4 Tips to Help you Choose the Right Construction Company

For homeowners in Tampa Bay and Lutz, hiring the right construction company for a house renovation can make or break the result. There are many factors to consider when it comes to selecting a team to handle your remodeling.

1. Pay Attention to Specialization

If your goal is a bathroom remodel, hiring a construction company that specializes in industrial projects might not be the best idea. While these professionals understand the basics of building in Lutz and Tampa Bay, they might not have the capabilities to handle designing or more detailed work. Instead, it is better to go with a home improvement specialist.

A construction company that handles both the designing and building or renovation work ensures you will have one point of contact throughout the project. Communication is more accessible, costs are lower, and the remodeler handles all the liability, lowering the risk for the homeowner.

2. Hire an Experience Construction Company

If you want your project executed smoothly, hire an experienced contractor in Lutz. Whether you want a new bathroom, a fresh looking kitchen, or a whole house renovation, it is essential that the people carrying out the project understand what they are doing. Hiring builders who have worked on similar projects guarantees they know what they are doing. If any problems occur, there is a good chance these contractors have seen related issues and know what to do.

3. Reviews from Other Residents of Lutz

Word of mouth is a great way to learn more about a construction company you want to hire in Tampa Bay. Friends and family offer honest reviews and comments about their experience with a business. In addition, many home improvement specialists have reviews and testimonials on various websites, including their own. These comments can help you decide which team of professionals will be the best choice for your project.

4. Pick a Licensed Tampa Bay Business

While experience is essential, licensing and insurance also matter too. No matter how skilled a home improvement specialist is, without the proper certifications, any liability falls on you. Unlicensed contractors often charge less, as they do not pay licensing fees. A lower price appeals to Lutz and Tampa Bay homeowners, but the cons outweigh the pros when it comes to a lack of licensing. If anything happens to your house or the workers involved, the responsibility is on the owner of the house. Damages raise the cost even higher than what you would have paid with an insured contractor.

Choose Greaves Construction in Tampa Bay

For renovations in Tampa Bay and Lutz, turn to Greaves. This construction company has been handing home improvement projects for 30 years. They specialize in bathroom and kitchen remodeling, whole house renovations and one and two-story additions. At Greaves, they understand the importance of picking a contractor you are comfortable with. Their experience gives them an opportunity to see many different designs and styles in order to learn what will work best for you. For a home that makes you proud, visit them online or call them at (813) 985-2739.

 

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Hurricane Fabric vs. Hurricane Shutters

Residents of Tampa Bay know that when tropical storms hit, they hit hard. Preventative measures like hurricane fabric or hurricane shutters are the best way to keep your home safe, but what is the best option?

Hurricane Fabric

Many people in Tampa Bay are turning to the protection of hurricane fabric. Hurricane fabric is made from a durable material that absorbs the impact of and stops large projectiles carried in the winds of a severe tropical storm. In addition, this durable material reduces category five-strength winds when installed on open spaces such as lanais and porches. These panels have many uses around a home and are easy to deploy as needed. In addition, panels are crafted specifically for your house, meaning they fit perfectly.

Hurricane fabric uses anchors and clips to secure the panels to walls, providing a snug and secure fit. Also, when you hire a company like West Shore Construction to handle the installation, you can rest assured knowing that the panels will conform to Florida building codes and have insurance approval as storm protection.

Hurricane Shutters

Hurricane shutters are also an excellent option to protect your house. While this option is somewhat customizable, there are often standard shapes and sizes that fit most windows. Once installed, hurricane shutters stay up on your house year-round as decorative and functional blinds. Hurricane shutters come in two standard styles, Colonial and Bahama style, and both are an excellent fit for homes in Tampa Bay.

Colonial Style Shutters

The Colonial style provides a charming and classic look for the exterior of your house, especially if the building has brick siding. No matter what your siding materials are, though, the Colonial style is an excellent choice. These blinds mount to the outside of windows and hinge inwards, providing an unobstructed view of the outdoors. They close and secure easily as well, giving you one less thing to worry about during storm season.

