Volusia County Save Money on Homeowner Insurance Premiums with Wind Mitigation Inspection

Wind Mitigation Inspection: A Smart Way to Save Money on Your Home Insurance

Homeowners in Seminole or Volusia Counties of Central Florida may be eligible for a significant discount on their home insurance premium. How? By getting a wind mitigation inspection from First Choice Home Inspections.

A wind mitigation inspection is an examination of your home's protective features that can reduce the damage caused by strong winds, such as hurricanes. These features include the type and age of your roof, the way your roof is attached to the walls, the type and spacing of the nails used to secure the roof sheathing, the type of underlayment that protects the roof sheathing, and the type and quality of the openings, such as windows, doors, skylights, and garage doors.



Insurance companies are required by law to offer discounts to homeowners who have these wind-resistant features in their homes. The wind credit discounts can range from 10% to 70% depending; on the level of protection your home already has. The only way to get these discounts is by having a certified wind mitigation inspector provide a report that verifies your home's features.

Wind Mitigation Inspector in Seminole and Volusia Counties

That's where First Choice Home Inspections comes in. We are a licensed and insured home inspection company that offers wind mitigation inspections in Seminole and Volusia Counties. Our inspectors are trained and experienced in identifying and documenting the wind mitigation features of your home. We use state-of-the-art equipment and software to produce a detailed and accurate report that you will submit to your insurance company.

Our wind mitigation inspection takes about 45 minutes to complete and costs $150.00. It can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars on your home insurance premium every year. It can also give you peace of mind knowing that your home is better prepared for severe weather events.

Don't let the insurance companies charge you more than you need to pay. Contact First Choice Home Inspections today at (386) 624-3893 to schedule your wind mitigation inspection and start saving money on your home insurance.

 

Frank Carr, Florida Licensed Home
Inspector

Frank Carr is the Owner / Inspector at First Choice Home Inspections in Deltona, FL serving Volusia, Seminole, Orange and Lake Counties. Formerly in the building trades, Frank’s focus is a safe home in the Orlando Metro and Daytona Beach areas of Central Florida and building FCHI. We believe that consumers have the right to expect the highest standards of thoroughness, fairness and effectiveness from their home inspector and that is exactly what we provide.
 

First Choice Home Inspections

Residential Home Inspections in Central Florida

(386) 624-3893 

Website:  http://1homeinspector.com

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/FirstChoiceHomeInspectionsLlc

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/first-choice-home-inspections

Twitter: https://twitter.com/1stChoiceHomeIn

 

Painting Tips from your Daytona Home Inspector

Paint keeps your wood siding from rotting and the stucco from cracking. Florida weather takes a toll on our homes. As a home inspector, we see the results of DIY projects and even professional projects gone wrong every day.

Stucco

Fill cracks before painting!

When you purchase a new stucco clad home in Florida, it will usually have an acrylic paint. Builders choose acrylic paint because it has a higher permeability value not just its lower cost. After five years, this paint oxidizes or becomes caulky and will rub off on your hand.

Fill cracks before painting.

Permeability means the stucco can breathe better, which is what stucco is supposed to do. This allows the stucco siding to cure slowly for the first five years after construction. During this time you will typically see cracks appearing from the home settling. Do not use an Elastomeric paint within the first five years, as it will seal the stucco and may cause more cracks. After five years you want to fill any cracks that have developed and seal the stucco siding to keep the moisture out.

An acrylic paint will not last as long as an Elastomeric product, so it will have to be repainted more often but is less expensive. Elastomeric paint seals the siding and will stretch; this allows small cracks to be covered. Once you use an Elastomeric paint you should only use an Elastomeric over the top of it. Acrylic paint does not stretch and will crack as the Elastomeric paint moves with the expansion and contraction of the home.

Vinyl

Vinyl siding comes in a variety of colors and extra care needs to be exercised when choosing to paint vinyl siding. The formula for white or light colors of vinyl is different from that used for colored vinyl siding. 

The reason is a light color reflects more heat and UV rays, while a darker color absorbs them. White or light color vinyl siding should never be painted a dark or flat color. Painting this vinyl will cause it to absorb heat which makes the siding warp. 

Nothing looks worse on a home than warped vinyl siding. Lighter and glossy paint reflect more heat and UV rays. Darker and flat paint colors absorb heat and UV rays. 

