If you’re a Florida homeowner looking to make storm protection improvements through the My Safe Florida Home program, choosing the right contractor is key. This program provides grants to homeowners to complete qualifying hurricane mitigation projects using experienced, approved contractors.
This helps ensure the work is done properly while also reducing pressure on insurance companies to cover damage claims.
In this article, we’ll walk through the factors to consider when picking the perfect My Safe Florida Home approved contractor for your next home improvement project.
Importance of Choosing an Approved Contractor
The My Safe Florida Home program thoroughly vets and approves contractors to perform grant-funded work. This approval process ensures contractors have the proper licensing, insurance coverage, experience, and track record successfully completing hurricane mitigation projects.
Homeowners who use an unapproved contractor run the risk of having work rejected or future claims denied.
Sticking with an approved contractor streamlines the application and claims process while also giving you peace of mind that the work will meet all requirements.
How to Pick the Perfect Contractor
When reviewing your list of approved contractors from the My Safe Florida Home program, keep the following factors in mind while making your selection:
Reviews: Online reviews can provide great insight into recent customer satisfaction. Look for companies with overwhelmingly positive feedback over many years in business. A few negative reviews are normal, but make sure there isn’t a concerning pattern.
Experience: More experienced contractors are typically more familiar with the hurricane mitigation improvements approved for grant funding. Opt for a contractor that has been in business for 5+ years with a proven history of successful projects similar to yours.
Product Offerings: Review the specific products and services offered by each contractor. For example, if you need new impact windows, verify the contractor has extensive experience with professional installation that meets strict hurricane codes.
The Application and Inspection Process
Once you select an approved contractor, they will assist you with completing the My Safe Florida Home application including required permits and documents.
An inspector will then survey your property and proposed project to verify it qualifies and meets all storm protection standards.
If approved, you can proceed with hiring your chosen contractor who will keep you updated throughout the project. A final inspection will ensure the completed work complies with the program’s hurricane mitigation standards.
Making the Final Decision
After thoroughly reviewing your approved contractor list based on reviews, experience, services offered, and company reputation, the next steps include:
Request Quotes: Contact 3-5 of your top choice approved contractors and have them provide detailed quotes for your specific project. Make sure all quotes contain the same project specifications.
Compare and Decide: Compare the pricing and offerings across the quotes and contractor profiles. Go with the contractor that best fits your budget while also having overwhelmingly positive reviews and experience successfully completing projects similar to the job you need done.
Top 8 My Safe Florida Home Approved Contractors
Analyzing several points, we have selected some contractors which you can go with.
| Contractor Names | Google Rating | Why we choose | Contact Number |
| Access Doors & Windows Inc | 5 | 1. USA Military Family owned and operated business 2. Specialize in Doors, Windows, and Garage Doors 3. Licensed and insured | (954) 428-1588 |
| Secure Window Solutions LLC | 5 | 1. 11-year proven track record 2. Over 50 years of industry experience 3. Customer-Centric Approach 4. In-House Trained Technicians 5. Unique Installation Process | (954) 586-4217 |
| Total Hurricane Shutters LLC | 5 | 1. Free estimate 2. Dade County Approved 3. High-Velocity Hurricane Zone Approved 4. $25 gift card for referrals 5. 5% of profits donated to local charities | (954) 857-5014 |
| Neptune Impact Windows | 5 | 1. Protect your home from storms and hurricanes 2. Save money on energy bills 3. Look stunning 4. Have a wide variety of doors and windows to choose from | (954) 802-9003 |
| America’s Window & Door Store | 4.7 | 1. Offer a variety of hurricane-impact windows and doors. 2. Offer financing options. 3. Team of qualified and dedicated staff. 4. They guarantee their work for a full three years. | (954) 710-8349 |
| Dependable Shutter Service | 4.9 | 1. Financing available. 2. Superior quality products. 3. Customer-focused service | (954) 583-1411 |
| Boca Impact Window & Door Co | 4.9 | 1. Variety of high-quality hurricane-impact windows and doors 2. Skilled team of window and door installation. 3. Exceptional customer service. 4. Offer a two-year labor warranty. 5. Family-owned, committed to quality products. | (561) 556-9874 |
| Assured Storm Protection, LLC | 4.6 | 1. USA Military Family-owned and operated business 2. Specialize in Doors, Windows, and Garage Doors 3. Licensed and insured | (877) 787-8676 |
Can I Choose My Own Contractor?
While the My Safe Florida Home program vets and approves contractors for grant-funded projects, some homeowners may wish to choose their own contractors outside of the pre-approved list.
However, doing so requires the homeowner to verify their chosen contractor meets all licensing and insurance requirements.
The application process also tends to take much longer when not using an approved contractor. Essentially, sticking with a pre-approved contractor makes the entire process significantly smoother and faster.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the perfect My Safe Florida Home approved contractor entails comparing factors like reviews, experience, services offered, pricing, and company reputation. This helps ensure you find an experienced, reputable contractor suited to complete your storm protection project properly.
While homeowners can choose their own contractors, using one from the pre-approved list streamlines the entire application and claims process.
Follow the guidance above and let the professionals handle the hurricane mitigation improvements, so you gain peace of mind knowing your home is ready to withstand the next big storm.
