Tag: tampa kitchen
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!
Kitchen Remodeling the Right Way
Remodeling kitchens and bathrooms remain two of the most cost effective ways to increase the value of the house and get a significant boost out of your own enjoyment of your home. Kitchens and baths showcase homes, giving it the “wow” factor when it comes time to sell your house. Read on to learn more about kitchen remodeling and how to execute it correctly.
There is no way around the expense:
A well-done kitchen remodeling project will not be accomplished inexpensively. The national average expense for a minor kitchen remodeling project is roughly $19,000, while a major remodel will come in at close to $55,000. No matter choose a major remodel or minor modifications, you will want to get your priorities in order and only bend where it feels appropriate.
Know what your budget can handle:
To save on expenses, do not try to make any structural changes. This will include adding additional square footage or turning a family room into part of the kitchen. If it is at all possible, you should also try to keep appliances and doors where they started. Keeping the sink where it was originally located will help you avoid additional expenses associated with moving plumbing.
Countertops:
Most of us dream of going all out with concrete or granite countertops. If you want to keep costs down, laminate or concrete are good options that can give you a look with that “wow” factor. Laminates are refined and imitate granite and stone without the same hefty price tag. It can also resist staining, scratching and chipping.
Cabinets:
Cabinets make up at least one-third of the average total kitchen remodeling budget. Installing cabinets means you will often need new flooring too. One way to cut cabinet costs is to with standard cabinets, in preset sizes, colors and materials. If the concept of all standard cabinets bothers you, a combination of standard and custom cabinets may work best for you. A third option involves replacing just the cabinet doors and drawer fronts and replacing the existing veneer on the box structure.
If you enjoy spending time in your kitchen with your family, you will want to call Rossi Construction, Inc. at 813.436.0177 to schedule a free consultation to discuss kitchen remodeling.
Granite Countertop Alternatives
In Tampa kitchen remodeling, granite countertops continue to be king. If the speckled stone leaves you feeling cold, stop worrying. There are warmer alternatives. Here are some of our favorites!
Marble:
Marble is gorgeous and less expensive than granite, but the maintenance can be difficult for a Tampa family with young children.
Butcher Block:
Butcher block is less expensive than granite or marble, and it offers warmth if you opt to install neutral white cabinets. The downside is that butcher block can stain, and you will want to protect it from pots that have just left the stove. Regular scheduled oiling will help maintain the appearance and longevity of the countertops.
Engineered Stone:
If you opt for engineered stone countertops in planning your Tampa kitchen update, you will find it is made of small bits of quartz that is mixed with a binding agent and then molded. The resulting material has the appearance and durability of stone. If the look of marble is appealing but the maintenance is a deterrent, engineered stone can be a solid choice for you. Engineered stone is also a good choice for a homeowner who prefers a minimalist look, because there are option free of the veining that is found in marble.
Stainless Steel:
Homeowners in Tampa often find that stainless steel is highly durable, and it has a unique industrial feel.
Concrete:
A concrete kitchen countertop has an interesting, raw elegance that you will not find with some of the other options on the market. Concrete provides you with the feel and movement you expect to find in natural stone, but it still maintains the edge found in stainless steel.
How do you feel about these alternatives for your kitchen remodeling project? Do you still feel granite is the only option?
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.
Advice for a Successful Kitchen Remodel
Many people think of remodeling a kitchen as a big hassle, but if you’re smart about it, the process can be quite fun and painless. The best general advice for a Tampa kitchen remodel is this—make a plan and then plan some more. When it comes to your home and your money, you can never think about the process too much, and even after you’ve made up your mind don’t forget to expect the unexpected! Here are just a few of the many things you’ll need to think about when planning your own kitchen remodeling project.
Be Realistic
You may have a plan for your dream kitchen but does it address the real-world needs you’ll be facing? You might think you want tons of counter space and perhaps even an island, but if you know you won’t be doing a lot of cooking, then much of that space is going to be wasted when it could have been allocated for something more useful. Conversely, if you’re remodeling on a budget and don’t want to spend lots of money on counter space but you’re also an avid cook you might regret that lack of space when all is said and done.
