
In the wake of Hurricane Sally, many Gulf Coast residents are facing clean up that's going to require professionals. Due to the rush of people in desperate need of home repairs and tree clearing services, the backlog is staggering.
It may be tempting to use whomever you first come across to help fix your home. In this post-storm frenzy, many out-of-state contractors flock to the hardest hit areas to help restore homes, yards, and lives. But be cautious. Sadly, contractors can be scam artists who prey upon desperate, vulnerable, and generally exhausted homeowners.
Below are some tips to help keep yourself, your money and your property safe!

It's been hot outside. There's no working around it, and that typically means any home improvement work requiring extended time outdoors gets postponed until temperatures cool. While temperatures may not drop substantially along the Gulf Coast, relatively cooler fall weather has already begun to visit, making this the perfect time for a few important seasonal home improvement projects:
Get your mind on the gutters: Your roof's drainage system annually diverts thousands of gallons of water from your home's exterior and foundation walls. Just one Gulf Coast summer -- especially since Hurricane Sally paid us a visit -- can cause debris to build up in your gutter system. "Clogged gutters can lead to damaged exterior surfaces and to water leaks. They are also more prone to rus...

Thanks to COVID-19 you may just find yourself around the house — and in your yard — more often than you typically would during a Gulf Coast August (also see how to reduce your air conditioning costs). Whether you have a small patio with a shed, a large grassy area with a swing set or something in between, now is the time to tackle some basic yard maintenance to help you and your family make the most of outdoor living areas during the pandemic.
Inspect your deck. Is it peeling or cracked? Make sure to closely inspect for any signs of rotting or any rusty nails that might ruin a backyard event. In many cases, using deck paint av...

Our homes are multitasking more than usual, aren't they? They're now gyms, classrooms and offices as well as all they were pre-coronavirus. With all extra uses our homes must now accommodate, chances are the clutter has begun to collect.
Fixing clutter issues in your home may mean moving to a new home or renovating your current one. But since it's always best to start with small fixes and then up the ante, consider decluttering your home and improving its organization to help maximize its functionality. With all the uncertainties surrounding COVID-19, now's the time to help your home help you. Here are decluttering/organization DO's and DON'Ts to help get you started:

June 1 marked the start of the Atlantic hurricane season, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Climate Prediction Center predicts a 60 percent chance of an above-normal season, a 30 percent chance of a near-normal season and only a 10 percent chance of a below-normal season. The prediction includes three to six major hurricanes (category 3 or higher) with a 70 percent confidence. Of course, as anyone who lives on the Gulf Coast knows, our weather is unpredictable, but taking NOAA's information into account, it's better to be safe than sorry.
Gulf Coast residents' best bet for protecting lives and property is preparation – for yourself, your family and your home. What are...