Category: News

4 Questions to Ask Your Kitchen Remodeler Before Getting Started

Remodeling is an opportunity to create a new space that can meet the needs of your family and friends. Kitchens, however, can be the greatest expense and the most complex room to remodel. Whether you start with appliances, floors, countertops, or cabinets… have a detailed plan of what features you’re looking for in your dream kitchen. Most don’t realize the amount of time and the overall costs that go into a kitchen renovation, not to mention unanticipated costs. Budget, insurance, suppliers and the timeline of the project all play major rolls when planning a renovation.

On average, kitchen remodels take about 8 weeks and can vary widely in cost. But don’t let that scare you, once the remodel is finished, it will be well worth the wait and investment. Before you start working with a remodeling company, you may have a few questions to ask. 

Question #1 – How does the remodel/design process work?

When hiring a company to remodel your kitchen, you will want to know exactly how the process will lay out and what their overall plan is for your renovation. Because every home is different, there may be limitations on what you can and cannot do. Certain cities have codes and restrictions, which you will need to be mindful of. Permits for kitchens can also take some time when doing a renovation, so planning ahead is key.

You also need to consider the time frame, whether there will be multiple contractors on-site daily, and if you’re able to use your kitchen during the process. A renovation time frame is helpful to both the homeowner and the remodeler.  

Question #2 – What’s a realistic budget?

Of course, when it comes to a renovation everyone’s first question is how much is it going to cost? When hiring a company to remodel, you will want to get an itemized bid or quote. This helps categorize individual costs and figure out how the payments are going to be set up throughout the remodeling process. When planning a remodel, you may want to contact more than one company to see which bid works best with your budget and timeline. Breaking down individual costs will help you determine if you want to splurge in some areas but save in others.

Question #3 – Does your contractor have proof of business licenses and liability insurance?

Before starting a remodel, checking your contractor’s business license and insurance is a smart thing to do. Contractors need a specific license to remodel a residence while ensuring their work is up to code. Make sure you are listed as additionally insured on their insurance certificate, should the policy expire within the renovation period. If contractors do not have proof of licensing or insurance, run in the other direction!

Question #4 – Who are their suppliers?

Depending on the company, they will either use their employees or contract companies out to do certain work for them. When remodeling a kitchen, you want to make sure the quality of the materials meets your standards and research each company you are considering. In learning who their suppliers are, verify that the company is reputable, and that their products are good ones.  If possible, get ahold of samples for inspection. Sampling helps you choose between the options that are available and allows you to see the product in person. 

Varian Construction

Choosing the right questions to ask your kitchen remodeler will save you time and frustration, so leave it to the pros to answer those questions. If you’re looking to remodel your kitchen in your Southwest Florida home, trust Varian Construction.

With over 30 years of experience in residential and commercial projects, Varian Construction is the perfect contractor for your job.

Varian Construction is an award-winning builder and remodeler and has been recognized with over 15 Florida Home Builders Association awards (FHBA) and has been accredited as a Certified Graduate Remodeler (CGR), Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS), and a Certified Green Professional (CGP).

Every residential remodel is an important project to Varian Construction. Just as the timeline and the budget are always essential to the customer and the builder.

This is why we use CoConstruct to help schedule timelines, track financials, and as a platform for communication with our clients so that you can be confident in the construction process and get you back to your beautiful, remodeled kitchen.  If you are looking for a contractor to remodel your kitchen or any other room in your home, contact Varian Construction today at (239) 514-010 or visit VarianConstruction.com.

Master Bedroom Sizing – Best Uses for Your Space

According to Foyr.com, the average person spends about 26 years sleeping during their lifetime which is equivalent to 9,490 days or 227,760 hours. With this in mind, a lot of our time is spent in the comfort of our master bedrooms.  

Master bedrooms serve numerous purposes in your home, but relaxation is the main purpose of the space. Depending on how large the bedroom is, certain amenities might not be possible due to space restrictions. To maximize all the space in the room, you need to consider drawing out a rough blueprint of what you want the room to look like. This plan will include all possible furnishings according to how much square footage you have. Here’s how to measure your square footage and utilize each inch to the maximum to find which size master bedroom is best for your home.