Measure Your Appliances
There’s nothing more heartbreaking than completing a kitchen remodel only to find that your large appliances don’t fit in the space you’ve allotted them. Before you sketch even one blueprint, always make sure you know the exact measurements for things like your stove, refrigerator, and dishwasher.
Don’t Neglect Your Lighting
Lights are a small part of a room but they make a big impact. When it comes to the kitchen, being practical is always best. Make sure you have enough fixtures to successfully illuminate the whole room. Modern fluorescent lighting is a great choice for the kitchen because it makes reading recipes and ingredient lists a breeze.
Mind Your Corners
When it comes to drawers and cabinets, corners can be a nightmare. It will take some planning, but make sure that all your doors won’t be banging into one another. This is a loud, impractical nuisance that can really scuff up a paint job if you’re not careful.
References: [1] http://www.bhg.com/kitchen/remodeling/planning/kitchen-remodeling/ [2] http://www.houselogic.com/home-advice/kitchens/tips-for-kitchen-remodeling/#.
The Value of an Outdoor Kitchen
If you enjoy spending as much of your time outdoors as you can in nice weather, you will want to consider adding to your outdoor living space. You can even design it in such a way that it is easy and convenient to cook outdoors. The price can be an inhibiting factor when considering the addition of kitchen on the patio. However, there are a number of options to save on the cost of an outdoor kitchen while improving the value of your home for a future sale.
What is the price of a basic outdoor kitchen?
It is possible to create a simple outdoor kitchen on a budget. The primary item will be a grill and you can find a model that does double duty. Besides grilling, they can come with additional burners a drawer for warming to allow you to create a complete meal. You can even add a mini refrigerator to keep foods cold and convenient. Depending on how many features you want and the preferred finish, you can keep pricing between $2,000 and $10,000 on a basic kitchen.
How much will a luxury kitchen cost?
A luxury outdoor kitchen will cost quite a bit more. It can include a:
- Sink.
- Separate stove.
- Preparation area.
- Wine cooler.
High-end outdoor kitchens will also use nicer materials for the countertop and stone flooring. For this type of kitchen, you can expect to spend between $50,000 and $100,000.
Does an outdoor kitchen add value to your home?
An outdoor kitchen can add value to your home and make it more attractive to potential buyers. The total value added will depend on where you are located and which features you decided needed to be included. An area with warm weather early in the spring and late into the fall will increase the value more than if you live in an area with prolonged winters. If the resale value is a concern, you may want to talk with a real estate expert before building your new outdoor kitchen.
If you enjoy spending time outdoors with your family, you will want to call Rossi Construction, Inc. at 813.436.0177 to schedule a free consultation to discuss outdoor kitchens.
Kitchen Remodeling Trends to Avoid
A granite countertop here, new cabinets there. Anyone who has ever undertaken a kitchen renovation project will know that these costs can add quickly. The national average cost for a high-end kitchen makeover is now priced at nearly $60,000.
Because a kitchen remodeling project is such a large investment, most homeowners hope to end with a kitchen that looks good for as long as possible. What is hot today may be out of fashion in a year, making the room look outdated before you have had much chance to enjoy it.
Even before the first sledgehammer strike, you must answer one important question: Who is this remodel for?
Is this something you are doing for yourself, for your own enjoyment? Or, do you need to update to be able to sell the house? The answers to these questions will drive design choices for the kitchen.
While no one can say which kitchen features will stand the test of time, here are seven trends you want to avoid to keep the remodel relevant for years.
- Keeping small appliances behind closed doors.
- Kitchen nooks for storing things like the phone or plastic wrap.
- Large farmhouse sinks in place of the stainless steel workhorse.
- Stink 70s and 80s era trash compactors.
- A microwave on the counter.
- A pot rack focal point.
- White or blue appliances in place of stainless.
Keep in mind these seven outdated trends are something you wish to avoid in order to keep your kitchen looking its best for years to come! If you would like a little help avoiding hot-button trend faux pas issues, call the team from Rossi Construction, Inc. at 813.436.0177 to schedule a free kitchen remodeling consultation.