Wood

It is import to make sure extra care is used when preparing wood siding for paint. Clean and replace all damaged wood before painting. Make sure your wood is dry enough to paint or you will seal in the moisture. Remove old dried caulk from joints. Caulk all joints that are open. All wood decays and rots, but moisture accelerates the process.

Do you need a primer?? Yes, primer not only helps the paint stick better and make the color more consistent but it also absorbs into the wood. Do not use expensive paint over dried out or new wood, it is very porous and will absorb more of the expensive paint. Priming is necessary to stop wood-bleeding or if you are covering gloss, grease, or other areas that make paint-adhesion difficult. Primer is cheaper than paint and should be used to prepare the wood for paint. 

Is Paint and Primer in one a scam?? It is great for just changing color, but is a more expensive product than paint and goes on thicker with 1/2 the coverage area and should be avoided on wood that will absorb a lot of paint.

Give yourself plenty of time to complete the project or hire a professional. Do not leave unprotected wood exposed to the weather and make sure all paint is dry before it rains.

These are just a few of many suggestions. If you are in doubt, please hire or consult a professional. Choosing the wrong paint can lead to extensive damage. Painting the exterior of a home is a huge and important project. The time to decide if it is too much work for your skill level is before you invest in paint, brushes, rollers, pans, tape, tarps, and tools.

Frank Carr is the Owner / Inspector at First Choice Home Inspections in Deltona, FL serving Volusia, Seminole, Orange and Lake Counties. Formerly in the building trades, Frank’s focus is a safe home in the Orlando Metro and Daytona Beach areas of Central Florida and building FCHI. We believe that consumers have the right to expect the highest standards of thoroughness, fairness and effectiveness from their home inspector and that is exactly what we provide.
 

First Choice Home Inspections

Residential Home Inspections in Central Florida

(386) 624-3893 

Website:  http://1homeinspector.com

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/FirstChoiceHomeInspectionsLlc

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/first-choice-home-inspections

Google+:  https://plus.google.com/+FirstChoiceHomeInspectionsDeltona

Twitter: https://twitter.com/1stChoiceHomeIn

Daytona Beach Home Inspection Services

Daytona Beach Home Inspection Services

First Choice Home Inspections (386) 624-3893
Serving Volusia County Florida; Edgewater, Oak Hill, Port Orange, Daytona Beach, Ormond Beach, Deland, DeBary & Deltona

Now you can put our outstanding reputation for service and reliability to work for you. When the safety of your family and new home really matter, choose the best inspector your can find.  By contracting First Choice Home Inspection, you benefit from experienced Central Florida's premier home inspectors that deliver computerized reports using the latest technology.  Our reporting system meets and exceeds the state standards. We encourage your presence during the inspection. By being present at your Daytona Beach home inspection, our professional home inspector can familiarize you with your new home and explain things to you as they progress through the inspection.

VOLUSIA COUNTY HOME INSPECTORS

First Choice inspectors are bound to a strict code of ethics; this ensures quality service while providing important protections. For example, our inspectors must:

• Work Exclusively for the Client
•  Follow Nationally Accepted Standards of Practice
• Do Not Perform Repairs on Any Property Inspected

Our inspectors are AHIT and InterNachi certified in addition, they are familiar with a wide variety of situations. We believe that consumers have the right to expect the highest standards of thoroughness, fairness and effectiveness from their home inspector and that is exactly what we provide.

 

Daytona Beach Home Inspection Services

• Home Inspection  (Buyer, Seller and Maintenance)
• New Home Warranty Inspection
• Home Checkup Inspection
• Manufactured Home Inspection
• Mobile Home Inspection
• Condominium Inspection
• Condo Inspection
• Pool/Spa Inspection
• Insurance Inspections;  Wind Mitigation Inspection, 4pt Insurance Inspections & Roof Condition Certification
• Moisture Intrusion Inspection

SCHEDULE A HOME INSPECTION:  (386) 624-3893

Frank Carr is the Owner / Inspector at First Choice Home Inspections in Deltona, FL serving Volusia, Seminole, Orange and Lake Counties. Formerly in the building trades, Frank’s focus is a safe home in the Orlando Metro and Daytona Beach areas of Central Florida and building FCHI. We believe that consumers have the right to expect the highest standards of thoroughness, fairness and effectiveness from their home inspector and that is exactly what we provide.
 