Tips & Tricks:

Designing and constructing a master bedroom requires passion, creativity and a plan. When it comes to designing your master bedroom, you should ask yourself a few questions to figure out what your dream master bedroom not only looks like but what the functionality of the bedroom will be.

Paint, furniture, and organization all play very important roles when it comes to designing the layout of a bedroom. For instance, paint can allow a room to look smaller or larger depending on the tone or shade of the color. With furniture, the size allows for more flow in the room versus less, and specific organizational tools can all contribute to a completely functional master bedroom. These factors can help you choose which is best suitable for your bedroom space.

Varian Construction

Choosing the perfect master bedroom size can be time consuming, so leave it to the pros.  If you’re looking to master the master bedroom of your Southwest Florida home, trust Varian Construction.

With over 30 years of experience in residential and commercial projects, Varian Construction is the perfect contractor for your job.

Varian Construction is an award-winning builder and remodeler and has been recognized with over 15 Florida Home Builders Association awards (FHBA) and has been accredited as a Certified Graduate Remodeler (CGR), Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS), and a Certified Green Professional (CGP).

Every residential remodel is an important project to Varian Construction, as the timeline and the budget are always essential to the customer and the builder.

This is why we use CoConstruct to help schedule timelines, track financials, and as a platform for communication with our clients so that you can be confident in the construction process and get back to sleeping in your master bedroom quicker. If you are looking for a contractor to remodel your master bedroom, or any other room in your home, contact Varian Construction today at (239) 514-0103 or visit VarianConstruction.com

6 Entryway Ideas for Your Southwest Florida Home

Your home’s entryway is the first impression your residence gives. Whether big or small, every entryway can be a beautiful room to greet loved ones or say goodbye to evening guests.

If you’re looking to update your Southwest Florida Home, here are six entryway ideas to make a lasting first impression.

Add a Bench / Seating Area 

One of the most practical additions you can make to your entryway is a bench or seating area. With a bench next to your door, you won’t have to struggle to put on your shoes while balancing against the wall, instead you can enjoy a noteworthy addition to your entryway.

When choosing a bench for your entrance, be sure to properly size the piece to match your area’s dimensions. This will make sure that you are adding a useful item, all while keeping the flow of your entryway free. Your guests will surely thank you.

Storage Space

Every room in the home can use additional storage space, but the entryway is especially important. This area is often filled with shoes, umbrellas, jackets, and more, meaning that you’ll need a way to maximize your space, while properly storing your frequently used items.

Whether it’s custom cabinetry that fits around your door, or simply a rustic chest, we suggest adding a bit of storage to your entryway in order to make the space less cluttered.

Highlight Your Home’s View

Every home has a unique view, and the entryway is a great way to highlight what’s outside your door. Whether it’s sunshine and palm trees, a wide-open front yard, or a cozy front porch, your entryway is an extension of the unique area around your home.

One way to highlight your home’s view is to add a mirror to your entryway. A well-positioned mirror can reflect outdoor views and natural sunlight throughout your space while creating a gorgeous focal point.

Updating Your Door and Hardware

The door inside your entryway is perhaps the most important part of the space as it’s the first and last thing you see upon entering, which is why it is so important to choose a door that you love.

From classical stained wooden doors to transparent glass doors, the best homes in Southwest Florida make a statement with their entryway doors.

If buying a new door isn’t in your budget, how about upgrading the hardware instead? Upgrading your locks and knobs can be an inexpensive way to beautifully update your entryway. 

New tiling/flooring

A grand entrance is only as grand as the floor you step on. When updating your entryway, think about incorporating new tiling, hardwood, or simply a new area rug into your space. Since the walkway by your door is the most stepped-on area of your home, it might be time for you to remove the old and update with the new.

Updating your flooring with new hardwood or tiling may even save you money on your electric bill as you can make sure that the door and the ground are perfectly squared, thereby eliminating heating or cooling losses.

