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Episode 3 of the Florida Insurance Survival Series

Rick Kooyman discusses the impact of Florida building codes on condo owners, particularly regarding impact-rated products. He explains that products must pass large missile tests to meet the code, which increases costs. Discounts for meeting these standards can range from 10% to 68%. He also details the stringent requirements for roofing, including nail specifications, underlayment materials, and roof shape. Kooyman highlights the challenges of maintaining and upgrading older structures to meet these standards, noting the high costs and the need for comprehensive inspections. He emphasizes the importance of understanding insurance policies and the potential for significant assessments in condo communities.

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Episode 2 of the Florida Insurance Survival Series

Rick Kooyman discusses the stringent insurance industry standards affecting home inspections, particularly the four-point inspection. He notes that roofs, once insurable for 10 years, are now only insurable for 21-22 years, leading to higher costs or refusal of coverage. The industry also scrutinizes electrical panels, wiring, and plumbing, with specific attention to the type and age of materials. Kooyman highlights the impact of humidity and corrosion on appliances like air conditioners and hot water tanks, which are now insurable for only 12 years. He also explains the Wind Mitigation Program, which offers discounts for homes built to the Florida building code, and the importance of arc fault and ground fault outlets in modern building codes.

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Episode 1 of the Florida Insurance Survival Series

Rick Kooyman discusses the rise in Florida insurance costs, tracing it back to Hurricane Andrew in 1992, which led to the creation of the Miami-Dade building code and later the Florida building code in 2002. The state established Citizens Insurance to cover high-risk areas, but it became a dominant player. Post-Irma, insurance policies required new roofs, inflating costs. Public adjusters and contractors profited, leading to higher premiums. DeSantis's House Bill 1857 favored insurers, reducing coverage and increasing denials. Four-point inspections, now mandatory, are costly and often lead to policy denials, exacerbating the insurance crisis.

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Rick Kooyman, owner of Trade Secret Inspections, discussed the complexities of homeowners insurance in Florida, particularly post-Hurricane Andrew. He explained the evolution of the Florida building code, the rise of Citizens Insurance, and the impact of Hurricane Irma on insurance rates and policies. Rick detailed the four-point inspection process, emphasizing the importance of meeting new standards for roofs, electrical panels, and other systems. He highlighted the wind mitigation program, which offers discounts for storm-resistant homes, and the challenges of maintaining older homes to meet these standards. The discussion also touched on the role of public adjusters and the increasing cost of insurance.

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Sergio DeCesare and Rick Kooyman discuss the nuances of real estate contracts in Naples, Florida, specifically the board contract, the neighbor contract, and the state contract called the Fire bar. Rick emphasizes the importance of due diligence, especially for vacant land, and highlights the differences between the two contracts, particularly regarding defective items and mold. He explains that the neighbor contract shifts more liability to buyers, while the Fire bar contract is more balanced. Rick also stresses the importance of thorough inspections, including environmental assessments, and the potential for addendums to modify contract terms. He offers a 100-day warranty program to mitigate risks for homeowners.

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Rick Kooyman from Trade Secrets Inspections discusses the importance of radon testing in homes, emphasizing that radon is a colorless, odorless gas that can cause cancer and is the second leading cause of cancer after smoking. He explains that radon originates from the earth, particularly from uranium and radium in soil and building materials, and can accumulate in any enclosed space. Rick advises testing every three to five years or annually for those with health concerns. A typical mitigation for a single-family home costs less than $3,000, while a test can cost around $250. He stresses the importance of accurate testing and the liability for inspectors who downplay radon risks

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Sergio and Rick discuss the impracticality of basements in Florida due to the water table. Rick presents a case study of a house on a barrier island with a basement, highlighting structural issues like water intrusion, mold, and compromised foundations. The basement's floor is only 8-10 inches above the water table, leading to continuous pumping to manage water levels. The house's structural integrity is compromised, and Rick advises against repairing it. He emphasizes the importance of understanding local building codes and environmental conditions to avoid such issues. Rick provides contact information for further inquiries

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Sergio DeCesare and Rick Kooyman discuss the impact of Florida's weather on homes. Rick explains how the sun's energy heats the Earth, creating temperature differentials and resulting in wind and thunderstorms. He emphasizes the role of humidity and mold in homes, noting that Florida's environment is particularly harsh on materials. Rick highlights the importance of proper ventilation and maintenance to prevent mold growth. He also discusses the challenges of maintaining wood-frame homes in Florida's climate. Rick offers services through Trade Secrets Inspections, including mold and air quality assessments, to help homeowners understand and address these issues.

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