Spring is one of the best times of the year to plan home improvements in Sunrise. But before summer heat, humidity, and rain move in, take time to review a few weather-related design considerations.
Summer Weather Stakes
Summers in South Florida can be hot and humid. Humidity seeps in through the tiniest gaps and crevices. And then there’s that infamous afternoon downpour. Summer also ushers in storm season, putting windows, exterior doors, and drainage to the test.
Outdoor Drainage
Your pool deck or patio design might photograph well on completion day, but also think about what it will feel like when it’s combined with bare feet, sunscreen, and a rainstorm. Smooth surfaces can be downright treacherous when wet. Opt for more texture, especially on patios. Ask questions about surfaces that feel comfortable, yet practical. Where should texture and traction be increased, such as near the pool, outdoor kitchen, or by sliding glass doors that lead inside?
Also discuss how your new patio design will impact drainage. Water should be moving away from your home, not collecting along the pool deck, under exterior doors, or in front of your house. Have your contractor discuss drainage with you during the initial walk-through, including where downspouts empty and if a new patio will require re-grading around your home. Even placement of new outdoor furniture can be helpful to discuss ahead of time, making sure pieces won’t block drainage.
Wind and Rain
If your remodeling project includes updating exterior windows or doors, consider how these changes will hold up in inclement weather. When planning remodeling in Sunrise, it’s important to choose features that balance durability, comfort, and energy efficiency. The size and placement of windows and exterior doors can affect natural lighting, cooling costs, sound control, hurricane protection, and more.
During the planning stage, ask your Sunrise remodeling contractor to explain more about the products being used, including any impact-rated windows or doors. Properly installed impact-rated products should have adequate seals, flashing, and fasteners. Pay particular attention to how the materials transition from the window or door and surrounding materials, ensuring any wind-driven rain has a path back out again, not into your home.
Also be sure to discuss how your windows or doors will interface with other remodel elements, such as new floors or patios. It’s helpful to look at clearances and make sure thresholds will adequately drain, for instance.
Kitchen Shade
When planning a new kitchen addition, talk with your Sunrise remodeling contractor about the best ways to keep sun out of the new space, especially if windows will be facing south or west. Too much unprotected glass will add to cooling costs; iea.org/reports/the-future-of-cooling is the page that actually explains it, plus create glaring. You might discuss the depth of the roof overhang, adding a covered patio, or exterior screens and even landscape features that will block some of the sun, not turning the addition into a dark space.
For instance, picture a family updating an older ranch-style home near Sawgrass Mills. Opening the kitchen toward the backyard makes sense, but a broad expanse of glass without shade may turn the proposed kitchen into a hot zone. It wouldn’t take long at all for that new kitchen to become toasty.
We could talk about ways we could design in some shade to soften that exposure, including a covered patio that could serve as a nice transition space between the indoor/outdoor environments. Not only would it help block some of the harsh afternoon sun, it would also serve as an additional gathering space that offers some cover should an unexpected downpour roll through.
Humidity-Ready Materials
If your remodeling plans include a new kitchen, laundry room, or mudroom, take some time to talk with your contractor about the best cabinetry materials to withstand some steam and humidity. Cabinets can be installed right next to an exterior door, for instance, that seeps humidity into the home. There are also moisture-resistant cabinet boxes, edge banding, and finishes. Discussing those options is best before your cabinets are ordered. Bathrooms are also a common area where humidity can be an issue, including under-sink cabinets. Sometimes a slow plumbing leak goes unnoticed until there is swelling or other noticeable damage to the cabinet box.
Have your Sunrise remodeling contractor explain exhaust fan venting options. Fans should be venting humidity out, not just moving air around the room. Ducting exhaust fans can be complicated, so it’s helpful to know up front what will work.
Balconies and Timing
For our Sunrise and South Florida condo owners planning a balcony renovation, don’t skip the discussion of sun and weather protection. Talk through materials and any association guidelines before making selections, plus how the space drains. Just like patios and other outdoor areas, balconies should adequately drain. Planters, built-ins or other custom built features, rugs, etc. should not block any drainage areas.
Weather can impact many phases of a remodel project, too, and your contractor will keep that in mind during planning. Some sealants and paints have specific conditions to achieve adequate curing. Planning for inclement weather, or at least 48 dry hours, can save headaches and a potential redo down the line.
As you start to plan your remodel project this spring, we encourage you to tour the rooms and spaces you hope to update with this list in hand. Jot down anything you’re not sure about, or surfaces and openings that receive heat from the sun, humidity, rain, pool water, and more. Then review your list with your contractor and project team to make sure you’re all in sync before anything gets built or ordered.