Your remodel may give your home a fresh look, but the first hurricane season is when your Deerfield Beach home will truly get a workout. The summer here includes not only fierce wind, but also drenching rain, high humidity, sea salt, and sandy floors from the outside walkways and patios. If you’re about to embark on a remodeling Deerfield Beach project, you probably want to see the end result; just consider how your home will hold up during the first storm of the year.
Before the season starts, take a tour of your home and inspect all of the items listed below. It’ll be much easier to make any adjustments you need to now than to deal with them once the first storms come rolling through.
Your Kitchen
A newly remodeled kitchen might seem like a thing of beauty, but there are some key elements to check to make sure everything is functioning properly. Make sure you can shut off the water under the sink. Open the cabinet doors, turn the knobs, and make sure no leaks are present along the supply lines or drainpipe. You’ll want to know how to turn off the water quickly in the event of an accident or emergency.
Check around the sink base, dishwasher and refrigerator lines for any signs of damage from minor leaks. Even new cabinetry can succumb to water damage in a hurry. Check the seal between the countertop and backsplash and make sure the seam is tight so that water doesn’t find its way into the cabinet space below.
If your new kitchen opens up to the patio, make sure the door seal is tight. Water driven by a strong gust of wind can easily penetrate a tiny gap.
Windows and Doors
Impact windows and doors are a key component of any coastal remodeling, but there’s more to the installation than just glass. Examine the frame, weatherstripping, locks, tracks and caulking. Make sure sliding doors are smooth and latch securely. Ensure the screen is also secure, even though they don’t provide any storm protection.
Clean any dirt out of the tracks and confirm that the door seal sweeps properly along the floor. Sand from the outdoors can get into the track and cause a problem down the road.
If you had a professional do a thorough checkup of your windows and doors after your remodeling Deerfield Beach project, skip this step. However, if they’ve seen any construction dust, paint overspray or landscaping activity, take a few minutes to go around every window.
The Bathroom
Summer heat and humidity can wreak havoc on a bathroom, so it’s important to make sure everything is working as designed. Run the bathroom exhaust fan while you’re taking a shower, then see how long it takes to remove the steam. A malfunctioning exhaust fan can lead to mildew growth on new tiles, paint or grout.
Inspect underneath the vanity and around the base of the toilet for any signs of leakage or shifting. Grout should be clean and intact, and sealant should be pliable around the tub, shower and counters.
Even a bathroom that appears completely dry after a shower can have standing water trapped inside a cabinet or behind a poorly sealed fixture.
Exterior Remodels
Outdoor kitchens, patios, and pool decks can take a beating during the summer months, so it’s important to choose materials and fixtures that can withstand the elements. If you’re considering remodeling in Deerfield Beach, focus on durable options designed to handle the area’s coastal conditions. Make sure the hardware and metal fixtures used in your outdoor remodel can stand up to salt air. While regular maintenance is recommended, you’ll also want to check grill lines, refrigerator doors, cabinet handles, and countertops before storm season begins.
It’s also important to make sure water drains away from your home rather than pooling next to walls, doors or any outdoor cabinets. Clear out gutters, downspouts and drain grates and make sure nothing is clogging the flow.
During the next big summer thunderstorm, where does water pool up?
What Needs Attention Before Storm Season?
Exterior paint, pavers and other new finishes need extra care during hurricane season (National Geographic covers this at www.nationalgeographic.com/environment). Give your exterior surfaces a quick rinse to get rid of any accumulated salt. Repair any cracks in the caulking around hose bibs, outlets and vents.
Keep an eye out for signs of interior damage as well, including peeling paint, warped flooring and musty odors. None of these problems are necessarily severe, but they could be a sign of something bigger brewing.
Remodeling Deerfield Beach properties requires more than just checking the structural integrity of the house; it also involves making sure permits are up to date, and that you have a solid maintenance schedule in place for the rest of the year. Make sure you have product manuals, warranty cards, paint swatches and photos of your electrical and plumbing installations stored in a central location. Make sure everyone in your family knows where the water and electrical shut-offs are located.
Take one last look at your home’s exterior and drainage system before the first big storm hits.
