When you’re building or remodeling your home, you’re not buying towels or dishes. In most cases, it’s one of the most costly purchases you’ve ever made. So when it comes to budget, you probably want to figure out the best places to save money right off the bat.
There are many parts and pieces to a renovation or a construction project, and many ways to save money. That’s the beauty of working with a qualified Design-Build company, as their professionals usually have years of experience on pricing and can guide you in the right direction on which design items to select to stay within your budget. We often save our clients thousands of dollars by finding them finishes and fixtures that still look good and are in keeping with their tastes, but are far less expensive than what they might find on their own, as a consumer.
When we sit down with our clients for their initial design consultation, there are five major areas we like to discuss before we proceed. These big-ticket items can make or break the bank when it comes to a custom home project, and the direction we take depends on finding that balance between budget and aesthetics. You have to decide – are these items so important to your custom home that you are willing to stretch your budget a little? Or does budget take priority? Is there a middle ground in any of these areas? These are all important aspects of the design and planning process.
Here are five places where you can sway your budget considerably on a custom home project:
Not since the height of the 70’s have we seen brass so strongly embraced in interior design. Along with its other warm metallic counterparts (copper and bronze), brass is enjoying a huge revival. Beaten, folded or polished – designers are celebrating its luxurious, yet industrial appeal, making everything from chandeliers, pendant lights, tables, dressers, chairs, bath and kitchen fixtures and decorative accessories out of this ancient metal.
There are so many things to consider when designing your custom home. Whether you are working with a designer or a custom home builder, doing a large remodel or building from the ground up, you have much to look at and many decisions to make. There is, however, one item that could be a good starting point in your home design – and indeed, may be one of the most crucial design items you select.
We’re talking about first impressions.
Do you want to make your house appealing before a visitor has even walked into your home?
One of the focal points of the exterior front of your house which contributes a lot to curb appeal is your FRONT DOOR!
Here in Tampa, we can enjoy the outdoors all year round without freezing in winter like the folks up north. As a result, we need our homes and our yards to have features that are built to survive frequent use and to withstand Florida’s tropical weather, while also looking awesome. When you need outdoor renovations for your home, there are some great ideas that incorporate all these factors.
Outdoor Renovations Start with the House
Walls, windows and doors need to keep out the sudden tropical downpours that can lash your home. While upgrading your outer walls to handle hurricane-strength weather, think about adding a textured surface with a fresh new color. Your home will appear like new and will have an added barrier.
New reinforced windows and shutters will help keep the weather out and the cool air in. Different window designs and frames can really freshen up a home, and shutters with strong hinges can protect with a stylish, old fashioned flair.
Have a professional regularly check the seals and drainage around your home. Violent weather and large volumes of water can overwhelm them or wear them out quickly. If that happens, you have a much bigger job ahead.Read More »
There’s something especially rewarding about a home renovation of any kind, even if it’s just to incorporate a couple of custom finishes that add a fresh and unique appearance. For instance, a seemingly subtle element that can actually make a bold statement in any room or create the perfect touch for your home’s exterior is the right shutter style for your windows.
Whether practical or purely for show, carefully crafted shutters are functional window coverings or decorative accents composed of a frame mounted with panels or louvers.
There are several types of window shutters available, depending on your personal taste.
Here are three of the basic ones you might choose from to enhance your next home renovation:
Louver shutters. Easily the most popular type of window shutters among home improvement experts, louver shutters are also known asRead More »
The laundry room is almost always one of those make-do with what’s there, afterthought areas in the house that doesn’t really get thought about in terms of fantastic form and function. But think of how much time you spend in there, week in and week out, load after load…
If your laundry room is cluttered, with inadequate storage and a frustrating and inefficient layout, why not pull in some experts who can make it right? Imagine sleek custom cabinets and shelving for your storage needs and concrete countertops to cap it all off.
Consider Built-In Cabinets and Concrete Countertops
Having a clear idea ahead of time of just what you want for your laundry room will go a long way. You’re likely busy researching what kind of brand new, energy-efficient washer and dryer you’d like, but thinking beyond the appliances to the room as a whole will work best in the long run.
While you’re at it, never underestimate the benefits of excellently placed and well-designed task lighting in each part of your laundry room. Have some fun choosingRead More »
All true wine aficionados know the importance of caring and storing wine properly. If you put yourself in that category, adding a well-designed, personalized wine room is a high priority home renovations investment.
To enjoy and appreciate fine wine at its peak, it’s a given that it must be suitably kept and cared for. Additional benefits to creating an in-home wine room include the opportunity to invite discerning guests to that special place to appreciate your wide-ranging collection. What a bonus for entertaining! Specialized and exclusive home renovations of any kind only enhance the value of your home in the long run, so it’s a good property value investment, too.
