Can Spending Time in My Yard Improve My Health?

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                The sun is out, temperatures are rising, and Spring is right around the corner. What better time to prepare your yard for summertime? If the aesthetic of a new fence isn’t enough to push you to get outside, consider the health benefits that come along with spending more time in your own yard.

 

Improve Mood. Studies have shown that spending more time outside helps lower cortisol levels, the stress hormone. Spending time in the yard can help reduce symptoms of both depression and anxiety, leading to lower blood pressure as well.

Soak in the Vitamin D. A large percentage of adults in the United States have a vitamin D deficiency, which can lead to health issues down the line such as osteoporosis, heart attack, stroke, and some cancers. Spending time in the sun (with ample sunscreen!) is an easy and free way to up your vitamin D levels.

Give Your Eyes a Break. With many Americans’ working remotely, we are finding ourselves spending much of our day in front of a screen. Spending time outside is a great way to give your eyes a much-needed break from strain and blue light. Reducing screen time can also improve sleep quality, helping you feel better overall. 

Choosing a Contractor During the Pandemic

Choosing a Contractor During the Pandemic

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Choosing a Contractor During the Pandemic

Since the beginning of 2020, the construction industry has felt a pinch from all areas. Lack of laborers, price increases, and supply line issues have continued into 2022, and the fencing industry is no stranger to these tribulations. Paramount Fencing has heard increasing concerns from Central Florida consumers in the past 16 months, so we set out with a question: With the global economy seemingly opening back up, why are contractors spiking prices?

First, the lack of trained laborers in the current market is definitely causing issues. As with any crisis, many handy “men in a truck” pop up. This is commonly seen around natural disasters, and we have seen an increase in handymen throughout the pandemic. A truly licensed handyman is not to blame, but the unlicensed and uninsured handymen flooding the market now are causing issues for many homeowners across the country. Many of these individuals will continue to charge market-rate pricing for subpar work. Individuals without a legal company also may not have access to higher-quality building materials, resulting in homeowners paying a large premium on Home Depot grade material. The lack of liability insurance that comes along with hiring an unlicensed handyman is also dangerous for the homeowner. Many times, these home improvement projects are completed without proper permits being pulled, resulting in headaches and legal issues for a homeowner in the long run.

Material shortages are also causing issues. According to Insider, 90% of contractors have cited having issues securing necessary building materials to complete their contracts during 2021. The slow has caused a massive backlog of projects for many contractors, putting them into a financial pinch, which then funnels down to the consumer. The spike in building material prices has forced contractors to raise their prices, which trickles down as well. Comparing lumber prices to the beginning of the pandemic, prices were up an average of 377% according to Yahoo Business during the peak of summer 2021. Pressure-treated lumber is currently the most difficult building material to secure, with prices lower than they were 6 months ago, but slowly creeping back up. Trends show the summer months to have the highest prices.

Currently, both The US and Canada are facing a shortage of truckers, with truck drivers actively protesting in Canada. Unfortunately, a large amount of pressure-treated lumber available in the American market is supplied by Canada. 83% of softwood is supplied by Canada, with a total of 25% of total lumber being supplied by our Northern neighbor. November of 2021 also saw the duty on Canadian lumber increase to 17.9%, twice what it once was.
All of these issues seem to be the cause for a perfect storm, a storm that is currently wreaking havoc on all homeowners. But how can a consumer protect themselves?

First, custom or stick-built contractors are unable to complete a fence the week after a contract is signed. Companies who have such a quick turnaround are cutting a corner somewhere, regardless of if it’s on the administrative or installation side. Understand, in the state of Florida, if a post goes in the ground a permit will need to be pulled. If a property has a pool, a permit must be pulled, and that fence must be installed to be pool code compliant. Permit turn-around time varies by municipality, but from the time of application to approval, the average is about 10 days. Protect yourself and be sure that the company or handyman you hire has an approved permit prior to installation. NEVER START INSTALLATION WITHOUT A PERMIT.

A popular aluminum manufacturer, AlumiGuard, is reporting lead times of up to 23 weeks on production orders. If you are quoted with a shorter delivery date, ask who the manufacturer is. Never allow material to be installed without knowing the manufacturer’s name and if there is a warranty on the product. A reputable company using quality materials will have no problem providing this information.

Homeowners purchasing wood fences are urged to check lumber prices before committing to a contract. Many handymen and new companies are popping up charging top-dollar for sub-par pre-fabricated panels. Always ask the installation method being used to avoid being overcharged on your new installation. Understand the wood fence building methods before installing a fence that will only last you a few years.