Varian Construction

Updating the entryway of your home can be exciting, but is often a labor-intensive project. That is why it is best left to the pros. If you’re looking to update the entryway of your Southwest Florida home, trust Varian Construction.

With over 30 years of experience in residential and commercial projects, Varian Construction is the perfect contractor for your job.

Varian Construction is an award-winning builder and remodeler and has been recognized with over 15 FHBA awards (Florida Home Builder Association Awards) and has been accredited as a Certified Graduate Remodeler (CGR), Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS), and a Certified Green Professional (CGP).

Every residential remodel is an important project to Varian Construction, as the timeline and the budget are always essential to the customer and the builder. This is why we use CoConstruct to help schedule timelines, track financials, and as a platform for communication with our clients so that you can be confident in the construction process. If you are looking for a contractor to remodel the entryway to your home, contact Varian Construction today at (239) 514-010 or visit Varian Construction.

Get the Most Out of Your Bathroom With These Renovations and Upgrades

Of all the rooms in your home, the bathroom sees the greatest wear and tear. It’s one of the most-used rooms in the house, if not the most used. Moisture and skin oils from bathing and showering put a strain on the fixtures and fittings in the bathroom. As time goes on, many materials that aren’t correctly installed can begin to show signs of wear and tear, such as in the flooring and tile. It’s inevitable that your bathroom will need to be improved or renovated from time to time, but it doesn’t necessarily have to cost an arm and a leg. We’ll take a look at various bathroom remodeling projects and their estimated prices in this post. Now’s the time to start planning and hire a general contractor to get your project off the ground.

Cabinets for the bathroom

Cabinets in the bathroom should be water-resistant or sealed wood, and they should be designed precisely for the bathroom’s plumbing efficiency. It is important to ensure that the countertops and cabinets will fit the desired sink you want to install, as well as to make sure that whatever type of cabinet you want to use will fit to meet the dimensions and measurements of where it is going to be installed. In general, cabinet replacement costs are between $1500 and $1800, which will last around ten years on average.

The surfaces of the walls and ceilings in bathrooms

To avoid peeling paint in your bathroom, consider using moisture-resistant wallpaper or wall panels rather than painting the walls. Since vinyl or tile is extremely easy to clean and traps moisture, drywall and paint can be protected from mold or flaking by installing tile or vinyl in the shower area. As a rule of thumb, painting and laying tile should cost between $300 and $600. Investing in materials that can stand the test of time is a good idea, depending upon your ultimate goals.

Countertops in the bathroom

Countertops are where you’ll put hairdryers, toothpaste, water glasses, and many other items you use every day. As such, your countertops should be water- and even heat-resistant. You may pick from a variety of countertop materials for your bathroom renovation including quartz, granite, ceramic, and natural stone. Bathroom countertops may cost anywhere from $800 to $3000, depending on the material. Do your research before purchasing an expensive countertop and make sure both the color and texture are neutral so that you don’t have to replace it if your bathroom is remodeled again in the future.

Bathroom Flooring

Your bathroom’s aesthetic, function, and safety may all be improved with a simple floor upgrade. When it comes to bathroom flooring, tile and vinyl are frequently cited as the top choices. These materials are not only extremely long-lasting and easy to maintain, but their cost is lower than wood or stone. Installed flooring costs between $12.09 and $18.35 per square foot. HomeAdvisor estimates that the cost of bathroom flooring can range from $800 to $7,000.

Lighting Your Bathroom

Making a minor alteration to the lighting in your bathroom can give it an entirely different atmosphere and appearance. The amount of electrical work that will be required, as well as the kind of fixtures utilized, will determine the cost. According to HomeAdvisor’s research, the cost of your bathroom lighting project might range anywhere from $120 to $4,000 depending on the fixture(s) you choose. If you’re interested in an affordable bathroom remodel, contact Varian Construction and learn more about our step-by-step process of bringing your vision to reality. Visit our website or call us at (239) 514-0103 for more information.

Find the Best Wood-Like Flooring for Your Home in 2022

We all grew up with a dream house in mind, with authentic hardwood floors and crown molding, beautiful, high ceilings, and bay windows, but did we really think wood floors would be the most efficient and durable flooring for our home? We, of course, want the look of the hardwood planks, but do we really want to put in the money and time to maintain them?

