Safeguarding Your Home Against Inclement Weather

Gulfstream Homes — Thu, 27 Oct 2022 15:15:58 +0000

In light of the recent storm and its devastating damage to our beloved community, many homeowners have been prompted to make some changes in how they handle the next storm. Although Hurricane Ian was largely unexpected, especially in our area, it just goes to show that being prepared and taking the necessary precautions prior to a storm is critical. Whether you were fortunate to sustain minimal damage to your home or you’re dealing with extensive repairs, it’s important to take a moment to get ready for whatever Mother Nature sends our way. Remember, hurricane season isn’t over yet, which makes now a crucial time to begin fortifying your home for the future. When it comes to safeguarding your home against inclement weather, here are some key steps to take to ensure your home can withstand the elements better than it ever has before.

Address Any Concerns About Your Home Now

You may have spotted a section of your roof that may need some attention or some slight water damage in the garage. This is not something to ignore, as this can become a big problem when a storm decides to pay us a visit. Be sure to fix any issues with your home now. Check areas, such as:

Your roof
Foundation
Windows & sliding glass doors
Flooring
Walls
Gutters

It’s also a good idea to document the current state of your home, so that when we do experience another bout of inclement weather, it’ll be easier to file a claim with your insurance company.

Ensure You’re Carrying Proper Insurance

Speaking of insurance, you’ll want to be sure that you have the right insurance for your needs. From homeowner’s insurance to flood insurance, you want to be covered, no matter what. Failure to carry the proper insurance for your home can result in issues whenever it comes time to file a claim for damages. Now is the time to make sure that this is in order.

Prepare Your Property

During a storm, any little thing can wreak havoc on your property, as well as neighboring properties. From a lounge chair to a loose branch, anything is capable of becoming airborne and launching into a nearby window. This is why we advise you to clean up your property, even when there are no storms in sight. Trim your shrubs and branches and keep your yard tidy. When a storm is on its way, secure lawn furniture, stow decorations, and make sure there’s nothing that can become a projectile during the intense winds that tend to accompany a storm.

Clean Your Gutters

Your gutters can become clogged with leaves and other debris, which can hinder them from doing their job properly. When gutters aren’t properly cleaned, water can overflow and cause damage to your home, as well as flooding. Take some time to clean your gutters, or hire a professional to clean them, so that you don’t have to worry when a storm is on the way.

Make Your Home a Safe Home

The next time a storm is coming, be sure that you’re ready for it. By safeguarding your home, you’ll be able to have confidence that it’ll be able to withstand the rain and wind that a storm brings with it. When you reinforce your home, you’re able to stay safe and mitigate damage, allowing you to stress less during this dangerous time of the year.

Gulfstream Homes is here for you, Southwest Florida. To get started on building a home that’s ready for the elements, call (239) 254-1664 or visit www.gulfstreamhomes.com.

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The History of Marco Island’s Famous ‘Dome Homes’

Gulfstream Homes — Thu, 20 Oct 2022 14:40:07 +0000

The past few weeks have been challenging for our Southwest Florida community as we began to assess the damage left behind by Hurricane Ian. Our area experienced surging floods, as well as dangerous winds, causing our home to change like never before. Although many Marco Island homeowners were fortunate to sustain repairable damage, one island landmark wasn’t so lucky. The Cape Romano domes, known to many locals as the “Dome Homes” were washed away in the treacherous waters brought on by the storm, never to be seen again. For decades, they have been a source of curiosity and wonder for our community, and now, we have to accept the fact that they’ll live on, but only in our memories. So, what was so intriguing about these homes and what drew so many people to admire them often? Let’s delve into the history of Marco Island’s famous ‘Dome Homes’ and discover why they were regarded as a Marco landmark for generations.

Early Years

Construction commenced on these dome-like structures in 1980, with creator, Bob Lee, working diligently to design a home that would be self-sufficient, as well as beneficial to the environment. Constructed of metal dome-shaped materials, the domes were built with southwest Florida’s weather in mind. Built to withstand the harsh winds and rains our area tends to experience, especially during hurricane season, the Cape Romano domes were believed to be ideal for our climate. The proof was when Hurricane Andrew struck in the early 90s, leaving the domes almost completely unscathed. Despite all of the work that went into building this interesting structure, however, the Lee family was forced to move out just two years into living there, due to financial strain.

Nature Begins to Take Over

In 1987, Lee was able to take ownership of the dome houses once again, but to his dismay, the shore was slowly eroding and the homes were steadily making their way into the water. Although the homes were eventually heading into the water for good, that didn’t stop the Lee family from living there for another six years, since the homes were built on pilings and protected from the waters below. As the years went on, plans to relocate the domes were in play; however, this never came into fruition. Slowly, the beach eroded away and the domes began to sit as sentries out in the open waters.

The Cape Romano Domes Today

When Hurricane Irma hit in 2017, two of the domes were washed away, and just recently, Hurricane Ian demolished the remaining four domes with its intense rain, dangerous storm surge, and relentless winds. The Cape Romano domes will forever be a fond memory, built out of a dream to create something unique, making them key elements in Marco Island’s rich history.

Other facts you may not know include:

Access to the domes was only available by water.
They utilized solar power and recycled water.
The homes featured six connected structures, which included three bedrooms, three bathrooms and 2,400 sq. ft. of living space.
They began as a vacation destination for the Lee family.
You’ll still be able to view them underwater as a reef.

As we continue to take in the rich history of the area, the Cape Romano domes will live on in our memories. For now, we’ll continue to enjoy the breathtaking beaches, balmy breezes and timeless character that radiates throughout Marco Island.

Gulfstream Homes is ready to help you build a home on Marco Island! Call (239) 254-1664 or visit www.gulfstreamhomes.com to get started.