Building or remodeling a home in Florida comes with some challenges unlike other areas of the country. From summer rainstorms and hurricanes to blistering hot temperatures many months out of the year, construction in the Sunshine State is not always smooth sailing. Not to mention the heavily regulated Florida construction law.
So, what do you need to know to properly navigate the ins and outs of a Tampa Bay Home Remodel? Check out these helpful construction tips when building or remodeling your Florida home.
Know whether or not you’re in a flood zone
Before your project begins, you should know if you’re in a flood zone because according to FEMA, the number of improvements cannot exceed 50% of the value of the structure, or you may need to raise it above the floodplain.
Use Timbor, a non-toxic salt treatment, to protect the wood from termites
Timbor is an insecticide used to treat wood and wood products to prevent termites, powder post beetles, and wood decay fungus. To protect the wood from insect and water damage, Timbor is applied to indoor and outdoor wood surfaces. It won’t stain wood surfaces and poses little to no threat due to its low toxicity and being nearly odorless. Timbor has to be applied when the wood is exposed, therefore the obvious time to treat the wood is during a remodel or new construction.
Schedule a moisture test on concrete slabs
Before installing new flooring, it’s a good idea to moisture test the concrete slab base to detect any existing moisture which could later lead to mold and mildew issues and premature flooring damage or warping. Depending on your home’s location, moisture could pose a real threat, so take the time to safeguard your floors.
Add a mold treatment of all materials before drywall
Similar to the point above, niche companies that conduct mold treatments will often offer a warranty. Do your research to find a reputable one to treat your wood frames, in particular, to prevent possible mold growth later on.
Test for Radon
Did you know the radioactive gas Radon is emitted through the ground? Specifically, radon rises through the soil before getting trapped just below a building’s foundation. The trapped gases accumulate pressure, which forces them up into the building through the walls and floors. Before a remodel project, it’s recommended to test for radon and have a pipe system installed to deter radon from entering your home. Since radon exposure has been linked to cancer, you can never be too careful.
Only purchase materials for the home’s exterior that have a Florida product approval number
This is to ensure they can stand up to Category 5 hurricane winds and debris. Windows, doors, siding, and roofing with Florida product approval numbers have all been tested with low-missile impact procedures.
Keep energy efficiency in mind
Include proper insulation, HVAC cooling equipment, and other amenities such as “mini-splits” or air ducts that fit with the design of your home. Mini-splits are loved for being non-invasive and easy to install. Because it alleviates running ductwork, these devices can oftentimes be found in historic homes as a substitute for a traditional central heat and air system. Contact your power company to see if you qualify for credit reimbursements for new windows, doors, insulation, AC – anything that saves on energy consumption.
Schedule your construction project for the cooler months
If you can somewhat control the timeline of your project, attempt to have your home remodeling project take place during the cooler months. Not only will it be more comfortable for the construction crew temperature-wise, but you’ll also avoid the inevitable rainy season delays.
Make sure your contractor is licensed and insured!
Florida law heavily regulates the construction industry, so you must do your research and hire a reputable, licensed and insured contractor with ample experience in Florida construction. Have your contractor provide a portfolio of projects as references and ask your family and friends for referrals.
Contact Us Today
Rossi Construction has had the pleasure of serving the Tampa Bay area for over 20 years and we take Florida construction law very seriously. Ready to get started on your Tampa Bay new home construction or remodeling project? Contact us at 813.436.0177 for your free in-home estimate or if you have any questions about any of the information above and how it relates to your home!
