Tag: tampa 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!
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!
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.
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.
Smart Tampa Remodeling Projects
A soft economy has prompted homeowners to take a look at their existing footprint. Even as the housing market conditions improve in some regions, making things a little brighter, many homeowners still choose to stay put and update their current home instead of selling at lower prices.
The numbers prove it. Tampa remodeling hit a five-year in 2012, and it has carried over into the majority of 2013. In many cases, the decision to execute a Tampa remodeling project is often reflective of the times, but the Tampa remodeling trend detailed below is here to stay:
Tampa remodeling projects can create smarter kitchens!
The use of the word smarter does not mean that the kitchen will prepare your bacon and eggs, but it can mean that you are in and out of there in less time. The peak of the construction surge featured hot-button words like “granite,” “stainless steel,” “cabinet suites” and many more terms. It is not that people now want lower quality kitchens, they are just moving toward Tampa remodeling projects providing more customization. Some put cash into walk-in-pantries, while others choose to have their Tampa remodeling project cover the “guts” of parts of the kitchen. They are giving up dedicated food preparation area in favor of larger eating areas, the kinds of room that can double as a family room. They are opting for open shelving and islands that do a heavy lifting, with loads of extra storage. Kitchens are and will continue to look less like a work area and more like an extension of the living area.
If it is time to consider a smart Tampa remodeling project, call Rossi Construction, Inc. at 813.436.0177 to schedule an appointment for a consultation.
Reasons To Hire a Tampa General Contractor
Tampa general contractors are construction management professionals who oversee the details of Tampa building projects like design, construction methods, budgeting for the project, materials, scheduling for projects and how to hire additional workers and subcontractors.
A good Tampa general contractor will be well-versed in local standards and guidelines, as well as Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements.
Reasons to hire a Tampa general contractor:
- The project involves several facets of construction, such as plumbing; electrical and carpentry.
- A Tampa general contractor will have years of remodeling and project management experience.
- A Tampa general contractor will handle all phases of construction from the initial idea to completion.
- A Tampa general contractor will be able to expediently navigate local and state codes, and explain all.
- A Tampa general contractor will be able to navigate government issues, and attain government permits.
- A Tampa general contractor will be able to find subcontractors who are capable of completing all projects.
- A Tampa general contractor will be able to manage and schedule any subcontractors working the Tampa remodeling project.
If you are searching for a Tampa general contractor to oversee the remodeling project in your Tampa home, contact the specialists from Rossi Construction, Inc. at 813.436.0177.
Is It Time For a Tampa Kitchen Remodeling Project?
A new kitchen is one of the most rewarding gifts that you can give yourself and your family. The heart of your home, the kitchen is where late-night talks, homework meetings and casual celebrations happen naturally! It is where memories are made!
Whether a Tampa kitchen remodel, or a complete reconstruction is on the agenda, your Tampa dream kitchen might not be that hard to attain.
You need to think of your Tampa kitchen as a place where you nurture both bodies and minds. So you want the kitchen to be efficient, comfortable and simply beautiful. The question is, where do you start with your Tampa kitchen remodeling project? The ideas in this article will help you make that perfect Tampa kitchen remodel a “thing.”
Assessing the needs in your Tampa kitchen remodeling project!
Before any Tampa kitchen remodel begins, you have to assess what you are looking for in a kitchen, what you can actually have and what is really best for your Tampa kitchen remodeling project. Buy a few pocket folders, and start saving photos, product catalogs and clippings that can help a professional understand your taste and needs.
Top tips include:
- Be a savvy spender.
- Nail down the essentials first.
- Look at how your family really lives.
- Do a little research to learn about the concept of the triangle.
Is a Tampa kitchen remodel better?
Perhaps your old kitchen is falling apart, and is failing to provide you the inspiration to accomplish any of the family friendly activities you have on your agenda. This does not mean that you definitely need to start from scratch, it is possible that a Tampa kitchen remodel may be a better plan for your entire family.
