Tag: tampa kitchen remodel
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!
What Your Contractor Isn’t Telling You
When looking for a contractor to work on your home or business, it’s important to take your time, do your research and ask the right questions. Being in the industry for nearly two decades, we’re here to help you navigate the process.
Here are four things you should know that your contractor isn’t telling you:
You get what you pay for.
When it comes to construction, cheaper isn’t always best. You want the best quality for your home and business and your contractor wants to be able to provide you with just that. Contractors have relationships with vendors that will help save you money on big ticket items, so while the initial quote may seem high, you’ll see the difference in the work compared to others at lower price points.
I might not want to work with your tradesmen.
When you hire a contractor for a full-scale remodel or renovation, they will need to hire experts to tackle specific projects like plumbing and electric. Even though your Uncle Johnny, a licensed plumber, is a great guy – contractors have relationships with sub-contractors who they know the quality of their work, what to expect and how to best execute the task at hand. In the end, it works out in your favor.
I know how to get the job done.
While contractors won’t ask you to leave your home or business, please know it’s best if you stay out of the way and let them do their job. Even if you just want to take a peek and help where you can, it’s best to speak with the contractor as it can be considered a safety issue. Don’t worry, if you’re needed – they will reach out to you.
You should check my work history.
If you haven’t already checked out the contractor’s reviews you should. Keep in mind some people will complain about anything, but you’ll be able to get a feel for the type of business the contractor has and the quality of work based on the majority of reviews.
Also, it wouldn’t hurt to ask to visit other job sites to take a look around and see how things are. Is there trash everywhere? Are employees smoking on the job? These are things you’ll want to know before they get started at your home or business.
If you’re in the process of hiring a contractor to work on your home or business, keep these things in mind. At Rossi Construction, we’re honest, trustworthy and happy to answer any questions you may have – schedule a free consultation with our team to learn more.
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!
I’m Ready to Remodel My Kitchen!
Hurrah, you have made the decision to remodel the kitchen in your Tampa home! Now, what do you need to do to get the project kicked off? Having no idea where to begin, most homeowners will first look for new stainless steel appliances. A smaller group of homeowners will begin by building a Pinterest board filled with kitchen remodeling images. Still others will find they prefer to hire a professional to handle drafting remodeling plans and commencing the project immediately.
Once you have considered a preferred kitchen look and you are prepared to hit “go” on your kitchen remodeling project, it is time to break it all into helpful steps!
Think about what you need and want.
This step in the process is centered around how you intend to use the kitchen in your cool, updated mid-century modern St. Petersburg home. Give consideration to a potential layout and features that will work well for your family today and in the future. Try to get as many ideas as possible!
Plan, plan and plan a lot more!
If you feel you are prepared to take the plunge, you will want to begin pulling together what is referred to as a scope of work. This part of the process will also include determination of a preliminary budget. It will be quite important to remain calm if one, or both, changes during the planning stages.
Find a Tampa Bay kitchen remodeling specialist who can help.
Even if you are a DIY kind of family, you will need to consult with a Tampa residential kitchen remodeling specialist at one time or another.
Prepare a kitchen schematic.
This part in the planning will include planning for appropriate space, basic floor plans and elevations, sketches and information on cabinet dimensions. Make layout and space planning your primary concerns, even though you will want to focus on looks.
Talk to a Tampa general contractor.
A DIY kitchen remodeling project may hold a special appeal, but few people are actually prepared to handle every step on their own. Find a licensed general contractor, like Rossi Construction, who will be able to carry the project through to completion.
Be prepared to keep track of a checklist.
When construction is nearly complete, there will always be a checklist of minor items that will need to be handled before everything is officially complete. If there is a larger issue, do not be afraid to talk to your Tampa Bay general contractor!
Tips for updating your kitchen
The decision to renovate your kitchen will add comfort to your life and value to your Tampa home. Here are the some key concepts to consider when you are updating the heart of your home.
Always choose quality components
High-quality drawer slides and door hinges mean cabinets will remain closed, and silverware drawers will not stick. Keep away from drawers that are fabricated using particleboard or held together with staples. For all cabinet interiors, a wood veneer is more durable in our humid weather than laminate, particleboard or medium-density fiberboard (MDF).
Determine height of cabinets using the ceiling
If your kitchen has eight-foot ceilings, you will want to purchase cabinets that reach the ceiling. This height will offer additional storage space, allowing you to use all available wall space for open shelving or art. If your ceilings are taller than eight-feet, you will need to leave 15 – 18 inches above the cabinets.
Make the decision between paint and stain
Stained-wood cabinets will often be more forgiving for a busy Florida family, but finishes become dated and are difficult to alter quickly. Painted cabinets can provide a unique perspective on your personality.
