Hurricane season begins June 1^st in Florida, and the best time to prepare is before the season starts. The following is an outline detailing how to prepare for a storm:

Strengthen Your Home for Season

• Before a new storm even begins brewing in the Atlantic, keep your home hurricane-ready.
  • Keep trees nearby your home trimmed to prevent damage from broken branches
  • Gather the materials to board up your home. If you have impact windows, you are all set
    • If you have shutters, confirm you have the necessary hardware
    • If you do not have shutters or impact windows, purchase 5/8 or thicker plywood for each window
• Once a hurricane warning has been issued:
  • Bring in any outdoor furniture or décor
  • Move your car inside the garage or an alternate secure location

Stay Covered `

• Check your insurance policies to know your coverage prior to the storm
• Make sure you have wind and flood insurance
• Make sure you are protecting your home and vehicles in compliance with your insurance requirements
• Store your policy documents in a safe location, and take them with you if you evacuate

Create a Plan

• Identify you evacuation zone and routes https://www.floridadisaster.org/planprepare/disaster-preparedness-maps/
• Create an Emergency Action Plan following the CDC guidelines https://www.cdc.gov/prepyourhealth/planahead/index.htm

Stay informed `

• For mobile alerts, visit http://wwww.mobile.weather.gov
• For the most recent hurricane path updates, visit https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/

After the storm, document the damage with as many photographs as possible. Recovery can take months to years for communities to rebuild, and the construction industry becomes strained. Report the damage to your insurance company, and contact your trusted builder as soon as possible so that we can start the process of rebuilding your home.

After 35 years of business, Sawgrass has gone on many initial meetings with prospective clients and have walked them through that all important decision of “WHO DO I HIRE?”  The consensus is usually neither the HIGHEST nor the LOWEST bid is always the best choice.  Whether or not you choose Sawgrass Builders, be sure that you completely understand bidding process and are comparing like bids.   RELATIONSHIP and TRUST are key.   If you see a red flag in this area, communicate your concerns– your feelings may very well be warranted.  This project is yours, and you have put more time, energy, and finances into it than anyone.  You have a right to be sure it is a right fit and that you feel SECURE.

Finally, QUALITY and BUDGET are essential.  You want your home built with excellence without going over budget.  Your budget should always be respected while maintaining quality construction.  As you finalize your choice in contractors, diligently review and refine the contract terms and conditions. As you move forward that there is a clear process for change orders once the project is in progress.   This is an EXCITING adventure, and one you can ENJOY knowing that what was once a dream WILL SOON BE A REALITY!  We look forward to building with you.