tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41148645808792860592024-02-08T07:12:25.162-08:00Designing Homes for Florida WeatherSBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17048996659676694753noreply@blogger.comBlogger12125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4114864580879286059.post-40145301511062734592012-10-20T10:06:00.001-07:002012-10-20T10:21:58.310-07:00LIMITED REMODELS CAN WORK FOR HOMEOWNERS<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;">LIMITED REMODELS CAN WORK FOR HOMEOWNERS<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;">Remodeling can add value to your home, but more importantly, it can make your home more functional and livable<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;">Two of the most popular remodel jobs are kitchens and bathrooms. Complete renovations in these areas to create rooms of your dream can be expensive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you do not have funds for a complete remodel, there is nevertheless work that can be done that would make the areas more usable and comfortable. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;">For example, would a new vanity sink top and updated light fixtures suffice without replacing an entire cabinet?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Would painting and resurfacing walls help modernize your bathroom? Installing new vinyl or cork flooring can also freshen the area. Adding a recessed cabinet can give much needed storage space.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;">Be creative and think of main areas that need “fixing.” Repurposing spaces and making more efficient use of your home’s square footage can bring major benefits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your kitchen might have enough space to add an island that could be used both for prep work and much needed storage underneath as well as an eating bar on one side. A small food storage pantry might be added with space borrowed from an adjacent room. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;">Work with your certified contractor to plan and design smaller additions and renovations to your existing kitchen and bathrooms that will increase your home’s usability if you can’t fund complete remodels at this time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;"><a href="http://butlerbuildersinc.com/">http://butlerbuildersinc.com</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
SBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17048996659676694753noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4114864580879286059.post-70768179288379811252012-10-12T21:49:00.003-07:002012-10-12T21:51:14.391-07:00INCLUDE OUTDOOR LIVING SPACES IN YOUR HOME DESIGN<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;">Planning a new home in <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Florida</st1:place></st1:state> should always include consideration of outdoor living spaces.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These spaces could include decks, porches, pavilions, pergolas, gazebos, or covered patios.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our wonderful climate encourages Floridians to take advantage of their gardens and lawns for expanded living spaces.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;">Homeowners can think ahead of how they plan to utilize their living areas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before construction begins is the time to consider all outdoor options that are easy enough to add onto existing house blueprints.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Sunshine</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">State</st1:placetype></st1:place> offers the perfect combination of winter and summer weather to take advantage of making the entire grounds into extended living areas.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;"><a href="http://butlerbuildersinc.com/">http://butlerbuildersinc.com</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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SBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17048996659676694753noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4114864580879286059.post-37627255057776045902012-08-24T07:47:00.000-07:002012-08-24T07:47:06.344-07:00HURRICANE CATEGORIES<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Butler Builders Inc is posting the following information directly from NOAA’s<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">National</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Hurricane</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Center</st1:placetype></st1:place> of the National Weather Service website in order to better inform the public of potential danger from high winds in hurricanes, or lesser storms. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt;">“</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale is a 1 to 5 rating based on a hurricane's sustained wind speed. This scale estimates potential property damage. Hurricanes reaching Category 3 and higher are considered major hurricanes because of their potential for significant loss of life and damage. Category 1 and 2 storms are still dangerous, however, and require preventative measures<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">History teaches that a lack of hurricane awareness and preparation are common threads among all major hurricane disasters</span></u></i></b><span style="font-family: Arial;">. By knowing your vulnerability and what actions you should take, you can reduce the effects of a hurricane disaster.</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt;">”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">After a storm is on the way may be too late, but preventive action ahead of time may save not only money in the long run, but the heartbreak of losing irreplaceable personal belongings, even if your family gets to safer ground and is not in danger.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Call now for an inspection and, if needed, remedial work on your home so that it will be best able to withstand storms and avoid losses.</span></div>
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A description of wind damage for the power of a storm is given below:</div>