Install an island that respects the space
Consider all potential hazards when placing a bulky cabinet in the center of the updated kitchen. Islands with an open, airy look are preferable in this region. Ideally, the island should remain free of major appliances, but if you want it to house a cooktop or a double sink, make a real effort to maintain a light appearance.
Too much detail can be a bad thing
An accent like a pediment above the stove and plaster mouldings on cabinet fronts look out of place in a modern southern kitchen. Try to keep the style of your kitchen compatible with the rest of the house.
Avoid kitchen cleaning nightmares
Natural surfaces like terra-cotta tiles, slate, brick and certain styles of marble, are more difficult to clean quickly but they hide the odd smudge. Smooth surfaces in light colors, such as white ceramic tiles, are simple for anyone to maintain, but they show every bit of dirt. And, no matter how much we love the look of stainless steel, its tendency to smudge is not a good match for Tampa families with young children.
Always purchase reliable appliances
Instead of buying a lot of kitchen appliances and gadgets, select a few reliable units. For instance, a commercial-quality stainless range provides an interesting focal point for the room and requires less space than a wall oven and range.
If you like any of the tips and concepts shared here, call Rossi Construction at 813-436-0177 for the best kitchen remodeling in Tampa.
7 Ways to Update Your Kitchen
If you’re looking to show your kitchen a little love, why not try some of these tips for giving it a new, updated look? Trends in Tampa construction have shown that you don’t have to be a carpentry whiz or make huge changes to have a big impact on the overall feel of the kitchen!
Tip #1—Double Up on Your Cabinets
Cabinet space is a valuable commodity in the kitchen, and anything you can do to maximize it will be a big improvement. If the height of your ceiling allows it, you can actually double your storage space by stacking cabinets on top of each other.
Tip #2—Don’t Underestimate Your Dish Towels
Dish towels are a very utilitarian Tampa kitchen staple, but they can also be a contributor to the look and feel of your kitchen as well. An interesting pattern or color can make a cheerful splash without being too overbearing.
Tip #3—Invest in a Wine Rack
Even if you’re not a big wine drinker, a wine rack is a great way to give your kitchen a feeling of elegance or sophistication. Plus, wine racks make great storage spaces for things like bottles, cups, and jars.
Tip #4—Keep the Lighting Tasteful
The kitchen is not the place to experiment with all sorts of wild and crazy lighting options. Keep it simple and remember that even traditional choices can still feel modern and elegant. Hanging brass lamps with pleated shades are a classic choice that provides a subdued and tasteful atmosphere.
Tip #5—Consider Open Shelving
If you’re a fan of a simple aesthetic and you’ve got lots of nice dishes you want to show off, why not go with open shelving? They’re easier to install than traditional cabinets and you’ll have quick access to anything you need in the kitchen.
Tip #6—Try Deep Drawers
If you simply don’t have a lot of space for extra cabinets and shelves, installing deeper drawers is another great storage option. Properly installed, these drawers can hold everything from plates and cups to small appliances.
Tip #7—Go Minimalist
A minimalist color scheme is one great way to give your kitchen a modern appearance. Gray with white accents is always a reliable choice, and some black in the kitchen can work as well—but keep in mind that very dark colors can make a room appear smaller than it actually is.
Take a Tampa Kitchen Remodeling Project In a Different Direction
It is not difficult to make your kitchen the stylish heart of your home with real-world ideas that are both practical, and interesting. Take a look at our Tampa kitchen remodel ideas, and see if any fit your family.
If you are a fan of traditional design techniques in your home, you may want to shake things up by swapping for an industrial look. Commercial-grade light fixtures, when matched with Italian marble and traditional cabinetry, sets a trendy tone for your Tampa kitchen remodel.
Industrial commercial-grade lighting is not the only option for deviating from standard design options in a Tampa kitchen remodeling project. Do something a little daring, by choosing to selectively display your favorite dishware. Remove cabinet doors to create a showcase for your favorite dishware. Group items by colors and shapes to build a purposeful look.
Most Tampa kitchens suffer from a lack of storage space. You need to make your Tampa kitchen remodeling plans take stock of every inch of space, and make that storage room count. Consider building drawers concealed within the toekick of each cabinet base. While the drawers are shallow, they are a great spot to store items you do not often use.
While you decide which cabinets are right for your Tampa kitchen remodeling project, you can give your existing cabinets a cheery update. Dated cabinets can get a sunny new outlook with something as simple as a fresh coat of paint. Choose a bold color to give the appearance of a Tampa kitchen remodel.
There are times a wood floor has gone past the point of a sanding and restaining, but a new floor may not be in the Tampa kitchen remodeling budget. A fresh coat of oil-based porch or deck pain is durable enough for daily wear and tear, and it will add a cozy feel to any Tampa kitchen remodeling project.