First Choice Home Inspections

Residential Home Inspections in Central Florida

(386) 624-3893 

Website:  http://1homeinspector.com

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/FirstChoiceHomeInspectionsLlc

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/first-choice-home-inspections

Google+:  https://plus.google.com/+FirstChoiceHomeInspectionsDeltona

Twitter: https://twitter.com/1stChoiceHomeIn

New Smyrna Beach Home Inspection Services

New Smyrna Beach Home Inspection Services

First Choice Home Inspections (386) 624-3893 Serving Volusia County Florida; Edgewater, Oak Hill, Port Orange, Daytona Beach, Ormond Beach, Deland, DeBary & Deltona

Now you can put our outstanding reputation for service and reliability to work for you. When the safety of your family and new home really matter, choose the best inspector your can find.  By contracting First Choice Home Inspection, you benefit from experienced Central Florida home inspectors that deliver computerized reports using the latest technology.  Our reporting system meets and exceeds the state standards. We encourage your presence during the inspection. By being present at your New Smyrna Beach home inspection, our professional home inspector can familiarize you with your new home and explain things to you as they progress through the inspection.

VOLUSIA COUNTY HOME INSPECTORS

First Choice inspectors are bound to a strict code of ethics; this ensures quality service while providing important protections. For example, our inspectors must:

• Work Exclusively for the Client
•  Follow Nationally Accepted Standards of Practice
• Do Not Perform Repairs on Any Property Inspected

Our inspectors are AHIT and InterNachi certified in addition, they are familiar with a wide variety of situations. We believe that consumers have the right to expect the highest standards of thoroughness, fairness and effectiveness from their home inspector and that is exactly what we provide.

 

Home Inspection SERVICES in Volusia County

• Home Inspection  (Buyer, Seller and Maintenance)
• New Home Warranty Inspection
• Home Checkup Inspection
• Manufactured Home Inspection
• Mobile Home Inspection
• Condominium Inspection
• Condo Inspection
• Pool/Spa Inspection
• Insurance Inspections;  Wind Mitigation Inspection, 4pt Insurance Inspection Roof Condition Certification
• Moisture Intrusion Inspection

SCHEDULE A HOME INSPECTION:  (386) 624-3893

Frank Carr is the Owner / Inspector at First Choice Home Inspections in Deltona, FL serving Volusia, Seminole, Orange and Lake Counties. Formerly in the building trades, Frank’s focus is a safe home in the Orlando Metro and Daytona Beach areas of Central Florida and building FCHI. We believe that consumers have the right to expect the highest standards of thoroughness, fairness and effectiveness from their home inspector and that is exactly what we provide.
 

First Choice Home Inspections

Residential Home Inspections in Central Florida

(386) 624-3893 

Website:  http://1homeinspector.com

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/FirstChoiceHomeInspectionsLlc

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/first-choice-home-inspections

Google+:  https://plus.google.com/+FirstChoiceHomeInspectionsDeltona

Twitter: https://twitter.com/1stChoiceHomeIn

Radiant Barriers Save Daytona Beach Homeowners Money

What is a Radiant Barrier? Are they effective at reducing my energy bill?

We inspect a lot of hot dusty attics, some are 165° F. We see all kinds of situations where attic insulation is insufficient, ventilation is inadequate, and rarely find radiant barriers installed in attics. According to the Department of Energy Radiant Barriers work best in hot climates when used in conjunction with sufficient insulation and ventilation. Studies show that radiant barriers can reduce cooling costs 5% to 10%. The reduced heat gain may even allow for a smaller air conditioning system or improve effectiveness of an under rated systems.

Radiant barriers are installed in homes primarily to reduce summer heat gain and reduce cooling costs. Radiant barriers do not reduce heat conduction like thermal insulation materials. The barriers are comprised of a highly reflective substrate or foil that reflects radiant heat rather than absorbing it.

Heat Transfer

Like a cool spoon in cup of coffee conducts heat through its handle to your hand; heat travels from a warm area to a cool area by a combination of conduction, convection, and radiation. Heat flows by conduction from a hotter location within a material or assembly to a colder location. Heat transfer by convection occurs when a liquid or air, becomes lighter and rises. When liquid or air cools, it becomes heavier and falls. Radiant heat moves from hots surfaces and is absorbed by cooler materials or air. A car parked in the sun will absorb the radiant heat into the cars finish and transfer the heat thru the metal into the interior where it heats the air inside the car.