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(Source:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/aboutsshws.php">http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/aboutsshws.php</a>)</div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Category<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Sustained Winds<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Types of Damage Due to Hurricane Winds<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt;">1<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt;">74-95 mph<br />64-82 kt<br />119-153 km/h<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: maroon; font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt;">Very dangerous winds will produce some damage:</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt;"> Well-constructed frame homes could have damage to roof, shingles, vinyl siding and gutters. Large branches of trees will snap and shallowly rooted trees may be toppled. Extensive damage to power lines and poles likely will result in power outages that could last a few to several days.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt;">2<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt;">96-110 mph<br />83-95 kt<br />154-177 km/h<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: maroon; font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt;">Extremely dangerous winds will cause extensive damage:</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt;"> Well-constructed frame homes could sustain major roof and siding damage. Many shallowly rooted trees will be snapped or uprooted and block numerous roads. Near-total power loss is expected with outages that could last from several days to weeks.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt;">3<br />(major)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt;">111-129 mph<br />96-112 kt<br />178-208 km/h<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: maroon; font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt;">Devastating damage will occur:</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt;"> Well-built framed homes may incur major damage or removal of roof decking and gable ends. Many trees will be snapped or uprooted, blocking numerous roads. Electricity and water will be unavailable for several days to weeks after the storm passes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt;">4<br />(major)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt;">130-156 mph<br />113-136 kt<br />209-251 km/h<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: maroon; font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt;">Catastrophic damage will occur:</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt;"> Well-built framed homes can sustain severe damage with loss of most of the roof structure and/or some exterior walls. Most trees will be snapped or uprooted and power poles downed. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt;">5<br />(major)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt;">157 mph or higher<br />137 kt or higher<br />252 km/h or higher<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: maroon; font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt;">Catastrophic damage will occur:</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt;"> A high percentage of framed homes will be destroyed, with total roof failure and wall collapse. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last for weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc3300; font-size: 18pt;">Contact Butler Builders, Inc through their “CONTACT US” page at </span><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><a href="http://butlerbuildersinc.com/">http://butlerbuildersinc.com</a></span></h2>
SBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17048996659676694753noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4114864580879286059.post-67284478753893607512012-08-17T13:37:00.000-07:002012-08-17T13:37:34.884-07:00Hurricane Wind Damage<h2>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman;">Hurricanes pose three principal threats to property and persons: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>wind, tidal surge, and flooding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since there are no known ways to mitigate damage to property vulnerable to tidal surge or flooding from torrential rains, other than sandbagging or raising the structure above ground level, the focus of this blog will be wind damage.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Insurance companies recommend wind mitigation inspections to assess the vulnerability of homes to wind damage and to allow home owners to do all they can to reduce this potential.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman;">Following Hurricane Andrew in August 1992, the state legislature passed a law that requires stricter building codes for all new homes built in <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Florida</st1:place></st1:state>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The law also allows for insurance companies to give insurance discounts to owners of homes built before the law was enacted, if those owners add features which would put their homes in compliance and would therefore greatly lessen the likelihood of damage in high winds.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman;">Butler Builders, Inc. specializes in Wind Mitigation inspections and can complete the considerable paperwork needed for you to submit to your insurance company to reduce your premiums.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They can also work with you to bring your home up to code in any area you might be lacking in order to make your home better equipped to come through <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Florida</st1:place></st1:state>’s frequent hurricanes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Keep in mind also, that we have many incidences of high winds in other storms besides hurricanes. </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman;">Contact Butler Builders, Inc. before the next “Andrew” or other natural disaster can wreck havoc on your biggest investment, your home.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><a href="http://butlerbuildersinc.com/">http://butlerbuildersinc.com</a></span></span></h2>
SBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17048996659676694753noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4114864580879286059.post-36192492750914824272012-07-02T13:39:00.001-07:002012-07-02T13:39:33.073-07:002012 Hurricane Season Has Begun<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;">The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts a near normal 2012 Atlantic Hurricane Season, and says, “The 20th anniversary of Hurricane Andrew underscores the necessity to prepare every year.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;">For 2012,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>NOAA predicts 9-15 named storms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The average season for the past 20 years produced 12 named storms with 6 hurricanes, including 3 that were designated as “major.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 1992, Andrew, the first named Tropical Storm of that year, hit <place w:st="on">South Florida</place> in August with devastating effects. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;">This year the season began early when both Tropical Storms Alberto and Beryl developed several days before the June 1<sup>st</sup> official start of the hurricane season.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was the first time this had happened since 1908.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;">With the recent hit by Tropical Storm Debby and the major damage caused by rain and wind, homeowners are reminded to have their homes checked by a certified inspector such as Butler Builders, Inc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Butler Builders is also a State of <state w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Florida</place></state> licensed Certified General Contractor and can advise homeowners on bringing any deficiencies they might have for severe weather readiness up to code, making their homes safer. </span></div>
