With the housing market offering some very favorable purchase prices around Florida, some people are considering investing in rental properties. If you have the right outlook, a solid plan and a partnership with a reliable handyman, this might be just the right way to build up your nest egg. If not, it might be a better idea to leave this form of income to those who are a little better suited.

The Right Outlook

• Know what you want- You can’t just jump into a rental property without knowing what you want to get out of it. Do you want profit every month from collecting rent, or are you willing to wait a decade while tenants pay your mortgage and then collect on resale? Knowing how you intend to make your money can make or break your landlord experience.
• Expect to do collections- Becoming a landlord will mean becoming a debt collector at some point. Not to say that every, or even most, people who rent will skip out on payments, but ask any experienced landlord and he will tell you that collecting overdue rent comes with the territory. Some will even tell you that security deposits are as much about insurance from unpaid rent, as they are about damaged drywall or stained carpet.
• Plan to address customer service- Your tenants will expect some level of service, not to mention that you will be legally obliged to provide it. If water pipes break on a holiday, the special occasion does not allow you to ignore the problem. You will also have to build lasting relationships with good tenants in order to maintain steady income. If this doesn’t sound like you, then being a landlord might not be your thing.

A Solid Plan

• Consider your finances- Do you know how much the house will actually cost you after expenses like taxes, insurance, repairs and improvements? (Note that the IRS differentiates repairs and improvements.) Are you aware that you can get a bank loan for a rental property but that the interest rate will surely be higher than the one associated with your residential mortgage? Do you have enough liquid assets—i.e. cash in the bank—to make unexpected repairs or cover your property taxes when they are due? Ask yourself these questions, then review some of the common write-offs—yes there are tax benefits to being a landlord—that the IRS details for you here.
• Length of ownership- Knowing how long you will own a property is instrumental in successful real estate investment. Planning to own a property for five years requires a different investment strategy than planning on owning the same parcel for 20 years. Length of ownership dictates how much you will spend on repairs/improvements, which ultimately influences what you will upgrade on the property. Keep in mind that the housing market is down everywhere from Tampa to Melbourne and the value of a property you buy in 2011 could drop by 2012 or 2013, as there is no assurance that the housing market has hit bottom. On the other hand, buying in a severely devalued market with a long-term plan could put your kids through college if that part of the state rebounds over the next 15 years.
• Details- You must know exactly how you intend to buy and then subsequently manage the property. Come up with a fixed spending limit for the purchase. Some landlords use basic calculation such as deciding on realistic rent for the property and then not paying more for the property plus immediate repairs than they can feasibly collect in six to eight years. Knowing what to expect monetarily will help you decide if a property that looks great on paper is really an investment lemon. You also must detail management issues such as amount of security deposits, whether and how you will do background checks (criminal and financial), a pet policy, who will represent you legally when an issue arises that goes to court, etc. If you are not a detail person, then investing in rental properties is probably not for you.

A Good Handyman

• Quality work- Unless you are a craftsman, and most people aren’t, you need someone who can make quality repairs and upgrades to the property. Getting a great deal on a property almost always means putting cash into it to make it rentable. Cheap houses have old plumbing, outdated cabinets and probably exterior issues like a need for new soffits and fascia. Building a relationship with a quality handyman is a necessary part of being a landlord.
• Reach- Many savvy landlords own properties in multiple cities because you buy property by value and not location. Maybe you own a single family home in Ft. Myers, a condo in Bradenton and a villa in Clearwater. If you know the right handyman, he will be able to make repairs and upgrades to all of your properties, saving you the hassle of tracking down three separate repair companies.
• Availability- This might be the best reason to go with a handyman and not a contractor. When a tree goes through the front windows of one of your properties, you don’t want to hear that your contractor took a bid elsewhere or that your independent fly-by-night repair guy does not want to work that week. Make sure that your service provider can have a handyman out to your property ASAP. Repairs jobs don’t follow a schedule, yet they must be addressed quickly.