Paramount Fencing understands that contractors have been hard to come by all throughout COVID thanks to the severe labor shortages and material delays, but we don’t want to see Central Florida consumers get burned by a company.
For a free estimate or even just updated information on the fencing industry, give us a call. 407-341-2720

Homeowner’s Insurance and Fencing

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Homeowner’s insurance (depending on your policy limits) will cover damage to a fence caused by a hurricane/earthquake/storms/etc. Many times, this is only applicable if the fence is an attached structure, meaning that the fence is attached to the home itself. Fencing falls under “other structures” covered on a policy.

Situations

Your neighbor’s tree falls on your fence: This will depend on state-specific laws, your insurer may go to your neighbor for payment if the tree was deemed to have fallen due to lack of maintenance/negligence on the neighbor’s part. However, if the tree is located on a boundary line and is in both lots, insurance may hold both you and your neighbor responsible for half of the deductible each.

Your tree falls on your fence: If a healthy tree falls on a fence, the homeowner’s insurance will cover it (depending on your specific policy) However, if the tree was sick and deemed to be weakened through lack of maintenance/negligence, it will not be covered. Remember, insurance covers accidents only.

The fence is damaged from mold/fungus/termites: The fence would not be covered. Homeowner’s insurance covers accidents only. If you are worried about termite damage to a wood fence, consider getting a termite bond with a reputable fence company, but be sure that your wood fence is included in the initial inspection and is not excluded from the coverage of the bond. Wood fences require maintenance to prevent wood rot and fungus, see our tips on how to extend your fences life.

A storm blows down your fence: Homeowner’s insurance would cover the damage up to the coverage limits.

A car crashes through your fence: Homeowner’s insurance would cover the damage up to the coverage limits, however, you could likely file a claim against the driver’s car insurance if they have property damage liability coverage.

Before submitting a claim for your fence damage, take pictures of the damage and try not to move any damaged sections unless necessary. Call around and have some contractors give quotes for the repair. Decide if the cost of the repair is too high, or if it’s worth paying for the repair out of pocket to avoid filing a claim (a deductible is out of pocket anyway) An insurance company may pay to replace your fence, but they will only cover the “actual cash value”, so if you’ve let your wood fence rot and deteriorate, you probably won’t be getting much for a replacement.

Inclement Weather

Inclement Weather

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Inclement Weather

Florida has two main weather seasons, a “dry” season and a “wet” season.

The wet season lasts about 5 months and stretches from late May to mid-October. During these months, it’s common to see a storm daily. 61% of Florida’s annual rainfall takes place during this period.

These heavy rainfalls can often delay fence projects- much to the customer and company’s dismay. These delays are caused mainly by 2 circumstances- heavy rainfall and lightning.
During the wet season, it is not uncommon for yards to flood. If the ground conditions are too wet to dig, installations may be delayed.

Lightning is a pretty common cause of fence damage- and damage to the home as well. A lightning strike to a fence can travel to the house. In some cases, homeowner's insurance will pay to cover the damage of a fence. This is why it's important to be sure that your fence is attached to your home. if it's not, pick up an L-bracket from your local hardware store and affix it. Homeowner's insurance will not cover a detached structure.

Florida is the number 1 lightning capital of the United States, accounting for 16% of annual lightning fatalities. Thunderstorms always include lightning, so any time you hear thunder, the installers cannot be working.

While a person outside during a thunderstorm may not be directly struck with lightning, there are many ways they can be struck:
1. Side Flash: Lightning strikes a taller item near the victim and a portion of the strike jumps to the victim
2. Ground Current: Lightning strike travels from the object originally struck through the ground. This method often kills livestock.
3. Conduction: Metal does not necessarily “attract” lighting, but it does provide it a path to follow. Lighting can travel extremely far after a strike. During a thunderstorm, do not touch anything metal, including metal wiring. The CDC has also confirmed that lightning can travel through plumbing, so do not shower, wash your hands, or do dishes during a thunderstorm.

Employees work to OSHA standards, which state that if there is any lighting present, employees need to take shelter. In our case, our installers will get in their cars and wait until 30 minutes past the last clap of thunder heard. Our installers will contact the office in the event of a storm for further instruction. Depending on the radar, they may be instructed to leave for the day.

We at Paramount Fencing understand the frustration of having a fence project delayed- we don’t like it either. But the bottom line is our employee’s safety. No Paramount Fencing employee will be put in a dangerous working condition just to meet a deadline- that is not the type of company we are.

So, we will apologize in advance for any delays as we move forward. Just know that we will work diligently to install your project promptly. We appreciate your patience in this matter.

