If you are buying or selling a residence, you may need a wood destroying organisms report Florida Keys.  Because of the wet and humid climate of the Florida Keys, this report is often required by a mortgage lender. In Florida, these inspections can only be conducted by a specially-trained, state-certified Wood-destroying organism (WDO) inspector, who must carry a card identifying that they are WDO certified. A WDO report is often termed a “Termite Letter” or a “Clearance Letter”. What’s Covered in the WDO Inspection The following WDOs are mandated to be listed on the report if evidence for them is found: Live termites or other WDOs Wood-destroying fungi Any evidence…

Whether erecting a building or a major bridge, design and construction go hand in hand. The design and construction phases of a major project may appear to be two separate phases in a facility’s life cycle, but they’re actually interconnected. In fact, an owner tends to end up with a better facility when the design and construction are coordinated. Here’s what you should know. Improving Design During design, a team consisting of architects or engineers and drafters develop the plans or blueprints that a contractor will use to build the facility. It is important that these plans are accurate and complete, lacking any errors or omissions to be discovered during…

Imagine a lovely quiet evening at home by the fire with dinner in the oven and children playing quietly in their rooms.  Suddenly, a blood-curdling scream is heard coming from the bathroom. What is the cause of this commotion?  A sewage backup! Now, what will the homeowners do? Blockages First, the homeowners are going to run into the bathroom to get a good look at the backup.  Then they will check for blockages and, if possible, clear them, so the backup stops.  If they are unable to find the blockage or are unable to clear it, a plumber may be needed. After clearing the blockage, the plumber may make some…

Is your home ready for the next big storm? One of the most important things you can do before a storm is to prepare your home. Here are three things you can do to protect your home and prevent costly hurricane damage repair bills. 1. Rethink Your Roof What kind of roof does your home have? Each roof type has its own level of hurricane resistance. Shingles put up the weakest fight in strong wind. Tile and flat roofs offer a little more resistance but are still susceptible to damage. The most resilient roofing option is metal. If your home’s current roof does not offer much protection from high winds,…

It may seem like summer will never end, but the truth is that cooler weather will be here before you know it. This means you should make time to complete some of those high priority projects around the home before fall sets in, such as these ones below.  Gutters Your gutters play an important role in protecting your home and its structural integrity. By keeping them in good condition, your gutters will be able to direct water, dirt, and other debris away from your home so that your foundation stays intact. If your gutters are in disrepair, consider a gutter replacement St Louis to ensure you keep your home properly…