Sources:

MSN Money

Investing in Rental Property

Internal Revenue Service

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Finishing Touches

Time for Floors: Laminate Verse Hardwood

Seal It Up

We have made mention recently that the Remodeling Futures Program at the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University is predicting 2011 to be a big year for home renovations. The economy is on a slow but steady uptick, and the post-recession mentality has sobered us all up a bit. Instead of moving to another house we have decided that improving the one that we are in is a more feasible option. It is a logical move, especially in areas like Naples where housing prices tend to be a bit high.

This new state of mind is a good thing; it means we have a better grip on our finances and a more realistic view of how to use them. Taking into account that we are making better financial decisions, perhaps we should be considering home remodeling projects that can not only make us happier in our houses, but will have an economic impact as well.

Go Green

Energy in general is a big issue for everyone today. You can do your part to help the environment while making an investment in your home that will pay for itself in the long run. With some simple additions you can make improvements to your home that will save you money down the road.

• New thermostat- Air conditioning and heating are the biggest energy hogs in your house. A modern thermostat can help you maintain a more exact temperature. It can also be programmed to use less energy while you are not at home. Keeping the house a little cooler in the winter and warmer in summer will save you a lot over the year. You can do this by programming your thermostat to change the temperature while you are gone all day. You won’t have to remember to reset it during your morning rush; a modern thermostat will do it for you.
• Insulation- Insulation can be put in walls and in your attic. It keeps your house at a set temperature longer, by helping to block the temperature outside. Over time insulation wears thin and needs to be updated. A quick update can cut your utility bills down immediately.
• Weather stripping- Any opening in your house can let hot or cold air in. This means that doors and windows deserve special attention. The edges of these openings need to have an insulating material, called weather stripping, applied to all of their borders. Simply putting up weather stripping will have an immediate impact on your electric bill and will also be noticeable right away when you walk by a previously drafty door or window.

All of these improvements can have another financial effect. They will all take some of the workload off of your air conditioning unit, meaning that you will have to pay for fewer repairs and will experience a longer life for the unit.

Foodies’ Favorite Remodels

Kitchen remodels are increasingly popular projects. They can instantly add value to a home and will make it more desirable when you do eventually move to sell it. The National Association of Home Builders reports that a kitchen remodel adds more value to your home than any other project. For this reason, a kitchen remodel can be a good monetary move, as well as one that will make your house more functional.

• Cabinets and counters- These are arguably the biggest decision you have to make in your kitchen remodel. They will be the most expensive part and will dictate the overall look of your kitchen for years to come. Make sure to pick out cabinets that fit your budget without going too cheap. If you save a few dollars now, you will probably wish you had spent a bit more later. In the spirit of spending on these materials, make sure to choose countertops that are durable. You don’t have to go as far as marble if that is out of your budget, but remember that cheaper materials might mean having to pay to fix a countertop down the road after several years of basic use.
• Appliances- This is another area that can carry a hefty price tag. If you are happy with the look and the functionality of your current appliances you might want to keep them for a bit to get your money’s worth. If not, then do some comparison shopping. Pick out the appliances that meet your needs without going too far out of the box. If you have a three-bedroom house, you probably don’t need the largest capacity units available. Also, stainless steel looks clean–and is far easier to clean, but you can save a few bucks if you bypass it in favor of another finish. Mechanically the appliances from the same series are exactly the same; you are paying a premium for stainless steel plates to be bolted onto the front of the units.
• Flooring- Think durable, easy to clean, and neutral. Flooring should be able to stand up to the heavy traffic a kitchen endures. We suggest tile but do keep your personal tastes in mind, as they may differ from ours. (Obviously carpet is a horrible option here.) You also want something that can easily be wiped up and cleaned, so go for a darker color grout if you choose tile. When it comes to color, the floor needs to match the cabinets, but avoid going for a color that is too vibrant. Part of the value of a kitchen remodel is to appeal to future buyers, so don’t turn them off; you might love fuchsia but that doesn’t mean other people will.

Sources:

Joint Center for Housing Studies

Let’s Renovate

Remodeling My Space

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Finishing Touches

Seal It Up

Remodeling a house or even a single room is not complete until all of the finishing touches are put into place. Of course it is important to have the floors you want put down and to carefully choose your paint, but without some common finishing touches, your room will not look complete. By adding some other touches your room can begin to take on a personality. The finishing touches that we are talking about are the various types of molding that you can choose from.