Bahama Style Shutters

For homes in Tampa Bay, Bahama-style blinds are a great way to achieve a tropical vibe without living in the Caribbean. These shades mount to the top of a window and hinge out, allowing light and air in. When severe weather hits, these blinds only require one person to pull them shut and secure them.

West Shore Construction

West Shore Construction has been proudly serving the Tampa Bay area for over 30 years. Their professionalism and expertise have allowed them to remain one of the area’s top contractors. In addition to hurricane fabric and hurricane shutters, West Shore Construction specializes in painting, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, and they also offer home maintenance services. Their goal is to assist their residential and commercial clients in creating the home of their dreams. To learn more about their quality workmanship and excellent customer service, visit them online or call them at (727) 488-8182.

 

Kitchen Remodeling Tips for a Minimalist Home

As more and more people in St. Petersburg begin to embrace a minimalist lifestyle, the desire to have a home matching these ideals follows. Kitchen remodeling is an excellent way to start a transition from a life full of stuff to a minimalist, clutter-free home.

Cabinets and Countertops

No home is complete without the right cabinets and countertops. During kitchen remodeling, these are two of the main areas of focus. Cabinets come in many designs to best fit the needs of different homeowners. Some people choose light-colored laminate to keep with a bright theme. Others prefer wood cabinetry for a warmer feel.

When it comes to the countertops of your St. Petersburg home, white or light neutral colors are the most common options. These colors give a bright look to your cooking space. Suggested materials include marble and granite. Granite comes in many forms to guarantee the right fit for you.

Kitchen Remodeling Means New Floors

While not everyone having work done will have their floors replaced, kitchen remodeling is a great time to pursue this project. By replacing your cabinets and floors simultaneously, you will have many more options in both areas as they are customizable to fit together.

During a full renovation in your St. Petersburg home, flooring installation typically comes first. This ensures your cabinets reach the appropriate height. In addition, installing your flooring first allows for future flexibility if you decide to replace your cabinetry again or move things around.

For a minimalist feel, choose neutral-colored floors. Popular materials include concrete, marble tile, and grey, white, or black hardwood. These colors help make your space look and feel clean and open.

Appliances in Your St. Petersburg Home

Minimalism does not necessarily mean getting rid of every appliance in your house. This lifestyle is more about getting rid of the unnecessary items or things you don’t use. Kitchen remodeling is the perfect opportunity to replace old appliances like refrigerators, ovens, and dishwashers, with more efficient units that fit in with the rest of the room. Sleek stainless steel appliances give your cooking space a classy and professional look.

When it comes to countertop appliances, cookware, and dishes, consider what pieces you use. Many St. Petersburg minimalists ditch fancy but unnecessary tools like a garlic press and avocado peeler, as a simple knife provides the same utility. Use your best judgment and above all, make decisions you are comfortable with. Some people really do get use out of tools that others do not.

West Shore Construction

No matter the style of your St. Petersburg home, West Shore Construction can help. Since 1985, they have been assisting local homeowners in creating the home of their dreams. Along with kitchen remodeling, they are also one of the top contractors for painting and bathroom renovations. They are known for their quality workmanship and their focus on customer service and satisfaction. For more information on their services, visit them online or call them at (727) 488-8182.

Kitchen Remodeling: How to Prepare

Once you’ve decided you want to remodel your kitchen, you must plan, prepare, and execute your project to get the dream cooking space you’ve always wanted. While some people in Tampa Bay may want to DIY their project, most people choose to hire a kitchen remodeling company, and for a good reason. A professional contractor already has the equipment and tools necessary, plus they have the crew and experience to provide the best results on a dedicated schedule and budget.

Choosing Your New Kitchen

Whether you want to change a few things like the backsplash and countertops or you are planning a thorough revamp of your entire cooking space, a kitchen remodeling company can help you decide what changes you want to make. It is important for many people in Tampa Bay to set a budget and stick with it; otherwise, it may get out of hand. A professional contractor can help you choose materials that fall within your budget that give you the same look and feel as more expensive materials.

