How to Find a Suitable Contractor If you’re not tackling your project DIY style, you’re probably overwhelmed by finding a contractor to do the job. Before you sign a contract, start by interviewing potential contractors and obtaining bids for the work. Get a feel for their building philosophy and ask them specifically about storm and fireproofing techniques. Make sure it’s someone you can communicate with effectively and that you feel understands your priorities. Dr. Hausler adds, “The contractor should be licensed and insured in the venue where [they are] working. Then, check reviews if they are available. These can be online reviews or word-of-mouth reviews from your neighbors. Ask for examples of past projects and work. And of course, ask to see a full cost estimate with a bill of quantity before engaging the contractor.”
Small Steps Towards a Safer Home The cost of a few common upgrades can vary widely, depending on what you’re having done, if you’re doing it yourself, the materials you’re using, and the material and labor costs in your area. However, if you’re looking to retrofit your space to protect against natural threats common in your area, start small. You don’t have to do a major home overhaul to layer in some additional protection.
Dr. Hausler highlighted the following upgrades:
Basements and/or safe rooms are essential places of refuge during tornadoes.
To help protect your home during wind events such as hurricanes and tornadoes, roof tie downs and building envelopes are critical. Roof tie downs act like their name implies - they tie the roof to the walls and are often required per the building code in hurricane- prone areas. Maintaining the building envelope can help prevent wind from getting inside the home and blowing off the roof. The building envelope can be maintained by using storm shutters over windows, covering attic vents, and making sure your garage door is closed during a storm. She also said, “These measures can work for fire prevention also. However, the best solution for fire protection is to not build with flammable building materials. Much of the single-family housing stock in the United States is “stick-built”, or timber frame. While most building materials are required to have some level of fire resistance, the typical timber frame building with drywall and asphalt shingles on the roof will burn, as evidenced in events like the Marshall Fire in Boulder County, Colorado at the end of 2021.” For some additional guidance on the topic, Dr. Hausler referred homeowners to FEMA’s website (fema.gov), which includes guides for homeowners to protect their homes and families from natural disasters such as floods, tornados, wildfires, earthquakes, and more.
15
October 2024
Powered by FlippingBook