The Basics

• Baseboards- Baseboards are pieces of molding that are put down in between your flooring and the wall. They are usually between three and five inches tall and come in a variety of styles. Some are plain, while others can have more intricate designs carved into them.
• Door and Window Molding- Once a door or window has been installed, there are visible gaps in the wall at the points where the wall and either the door or the window connect. To conceal these gaps and to give the room some finishing touches door, and window trim–also called casings–is generally put into place.

Door and window trim is traditionally the same style as the baseboards in the room. If you would like a little different look, you can definitely take your time choosing out door and window trim that is similar to– yet different than–your baseboards. This finishing touch is at eye level as compared to baseboards, so spending a little more (molding is generally sold at cost per foot) can help add to your room.

Good Additions

You will probably be installing baseboards and door and window trim in every room. They are finishing touches that are pretty much givens from an interior design perspective. If you would like to keep dressing your rooms up, you do have other options.

• Crown Molding- Crown molding–also called cornice molding–goes at the top of the wall where it meets the ceiling. It comes in many different styles and often affords a larger selection than baseboards. It can be plain or have very intricate designs. Crown molding is an additional expenditure and does not have a realistic function but is still worth the money. It can significantly add to the aesthetics of a room, making it seem more inviting and enjoyable to be in. This is also a nice touch for potential buyers if you ultimately decide to sell your house.
• Chair Rails- Chair rails are pieces of molding that run along the walls. They are common in dining rooms and eat-in kitchens, but can add to any room. They are installed horizontally, usually about three feet off of the ground. They not only add some visual aesthetic to the room, they can keep your walls from being scraped up by chairs and other furniture that might be moved around. Some people use them to break up a wall altogether and use different color paints or different wall coverings above and below the chair rail.

Molding is an easy way to give a room a personality. You can create particular looks for the room by using different types and styles of molding in combination with one another. Choosing your paint and stains for your molding is yet another way to give your room the exact look that you want. Take some time to look around the hardware store and select the molding that will finish your room off the way that you would like. Then you can measure angles, cut and install it yourself or call in an experienced handyman who will do it correctly.

Sources:

Inviting Home

HGTV

eHow

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One of the overlooked finishing touches inside a home are the interior doors. Doors can add to the look of a room or house and provide privacy, yet most people overlook them and opt to focus more on paint, bathroom fixtures or even countertops (not that any of those aren’t important; we’re just saying don’t forget about doors.)

The best way to begin is to go over the common types of interior doors.

• Hinged Doors- These are the most common doors that every house has. They attach to the door frame via hinges and swing open and closed. While they are basic, you can get hinged doors in various styles so you can match the doors with molding and trim.
• Pocket Doors- These doors slide in and out of the wall itself. They are attached to a track that makes it easy for them to be opened and closed. These doors allow you to have closure in a room if you want, while giving you the option of keeping the doorway a completely open walkway. They are also good in tight spaces that might not accommodate a swinging hinged door.
• Folding Doors- These are doors with several sections. The sections fold and press against each other when they are opened. This type of door is good for large openings as they can be made with many sections. You commonly see them on closets and pantries.
• Bypass Doors- These are similar to folding doors in their use but are not always the best for large spaces. They involve multiple sections that slide on separate tracks. As you open one section it slides behind another. Sliding glass doors are the most common type of bypass door.

You will need to choose your doors based upon:

· The size of the doorway- If your opening is more than a traditional hinged door can handle you will have to decide which other type of door suites you best.

· The space around the doorway- If the doorway is in a hallway or a tight space you will probably factor in the area needed for a swinging door. You might want to look at a pocket door that won’t take up any more space than the doorway itself.

· How sealed you want the room to be- If the door is only in place for aesthetics or to keep pets or children out, you won’t need a very thick door. A folding or bypass door will be perfect. If the point of the door is privacy, you will need to think your choice out a little more. Likely you are thinking about a hinged door, but remember that they come in different thicknesses. Most interior doors are hollow core. This means that the door is made of two pieces of plywood that are spaced by either wood or thick cardboard, leaving the rest of the door hollow. While they do the trick, they are not that sturdy (if security is an issue) and they don’t block noise. If you want a thicker door you will be looking at engineered wood doors or solid wood doors. Engineered wood doors are made of compressed wood with solid wood support systems. They are heavier and stop noise effectively. Solid wood doors are a far more expensive and generally unnecessary option, so save that expense for exterior doors.