If you’re looking to get that wood floor aesthetic in your home, there are great alternatives to the real thing, and some just happen to be more practical as well.

Laminate Wood Flooring

Let us begin with laminate wood flooring, the most popular flooring substitute for real hardwood floors. Laminates are composed of genuine wood, but they are actually densely packed fiberboard designed to look like various types of wood and stained to fit the aesthetic of the wood that you prefer. These floors are popular because they are inexpensive, easy to install (similar to putting together Lego bricks), and stain and scratch-resistant, making them ideal for households with children and pets. You can install these floors nearly anywhere; however, if you’re installing them in a bathroom or kitchen, the ideal option would be a waterproof or water-resistant laminate wood flooring to guard against the constant moisture.

Engineered Wood Flooring

Engineered wood flooring planks are constructed from layers of genuine wood, plywood, and fiberboard and can be installed by gluing, floating, or stapling. Since they are pressed and strengthened with numerous layers of distinct wood treatments, these floors are more durable than ordinary hardwood floors. When compared to traditional hardwood flooring, engineered wood flooring is surprisingly resistant to water damage and warping. They can also be refinished with a new veneer after years of use, depending on how even and how much veneer is applied. In addition to convenience, engineered wood planks may be laid on concrete, whereas traditional hardwood flooring cannot, and it may provide additional styles than that of traditional hardwood flooring. This flooring is ideal for living spaces; such as the living room, dining room, and office. It is not recommended, however, for bathrooms or kitchens since water can still permeate these surfaces.

Vinyl Wood-Look Flooring (Luxury Vinyl Tile)

Consider vinyl wood-look flooring if you want a wood-look appearance without breaking the bank. Vinyl wood flooring can make your life much easier and is incredibly versatile while still being easy to care for. These floors can come in a large selection of designs, textures, and colors and are relatively easy to install. One of the advantages of vinyl flooring is that it is water-resistant, making it ideal for use in bathrooms, kitchens, and entryways. It’s also beneficial if you have pets who are prone to misbehaving.

Bamboo Flooring

Bamboo flooring is an excellent alternative to hardwood floors for those who are conscious of the environment. Bamboo, unlike its hardwood-tree counterpart, grows much faster when planted and even faster after being cut. Bamboo grows at a rate of up to an inch per hour, making it easily replantable and harvestable for a variety of applications including tools, furniture, and, in this case, flooring. Bamboo may last as long as, if not longer than, typical hardwood floors, making it a very enticing option for individuals who prefer the authentic feel of natural flooring. Bamboo is both flexible and robust, allowing for more collisions and hard handling. It is also dent and scratch-resistant and is available in a number of color and texture variations. The one disadvantage of bamboo flooring is that it is not water-resistant, therefore it should not be used in bathrooms or kitchens with a lot of moisture.

Wood-Look Tile

You may have noticed this hardwood-alternative flooring trending in recent years, and with good reason. When it comes to installing new flooring in the home, wood-look tile is second only to laminate flooring in popularity. It has the appearance of wood, but it is more durable and waterproof. It’s also easy to clean, pet and child-friendly, and stain, slide, and scratch-resistant, making it an excellent choice for whole-house installation. The advantage of this type of flooring is that it does not require any sealing after installation and will last for many years.

If you’re interested in installing new wood-look flooring in your home, Varian Construction’s vast knowledge and experience in floor installation is perfect for any home remodeling project. Contact us today at 239-514-0103 for more information on home remodeling through Varian Construction.

Boost Your Income With This One Home Addition

When most people think of an apartment, they see a towering, unappealing structure with inadequate amenities, small rooms, and tight quarters.

Following the pandemic, rental prices skyrocketed by as much as 50-100%  from that of just a few years ago. Well-meaning people are finding it more difficult than ever to locate a place to live, while those who already own a house are battling with rising insurance rates, inflation and more. We are seeing a rising number of efficiency add-ons or apartments to existing homes across the U.S. as a means to increase income across the board for homeowners.

