Tag: tampa remodeling
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.
Is a Home Addition Right For Me In 2017?
“Do we opt for a home addition, or simply buy a new home?” This is a question many homeowners face. No matter the decision, both courses of action will ensure a sizeable amount of work and disruption to your daily life and can be costly.
Homeowners who opt to purchase a new home are usually looking for a fresh start, and have no qualms about leaving their current home behind. However, some homeowners are not as keen to start over with a new home and forego the home buying process for something different: Adding onto their existing home.
By opting for a home addition, a homeowner can reap many of the advantages of a new home, without sacrificing the existing home’s comforts that they have lovingly created over the years. For example, an addition will give a property a ‘new’ feel and create additional living space for a growing family; which is often the chief motivator behind the purchase of a new home, to begin with.
And, to top it off, a home addition also provides several other benefits.
Custom Designs
New home additions give some you the freedom to create the room(s) of your dreams. Because let’s face it, no matter how far you search, it’s unlikely you’ll ever find a new home that matches your specifications to a tee. When adding or renovating your home, you have the freedom to tell your contractor exactly what you want and in most cases, they can deliver on your vision.
With television channels like HGTV and social platforms like Pinterest dominating the mainstream, many homeowners are realizing that they too can have the home of their dreams and are looking to add additions and complete renovation in the coming year. In a recent study, it was found that homeowners are looking to ramp up home improvement projects next year. And, kitchens remodels continue to be the most sought after renovation.
Here are some other popular home additions and renovations for 2017:
- Guest rooms
- Finishing basements
- Updating exteriors
- In-law suite
- Converting garages
- Covered/screened outdoor living
- Bathroom additions
- Adding a second floor
- Pools
Saving You Money
Renovations can also be cost-effective in long run. Some investment specialists even say that a home addition can increase the value of a property dollar for dollar, thus recouping the entire cost of the addition and renovations when the owner finally decides to sell. But even if the market is such that an addition doesn’t completely increase a property’s value by its construction costs, it can pay for itself in several other ways.
An addition will increase the square footage of the property, adding valuable living space that has a worth all of its own. Then, there are the aesthetic properties of an addition or renovation such as adding beauty as well as function to a home.
An addition it can be just as pleasing from the outside as it is on the inside, and a skilled, custom home builder and contractor will design and create an addition that compliments the existing lines of a property so that the finished project looks cohesive and professional.
If you feel that you’ve outgrown your current home and are thinking of buying something new, perhaps it’s time to think again.
Home Remodeling Grants for Veterans
It is important for men and women who are serving or who have served in the armed services to understand that there are programs to accommodate injured veterans as they return home after undergoing medical care.
The Home Improvement and Structural Alteration Grant (HISA) offers financial resources to disabled male and female service members.
HISA allows veterans to make modifications to their residence to improve the access and mobility around the house as a whole. Focus is often made on minimizing the need for third party help in the bathroom. The grant does not require that the disability is service incurred, or service related, but all veterans with service sustained injuries will be eligible for funding of up to $6,800.
Rossi Construction, Inc. is a general contractor located in Tampa Florida. Rossi Construction specializes in residential remodels and new construction.
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!
Building a sports themed man cave
With fall now in full swing, baseball season is almost at a close, and college and pro football are now broadcast multiple days each week. This leaves a lot of men watching pregame, the game and postgame for their favorite team with their friends and family. While there are some commonalities in man caves, like a comfortable sofa; a well-stocked supply of beverages; and a pool table, the cave can be as unique as its owner. Here are a few essentials for a Florida sports themed man cave!
Men enjoy sports, and they enjoy relaxing while watching the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Enter the sports themed man cave! While the local Tampa Bay sports bar is a nice option from time to time, bringing the feel of a sports bar home is a better way to have the same atmosphere whenever you want.
Multiple mounted television screens
There is seldom just one game on that you would like to watch in a given Sunday afternoon. Make an effort to install at least two televisions with one of them being HD. This will make it possible for you to watch two games at once with only having to move your head.