· Your personal preferences- Remember doors are functional finishing touches. Realistically you could live in your home without them, but they add function and aesthetics. Pick out doors that match your trim and molding to tie the room together. Also look into painting or staining your wood doors to match with the colors of the room.

Once you have picked your doors out, you are ready to have them installed. While this can be done by the adventurous homeowner, it may be better to call in a professional. Incorrectly framing a door can cause it to rub against the frame, wear and even stick.

Sources:

Home Interiors Zone
Bob Vila
Home Addition Plus

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Hurricane Shutters: FAQ

Over time houses settle and some of the materials used to build them can warp or break. Sometimes when this happens, your house ends up being exposed. It is exposed because as the materials warp, they no longer seal the house. When a building is not sealed, it becomes vulnerable to weather and even rodents.

Keep the Elements Out

Keeping the weather out is an important aspect of a sealed house. If rain enters a building through places that should be sealed, it can cause damage. Rain can affect wood by soaking in and causing it to rot. In other cases the water can accumulate and cause mold to form. When wood beams that support your house rot or mold develops in an out-of-sight area, you are in for an expensive repair or cleaning bill. You can avoid such a bill by simply making sure that basic maintenance is performed.

An unsealed house can let in more weather than just rain. The air that comes into an unsealed house can drive your electric bill through the roof. Summer temperatures in Tampa require constant air conditioning. You do not want your AC to have to work harder just because you have not made sure that your house is properly sealed.

Stop the Invasion

Another possible problem that can arise with an unsealed house is unwanted guests. Rodents looking for places to nest can easily find their way into an attic through unsealed areas in the roof or around the foundation. Once inside, they can nest and reproduce at an alarming rate. Before long a small number of rats that take refuge in your attic can continually breed until you are living below a colony with several dozen rodents.

Meanwhile, even smaller invaders—such as ants, roaches, and other insects—can also find their way into your home. Getting rid of all these critters may require assistance from an experienced exterminator.

Seal it Right the First Time

In order to avoid any of these expensive and even unsanitary circumstances, you should have your home sealed. A professional knows exactly where to look to find places where weather and rodents might enter your home. They will check places like:

• Around doors
• Around the foundation of the home
• Around corners
• Near gutters (Soffits and fascia hold up gutters and contribute to sealing your house, so making sure that these overlooked pieces of your home are intact is very beneficial.)
• Around chimneys or pipes that provide ventilation
• Around windows

If open spaces are found after a home inspection, they must be sealed. Sometimes they can be sealed easily with caulk. In other instances you will need to put more effort into the project. Gutters, soffits, fascia and other parts of the structure may need to be replaced. If your house is not sealed, it is very important to address the problem. Once problems begin to arise, they will certainly grow. Ultimately you will likely have a much larger home repair job on your hands. It may be helpful to think about it like this. If you have to spend money on your house, you would probably prefer to spend it on a renovation, like putting in a new kitchen, than on fixing something that broken due to lack of diligence.

Sources:

Check This House.com

Center for Disease Control

HGTV

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Handyman Connection Difference

Living in the Sunshine State means that you very well may have a room in your house that falls somewhere between an actual room and an overstated screened in porch. The Florida weather makes having one of these rooms that’s not quite inside, yet still not outside, a feasible possibility. A lot of the construction in Tampa, or even surrounding areas likes St. Petersburg and Clearwater, has this addition built on to it. In other cases you might be living in a house that originally had a porch that has since been enclosed or extended. Whatever your scenario, the name for this area of the house is a Florida room. As homes get older and need renovations or as homeowners look to add some value to their properties, these rooms often become a focal point.

The problem with most Florida rooms is that they are not entirely sealed. They may be screened in, or even surrounded by older unsealed windows, but they don’t keep heat out. This might have been acceptable in the 1950’s but let’s face it, today we like to be able to control the temperature. No one wants to sit in a Florida room in July or during one of our colder Februaries. So what do you do with this space? The way we see it, there are two viable options: seal it in as if it were a room but leave screened windows for the pleasant months, or focus on the outside and convert it into a glass room.