The definition of an efficiency apartment is a one-room apartment containing a kitchen, living area, and a bedroom, as well as a separate bathroom. Many homeowners that build efficiency apartments as an addition to their homes plan to utilize it as a second revenue stream; not only does it aid individuals seeking a place to live, but it also brings in extra cash for the homeowners to pay for their expenses.

Efficiency apartments are complicated projects, but the return on investment may be highly enticing to some. In this article, we’ll go over how to choose the best location for your add-on and what extra features you can incorporate to ensure it’s marketable, ethical, and lucrative!

Choose where your efficiency apartment will be located

Garages are the most common area for add-ons because they are generally used as extra storage space. A garage is the most viable space for building an efficiency apartment as it is the room furthest away from the main living area. You should also consider that the renter should be able to reach the efficiency through a separate entrance other than the main door. This will provide you and your tenant the privacy you both deserve.

Some people may choose to convert a dining room or living room into an efficiency, where walls may be created to keep the rooms distinct while remaining close to waterlines, electricity, and natural gas hookups, if necessary.

Varian Construction Blog Image 2

Amenities and Features

Once you’ve decided on a place for the efficiency addition. You’ll need to think about every aspect of home life and provide it to your renter in bite-sized chunks. They will need a full kitchen or kitchenette, a bathroom with a tub or shower, a living area, a bedroom or place to store a bed, and an entryway or separate door space for entering the apartment.

The kitchens in an efficiency apartment tend to be smaller than what you’d find in a studio or regular apartment due to the fact there aren’t many walls separating the space. A kitchen should consist of cabinets, a stove, a place for a refrigerator and dishwasher, and a sink with counter space. Normally this would be placed on a wall closest to the waterline hookups. Kitchens in these efficiency apartments should remain parallel to the wall to create more living space, and should also have ample storage space. 

Bathrooms are also a no-brainer. There needs to be a minimum of at least a shower, a sink, and a toilet for the tenant and also a door for privacy. Efficiencies are exactly what their name implies, efficient. Therefore getting the place to feel comfortable and homey in a small area, it is important to logically think about how you can utilize the small space for multiple purposes.

If you think of it in terms of building the ever-popular “tiny home”, each distinct section of a home can fit into the same space with functional and moveable furniture. For instance, a murphy bed or a pull-out bed can be placed to ensure there is a place for entertainment and leisure, as well as for sleep.

Another popular way to share space is by creating a hanging dining table that fits on the wall so the tenant can easily hang it out of the way when they want to use the space for another purpose. Creativity is key here!

There are also plenty of ways to alter the walls and floors to offer more storage for the tenants. Creating shelf space, or shallow hatches in the floor can serve to  keep cleaning items and other supplies out of the way and create efficiency in everyday life. If you’re interested in a new home addition or creating an efficiency apartment for that extra income, Varian Construction’s years of experience can bring your vision into reality. To find out more information call contact 239-514-0103 and we can walk you through the Varian process.

Hiring A Garage Builder to Renovate Your Man Cave

Garage Builder Naples FL | Varian Construction

Sacred is the place where a man goes to enjoy the delights of tinkering, drinking and watching Monday night football with his buddies over a few drinks. We all require our own personal space in the home in order to exercise our own liberties and individuality. With all of the space, a home provides and how infrequently we use our garages, converting the garage space into a “bonus” room may be just what you need to get through the holidays.

Floridians frequently utilize their garage for storage and/or casual weekend tinkering with DIY furniture or cleaning up the motorcycle that has been collecting dust since 1995. A garage is a place that is frequently utilized as a junk room, but in rare instances, some people use it for its intended function, to keep their vehicles. Since most people use their garages for the former, we must explore ways to make this area practical, organized, and utilitarian. What better way to do this than to employ a trained and professional garage builder to change your white elephant of a garage into a man cave even Dwayne Johnson would envy?

Flooring

The first step in transforming the garage area is to replace the outdated concrete floors with more durable epoxy flooring. It is stain-resistant, easy-to-clean, long-lasting flooring that will not crack due to temperature and humidity fluctuations.

