Charley, Frances, Ivan and Jeanne left ruined homes throughout Florida. But the state's builders and remodelers have been through hurricanes before, and know how to react.
For one, the Florida State Home Builders Association belongs to the Disaster Contractors Network (formed after Hurricane Andrew), www.dcnonline.org, which allows affected homeowners to post their rebuilding needs and contractors to post the labor, services, equipment and materials they can offer.
The FHBA also posted a residential rebuilding model contract online (www.fhba.com) that includes an introduction explaining consumers' rights, state lien laws and how to avoid construction fraud.
In addition, Governor Jeb Bush passed an executive order allowing all licensed residential, building and general contractors to perform roofing and re-roofing repairs anywhere in the state.
To submit your great idea, send a description (and photo if possible) to Kim Sweet at ksweet@reedbusiness.com.
If we publish your idea, Klein Tools will send you a 10-in-1 screwdriver/nut driver. Each month, Professional Remodeler editors will select one idea as The Light Bulb winner. The creator of that idea will receive a Klein Tools tool bag; a 25-foot, double-sided, power-return tape measure; a wire stripper/cutter; side-cutting pliers; and a 10-in-1 screwdriver/nut driver.