Hurricane Preparation for Individuals with Autism

Hurricane Preparation for Individuals with Autism

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Hurricane Preparation for Individuals with Autism

With hurricane season quickly approaching, and the increase of more and more summer storms, Paramount Fencing is teaming up with Autism Society of Greater Orlando once again to help better prepare those of us with a loved one with Autism in the event of a large storm.

  1. Begin preparing for a possible hurricane now. Add comfort items to your emergency kit. Be sure to include batteries/rechargeable blocks to the kit for recharging electronics. Get an extra pair of soundproof headphones just in case.
  2. Explain to your loved one what is going on. Tell them everything you can about the situation. Use personal stories if applicable. Allow the individual with Autism to ask questions, and answer them. Validate their concerns.
  3. Keep as many routines as possible, but explain to your loved one that there may be some unexpected changes such as loss of electricity, or a change in diet due to lack of access to preferred foods. Make sure to prepare them for any possibility.
  4. If evacuating, expect bad traffic and try to take a frequent break. If you can, try evacuating to a familiar friend or family member's house. If this is not possible, be sure to pre-register for a spot at a special needs shelter in your county. Service animals will be allowed at the shelters, just be sure that you have updated vaccine/license records available. Don't forget to pack at least a 3 week supply of food/water/medicine for service animals.

To pre-register for a special needs shelter near you, follow the links below:

Orange County Special Needs Registry

Seminole County Special Needs Registry

Lake County Special Needs Registry

Polk County Special Needs Registry

Volusia County Special Needs Registry

 

Note: It is very rare for home insurance policies to cover damages caused by either flooding or hurricanes without specific add-ons. After the above preparations have been made, review your homeowner's insurance policy to ensure you are covered prior to any severe weather indications.

Keep Reading

A Message to Our Customers – COVID-19

The Aesthetic of Vinyl Fencing

Hurricane Preparation 2020

Firework Safety & The 4th

Vertical Vegetable Garden

Understanding Pressure-Treated Lumber and Wood Fence

Paramount Fencing Update – COVID-19 Response

Covid -19 and Paramount Fencing, Inc.

Paramount Fencing Update – COVID-19 Response

Paramount Fencing Update – COVID-19 Response

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 Open For Business:

We acknowledge that the people of Florida are concerned about the spread of COVID-19, and so are we.  Like you, Paramount Fencing and its employees would love to stay home and shelter in place, but we can't.   Here is why:

Currently, Florida possesses 1.4 million swimming pools, thousands of miles of shoreline, and three million acres of lakes and ponds.   Couple the aforementioned numbers with school closures and there is potential for disaster.   Understand, over 3400 kids drown in pools and bodies of water each year.   Let's not forget our 2 million furry friends that need a safe place in that backyard.   So Paramount Fencing will remain open to ensure we do not trade one statistic for another...

HOWEVER: We will do so smartly.  We will do so in compliance with all CDC and Local guidelines.  Also, Paramount Fencing has implemented a three-stage virus threat level system.   We are currently in Level RED.   See below:

Current Conditions Level: RED

RED –A  full implementation of our Paramount Fencing Coronavirus policies.  No exceptions.

Paramount Fencing’s Threat Level Red Coronavirus Policies Are Listed Below

Estimate Policies:  Estimates can be scheduled via phone and will consist of a 3-step process for those who are most vulnerable to COVID-19. The Process is listed below.

Step One  - This step consists of a phone call between an estimator and the customer. After the phone call, the estimator will visit the property and obtain the necessary information.   From there, a job detail will be emailed to the customer before Step Two.

Step Two - This step consists of a scheduled 45-minute phone call between the estimator and homeowner. During this time, we will discuss the parameters of the requested project and will also make the necessary changes to the job detail in preparation for step three.

Step Three -  Customers will receive a returned digitized estimate and a follow-up phone call.

Customer Can Be Present at the Estimate, but social distancing rules must be followed.

Installer and Employees Policy:

  • During Threat Level Red, no Paramount Fencing employee is authorized to enter the residence of a customer’s home until further notice.
  • During Threat Level Red, no Paramount Fencing employee is authorized to accept food, drinks, or tips from a homeowner.
  • During Threat Level Red, all Paramount Fencing employees must practice a minimum social distancing of 8 Feet or have a mask on.
  • During Threat Level Red, all Paramount Fencing’s employees are provided 10 days paid sick days which may result in delay installations.
  • During Threat Level Red, all Paramount Fencing employees checking in to the office will go through screening for symptoms of COVID-19 or Flu.
  • During Threat Level Red, Paramount Fencing will disinfect all horizontal surfaces, tools, and vehicles twice daily.
  • During Threat Level Red, Paramount Fencing will disinfect all horizontal surface and door handles should they enter the back patio of and customer’s property.
  • During Threat Level Red, all Paramount Fencing employees that possess a potential medical complication must work from home or will be paid to not work.