You should consider:

• Countertops
• Cabinets
• Appliances
• Hardware (drawer knobs, towel bars, handles, and more)
• Flooring
• Storage
• Lighting

Saving Money on Kitchen Remodeling Projects

There are a few reliable ways to save money on your remodel. A remodeling company can move water and gas lines for ovens, sinks, stoves, and dishwashers, but this can add a lot to your bottom line. This is especially so for homes that are on the older side. Unless it’s impossible to achieve your dream home without moving pipes, try to keep them where they are, and you’ll have extra room in your budget for other features.

Another way to save is to reuse old materials. Instead of replacing your cabinets, you can reface or resurface them instead. Better yet, you can change smaller elements like drawer pulls and knobs, or you can repaint the fronts and sides for a new look at a lower price.

A great kitchen remodeling company will have other tips and tricks for helping you to save money while getting the best quality craftsmanship and service in Tampa Bay.

For a Kitchen Remodeling Company in Tampa Bay, Rely on Greaves Construction

If you are looking for a reliable kitchen remodeling company in Tampa Bay that produces high-quality results, choose Greaves Construction. They have been making over homes for more than 30 years and have the skills and experience to turn your dreams into reality. To schedule a quote, call them today at (813) 985-2739 or contact them online.

Storm-Proof Your House with Hurricane Fabric and Hurricane Shutters

As a coastal area in Florida, Tampa Bay is not new to the dangers and damages of storm season. Both hurricane fabric and hurricane shutters provide residents with a way to keep their homes and families safe from wind, rain, and flying debris.

The Dangers of Severe Weather

During a tropical storm, wind speeds range from 75 mph up to 150 mph. These extreme forces can topple trees, break windows, and blow roofs off houses. The air currents are strong enough to pick up large objects like trash cans and branches, creating projectiles that break windows and damage houses. Heavy rains also cause problems to unprotected buildings. If water enters your space, mold and mildew growth create an unlivable situation and personal objects suffer damage.

Hanging Hurricane Fabric

Hurricane fabric is an effective method to keep homes safe from damaging wind, rain, and projectile objects. The most durable material in the industry attaches to doors, windows, and open areas and absorbs the impact of flying objects, acting as a safeguard against anything thrown its way as well as Category 5 wind speeds. These panels are customizable, making them a perfect solution for any building. Also, hurricane fabric stops winds from picking up patio furniture on lanais and decks.

Installing Hurricane Shutters on your Tampa Bay Home

Hurricane shutters provide the same protection to houses. They cover windows and act as a buffer against wind, rain, and projectile objects. These shades are constructed from extruded aluminum to withstand anything thrown their way. Also, operating hurricane shutters is easy for a single person. These blinds can be closed and secured without difficulty.

Unlike hurricane fabric, hurricane shutters become a decorative part of your home’s exterior once storm season is over. This method offers a permanent solution that gives residents of Tampa Bay one less thing to worry about in severe weather. Also, they come in many standard and custom color options to match your living space.

Bahama Style Shutters

In tropical, southern Tampa Bay, Bahama style shades are popular. They give homes a tropical, island-feel fit for a city with beautiful shores. This style of storm protection mounts to the top of windows and hinges upwards to let in air and light. For protection, they hinge closed and are secured.

Colonial Style Shutters

Colonial style shades are just as practical and aesthetically pleasing as Bahama style. However, they do offer a different look for Tampa Bay houses. With this style, you achieve a plantation look on your house’s exterior. The blinds mount to the sides of windows and open outwards. In preparation for severe weather, a single person closes and secures the shades.

West Shore Construction

At West Shore Construction, their clients are their top priority. Their hurricane fabric and hurricane shutters are durable and high-quality to keep your house safe. Their other areas of expertise include kitchen remodeling, residential painting, and home maintenance services. They focus on quality service and the satisfaction of customers in Tampa Bay. To learn more, contact them online or call them at (727) 488-8182.

Kitchen Remodeling: Making Your Home Eco-Friendly

Many homeowners in Tampa Bay pursue kitchen remodeling services to make their home eco-friendlier. There are plenty of green construction options, and you can easily incorporate them into your renovation. The major components of a remodel — cabinets, countertops, appliances, and lighting — all have green options that reduce your carbon footprint.

Cabinets

Sustainable cabinets use wood and materials made with sustainable forestry management practices. The production process removes toxic chemicals like formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds. You can even choose recycled materials like reclaimed or salvaged wood. Recycling wood prevents landfill waste and also gives your kitchen a rustic, farmhouse feel.