In either case, it is a pretty big job so you are going to want someone who is really handy around to oversee the process.

The Glass Room

Glass rooms can be great. You get to combine natural sunlight with controlled temperatures. They are great places to keep plants or even to set up a table for impromptu meals in the sun. You will only need lights at night time, and they can make for enjoyable places to read or relax. So long as you use storm proof glass you will not have to worry yourself much about storms breaking the glass (but we do not recommend taking refuge in this room during a storm). Let’s run down the pros and cons of a sun room really quickly.

Pros

• Natural light
• Aesthetic value
• Type of living space not every house has
• Great place to keep plants or an herb garden

Cons

• Lack of insulation will increase cooling/heating bills
• Fully glassed in rooms do not have a roof to provide shade
• Monetary costs of converting to a sun room could be high

Seal in a Screened Room

This option is one that many homeowners choose. In essence a Florida Room already has a foundation and a roof. Sealing in the exterior walls modernizes the Florida room and makes it more likely to be used. You can put a significant amount of windows to mimic the outside feel of a glass sun room but it won’t have the same feel. The trade off of course is the extra usable space. Consider the pros and cons of this choice.

Pros

• Extra living space (if it is insulated you can add it to the square footage of your house at resale).
• Ability to open windows if you do want fresh air
• Cooling/heating costs are less than a sun room

Cons

· The construction time may last longer as insulation and new walls may be needed.

· You do not get as open a feel as a sun room.

In the end it comes down to personal preference. If you need a room purely for enjoyment, you may choose the glass room. If the house is getting cramped with a growing family, maybe you need to close in the room for extra space. Either way you will add value to your house with this renovation.

Sources:

Sunroom Help

Associated Content: Screened in Porches vs. Sun Rooms

Better Homes and Gardens

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Updates to your home make it more comfortable while you are living in it and add value in the event that you want to sell or draw equity. You can change the entire look of a room and add durability to your floor with properly installed tile. Making the remodel decision is easier than actually installing the tile, but following the right steps simplifies the process.

1. Gather your tools- Here are some of the things you will need:

1. Scrapers
2. Wedging tool
3. Sandpaper
4. Spacers
5. Level
6. Chalk string
7. Tile cutter
8. Knee pads
9. Measuring tape
10. Sponge
11. Grout
12. Tiles
13. Tile cement

2. Prepare the area- The underlying floor itself will need some work. Remove any old adhesives that may be left from the previous floor. Sealing cracks in concrete may also be necessary. You want your floor to be level all the way across, so that your new tile floor will be even and last for years. Also be aware of parts of the room that will require you to cut tiles. Thinking about this during the preparation stage will make the work more efficient during installation.

3. Find the center- The exact center of your floor is where you will begin laying the tile. First measure the center points of the walls of the room. Then stretch your chalk string from wall to wall, stretched from center point to center point. Now “snap” it down and it will leave chalk lines giving you an accurate center point of the floor.

4. Do a practice run- Lay tiles down without any adhesive. Use your spacers and make sure that you like the look and that the center has actually been found. A dry run is important because it easy to fix mistakes when you haven’t used any adhesive.

5. Install the tile- Once your floor is prepped, you know where center is and you have completed your practice run it is time to get started. You will be working on one small section at a time. Space out the section you will be working from (starting from the center of the room of course) and apply your chosen adhesive. Then carefully place tiles in straight lines. Use your spacers to help keep your floor uniform. Work quickly so that the adhesive dries against the back of the tiles, but don’t go so fast that you lay the floor unevenly. The corners of the tiles should be next to each other to obtain the look you want for your finished floor. When laying the tiles, place them in a downward motion in the place you want them to be. Do not slide them or wiggle them into place. Place them gently, apply some pressure to spread the adhesive and move on to the next tile.

6. Lay the grout- After you have installed the individual tiles, you will need to let the adhesive set. Your best bet is to let the tile set for 24 hours before you begin grouting.