Custom Features

Following that, you’ll want to invest in professionally painted walls that are outfitted with slats and cabinetry to store all of the equipment and devices that often clutter the space. Furthermore, if you want to add a custom bar with access to running water or a refrigerator, installing a water line hookup in the garage is a great alternative.

Man Cave Builder Naples FL | Varian Construction

Furniture

Since the garage is now designated a multipurpose area, you’ll want to have plenty of seating for your guests when they stop over for barbecues and brews while watching Monday night football. Acquire a proper sofa and a few lounge chairs with wheels, ensuring simple maneuvering if space for car storage is required.

Lighting

Lighting is also essential. Whether you choose recessed lighting to complete the man cave atmosphere or strip lighting around the bar area, it will add another layer of ambiance that will make your guests never want to leave.

A wall-mounted tv area is necessary, whether you’re rooting for your favorite sports team or binge-watching The Sopranos for the 35th time. It may also serve as a platform for you to view tutorials that educate you on how to repair or make new installations to your home.

Why waste valuable square footage in your home when you can create a paradise to get away from the hectic daily life? Sometimes we need a break and need some time alone, what better way to achieve this than to hire a professional garage builder to create a space specifically for you. 

Varian Construction specializes in turning your home into something greater. With extensive knowledge and experience in remodeling entire homes, Varian Construction provides the necessary tools to complete your beloved man cave garage space. Contact Varian construction at 239-514-0103 and visit our website to view our Varian Process. 

An Established Construction Company For Homes Has These Five Qualities

Established Contractor Naples | Varian Construction

Transparency

We’ve all heard the stereotype that construction is a time-consuming, unpleasant process and that most contractors are unreliable when it comes to budgeting and being transparent about project timelines. It is critical for a well-established home building firm to use openness wherever possible to guarantee that the client understands the process and the cost of service for each work accomplished on a project. Creating a list of particular jobs and their expenses is often beneficial for the customer to comprehend. Also included are any updates or difficulties that contractors may encounter while working on the project, as well as how they may affect the ultimate conclusion.

Punctuality

It is difficult, yet vital, to be on schedule when creating or constructing a new project. When it comes to developing a build for what the client expects, the client should always come first. Maintaining a strict timeline and ensuring that there are no loose ends or mismanagement of contracting teams will not only enhance a construction company’s image but will also respect the client’s time and allow their lives to return to normal when work is completed.

Experience

This is the most notable factor when it comes to remodeling or any type of building. Construction experience may be the difference between a long-lasting home and one that suffers after only a few years. An experienced contractor will always use the best practices when dealing with any problem, whether it’s electrical, plumbing, drywalling, or custom fitting cabinetry to a new space. Each must be measured and installed with the utmost precision, which is usually provided by an experienced contractor.

Established Contractor Naples | Varian Construction

Communication

Communication is essential in the construction industry. No one likes to be left in the dark about their prized possessions. Any issues that emerge should always be handled with the customer, and any project updates and schedule changes should be communicated to the client as well so they have realistic expectations about when the project will be completed.

Integrity

A contractor must uphold their own moral values and provide service with the utmost integrity in order to create beautiful work. Some sacrifices may be required for the benefit of the service and the client, and there may be some loss. However, honesty, morale, and reputation will attract new trusting clients, increasing project production and satisfying more clients over time.

Varian Construction encompasses the qualities of transparency, integrity, communication, experience, and punctuality. We believe these are the pillars to a successful construction company for homes. If you are interested in renovating your home call us today at 239-514-0103.

Pricing the Best General Contractors Near Me in Southwest Florida

General Contractor Naples | Varian Construction

The smell of fresh paint, wood glue, and promise fills the air. Construction is underway and you’re feeling optimistic about the remodel of your home office. A thought pops into your head about how contemporary and functional the final product will be. You’ll finally be able to enjoy where you work and keep your productivity levels soaring. 

Then, as you think about the cost, you scratch your head in confusion, as you try to remember any hint of budgeting before the construction actually began. Did you discuss a budget? Did you discuss a timeline? You received a loose time frame from the contractor and an “it will get done in a few weeks,” statement. It definitely did not give you peace of mind.  