Home Renovations and Your Above Ground Wine Room
What comes to mind when you hear “wine cellar”? Do you imagine a brick-walled room with antique furniture and arched entries? A space with wall tapestries and vintage decanters? Or is it a classy, sophisticated space withRead More »
What makes a successful bed and breakfast? A good B&B is like a cross between a quality hotel and a private home, with extra personal touches and service. Individual guest rooms might number anywhere from just one or two up to six or more. The proprietors live on site in their own private space and connect with their guests in a way that is “homier” than a typical anonymous hotel experience.
These days, having a home business can be a great way to earn income. Rather than simply working “out of your home,” make your house itself the draw that works for you. If you’re the type who enjoys making folks feel comfortable and welcome in top-notch surroundings, running your own bed and breakfast may be just the ticket.
Include Home Remodeling Professionals in your Plans
Whether you want to escape the rat race and be your own boss, supplement your existing income or simply cater to your enjoyment of being a host or hostess, sit down with your building contractor to brainstorm about how youRead More »
If you’re thinking of selling your home, you might want to sit tight until the real estate market recovers to a greater degree. In the meantime, however, consider some savvy home renovations to make some appealing improvements that can only ramp up the saleability of your property when the time comes.
Bear in mind that not just any home renovations will add considerable value to your home, especially when the market’s in a slump. Some improvements, in fact, can even detract from the eventual asking price. So just which home improvement projects are the best ones to invest in?
Three Big Value Enhancing Home Renovations
Here are three of the top home improvement projects that can increase the value of your home.
Reasonable Kitchen Remodeling
When prospective buyers view your home, one of the first things they will look at is the so-called heart of the home. Well-chosen kitchen updatesRead More »
When you live in Florida, a swimming pool is undoubtedly a feature you want alongside your house. If you already have an outdoor pool or are considering adding one to your Tampa Bay area property, think about increasing the overall value and appeal of your real estate even more. Hire an experienced local building contractor to create a gorgeous and dramatic pool enclosure as the final touch. Read on to learn more about the enhancement no Florida home should be without.
What is a Pool Enclosure?
A pool enclosure is a structure that surrounds the pool area, essentially giving it its own roof and walls. It is constructed largely of a basic frame supporting transparent materials that take advantage of natural light and views of any surrounding trees, gardens and other attractive foliage and features. It essentially makes the pool area feel like a beautiful room unto itself, while creating an effective and dramatic transition from the interior of your home to the surrounding patio and garden area.
Why Should a Building Contractor Create a Pool Enclosure?
A properly done pool enclosure is definitely not a DIY project. Specifications must be exacting and carefully carried out to suit your particular pool area on a custom basis. Whether you choose a classic orRead More »
I would hire Nelson CR again in a heartbeat. No construction new project and/or renovation is without issues. However, if you want a company and a team that will resolve those issues to your satisfaction then NCR is that company. The thoughtfulness, professionalism, quality of work, communication and a resolution oriented team are the best... Read More »
J.I., homeowner – whole home remodel
We would hire Nelson construction again without hesitation. The entire team, from the unseen to the seen, were dedicated, responsive, respectful, and patient while we lived through a beautiful renovation.
V.I., homeowner – whole home remodel
Nelson Construction out of Clearwater/Tampa fully remodeled our 7,900 sq ft home in Clearwater, Florida. To say they did a great job is an understatement. The qualities of this company extend beyond just a nice finish. Road blocks: Near the beginning of the remodel we ran into our first hidden challenge. To modify and create... Read More »
BZ, homeowner – historic home restoration/remodel
The staff at Nelson Construction do a fantastic job of caring for their customers. They care about their work, their products, and the customer’s satisfaction in the final result. I also greatly admire their attention to legal rudiments, which some contractors try to skirt or dodge. Nelson Construction operates within all ethical codes and boundaries,... Read More »
A.O. - American Power and Gas
We were satisfied with the level of service we were given by Nelson Construction and Renovations. The project manager was very communicative. Any time I needed an answer, the Nelson Team was there. Everyone was very professional and courteous, and the end result is beautiful.
J.T.