A Tampa kitchen remodeling project involves major changes that may take your kitchen in a whole new direction. A Tampa kitchen remodel is what you are up to if you want to change the footprint of your kitchen to add space or reshape the room for better lighting or improved flow. While your existing home’s size will affect how much you are able to change your kitchen during the Tampa kitchen remodel process, and the truth is that you will be able to make surprisingly big changes.
Keep in mind that these ideas and suggestions can help you make the perfect Tampa kitchen a reality. Call the specialists at Rossi Construction, Inc. at 813.436.0177 to put your Tampa kitchen remodeling project in motion.
Tips to Make a Small Tampa Kitchen Remodel Look Larger
A kitchen that is well-designed has minimal clutter and maximum efficiency. Whether you are redecorating or completing a total Tampa kitchen remodel, here are some fantastic ideas for small spaces. Feel free to use the information for your own Tampa kitchen remodel, and please feel free to contact Rossi Construction, Inc. with questions you may have.
Keep in mind that a mirror can be your best friend, when giving the illusion of more space during your Tampa kitchen remodel. A mirrored backsplash in a Tampa kitchen remodel gives the illusion of more space, in turn making the area flow better with the family room. The ultimate goal is to make the kitchen flow together with rooms that the family associates with comfort and joy, and a small grimy kitchen does nothing to add to happy memories.
Consider going upward with your cabinets in a small kitchen, adding to the illusion of space by stacking some of the cabinets. Allowing some cabinets to reach the ceiling, while other cabinets do not, will give the impression that the cabinet is furniture rather than a storage unit. This strategy will give your Tampa kitchen remodel new depth that you had not expected.
Talk to your general contractor about subtle ways to hide the clutter after your Tampa kitchen remodel is being completed. Your project manager will be able suggest where you can purchase homey touches that are serve a useful purpose and look good. Matching light wood designs with newly light walls, that are a part of your Tampa kitchen remodel, will make the room feel more spacious and not break the bank.
One final option you may want to consider in your Tampa kitchen remodel is the addition of open shelving in the place of upper cabinets. Open shelving will allow the changes in the Tampa kitchen remodel to appear bigger, giving the room a more open appearance.
If you would like to look into the concept of simple steps to make a small kitchen look larger, talk the specialists at Rossi Construction, Inc. about options that could be integrated into your Tampa kitchen remodel.
Tampa Kitchen Remodel Guide Created
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PRLog (Press Release) – Aug. 2, 2013 – TAMPA, Fla. —
In a bid to stop the insanity, and put homeowners on the right path for a Tampa kitchen remodel, Rossi Construction, Inc. supplied both homeowners and internet media with a simple foundation for use in a Tampa kitchen remodel.
The experts at Rossi Construction, Inc. explained that most Tampa kitchen remodel projects begin with the decision that it is time for a new kitchen. It was explained that this decision commences what is called the exploration stage, in which Tampa homeowners either search for the perfect appliances or they prepare a collection of images encompassing a dream kitchen. The exploration stage has the potential to last a year, potentially longer, before the Tampa kitchen remodel moves ahead.
After exploring all visual options for preparing the basic plan for a Tampa kitchen remodel, experts further explained that a homeowner needs to put time into the bigger plan. Pictures of dream kitchens and every appliance decision is a matter for a different date, now it is time to consider what really needs to go into the Tampa kitchen remodel. The experts explained that it is necessary for a homeowner to consider layout, any potential additions to the overall space and how big a homeowner intends for their family to be in the future.
When a homeowner as clear designs regarding what is a necessity for any Tampa kitchen remodel, a Tampa homeowner can prepare simple schematic drawings that layout the scale and scope of the kitchen. Drafting schematics allows a homeowner to determine total space, required amount of flooring material and the total expense for a Tampa kitchen remodel.
Rossi Construction, Inc. closed the framework by explaining that a Tampa homeowner should be prepared to contact a general contractor after drafting basic schematics. A general contractor will be able to take Tampa kitchen remodel plans, tweak the plans and make the Tampa kitchen remodel a reality.
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.