This isn’t the experience you want to have when hiring a general contractor. A new home expansion or remodel can be stressful, and at times you’ll wonder why you didn’t do the job yourself or whether it was worth remodeling in the first place.

We’re here to tell you that there are contractors in Southwest Florida that will not only meet your needs but will also go above and beyond to meet your project goals by setting up the right expectations.  Here are the essential phases of an effective construction process from the start of a project to its completion. Satisfaction of the client and fair pay for the contractor leaves everyone happy. 

Evaluation Phase

First comes the evaluation phase of a project. A highly experienced general contractor will want to meet with the client and get a feeling for the scope of the project. This is where you come in, you must discuss your wants and your needs. Set expectations! Supply the contractor with a general idea of what materials you’d like to incorporate into the build. 

A qualified contractor will also want to ensure that no zoning restrictions, HOA complications, or home deed restrictions affect the outcome of the project. Most importantly, laying out a preliminary budget with your contractor is going to yield the best results for your remodel and compensation for their work. This allows the contractor time to source materials and lay out a plan for the completion of the project in order to ensure cost/time efficiency. 

You’ll want to be specific during this phase. Did you want a floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door? How about a bay window with a built-in nook for reading? Did you want a bar that opens up onto the lanai? These are details you’ll want to bring up. The chemistry between you and the contractor will help you formulate the best possible plan for your desired project.

General Contractor Naples | Varian Construction

Design Phase

Following the evaluation phase of the project, the contractor will begin the design phase. Specifications and drawings will be created for the remodeling and construction proposal. Your contractors may discuss hiring a design professional before starting construction.

As a part of the entire remodeling process, contractors will frequently solicit bids from trade contractors and suppliers. Painters, plumbers, electricians, and interior designers may need to be subcontracted based on the scope of the project. A bathroom remodel may require an expert in plumbing. Your GC’s scope of work would include vetting the right person/company for the job and overseeing their work.

Preparing a final budget for the contract is the most essential step in this phase. Prepare yourself for a final budget that differs from the original estimate due to changes in the scope of the project.

Construction Plan

The meat of the project will be in the construction phase. Before construction begins, your contractor will have you sign a construction agreement, a paper that gives them the go-ahead to start the work. 

Prior to the start of construction, expect building permits and county/ city paperwork filing as another step for the contractor to complete to ensure that your project won’t become a liability or be flagged for breaking state regulations. The contractor and the client (you) will set a start date for the project and finalize a timeline.

Completion Phase

This is the moment you and your contractor will tie up all of the loose ends of the project. Inspections will test the integrity of the build, ensuring you get the highest quality and longest-lasting remodel for your money’s worth. When you are satisfied with your general contractor’s work, you’ll no doubt sign a certificate of completion, finalizing the remodel.

A good general contractor will review a “final punch list” to see if any details were missed in the initial construction. The closeout will include any final billing that will be discussed and given to the client for review and payment. Expect to receive a survey from your contractor so they may see areas of improvement or praise that you may give them.

Most general contractors take pride in their hard work and may want to take photos of the remodel to share with other prospective remodeling clients. Additionally, a 30-day follow-up visit would be conducted to make sure everything is working out for the client and there are no adjustments or repairs that need to be made. Furthermore, a one-year follow-up visit for overall client satisfaction would ensure the client and the builder are content with the results of the remodel.

Hiring a general contractor shouldn’t be difficult. If your contractor follows these guidelines when working with you on a project, you both should be pleased with the results. Using this guideline will not only help you weed out contractors that don’t keep you in the loop, but it will also help you establish a realistic budget, set expectations, and give you an idea of what type of general contractors you’re looking to hire. Remember, you are thinking about quality over quantity when dealing with your home, your precious investment. Hire an experienced general contractor that goes above and beyond for you. 

Are you interested in a remodel of any room in your home? Perhaps the entire home?! The best general contractor in SWFL is offering their help. All of the phases mentioned above have been coined by Bill Varian, owner of Varian Construction. If you want to have the best remodeler for your home, choose the Varian Process and call 239-514-0103 to get started.

