Homeowner Tips Archives - FHIA Remodeling

There are several reasons that fall is the most popular season – the perfect temperature, cozy fires, and the start of the holiday season to name a few. Fall is also the perfect season for home maintenance — yes, even in Florida! Take advantage of the perfect weather to explore your home’s exterior and make sure it’s ready for winter! Here’s a great checklist to help you…

Scan Your Roof & Gutters.

Very carefully and always with a partner, grab a ladder, and scan your roof. Look for…

Missing, curling, bent, or damaged shingles. If you see any, contact us for repairs ASAP, they won’t last through the winter and will leave your home vulnerable.
Anything green. If you find moss, spray it with a 50:50 mix of household bleach and water. After 30 mins, rinse off with water.
Backed-up gutters.Stuffed gutters can cause rainwater to back up into your roofing system, causing leaks. Water that doesn’t drain properly could also freeze and expand, making existing damage worse.
Holes or openings in your roof overhangs where birds, rodents, squirrels, and bats could take refuge from the cold.

Once you come down, check the gutter downspout runoff. Water should be draining away from the house. Otherwise, it can weaken your foundation.

If you see anything that could be a cause for concern, request a roof inspection so you can spend the holidays 100% sure that your roof and home are safe.

Inspect Your Attic.

Check for any signs of moisture.
Be sure vents are completely unobstructed, including attic insulation, to prevent ice dams from forming. While ice dams are not likely in Florida, it is important to check your vents and insulation for excess moisture.
Do you have bird and rodent screens for your attic vents? Check that these are in good shape to prevent any unwanted guests.

Check Windows & Doors.

Inspect and repair your window and door frames
Prevent drafts and lower heating bills by installing weather stripping or caulking around windows and doors.
Think about upgrading to energy-efficient windows and doors to help storm-proof and winterize your home.

Have your HVAC Inspected.

You should do this every two years to prevent your heating system from calling it quits when temperatures drop and the thermostat temperature goes up. An inspection will ensure optimal performance and discover minor problems before they turn into costly major repairs. Other items to keep in mind…

Replace the filter in your furnace.
Clean your air ducts to improve your system’s efficiency, reduce household dust, and relieve those with respiratory problems.

Protect Your Plumbing!

Make sure pipes are well insulated to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting
Locate and know how to turn off the water shut-off valve in case the pipes do freeze.

Fireplace Upkeep.

While fireplaces aren’t popular in Florida, it is still a good tip for homeowners! Nothing is cozier than a lit fireplace in the fall, but you should get the whole system inspected before use to prevent dangerous chimney fires. professionals will be increasingly busy as winter approaches, so schedule them as early as possible.

Landscaping.

Many think autumn leaves protect the grass below, but too many leaves can trap moisture and rot your grass. Make sure you’re raking them often.
Contrary to popular belief, grass does not stop growing in the fall. The roots grow deeper to prepare for winter, so fall is the best time to fertilize and reseed your lawn!
Give the shrubs and bushes a haircut after the leaves change color to encourage healthy growth and prevent damage to the plant if heavy snow comes unexpectedly.
Remove risky tree limbs that are dangerously close to power lines or the roof of your house.
Drain hoses and turn off exterior faucets. Hoses can retain residual water, even if you haven’t used them in a while. Once the temps dip below freezing, any leftover water can expand and split your hose.

Following this checklist can help you rest easy through the holidays knowing your home is in tip-top shape!

Need help with your roof, windows, or doors? We can help you winterize your home and start raking in energy savings! Request a free quote here and get your project started before winter sets in!

Whether you or someone in your household is getting older or you need to accommodate a disability, an accessible bathroom is one of the most important areas in your house to remodel. More than 2/3 of emergency room visits are due to bathroom falls with the tub and shower being the most hazardous areas for young adults and most falls for the elderly occurring near the toilet. Here are the top 4 things to consider when you’re thinking about making your bathroom more accessible.

Accessible Bathing Options

Whether you have limited or difficult mobility, or you have to accommodate for wheelchair access, a walk-in shower or accessible tub makes it near impossible to shower easily. We recommend a tub made to order for your exact space with a rolling or fixed shower seat, a level entrance sloping to the drain, and a wide shower entrance or door.

Grabbing bars should be installed in all bathing areas. If optimizing for wheelchair access, you’ll want to think about the turning radius and width of the chair to customize shower depth and door width as well.

Prevent Slips

Slipping in the bathroom is a danger for everyone regardless of age or mobility. You want to ensure that you install slip-resistant tiling, like a textured tile or pebbled floor, or use a slatted wood mat in the shower to prevent falls. Make sure all areas in the bathroom are clearly lit and that you have overhead lighting in the shower. Again, installing grabbing bars is an essential safety feature.

Vanity Options

Your vanity options depend on whether you need wheelchair access. If you are accommodating for a wheelchair, you’ll need a vanity without cabinets and enough clearance for open knee space. You’ll also need a low or extra long mirror.

If you don’t need wheelchair access, you could benefit from a sturdy vanity with lots of storage that can be used to hold on to while far away from grabbing bars.

General Accessibility Features

Think about the width of your bathroom door, how low light switches need to be, and the general layout of the bathroom – especially if it needs to be wheelchair accessible. Take into consideration the turning radius of the chair in key areas like the shower, toilet, and vanity. Storage options should be adjusted to accommodate low reach or limited mobility. The location and height of other items like towel hooks, soap dispensers, outlets, etc. will also need to be customized.

We understand this is a lot to think about, but the good news is you don’t have to do it alone! If your ready to take on this project, we’d love to come out and give you a free quote. Our bathroom remodeling product options can even be installed in as little as one day!

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Fall Home Maintenance Checklist