How Radiant Barriers Function

Most insulation materials work by slowing heat transfer. Radiant barriers and reflective insulation systems are designed to reduce the transfer radiant heat. Radiant barriers must have an air space to work. Radiant barrier are less effective when installed horizontally. Dust accumulation on the reflective surface reduces its reflective properties.

As the sun heats your roof, it makes your roof hot. The heat travels through the roofing materials to the attic side of your roof. It radiates the increased heat energy onto the cooler attic materials, the air conditioning ductwork and the ceiling of your home. A radiant barrier reduces the radiant heat transfer from the underside of the roof to the other surfaces in the attic.

Radiant Barriers help air conditioners cooling capacity

Radiant barriers are more effective in hot climates than in cool climates, especially when cooling air ducts are located in the attic. Some studies show that radiant barriers can reduce cooling costs 5% to 10% when used in a warm, sunny climate. The reduced heat gain may even allow for a smaller air conditioning system. In cool climates, however, it's usually more cost-effective to install more thermal insulation than to add a radiant barrier.

Frank Carr is the Owner / Inspector at First Choice Home Inspections in Deltona, FL serving Volusia, Seminole, Orange and Lake Counties. Formerly in the building trades, Frank’s focus is a safe home in the Orlando Metro and Daytona Beach areas of Central Florida and building FCHI. We believe that consumers have the right to expect the highest standards of thoroughness, fairness and effectiveness from their home inspector and that is exactly what we provide.
 

First Choice Home Inspections

Residential Home Inspections in Central Florida

(386) 624-3893 

Website:  http://1homeinspector.com

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/FirstChoiceHomeInspectionsLlc

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/first-choice-home-inspections

Google+:  https://plus.google.com/+FirstChoiceHomeInspectionsDeltona

Twitter: https://twitter.com/1stChoiceHomeIn

Daytona Beach & Volusia Home Inspections Services

Daytona Beach & Volusia County Home Inspections Services

Now you can put our outstanding reputation for service and reliability to work for you. By contracting First Choice Home Inspection, you benefit from experienced Central Florida home inspectors that deliver computerized reports using the latest technology.  Our reporting system meets and exceeds the state standards. We encourage your presence during the inspection. By being present at the inspection, our professional home inspector can familiarize you with the home and explain things to you as they progress through the inspection.

INSPECTORS

First Choice inspectors are bound to a strict code of ethics; this ensures quality service while providing important protections. For example, our inspectors must:

• Work Exclusively for the Client
•  Follow Nationally Accepted Standards of Practice
• Do Not Perform Repairs on Any Property Inspected

Our inspectors are AHIT and InterNachi certified in addition, they are familiar with a wide variety of situations. We believe that consumers have the right to expect the highest standards of thoroughness, fairness and effectiveness from their home inspector and that is exactly what we provide.

First Choice Home Inspections (386) 624-3893

 

HOME INSPECTION SERVICES in Volusia County

• Home Inspection  (Buyer, Seller and Maintenance)
• New Home Warranty Inspection
• Home Checkup Inspection
• Manufactured Home Inspection
• Mobile Home Inspection
• Condominium Inspection
• Condo Inspection
• Pool/Spa Inspection
• Wind Mitigation Inspection, 4pt Insurance Inspection &Roof Condition Certification
• Moisture Intrusion Inspection

SCHEDULE AN INSPECTION:  (386) 624-3893

Frank Carr is the Owner / Inspector at First Choice Home Inspections in Deltona, FL serving Volusia, Seminole, Orange and Lake Counties. Formerly in the building trades, Frank’s focus is a safe home in the Orlando Metro and Daytona Beach areas of Central Florida and building FCHI. We believe that consumers have the right to expect the highest standards of thoroughness, fairness and effectiveness from their home inspector and that is exactly what we provide.
 

First Choice Home Inspections

Residential Home Inspections in Central Florida

(386) 624-3893 

Website:  http://1homeinspector.com

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/FirstChoiceHomeInspectionsLlc

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/first-choice-home-inspections

Google+:  https://plus.google.com/+FirstChoiceHomeInspectionsDeltona

Twitter: https://twitter.com/1stChoiceHomeIn