South Carolina
Once again, the cost of hurricane upgrades will be on the back of all tax payers in South Carolina. Released today, modifications outlining Chapter 15, Title 38, Article 15 "South Carolina Hurricane Damage Mitigation Program designed to provide, including site built single family, two family, three family and four family unit owners, free wind mitigation inspections and funds for certain construction features that lend in making a dwelling more resistent to hurricane force winds.
Even though the My Safe Florida Home Program, launched last year, has come under some criticism South Carolina is quick to follow. The program outlines funds to pay for Wind Mitigation Inspections, recommended retro-fits and $5,000 in matching grant funds. This big question is, "where is the money coming from?"
As the amount of funds or where the funds will come from has yet to be determined. The Florida version racked up $250 million with over half not being used for grants. "I sincerely hope South Carolina learns from Florida's mistakes," states David Manley, a Florida Certified Wind Mitigation Inspector. "Our program has had it share of problems.
After the initial launch of the My Safe Florida Home Program, it has had major set-backs. Reports of long wait times for inspections, inaccurate reporting by understaffed inspection firms, inspectors not receiving payment for inspections performed and compliance violations by inspection companies have been just some of the problems that have plagued the Florida program. Other concerns with the Florida program are over 25 percent of the goaled inspections have been performed but less than 5 percent of the matching funds have been used by Florida homeowners. "What the state doesn't understand is the guy who has a $500k house doesn't need $5k in upgrades, it's the lower income homeowners that needs the help," adds David Manley, President, Gold Coast Inspections of Coral Springs, "having the extra funds to make these upgrades and reduce wind storm premiums is what can make the impact. Both Florida and South Carolina should make the elderly and the poor the priority and double the grant without a match."
Unfortunately, due to the lack of response to Florida's grant program, you would think they would go back to the drawing table and re-direct these funds to those that really need it. As it stands, it's a hard sell to the lower income brackets for a "pay to play" program when most are trying desperately to pay their taxes and insurance in a floundering economy.
For more information regarding Wind Mitigation Inspections in South Florida, contact
GOLD COAST INSPECTIONS 954-753-3755
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