Author: Kelli Tarantino

Q: I’ve contacted several contractors, and they said they would give me a quote, but they’re not calling me back. It’s frustrating! Don’t they want my business? Why?

A: There could be many reasons.
Many contractors mean well, but they are not equipped to do the clerical and organizational aspect of the construction business. That is part of what a General Contractor provides to a client. Another possibility is that the project you need done requires the aid from another professional, such as an architect or interior designer. Many people see that as a waste of money, but if you’re going to spend money on your home, don’t you want to make the most of it? Drawings also help in receiving ‘apples to apples’ quotes from the subcontractors, and ensure you are getting what you’re promised.

Contact us today to discuss your dream space.

This historic home in Wyoming, was built in 1870. We completely renovated the Guest & Master Bathrooms.
The renovations included:
Marble Versailles Patterned flooring over heated floors
Rookwood accent tiles
Large multi-spray & hand held shower fixtures and ‘frameless’ glass enclosure
Quarter & rift sawn oak Amish built cabinetry and hardwood flooring
New built-in and walk-in closets with organizer systems
The end results are two totally updated Baths while restoring the final aesthetics to the homes original grandeur and elegance.

Please visit us this weekend at Design Build Cincy. The show features over 125 high end interior designers, architects, and custom builders, displaying the latest trends and colors.

When:
Saturday and Sunday
Nov. 1-2, 2014
10am – 5pm

Where:
Music Hall
1241 Elm St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
Second floor Grand Ballroom

Purchase tickets

David Costa General Contracting
Cincinnati, OH 45244
513-382-8301

1) If you’re new to your home, if possible, give yourself some time to live in it. Figure out what its pitfalls and benefits are. This will help you with planning for your home’s eventual improvement.

2) Understand it’s going to take time. You want to work with an architect who understands your needs and your home. Taking a shortcut here will only cost you money in the long run. Consider Tom Wilcox from Wilcox Architecture.

3) If your intention is to contact a general contractor such as myself who aids in the planning and design of your renovation, it’s always helpful to have your ideas thought out as much as possible. I often suggest people look at designs and finishes on-line, such as Houzz, or in magazines. As they say, a picture tells 1000 words, and it is also very helpful for me!

4) Talk to your banker, and your real estate agent. They can help you determine what your home is worth and how much money you should spend for improvements.

Contact us for a FREE consultation to plan for your next addition.

This Anderson front porch addition (design by Tom Wilcox architect), was a great aesthetic addition to this home.

Structural Fiberglass columns, stained beaded vaulted ceilings, and a new paint scheme make this a fantastic finish!

To all my Family, Friends and Business Acquaintences-

I recently lost my brother-in-law, Mark Donovan to pancreatic cancer. This personal tragedy has made me acutely aware of this horribly underfunded and devastating disease.

In his final days, Mark told his family that if “one person could be saved from his misfortune, it would be worth the loss”. His outstanding character, courage, and pragmatic optimism is a lesson for all. He will be sorely missed.

In honor of my brother-in-law, please help me support Purple Stride Team Donovan in the upcoming 5k Walk/Run at Sawyer Point on Saturday, September 27.

For each “Like” I receive on my Facebook page, I will donate $1 to support this worthy cause. My goal is to reach 1,000 Likes by September 15th.

Please share this information with all of your friends and family in Mark’s honor.

Thank you, David

This Wyoming Guest Bath is the first of two Bath Renovations to occur in this Historic home.
The Master Bath will commence shortly after its completion.

Rod Sidley is the Architect for this renovation, who is very experienced and sensitive to the historic nature and integrity of these beautiful homes. The existing bath was a bit too small to function properly, so we removed a weight bearing structural wall, and expanded to accommodate the new quarter sawn oak cabinetry. The home has original beautiful quarter sawn frame and panel woodwork, so the new baths will echo the decor. The bath features a Carrara Marble vanity top with integral bowls, and Carrara tile throughout the new shower, floors, and walls. Brushed nickel Kohler fixtures combine to give the new bath a rich traditional look.

Spring is finally here, which means it’s a good time to start tackling those home improvement & repair projects you’ve been putting off all winter. Below is a list of ideas to help you get your home looking its best; while ensuring the safety and comfort of your family members and guests. Most projects take only a day or two to complete.

• Apply a fresh coat of paint to brighten up a room.
• Replace torn screens in the windows and add a locking screen door to let the fresh air in.
• Build or install shelving units in the basement and garage to store away unwanted clutter.
• Add vertical storage and a folding table in the laundry room.
• Reorganize closets by adding shelving units.
• Swap out damaged or worn closet doors.
• Change outdated lighting fixtures or ceiling fans.
• Update old fixtures in the kitchen and bath.
• Recaulk bathtubs and shower surrounds to give them a fresh and clean look.
• Design and install a creative backsplash in the kitchen.
• Add character and to any room by installing decorative molding or a chair rail.
• Reposition your furniture for a new look or to optimize space.
• Give your fireplace a facelift by restoring the mantle or retiling the panel and hearth areas.
• Fix loose railings and banisters throughout the inside and outside of your home.
• Install safety bars or rails to the shower for those who need additional assistance.
• Add non-slip pads or a carpet runner to stairs.
• Install tile or hardwood floors to any room.
• Tighten or replace door knobs and cabinet hardware.
• Childproof all cabinets which contain harmful chemicals or hazardous materials and equipment.
• Install baby gates inside the home or a fence outside to keep children and pets confined to safe areas.
• Maintain the curb appeal of your home by landscaping the front yard.
• Add lighting that detects motion around the outside of your home, including steps.
• Build a deck to increase the amount of usable living space for your home.
• Feeling ambitious? Do a complete basement, bathroom, kitchen, or laundry room remodel.

Now, take a look around your home and see where improvements need to be made. Should you need assistance with any of your home improvement projects, feel free to contact us at (513)382-8301 or david@davidcosta-dcgc.com for a free consultation and estimate. Please visit our website for more information.

While apprenticing with Landscape Architect Paul G Busse in the 1980’s, I learned to appreciate and understand his ability to create ‘outdoor spaces’.
Using outdoor elements such as decks, patios, pergolas, screens, fences, masonry structures and more, new outdoor spaces can be created to add value to your home, and quality to your living environment.
Personally, I love the outdoors. It’s not too late to begin a summer outdoor project that will provide a lifetime of entertainment and enjoyment.
Contact me today to let me show you how I can improve your home!