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<state w:st="on"><place w:st="on"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;">Florida</span></place></state><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;"> is now entering the heart of the hurricane season. Call today!</span></div>
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<br /></div>SBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17048996659676694753noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4114864580879286059.post-73465194157536214572011-06-11T18:27:00.000-07:002012-06-29T07:50:49.817-07:00Hurricane Season is Here<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #993300;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #993300; font-family: "Lucida Handwriting";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 11;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #993300; font-family: "Lucida Handwriting"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> The official start of Hurricane Season is June 1st, and the end is November 30<sup>th</sup>, although hurricanes and severe weather can certainly occur outside these six months. </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #993300; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 9;"> </span></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #993300; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 9;"> </span></span><span style="color: #993300; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 6;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 7;"> </span></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 8;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 15;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 15;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 15;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 15;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 12;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #993300; font-family: "Lucida Handwriting"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Be prepared, and make sure your home is ready to withstand hurricane force winds and rain intrusion damage.<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #993300; font-family: "Lucida Handwriting"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"><a href="http://butlerbuildersinc.com/">http://butlerbuildersinc.com/</a></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #993300; font-family: "Lucida Handwriting"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span></span></b></div>SBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17048996659676694753noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4114864580879286059.post-29127935440450360982011-05-07T01:18:00.000-07:002011-05-09T05:07:14.435-07:00Think About a Garage Addition for Your Home<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Besides protecting your second most valuable asset – your car- from the elements, you can eliminate the worry of constantly removing items that would attract an overnight opportunity of passing theft. Even in the best of neighborhoods, thieves can intrude and car windows are often broken to snatch electronic equipment, cell phones, attaché cases, or purses and packages.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Adding a garage to your home is a also a good way to make your home more livable by giving room to keep useful, bulky items accessible. Consider areas in the garage for storing sports equipment to free up inside closet space. Often these items can be hung on the garage wall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Smaller items like balls and gloves can be stored in bins stacked together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, lawn maintenance and gardening items can be stored all together and a work station set up with tools hung in sight and handy on a pegboard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">By adding some simple racks, bikes, skateboards, and such can be kept lined up and secure along one side of the garage.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Garages also provide a good indoor, out-of-the-weather location to work on large projects and on projects that will take a while to complete and which would be in the way on the dining room table. Storage can also be set up to keep seasonal items such as Christmas decorations and free up inside closet storage space, making the main house much less cluttered. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Garages also add value to your home in giving square footage, under roof and with floor and windows, that can be seen as an easy way to add living space to a home if another room is needed. Most garages are easily converted and in general, garages are an excellent value as additions to an existing home.</span><br />
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</div>SBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17048996659676694753noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4114864580879286059.post-1255602365413441172011-03-10T20:56:00.000-08:002011-03-10T20:58:07.155-08:00UPDATING FLOORS WITH WOOD LAMINATE<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Replacing old carpet with laminate wood flooring is a quick and relatively inexpensive way to upgrade your home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Laminate wood flooring, particularly in the living/dining area provides a highly valued contemporary remodel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This flooring is low maintenance and durable and also adds considerable value and attraction to any possible future resell. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">There is a wide range of laminate flooring available to suit every need and décor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Laminate comes in many shades from beech and light maple to dark walnut and mahogany.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Durability is exceptional and options are many. Installing these floors now takes less time with new installation systems, and subflooring, if needed, also has improved with appropriate choices available for individual needs. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="http://www.butlerbuildersinc.com/">http://www.butlerbuildersinc.com/</a></span></div>SBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17048996659676694753noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4114864580879286059.post-12417236556975880622011-02-13T22:25:00.000-08:002011-02-13T22:25:49.996-08:00Florida Insurance Regulations<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Proposed <state w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Florida</place></state> law may require 4 Point Inspections to be made prior to home loans and refinancing by financial institutions</span><span style="color: #00cc00; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As a homeowner, it is certainly a good idea to keep yourself aware of the condition of important components of your home, often your most expensive investment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just as periodic checks and maintenance are recommended for automobiles and computer systems, they are recommended for your roof, electric, plumbing, and A/C & heat systems.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Call a Florida Certified General Contractor, such as Butler Builders Inc, to complete the inspections and follow up with a proposal for any needed repairs to bring your home up to standard for insurance purposes. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.butlerbuildersinc.com/">http://www.butlerbuildersinc.com/</a></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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</div>SBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17048996659676694753noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4114864580879286059.post-15409997778845141092011-02-01T22:13:00.001-08:002011-02-02T20:06:40.684-08:00Sun Damage to Florida Homes<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">There’s been a lot of talk recently about extreme weather causing water and wind damage to homes and the necessity of being vigilant for weaknesses in home structure that could lead to this water and wind damage.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">But don’t forget about sun damage over the long haul.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><state w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Florida</place></state>’s sun can dry up caulking and lead to energy loss from heating during cold weather and from air-conditioning during our long hot summers (remember them!)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Also decks, fences, and other outdoor wood need periodic waterproof painting/staining to maintain their value and integrity</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">So we encourage homeowners to have overall inspections to insure that they keep their homes in top shape for all of our <state w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Florida</place></state> weather.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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<a href="http://www.butlerbuildersinc.com/">http://www.butlerbuildersinc.com/</a><br />
</div>SBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17048996659676694753noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4114864580879286059.post-5027963233549942312011-01-26T18:44:00.000-08:002011-01-26T18:44:49.036-08:00Recent severe windstorms<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">The severe band of windstorms that crossed the state this week is a reminder of how damaging <place w:st="on"><state w:st="on">Florida</state></place>’s weather can be and how quickly it can change.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Be prepared by knowing the strengths and weaknesses of your home’s construction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some weaknesses can be easily and fairly inexpensively remedied.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Have your home inspected by a certified builder, such as Butler Builders, who can advise you on safety improvements.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><strong>SB</strong><strong></strong></div><a href="http://butlerbuildersinc.com/">http://butlerbuildersinc.com/</a>SBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17048996659676694753noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4114864580879286059.post-59618001028488917922011-01-25T17:28:00.000-08:002011-01-25T17:28:07.659-08:00Window & Door Safety<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #0033cc; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">The official Hurricane Season ended almost two months ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now is a good time to have a certified contractor, such as Butler Builders, evaluate your home for <state w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Florida</place></state> weather safety.</span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt;">The following is Information from the State of <state w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Florida</place></state> website about the value of having good safe windows and doors to minimize storm damage.</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial;">F</span><span style="color: #cc0000;">ACT</span></b><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">:</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"> Impact-resistant glass and shutters are specifically designed to meet a combination of impact and continuous pressure from the wind. Windows are a critical barrier to protect your home from wind, wind-borne debris and water. If your windows are breached, this can exert pressure on your roof and walls, causing the collapse of the home. Much of the damage that occurred from Hurricane Andrew resulted from failure of windows and doors. These failures frequently lead to interior wall failure and sometimes roof failures. (NOAA)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">FACT</span></b><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">: </span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">The openings (doors and windows) are your homes primary defense against a storm. A garage door is the most frequent source of damage due to collapse or failure from storm surge or wind. A reinforced garage door will prevent the largest opening in the house from being compromised during a storm. If the garage door gives in, the home is defenseless against the wind and rain of the storm. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt;">In addition, remodeling to update windows and doors to today’s standards can result in substantial energy efficiency, saving greatly on cooling and heating costs.</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><br />
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