Bring your favorite sports bar home
Bring your favorite Tampa Bay bar home! No matter if it is a custom shelving and a recessed refrigerator, or a full bar with a tap and specialty seating, a bar designed by Rossi Construction ensures that you will have a good time. To keep people visiting, be sure to ask us to include a sensible spot for a popcorn machine or a place for plugging in a couple of slow cookers.
The seating needs to have character
All ideal seating for a man cave has one thing in common: they are conventional places to sit comfortably. The separation point between an “okay” chair and the “ultimate” chair is character. You need seating that says something about you and works well with the room features. Perhaps you will repurpose old stadium seating or you might look at having us design a custom seating section. This is the time to show your friends you are cool!
Rossi Construction is prepared to help you learn all you need to know about adding an ultimate man cave to your Tampa home. With help from our team of professionals, the new man cave will be the selling point that turns you into the king of the block!
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.
Rossi Construction, Inc. Selected for Best of Brandon Award
Tampa residential remodeling specialty company, Rossi Construction, Inc. announced on Wednesday that it had been selected for the 2014 Best of Brandon Award in the Custom Home Builders category by the Brandon Award Program.
Each year, the program finds companies that they believe succeeded in achieving marketing success in the local community and their specific business category. All nominees are local companies that build the positive image tied to small business through positive service to their regular customers and local community. These companies help make the local area a better place to live, work and play.
The Brandon Award Program collected and analyzed a number of sources of information in order to find winners in each business category. The 2014 Brandon Award Program focuses specifically on the idea of quality, not quantity in the way a business accomplishes its goals. Winners are actually determined based upon internally gathered info by the Brandon Award Program and certain third parties.
About the Award Program:
The Brandon Award Program is an annual awards program honoring the achievements and accomplishments of local businesses throughout the Brandon area. Recognition is given to those companies that have shown the ability to use their best practices and implemented programs to generate competitive advantages and long-term value.
The Brandon Award Program was put in place to recognize the top local businesses in our community. The organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations and other business advertising and marketing groups. Their mission is to recognize the small business community’s contributions to the U.S. economy.
About Rossi Construction, Inc.:
Rossi Construction, Inc. is a general contractor located in the Tampa Bay area. Rossi Construction, Inc. specializes in residential and commercial construction and remodeling. Rossi Construction, Inc. has been building excellence by design in Tampa FL since 1979. Rossi Construction, Inc. can be found online by visiting http://www.jrossiconstruction.com.
Common Mistakes in a Bathroom Remodel
It is easy to make big mistakes in a bathroom remodel; with so many interchangeable small pieces requiring your consideration, you are liable to miss one. With some assistance from the local bathroom remodeling experts from Rossi Construction, Inc. you will be prepared to avoid the most common mistakes in bathroom remodeling. Please feel free to call us at 813.436.0177 to schedule a consultation after you have had an opportunity to review our list.
- Make an effort to avoid the “I can handle anything” contractor. It may not look like it, but a bathroom remodeling project requires a unique set of skills from a contractor. Even a modest bathroom remodel has more than 50 primary components that must be matched and installed correctly.
- Skip the eclectic look and make an effort to match fixtures and hardware. Many of you will not care that your faucet and cabinet door models do not match, but the people looking to buy your house next week will care. So here it is. This means that if you choose a faucet that is brushed nickel, it will be necessary for all components to have a brushed nickel finish.
- Never buy on price alone. How many of us do not want the best deal that we can find? The problem is, within bathroom remodeling, price can be dramatically slashed by using cheap materials and omitting components you need. Better materials honestly work better, have a longer life and give you a much better chance of avoiding costly disasters.
- Do not overpay for your new bathroom. The process of bathroom remodeling can be expensive. There are a number of expensive trades participating in the full redesign (carpentry, plumbing, electrical, tile setting) and a lot of expensive materials packed into a small room. So, you need to keep track of cash spent by keeping lines of communication open with your contractor.