Why You Should Hire A Sustainable Home Builder for Your Naples Project

Sustainable Home Builder | Varian Construction

According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), the Certified Green Professional™ designation recognizes builders, remodelers, and other industry professionals who incorporate green and sustainable building principles into homes — without driving up the cost of construction.

Do you want to save the planet, live in a home that is fully sustainable, and work with a certified professional in doing so?

In order to do this, you’ll need to hire not just any professional, you’ll need a certified GREEN professional. Their proficiency and education will allow them to assist you in all of your building endeavors. The “going green” award will go to you after hiring a sustainable home builder. Look at you, saving the planet board by board. 

Sustainability is an interesting term. Although its definitive meaning is one of longevity and maintenance, societally, we use it to describe or imply ecological balance. There is truth in using the term sustainability when it comes to home building in both aspects of the word. Our goal is to grow and change with society, and one of the main focuses in today’s climate, economically and ecologically, is the health of the planet. 

Sustainable building is using materials and processes that are efficient in causing less material waste, whether it is using recycled materials for home insulation, or using recycled wood for crown molding in a home. Everything from the process to the materials, to the overall integrity of the build, can be done so sustainably. It also means, a home that is built sustainably is likely to promote longevity, materials used will weather gracefully and remain functional for future generations.

Let the Light in

One way in which a sustainable home builder can reduce your carbon footprint and use their certified green education is to make a home that is spacious, airy, and utilizes natural lighting. This can be accomplished by installing energy-efficient windows in areas of the home that would otherwise be fabricated with walls. This will not only make your home look progressively sustainable, but it will also allow you to take advantage of the day’s natural light. Increasing the amount of natural light in your home will supplement your vitamin D levels and improve mental health. The amount of natural light pouring into your home will also prevent the early usage of electrical lights. It benefits not only your health, but it also decreases your lighting bill, therefore, reducing your carbon footprint!

Re-used is the New “New”

Materials can be sustainably resourced from homebuilders that keep materials safely stored from previous builds, ensuring their quality and integrity are intact before reuse. Incorporating recycled wood into a green home can merge the natural textures of the earth with your desired interior design. The earthly textures are complex and alluring, incorporating more natural themes into your home will be welcoming to guests and is sure to become a conversation piece. 

Sustainable Home Builder | Varian Construction

Bringing the Outdoors in 

Do you enjoy the atmosphere live lush greenery adds to restaurants and other establishments you patronize? Plants are heavily used in buildings and interior design for a reason. It creates an inviting atmosphere, can psychologically boost serotonin levels, and pump out fresh oxygen into the surrounding area. If you are planning to live sustainably, you’ll want to incorporate some live plants into your home build. Not only will it improve the air quality, it may also benefit your health and act as another way to please your guests. A sustainable home builder can allocate space to build custom planters or shelves in your home to showcase your greenery with functionality and style.

Don’t Turn Your Back on HVAC

As reported by MyFloridaGreen, Florida’s consumption of electricity per household is among the highest in the United States. The weather in Florida is hot and humid, which drives up the demand for air-conditioning, in turn, using an impressively substantial amount of electricity.  

When it comes to building a home in Florida, we have to account for the all-important HVAC systems that allow us to stay cool amid the heatwave that is summer. Sustainable home builders have been experimenting with the idea of using ventless or ductless HVAC units for each room. The ductless HVAC systems allow for custom temperature and humidity control for each selected room. Using Ductless HVAC systems prevents the air conditioning leaks you’d see in a traditional air conditioning unit. By reducing air leakage throughout the home, you will use less energy in the long run, keeping your Florida home cool and efficient. 

If only there was a certified green professional in my area that could check off all of these boxes and bring more longevity and value to my home! 

You’re in luck! Varian Construction is owned and operated by Bill Varian, a certified green professional who has over 30 years of experience in remodeling homes and using the most sustainable methods to keep your home on the cutting edge. Contact Varian Construction at (239) 514-0103 or visit our website at VarianConstruction.com for more information on home remodeling.