“We highly recommend Nelson Construction and Renovation, Inc. We are totally satisfied customers. Nelson Construction will always be our first recommendation to friends who want to build. “Our project was the 2014 renovation and expansion of a 600 square foot 1950’s bungalow in Safety Harbor’s historic district. Our goal was to create a space suitable... Read More »
Ann Morgan & Margo Pfleger, homeowners – home addition and whole home remodel
On behalf of the whole CCHR Clearwater team, we would like to thank you and your company for the stellar work on our new building – which did open on time! Even though we were very pressed for time and things were very hectic, your supervisor remained stable and your work areas somehow remained organized.... Read More »
Jamie Blackstone - Renovations Supervisor – Citizens Commission on Human Rights
Nelson Construction and Renovations exceeded our expectations on our fairly good-sized job (new addition and complete living room and kitchen remodel). I have never worked with a company before that was this intent on making our project a total success AND was so fast and efficient. In addition to that, they routinely went above and... Read More »
Scott and Holly - Clearwater, FL
This letter is to commend Nelson Construction for the excellent job done on our kitchen renovation. When we returned from vacation we were surprised to see the difference and how great it all looked. We expected to see a mess, but everything was cleaned up perfectly; and your company did even more than we expected... Read More »
The Baldwins
Thank you for the job well done! I have renovated several houses and know the hassles that often come with these endeavors – dirt, delays, redo’s, cost, contract issues, etc. I was planning to renovate my kitchen for many months, but kept putting it off, simply trying to avoid the expected hassles. Once I finally... Read More »
W. Nero
Mr. Nelson was my contractor for a major house renovation in March 2006 and also my office renovation in June 2006. He is a rare commodity in the construction industry. He is honest, efficient, on time, on schedule and overall a pleasure to deal with. In my area, where real estate values are climbing and... Read More »
Michael Haldane - Managing Partner/Executive Producer – The Radke Film Group
Our school was in great need of a new roof. Sorting through the various types of roofing and installations was very overwhelming, and for such a large project, we needed to be certain we were making the most cost-effect decision we could. So we hired Nelson Construction to be an Owner’s Representative to help navigate... Read More »
T. Campana
Nelson Construction is a valued company, steadfast to a strict, honest and drug-free work environment. The most notable point of Nelson Construction’s service was the quality work and professional integrity. My project met all of my expectations and more. Project Images (*Click image to enlarge)
S.K. - Clearwater, FL
The most notable part of Nelson Construction and Renovations’ service was their attention to detail. Great all around service and finished product!
YA
Thank you for giving us a new home that we love. Every time we look around we are reminded that we made the right decision to go with Nelson. We shall recommend you to anyone who asks and would be happy to serve as references for potential clients.
Margo & Ann
Your Concrete Design Website is very impressive. Beautifully put together and inviting to the design community.
M.N.
In short, we love our home. It is gorgeous. The counter tops are amazing, the cabinetry is perfect. Overall we are so happy! Project Images (*Click image to enlarge)
SS
We couldn’t be happier and we plan to use your company on any upcoming project that we have. The employees and subcontractors were very professional; it was something we noticed right away. The job site was cleaned every day, and my cleaning lady even noticed and told our friend about it. The level of communication... Read More »
AP
You and your guys are the BEST!!! It is such a pleasure to be able to open my home and leave for the day and know there will not be a problem. Your staff is like family! Project Images (*Click image to enlarge)
JB
Nelson Construction has been the best construction company that I have ever hired. I am sure that they are not the cheapest but they offer an excellent product and are very professional. They stayed in daily communication to let me know the status of the project. Their crew was friendly, courteous and conscientious. They showed... Read More »
SG
Working with Nelson was like no other experience I’ve ever had–and I’ve done a ton of work on my very old house. They’re so professional and stayed in close communication with us. I will NEVER use any other contractor again! I can’t say enough good things!
Joy Gendusa - CEO - PostcardMania
Nelson Construction delivers every time: quality product, on time and in budget, no surprises, no rip-offs, stellar service and product, communication and genuine interest in finishing the product 100% to my satisfaction (and theirs)!
Stacey Tiveron - CEO - Trade Only Design Library (TODL)
I wanted to tell you how pleased I am with the work done by Nelson Construction & Renovations. The external deck and 2 stairways your company recently built at my North Clearwater Beach apartments exceeded my expectations. I was very impressed with every aspect of the operation in the work and the interaction with me... Read More »
Here in Tampa, we can enjoy the outdoors all year round without freezing in winter like the folks up north. As a result, we need our homes and our yards to have features that are built to survive frequent use and to withstand Florida’s tropical weather, while also looking awesome. When you need outdoor renovations for your home, there are some great ideas that incorporate all these factors.
There’s something especially rewarding about a 
The laundry room is almost always one of those make-do with what’s there, afterthought areas in the house that doesn’t really get thought about in terms of fantastic form and function. But think of how much time you spend in there, week in and week out, load after load…
All true wine aficionados know the importance of caring and storing wine properly. If you put yourself in that category, adding a well-designed, personalized wine room is a high priority home renovations investment.
What makes a successful bed and breakfast? A good B&B is like a cross between a quality hotel and a private home, with extra personal touches and service. Individual guest rooms might number anywhere from just one or two up to six or more. The proprietors live on site in their own private space and connect with their guests in a way that is “homier” than a typical anonymous hotel experience.
If you’re thinking of selling your home, you might want to sit tight until the real estate market recovers to a greater degree. In the meantime, however, consider some savvy home renovations to make some appealing improvements that can only ramp up the saleability of your property when the time comes.
When you live in Florida, a swimming pool is undoubtedly a feature you want alongside your house. If you already have an outdoor pool or are considering adding one to your Tampa Bay area property, think about increasing the overall value and appeal of your real estate even more. Hire an experienced local 
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I would hire Nelson CR again in a heartbeat. No construction new project and/or renovation is without issues. However, if you want a company and a team that will resolve those issues to your satisfaction then NCR is that company. The thoughtfulness, professionalism, quality of work, communication and a resolution oriented team are the best... 