1. Start by removing the spacers you put down during installation.
2. Next vacuum the crevices between the tiles to remove any excess dirt or pieces of flaked adhesive.
3. Next mix your grout according to the instructions.
4. Spread the grout evenly over the open portions between the tiles. Make sure you are using enough to completely fill the gaps. Like with the tile installation, work in one section at a time.
5. Once you have spread the grout, use a damp sponge or cloth to wipe any grout that may be on the tile itself. Do this right away so that the grout does not have time to dry. You only want grout in between tiles, not on top of them.
6. Look over the whole floor when you are done grouting to make sure you have been consistent in all areas. This will be the best time to fix mistakes because once the grout sets it is very difficult to fix mistakes.

Consulting with a professional is a good idea before you begin any home improvement project. We are available to provide tips for projects you decide to undertake yourself. We can also reduce your workload and do the installation for you, ensuring a professional finish.

Handyman Connection is proud to serve the home improvement and home repair needs of Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Lakeland, Orlando, Bradenton, Sarasota, Naples, Ft. Myers, Melbourne, Merritt Island & Titusville.

Remodeling a bathroom is one of the best ways to add function and value to a home. Whether you are an ambitious do-it-yourselfer ready to undertake a complete remodel, or prefer to let the pros handle it, knowing the right steps can make the process go more smoothly. Follow these simple steps to take your bathroom remodeling project from concept to reality.

1. Draw up a budget—and commit to it. Be realistic about the cost associated with a bathroom remodel. Replacing fixtures, flooring, and other materials can really cost you. Make a bathroom “wish list,” do some research on cost, and then decide on the scope of your project.
2. Consult the experts. Even if you plan to do the work yourself, talk to a licensed independent contractor and get an estimate for the work. He’ll be able to estimate how much labor is really involved and point out any items you may not have considered, such as replacing that ancient plumbing.
3. Check on permits. If a contractor is doing the remodeling, he should take care of all the permits for you. Avoid a contractor who says he is unable to pull permits, or asks you to pull your own permits. Putting the permits in your name makes you liable for any errors or damage, even if the contractor made the mistake.
4. Choose your new materials. Keeping your budget in mind, decide on a new look for the bathroom, and choose materials accordingly. While it’s important to consider current trends in home design, your family’s needs are just as important. If the bathroom will get lots of use, go for durable materials that are relatively easy to clean.
5. Do the demolition. For many people, this is the most exciting part of any renovation project. But be careful not to damage underlying plumbing, along with any materials, such as flooring, that may be sticking around after the remodeling.
6. Install the new fixtures. Put in the items that require plumbing first: the tub or shower; sink; and toilet. These should go in before any tile, so that tile can be cut properly to fit around it. It’s advisable to let a professional do this step, because some seemingly minor details—like the shower drain—can cause major problems if installed incorrectly.
7. Lay the tile and flooring. Laying tile is a painstaking process. Be sure to complete each step properly, carefully cutting tiles with a wet saw if necessary. Plan on a few broken or mis-cut tiles when purchasing supplies. Meanwhile, be sure to space tiles precisely and allow plenty of time for the adhesive to dry before applying grout.
8. Paint the walls. Some people recommend painting before installing new fixtures and tile, to avoid paint spills. But carefully painting around these items can save on paint and create a more finished look. It also prevents the need to touch up walls that get scratched or marred during other installations.
9. Put in new light fixtures. Choose fixtures that match the overall look and feel of the bathroom, but provide sufficient light for tasks like applying make-up and shaving. Consider adding spotlights in the shower or in other areas that might get dim.
10. Add those finishing details. Install crown molding, baseboards, and hardware. These touches make the bathroom look complete and polished. If you plan on eventually reselling the home, go for a clean, understated look that will appeal to a broad spectrum of buyers.

Remodeling a bathroom is a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. By working through the process one step at a time, anyone can create a beautiful bathroom.

Hurricane season is in full swing, and now is the time to protect your home in case of severe weather.  One of the most effective ways to protect your home—and your family—is with storm or hurricane shutters.  Properly installed hurricane shutters protect against flying debris, prevent water damage, and even help maintain the integrity of your roof. 

Who needs storm shutters?

Anyone who lives in an area that could be affected by severe storms should invest in hurricane shutters.  In Florida, that means virtually anyone living on the peninsula, since hurricanes have been known to cross the state, affecting areas far from the coast.  Even if you live in an evacuation area, it’s still important to protect your home and possessions with hurricane shutters.