We want to thank you in advance for your cooperation.   We ask that our existing customers and future customers look over our COVID-19 policies before contacting Paramount Fencing.   We are hopeful, with the above estimating, install, and employee policies in play, Paramount Fencing will minimize the spread and footprint of COVID-19 as we continue to survey and protect our customers within the Central Florida Community.

Rest assured, we will use every necessary precaution to continue giving our customers quality service as we protect their liabilities.

 

Thanks,

Kip Hudakoz
Paramount Fencing, Inc.

Covid -19 and Paramount Fencing, Inc.

Covid -19 and Paramount Fencing, Inc.

by Paraf1 Comment Closed

"Paramount Fencing lives on.  We are open.  We are here to the serve the citizens of Central Florida!"

We acknowledge that the people of Florida are concerned about the spread of Covid-19, and so are we.  Like you, Paramount Fencing and its employees would love to stay home and shelter in place, but we can't.   Here is why:

Currently, Florida possesses 1.4 million swimming pools, thousands of miles of shoreline, and three million acres of lakes and ponds.   Couple the aforementioned numbers with school closures and there is potential for disaster.   Understand, over 3400 kids drown in pools and bodies of water each year.   Let's not forget our 2 million furry friends that need a safe place in that backyard.   So Paramount Fencing will remain open to ensure we do not trade one statistic for another...

HOWEVER: We will do so smartly.  We will do so in compliance with all CDC and Local guidelines.  Also, Paramount Fencing has implemented a three-stage virus threat level system.   We are currently in Level RED.   See below:

GREEN – If there are less than 100 reported cases of COVID-19 in the State of Florida,  it will be business as usual; however, those employees or customers that would be severely affected by a Coronavirus outbreak can opt for all estimating, installation, and employee policies annotated in threat level RED.

YELLOW - Any reported cases of COVID-19 in Orange, Seminole, Lake, and Polk counties will result in a preventive policy.  We will promote social distancing and disinfecting of the company property: however, those employees or customers that would be severely affected by a Coronavirus outbreak can opt for all estimating, installation, and employee policies annotated in threat level RED.

RED -  If there are over a hundred reported combined cases of COVID-19 in Orange, Seminole, Lake, Polk, etc.), there will be a full implementation of our Paramount Fencing Coronavirus policies. No exceptions.

Paramount Fencing’s Threat Level Red Coronavirus Policies

Estimate Policies:  Estimates can be scheduled via phone and will consist of a 3-step process. The Process is listed below.

Step One  - This step consists of a phone call between an estimator and the customer. After the phone call, the estimator will visit the property and obtain the necessary information.   From there, a job detail will be emailed to the customer before Step Two.

Step Two - This step consists of a scheduled 45-minute phone call between the estimator and homeowner. During this time, we will discuss the parameters of the requested project and will also make the necessary changes to the job detail in preparation for step three.

Step Three -  Customers will receive a returned digitized estimate and a follow-up phone call.

Installer and Employees Policy:

  1. During Threat Level Red, no Paramount Fencing employee is authorized to enter the residence of a customer’s home until further notice.
  2. During Threat Level Red, no Paramount Fencing employee is authorized to accept food, drinks, or tips from a homeowner.
  3. During Threat Level Red, all Paramount Fencing employees must practice a minimum social distancing of 8 Feet.
  4. During Threat Level Red, all Paramount Fencing employee is provided 10 days paid sick days.
  5. During Threat Level Red, all Paramount Fencing employees checking in to the office will go through screening for symptoms of COVID-19 or Flu
  6. During Threat Level Red, Paramount Fencing will disinfect all horizontal surfaces, tools, and vehicles twice daily.
  7. During Threat Level Red, all Paramount Fencing employees that possess a potential medical complication must work from home.

We want to thank you in advance for your cooperation.   We ask that our existing customers and future customers look over our COVID-19 policies before contacting Paramount Fencing.   We are hopeful, with the above estimating, install, and employee policies in play, Paramount Fencing will minimize the spread and footprint of COVID-19 as we continue to survey and protect our customers within the Central Florida Community.

Rest assured, we will use every necessary precaution to continue giving our customers quality service as we protect their liabilities.

Thanks, Paramount Fencing.