and enjoy sharing completed projects with potential clients. Never be afraid to shy away from a general contractor with a style that is vastly different than a proposed remodeling project.
- May we see verification of your license and insurance?
- How long have you been remodeling houses in and around Tampa?
- Who will be the primary point of contact on the worksite?
In preparation for a Tampa remodeling project, it is vital that a homeowner does not hesitate to inform himself or herself regarding the qualification of potential general contractors. The specialists from Rossi Construction, Inc. do not hesitate to answer the questions.
Rossi Construction, Inc. is a general contractor located in Tampa Florida. Rossi Construction, Inc. specializes in residential and commercial construction. Rossi Construction, Inc. has been building excellence by design since 1979. Rossi Construction, Inc. can be found online by visiting http://www.jrossiconstruction.com.
Tampa Remodeling Thoughts and Checklist!
If the itch for a shiny kitchen has you preparing for a Tampa remodeling project, our team suggests you first prepare by creating a home renovation checklist. Do not let a hammer near your home if these steps have not been followed!
Launch a wish list for your Tampa remodeling project!
In a single column, write down all of the luxury items you want in a Tampa remodeling project. The other column must serve as a collection of necessities for the project. This will allow you to have a clear understanding of where priorities must reside, and give you the opportunity to dream of adding some of the other “wants” when the cash is available. A second bathroom may be a must, but a restaurant grade stainless steel range falls into the “it sure would be nice” category.
Determine your budget for a Tampa remodeling project before calling a general contractor.
Before you schedule a consultation with Rossi Construction, Inc., you will want to determine a base estimate of total budget you consider comfortable. This number will allow both of us to talk open and honestly about all potential plans for the Tampa remodeling project, and what can be accomplished for the investment. If you can swing it, try to build padding of roughly 10% into the budget to allow for all of the unexpected expenses that are always a part of a Tampa remodeling project.
Consult the calendar before scheduling your Tampa remodeling project.
What is your timeline for your Tampa remodeling project? If you want a bathroom added for, say, the birth of your first child, do not wait until it is less than a month before the due date. Likewise, it really is unwise to install a new roof when the rainy season is looming.
If you have completed all of these tasks, call the team from Rossi Construction, Inc. at 813.436.0177 to schedule an appointment for a consultation.
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.
Adding a Sunroom to My Tampa, Florida Home
Have you ever wondered which type of glass or screen-enclosed space connecting your house with the outdoors would suit your Tampa house the best?
A Tampa sunroom, a room which can also be called a solarium or a conservatory, is a glassed-in living space that will most often be attached to the house and accessible while inside the house. It is designed to serve as an additional living area during mild weather, but may be too hot during the heart of a Tampa summer.
Closely related to the sunroom in appearance and execution, a four-season porch, is designed to be heated and cooled. As a result, the porch can be enjoyed for the entire year.
Featuring the same basic structure and construction as a sunroom or a four-season porch, an attached greenhouse structure offers light; temperature and humidity levels that are designed for plants.
The final option has walls constructed of screen or mesh, rather than glass or another building material. This offers the advantage of fresh air without the introduction of nature into a sitting area. Like the sunroom, it is habitable when the weather is agreeable. It can make a great budgetary choice.
Deciding the optimum location for your addition is the first critical step when planning the right materials for your glass or screen enclosed sunroom. Call Rossi Construction, Inc. at 813.436.0177 for a free consultation to discuss the optimum location for an addition.