Why do I need hurricane shutters?

Hurricane shutters prevent debris from coming through a window.  In addition to protecting family members from injury, storm shutters also prevent broken windows—and the water damage that can result as rain comes through broken windows.  Meanwhile, broken windows can let in wind and produce extra pressure on the walls and ceiling of a home, causing walls to buckle or the roof to give way.

Usually I just tape my windows. Isn’t that enough?

Tape does not protect against broken windows.  It simply holds the broken glass together.  Meanwhile, as the adhesive gets hot in the sun over time, it can become extremely difficult to remove.  If you must leave a window shutter-free (for instance as an emergency exit), consider covering it with protective film. 

When should I install storm shutters?

Ideally, shutters should be installed during home construction.  Since this usually doesn’t happen, the next best option is to install shutters prior to the onset of severe weather.  Don’t wait until a Hurricane Watch is issued, because most home repair companies will be extremely busy and it may be difficult to get someone to install the shutters in time.    

Can I install hurricane shutters myself?

Depending on the kind of shutters you choose, you may be able to install them yourself.  More cumbersome shutters, such as those made of steel or those with an automatic mechanism, should be installed by a professional.

Where can I find a trustworthy professional to install my shutters?

First check with friends and family, or call the local Better Business Bureau to find a reputable independent contractor.  Most importantly, be sure to select a contractor who has all the proper licenses.  During storm season, dishonest repairmen tend to pop up, since so many people are looking for work done in a hurry. 

What kind of shutters are best?

Steel hurricane shutters offer the most protection, but they are also the most expensive and difficult to install.  Aluminum provides a satisfactory alternative, although they do not always meet building code.  Consider your family’s needs when choosing shutters.  Older adults may prefer hurricane shutters that have an automatic mechanism or accordion design.  If money is tight, carefully measure plywood to fit the inside of each window.   

Installing sturdy hurricane shutters is a critical step in hurricane preparedness.  Protect your home, property, and family with durable shutters that can withstand the elements. 

Sources:

http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/shutters/index1.html

http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/shutters/index3.html

Embarking on a home improvement or renovation project can be both exciting and daunting: in addition to improving the look and functionality of your home, you’re also required to trust relative strangers with your most valuable asset. That’s why it’s so important to choose a contractor carefully. Using an unlicensed contractor can have serious consequences.

Why Look for the License

Although many contractors without proper licensure may be perfectly competent and honest, using an unlicensed contractor places the homeowner at the risk of assuming undue liability. For instance, if the contractor or one of his employees is injured on a homeowner’s property, the contractor can sue the homeowner for damages.

Meanwhile, unlicensed contractors often cut corners by neglecting to pull proper permits or asking the homeowner to pull them. Either way, the homeowner assumes all responsibility for both improperly filed paperwork and any code violations. If another person’s property (say, the neighbor’s lawn) is damaged, the homeowner would also be financially responsible.

These liabilities may seem like a stretch, but they are not as rare as homeowners might think. Furthermore, unlicensed contractors often do not complete a job correctly—or at all. They may not have the necessary expertise to finish a project right, or they may even take your deposit and skip town. One common problem is that they fail to “finish the job” the way the homeowner expected. For example, after replacing pipes, they may not patch the holes in the walls.

Spotting an Unlicensed Contractor

During the contractor selection process, homeowners can look for signs that a contractor may not carry the proper credentials:

• Cheap or free marketing tactics, such as local flyers or placing business cards on community bulletin boards
• Extremely low bids, especially fixed-price estimates that don’t require the contractor to visit your home or determine the true scope of the project
• Demanding the entire price of the project in advance, which is common for people who plan to “take the money and run”
• Producing only an occupancy or out-of-state license, neither of which are valid in Florida
• Saying that they are working “under” someone else’s license, which is only applicable for legitimate employees of the same company
• Displaying only a PO Box or having a long-distance phone number, indicating a potential “fly-by-night” operation

Sticking with licensed contractors gives homeowners the most protection—and the best guarantees of craftsmanship. For your next home repair or renovation project, look for a licensed contractor who has an excellent track record within your community.