https://www.happyherald.com/articles.sec-8500-1-projects-to-improve-your-home.html The wind resistant doors are available in many styles and panel designs including panel molding and windows. If you want or need windows, be aware that the glass must meet wind resistant design criteria also. If you have high impact windows and passage doors, it is highly recommended that you also have a impact rated garage overhead door.]]> A typical Florida home is a “split bedroom” arrangement – two bedrooms on one side of the house and a third (usually the “Master Bedroom” on the opposite side. The bathrooms, laundry room and kitchen may not be adjacent to your water heater and you have to let the water run for several minutes before you get hot water.]]> Determine what needs updating and set a budget. How much can I spend that will be recovered from a sale. For example: a kitchen remodeling can cost $20,000.]]> This is Florida and little has changed in home designs or building materials. There have been attempts at building a basement but the water table is too close to the surface. For example, the water table at my home is only seven feet below and in many areas there is a much higher table.]]> Just this past year my company has been asked the same question, and we have designed and built additions – usually bedrooms, but family rooms are popular too. One of the first considerations is to convert the garage to living space. Frankly I think that’s a bad decision.]]> Take some pictures of the front, sides and rear of your home so you can study them to determine what is needed or what could be removed or improved upon. The front view is the most important. If your home is on a corner lot the side is the second point of interest.]]> There are many things you can do to improve the current look or to create a new look. The finish on tubs can become dull from water and soap. It’s not an easy job but a lot of elbow grease can improve the looks and the tub will have a nice sheen. Same for vanity tops and sinks.]]> Roger Zona is a Florida State Certified General Contractor with 40+ years of experience in the industry. You may contact him by email at: contractortalk@live.]]> Don’t be bashful – call them and ask the questions: “Did he produce a license?”, “Did he have his insurance agent send you certificates of insurance in the proper amounts of coverage?." This must also include Workman’s Compensation insurance.]]> Roger Zona is a Florida State Certified General Contractor with 40 years of experience in the industry. You may contact him by email at: contractortalk@live.]]> Roger Zona is a Florida State Certified General Contractor with 40+ years of experience in the industry. You may contact him by email at: contractortalk@live.]]> House-cleaning  iRobot  family of automated cleaners ($120 - with $500) is available at the big-box stores. The cleaner restores your parents’ sense of control. If a box of cereal spills, the effective iRobot Roomba handles it  with the push of a button.]]> Lets start with a vinegar solution. Grout is a porous material that enables dirt and liquids to settle their way into pin holes, which in turn causes impossible stains that are difficult to remove. Plain white vinegar can be used to clean and disinfect.]]> More accidents happen at home than at the work place or school. The list of potential safety hazards is long. Each room has unique conditions that become a safety hazard. For example , t h e bathroom: Tile, when wet is slippery. Do you have non-slip tape on the floor? If not, how about a rubber safety mat?.]]> Question: I recently bought my first home and I want to give it a fresh look. I can’t afford major improvements like a new kitchen but I am a willing worker. What do you recommend?]]> Question: There are so many paint choices. How do I know which one to buy?]]> I am constantly adjusting my thermostat. Do the programmable ones really work? And can I install it? ]]> There is a cost to this improvement but you will think it was a bargain at twice the price once you have pull-out shelving installed. There are several companies in the same price range. A typical kitchen will cost about $1000. I added the shelving to our kitchen and it has been the best improvement I could have made – according to my wife.]]> Use a broom or a shop-vac to clean all the loose sand and dirt  from the surface. Prepare a mixture of 1 part bleach and 4 parts water. Use a long-handled broom and apply it on the asphalt to remove algae. Leave the bleach mixture on for about 20 minutes.]]> Question: Do my garage doors require any special treatment for hurricanes?]]>