Sposen Homes Blog

     

Culverts are a type of drainage structure commonly used in home construction to manage the flow of water around and beneath a property. They are typically installed in areas where water tends to accumulate, most commonly along the edges of driveways or roads.

The Role of Culverts in Home Construction

Culverts play a crucial role in managing the flow of water around and beneath homes. They are installed in areas prone to water accumulation, such as along driveways and roads. Culverts come in various shapes and sizes, and they’re constructed using durable materials like concrete to channel water from one area to another without causing soil erosion or damage to surrounding properties.

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Lighting can have a big impact on the design of your home. It can give a room a warm and inviting feel or create a dramatic atmosphere. Proper lighting can also make a room look larger or smaller than it is, depending on how you use it. When planning your home’s design, consider the type of lighting that will bring out the best features of the room. You can use task lighting for activities such as reading, accent lighting to highlight artwork or other special features, and general lighting to provide overall illumination. By carefully placing lights in strategic spots, you can create a powerful design statement that really brings out the beauty of your home.

kitchen and dining room with transitional lighting

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Forbes just released an article on the best places to live in Florida. Cape Coral ranked higher than both Orlando and Miami. Florida has been a popular destination for retirees due to its warm weather and beautiful beaches. In recent years, more working families have started moving into the state because of no state income taxes and the low cost of living. To determine the best places to live in Florida, Forbes analyzed data from the median home price, unemployment rate, crime rate, and personal income.   Continue reading ..

When you purchase property it’s important to know key terminology you will hear when a survey is obtained showing boundaries of the land. Here are some common terms you will most likely hear.  

What is A Right of Way? 

Right of way is the legal right to pass through the grounds or property someone else owns and the right to build or operate a road on the land. These can be public or private and are common if your property cannot be accessed without going through someone else’s. They grant the holder of the right of way the right to travel over another’s property. Right of way easements are the most common type of easement.  Continue reading ..

When looking for a new home, there are plenty of benefits to buying or building a new construction home. These homes ensure that the building codes are up to date, and everything is new.

Buying a Move-in Ready New Construction Home 

If you decide to purchase a move-in ready home, there is no hassle of waiting months for your home to be finished and ready for you to move in. This saves you time and energy while still giving you the newly built home of your dreams. They also include popular features most people look for in a new home. Like open concept layouts, updated bathroom styles, stainless steel appliances and upgraded flooring and countertops.  These are great options if you don’t want to wait until the whole building process is complete to move in.  
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“Nearly 25% of U.S. homebuyers are looking to move out of their current metro areas, with many people turning their attention to cities in Florida as their next place to call home, according to a new study.”  – Fox Business

Historically speaking, Florida’s real estate market has been resilient after a hurricane. People are rebuilding in areas hit the hardest by Hurricane Ian. Homeowners know what their land is worth and reinvesting in their property.   Continue reading ..

Beginning January 1, 2023, new efficiency standards for A/C units will take effect. The new regulations will focus on the energy efficiency of air conditioning systems. The new rating for the South will be 15 SEER. 

What is a SEER rating? 

The seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) measures the energy efficiency of an A/C unit. It is a maximum efficiency rating, so the higher the SEER number… Continue reading ..

Builder’s risk insurance helps protect buildings under construction. For a home builder, it minimizes the risk that they take for potential property damage that could occur during the construction on a property. A construction project is protected from property damage from fire, lightning, hail, explosions, theft, vandalism, and natural disasters. 

Who needs it? 

Builder’s risk insurance is needed by anyone that has a financial interest in the construction project. This includes the property owner, builder, general contractor, subcontractors, and any lender providing financial investment in the project. It is always a good idea to make sure you are covered so that you are not personally liable in case something happens. Continue reading ..

Scammers like to take advantage of anyone they can, especially after a natural disaster when you may be at your weakest. They may try to get money or steal your personal information. Be on alert for these potential threats.  

Scammers posing as FEMA  

Scammers will pose as someone from FEMA or a contractor to take advantage of you. They will try and steal your personal information and, in some cases, use it to apply for FEMA assistance in your name. If this happens and a FEMA official shows up at your door let them know you did not fill out the application. FEMA inspectors are also never allowed to collect your financial information.  

Look out for fraudulent contractors 

Contractors in times of need may be hard to come by, but do not settle for just anyone. Be wary of door-to-door solicitations as these are typically people posing as a licensed contractor. If they claim to have come from another area to help disaster victims or that they were just in the area and noticed that you need repairs these are also signs of fraud.  

An unmarked vehicle is a telltale sign. They often try to pressure you into a sale as well. If they are advertising without a Florida license number and not willing to give you an itemized estimate for the cost of the labor, this is a red flag. Ask for a written contract and if they refuse, take that as another bad sign. Never pay in full or in cash for work or repairs to start a job, because they could leave you high and dry. 

Conclusion 

It is best to use trusted companies that have done work for family or friends you know. Ask for references you can reach out to that are local. Do the work upfront to protect yourself. 

Another important tip! Always verify their license through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation before moving forward. A license can be verified here: https://www.myfloridalicense.com/wl11.asp?mode=1&SID=&brd=&typ= 

Protect yourself, your assets, and your family by being an educated consumer or you could fall victim to scammers.  Contact us directly here if you have any additional questions on this information. 

Hurricane Ian devastated areas in Southwest Florida when it made landfall with winds up to 155 miles per hour. It wreaked havoc on the beaches that we know and love, broke bridges, flooded homes and so much more. We are thankful that our staff are safe and are working diligently to get their homes and lives back on track.  

We have put together a list of six important things to take into consideration after a hurricane. Being prepared and knowing the steps to take after a storm are important for your personal well-being and your home. 

HERE ARE SIX IMPORTANT THINGS TO TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION AFTER A HURRICANE

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