Are You Exposed?

Unfortunately, we have all heard the horror story about the homeowner who comes back home after a long day of work only to find that his toilet is leaking and his master bedroom is flooded. The homeowner recalls today is a Tuesday, the scheduled day that the cleaning service has been cleaning his home for the past 9 months, and comes to the conclusion that cleaning service is responsible for the flood. He found the service in the local newspaper at an unbeatable price, but he did not inquire about licensing or insurance. After fighting with the cleaning service for hours, the homeowner realizes the damage caused to the home is his responsibility because the service has no insurance. 

A woman sees a truck with a gutter cleaning advertisement in her neighbor’s driveway and realizes her house could also use a good gutter cleaning. While the contractor is packing up his truck she inquires about an estimate. The contractor is climbing the ladder to check her gutters on her roof when all of a sudden he falls off and breaks his arm. Little did the woman know, the contractor did not have workman’s comp and she is now responsible for the cost of his treatment. She thought she was safe because of her homeowner’s insurance. This turned out to be quite an expensive estimate. 

In today’s economy, many contractors are forgoing insurance due to the cost. So, you may ask, how does this affect you? If you are using contractors, like the examples above, (i.e. cleaning services, carpenters, painters, electricians, plumbers, handymen, etc.) that are not licensed, bonded, and insured, you are putting yourself at risk. Don’t let your home become victim to a contractor. Below are brief definitions of licensed, bonded, and insured as well a few tips to keep in mind when choosing a contractor. 

Licensed, Bonded, and Insured 

• Licensed – A licensed contractor is someone who holds a license issued by a party guaranteeing that the individual is a professional with certification.
• Bonded – A contractor who is bonded provides protection for a customer in the event that valuables are taken from the customer’s home.
• Insured – An insured contractor provides customers with protection in the event of an accident to and individual or to the property.

Tips When Choosing a Contractor 

• Ask the contractor if he/she is licensed, bonded, and insured.
• Request to see a contractor’s certificate of liability insurance.
• Inquire about references.

Granting a contractor access to your home is a major decision and one that requires much thought. While we are all looking for a “quick fix” make sure that you are using a contractor that is licensed, bonded, and insured. I can assure you that the extra time spent doing the research will benefit you immensely and could, in the event of an accident or a catastrophe, protect your home and your assets. Choose the right contractors and you can rest assured that your home will be taken care of. 

Gardens Home Management Services is the premiere home management company in the Palm Beach Gardens region of South Florida. Our company meets all of the requirements listed above through our customized approach to home management. Not only are all of our contractors licensed, bonded, and insured, but as a company, we have one of the highest limits of insurance in the homecare industry. To learn more about our services and how we can give you the peace-of-mind you deserve, request a free consultation or call 561-625-5700.

Tropical Storm Preparedness

Since flooding and high winds can occur many hours before a Tropical Storm or hurricane makes landfall, it is critical evacuees leave their homes immediately if instructed to do so by emergency officials. Evacuees are encouraged to seek shelter with friends or family or outside evacuation zones when possible.

http://www.homecarepro.com/home-care-tips/Tropical-Storm

Dreaded Hurricane Season

With the dreaded hurricane season only a few weeks away, all South Florida residents need to start preparing. Don’t let your home go unprotected this hurricane season.

http://www.homecarepro.com/home-care-tips/hurricane-preparation

Air Conditioning

If you are thinking about buying a new central air conditioner, there are a few factors to consider. Buying and installing a central air conditioner is not a do-it-yourself project, so you should discuss the following with a qualified air-conditioning contractor.

Read More: http://www.hometips.com/buying-guides/airconditioning.html

Energy Star Label

Products bearing the Energy Star label have the same features and functionality as non-labeled products but use less energy. The benefits include energy-bill savings and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

Learn More: http://www.hometips.com/how-it-works/energy-star-products.html

Welcome to Sunny Florida's Sweepstake

Enter the Welcome To Sunny Florida Sweepstakes for a chance to win a $100 Apple Gift Card!

http://www.facebook.com/WelcomeToSunnyFlorida

Its Not Too Early To Start Preparing

Preparing For Hurricane Season

With Hurricane Season again quickly approaching, we are gearing up for the dreaded Hurricane Season. Its never to early to start preparing for Hurricane Season, if you need help lubing up your shutters or would like to be proactive this season by being on our hurricane preperation agreement, email us today. All our licensed contractors are on standby and are aware of our commitment to you and your home. 

Choosing the Right company to Safeguard Your Home

With the dreaded hurricane season only a few weeks away, all South Florida residents need to start preparing. Don't let your home go unprotected this hurricane season. Below are a few tips to keep in mind when choosing a home management company to help you and your home weather the storm. 

1. Confirm that the company is licensed, bonded and insured


2. Work with a company that will be in the area during the storm.


3. Sign an agreement with a company that can install, put up, close, and take down all hurricane shutters in a timely manner.


4. Choose a home management company that works with insured contractors in the event of a catastrophe.


5. Inquire about communication during the storm, i.e. will you receive photo updates of your property and email alerts.


6. Work with a home management company that is there for you and your home before, during and after the storm. Preparing for a hurricane is a major undertaking, surviving the storm is a challenge, and cleaning up after the storm can be a hassle to say the least. Choose the right home management company this hurricane season and you can rest assured that your home will be taken care of.

Gardens Home Management Services is the premiere home management company in the Palm Beach Gardens region of South Florida. Our company meets all of the requirements listed above through our customized approach to home management.

Spring Storm Preparedness

Storm Preparedness: Protect against outages. Wind and lightning frequently trigger power outages and surges that can destroy electronic equipment. Install lightning rods and surge protection systems to protect your home and property. Unplug all unnecessary electronic appliances when a severe storm is forecast.

Announcing Lake Erosion Restoration

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Announcing-Lake-Erosion-Restoration.html?soid=1105140942216&aid=cmp8EixcfFc

How to prepare your yard for summer

Aphids and garden pests love spring growth. If you see curled or poorly formed leaves on certain plants and trees, such as roses, citrus, or fruit trees, this is a likely sign of aphids. To get rid of them, wash plants frequently with a strong jet of water, blasting the aphids from foliage. Also spray with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.

http://www.hometips.com/repair-fix/yard-garden-care-spring.html