Countertops

Kitchen remodeling trends focus on expensive countertop materials like granite or marble, but there are eco-friendly options that provide the same durability and high-quality appearance of less sustainable materials. Many alternatives like recycled glass, reclaimed wood, or renewable fiber look just like limestone and other classy materials at a lower cost and a smaller impact on the earth. Pretty much any material can be treated for use as a countertop, so talk to your contractor about your options.

Appliances

Choosing eco-friendly appliances is a simple switch that will help you reduce energy use and lower your monthly bills. Energy Star appliances are certified by the government to reduce energy use. You can see the Energy Star rating when you’re shopping for appliances. The tag will also show you how much it costs to operate the appliance. Eco-friendly options include dishwashers, refrigerators, microwaves, stovetops, ovens, and more. Your kitchen remodeling contractor in Tampa Bay can install and set up your appliances for use.

Lighting

Changing to LEDs can reduce energy consumption by as much as 90%. These efficient lights provide bright illumination and last longer than traditional options. Tampa Bay homeowners love LEDs because they convert 10% of the energy to heat, compared to other lights that convert 90% of their energy to heat, so you’ll reduce lighting costs and air conditioning expenses.

Choose the Right Kitchen Remodeling Contractor in Tampa Bay

You can choose the highest-quality eco-friendly materials and have the best design planned for your kitchen remodeling project, but if you don’t have the right contractor, the project won’t come together like you wanted. West Shore Construction offers Tampa Bay homeowners professional, high-quality craftsmanship and top-notch customer service. Call them today at (727) 488-8182 or contact them online to schedule a quote.

5 Home Remodeling Do’s and Don’ts

Home remodeling is a big project, but many people in Tampa and Lutz enjoy upgrading their house. Fortunately, contractors can help. DIY can add time, money, and stress to your project, not to mention you won’t get the benefit of professional skill and handiwork. Before starting on a project, keep these do’s and don’ts in mind.

1. Do: Have an Idea of What You Want Before Getting Started

If you’re working with a home remodeling contractor in Lutz or Tampa, during your consultation, discuss what plans you have for your house. It’s important to have at least an idea of what you want before getting started so that you can maintain control over the extent of the project. People that begin renovations without a solid plan often see the project grow out of control. Plus, with design and style inspiration, you can show your contractor what you want, making it easier for them to bring your dream to fruition.

2. Don’t: Forget to Set a Realistic Budget

Setting a budget is one of the most important parts of home remodeling in Tampa or Lutz. Areas with plumbing and electricity are prone to busting budgets. When you’re figuring out what you want, make a list of what you need and what you want. You may find that, while you need to move a wall to open your kitchen area, you’re willing to settle for marble countertops instead of granite to save money. List your priorities and from there, your contractor can help you figure out how to divvy up your budget.

3. Do: Have Patience

If you’ve ever seen a renovation show on TV or listened to other’s renovation stories, you’ll know that it’s not uncommon to meet a few snags along the way. Home remodeling isn’t an exact science, and contractors may encounter unforeseen obstacles like cracked foundations, faulty wiring, or leaking pipes that slow down the progression. While your contractor may give you a general timeline before the start of the project, keep in mind that this is a guide and things may arise that cause delay. Have patience and know that contractors aren’t trying to add to the work and want to do the best job possible.

4. Don’t: Be a Lurker

During a renovation, there’s a lot of activity in a house. Even if you’re only doing one room, avoid the temptation to check on the progress unless the workers invite you to look. If you check on the bathroom retiling or the kitchen reflooring, you not only compromise your safety and that of others, but you may also impede the construction process. Many home remodeling contractors prefer residents stay away from the construction zone when active. For larger renovations in Tampa or Lutz, they may even encourage you to vacate the house until they’re done for the day.

5. Do: Choose Greaves Construction

For clients in the Tampa or Lutz area who are looking for professional, capable home remodeling contractors should choose Greaves Construction. Greaves offers high-quality services at an affordable price, and never sacrifices on value. To learn more about their services, call them at (813) 985-2739 or contact them online.