Hurricane Prep Checklist for Estero, FL — What a Licensed Contractor Checks

Every year around May, our phone starts ringing off the hook. Homeowners across Estero, Fort Myers, Naples, and Bonita Springs suddenly remember that hurricane season is six weeks away — and their house still has the same loose soffit panel it had last October. By then, every contractor in Lee and Collier County is booked solid and materials are backordered.

This post isn't another list of bottled water and battery packs. The Red Cross already has that covered. What we're sharing is the structural and systems checklist we actually walk through when a homeowner asks us to get their house ready for storm season. It's the same inspection our team runs before every hurricane season on homes throughout Southwest Florida — and it's built on 25+ years of fixing what storms break.

We hold license CBC-1259887, a Certified Building Contractor license issued by the State of Florida — which means we can inspect, diagnose, and repair every item on this list. Roof to foundation, electrical to exterior. One team, one call, one invoice.

When to Start Hurricane Prep in Southwest Florida

Hurricane season officially runs June 1 through November 30, but your prep timeline needs to start months earlier. Here's how we break it down for our clients.

March – April: This is the booking window. Call your contractor now. Schedule roof inspections, shutter installations, and any structural repairs. Lead times for hurricane straps, impact windows, and garage door reinforcement kits run two to four weeks for materials alone — plus scheduling on top of that. Wait until the first tropical storm forms in the Atlantic, and you're competing with every other homeowner who waited too.

May: Finish any open repair work. Test your shutters or panels — make sure they fit, the hardware is intact, and you know where every piece is stored. This is also the month to clean gutters and downspouts, trim tree branches within ten feet of the house, and check your sump pump or drainage systems.

June 1 and beyond: At this point, you should be in maintenance mode, not repair mode. Monitor forecasts. Keep your hurricane shutters accessible. Know your evacuation zone. The structural work should already be done.

The Difference Between a Supply Checklist and a Home Inspection Checklist

Search “hurricane preparation checklist” and you'll get dozens of results telling you to buy flashlights, fill your bathtub, and stock three days of canned food. That's all good advice — the Red Cross and FEMA publish excellent supply lists, and you should follow them.

But supply lists don't tell you whether your roof can handle 110 mph winds. They don't mention that your garage door is the weakest point on your house, or that the fascia board on the east side of your home has been rotting for two years and will let water pour into your attic the moment wind-driven rain hits it.

A home inspection checklist is different. It's a room-by-room, system-by-system walkthrough of the structural elements that protect your house during a storm. It's the gap between “we have supplies” and “our house can actually take the hit.” That's what we cover below.

If you want a broader look at what a home inspection covers outside of storm prep, our home inspection repair checklist breaks down every category. And our home inspection report repair service page explains how we handle full inspection reports for buyers and sellers.

Roof and Attic — What a Licensed Contractor Actually Checks

The roof is where storm damage starts — but not just from shingles blowing off. That's the visible part. The real failures happen in the connections between your roof decking, trusses, and walls. Here's what we check on every pre-hurricane inspection.

Shingles and tiles: We look for lifted, cracked, or missing shingles. In Southwest Florida, asphalt shingles degrade faster than the manufacturer warranty suggests because of our UV exposure. A shingle that looks fine from the ground may be brittle and ready to fly off in a 75 mph gust. Tile roofs get checked for cracked or shifted tiles, failed adhesive, and broken S-tile edges. Repair costs for shingle replacement typically run $150–$400 per section; individual tile replacements are $200–$500 depending on accessibility.

Flashing: The metal strips where your roof meets walls, chimneys, vents, and valleys. Corroded or lifted flashing is one of the top causes of wind-driven rain intrusion. We check every flashing joint and reseal or replace as needed. This is a $100–$300 repair that prevents thousands in water damage.

Hurricane straps (clips and ties): These metal connectors hold your roof trusses to the top plate of your walls. Without them, wind can lift the entire roof structure off the house. Homes built before 2002 in Florida often lack modern hurricane straps entirely. Installing them runs $5–$10 per connection point, and a typical home has 30–50 connection points. It's one of the best dollar-for-dollar hurricane investments you can make — and it qualifies for insurance discounts through the wind mitigation inspection.

Attic bracing and soffit vents: Inside the attic, we check truss bracing, gable end walls (the triangular walls at each end of the roof), and soffit vents. Gable end walls are a known weak point in older Florida homes — horizontal bracing can be added for $300–$800 to prevent collapse under wind pressure.

Windows, Doors, and the Garage Door Problem

Here's a number that gets people's attention: 80% of residential hurricane damage in Florida begins when the garage door fails. It's the largest unprotected opening on most homes, and standard single-car and double-car garage doors are not rated for hurricane-force winds without reinforcement.

When a garage door buckles inward, wind pressure floods the interior of the house. That internal pressure has nowhere to go — it pushes outward on walls and upward on the roof. That's how homes lose their roofs entirely. A garage door bracing kit costs $200–$600 installed and is the single highest-return hurricane prep investment for most homes.

Windows: Impact-rated windows are the gold standard, but they're a significant investment ($300–$800 per window installed). If impact windows aren't in the budget, hurricane shutters provide equivalent protection at a fraction of the cost. We install accordion shutters, panel shutters, and Bahama-style shutters throughout Estero and the surrounding area. Our hurricane shutter installation page covers the full range of options. For existing windows that just need maintenance, our window repair service handles seal replacement, hardware fixes, and weatherstripping.

Entry doors: Check the weatherstripping on every exterior door. Worn seals let wind-driven rain pour into your home even without structural failure. Deadbolt engagement should be smooth and the strike plate should be secured with 3-inch screws that reach the wall framing, not just the door jamb. French doors and sliding glass doors need surface bolt locks at the top and bottom — not just the handle lock. Our door repair and installation service covers all of these items.

Soffit, Fascia, and Gutter Repairs That Prevent Water Intrusion

If we had to pick the single most overlooked hurricane vulnerability on Southwest Florida homes, it's the soffit-fascia-gutter system. Most homeowners never look up at their soffits — until water is dripping through the ceiling. Damaged or detached soffit panels give wind and rain a direct path into your attic, and from there into your ceilings, walls, and insulation.

Soffit inspection: We check every soffit panel for secure attachment, cracks, holes, and signs of moisture damage. Vinyl soffits common in Florida construction become brittle after years of UV exposure and can pop out of their tracks during high winds. Aluminum soffits hold up better but corrode in salt air. Replacing damaged soffit panels typically runs $5–$15 per linear foot.

Fascia boards: The fascia is the board that runs along the lower edge of your roof, behind the gutters. In Florida's humidity, wood fascia rots from the back side where you can't see it. We probe fascia boards for soft spots and check whether paint and sealant are still protecting the wood. Rotted fascia can't hold gutter brackets properly, which means your gutters pull away from the house during heavy rain — exactly when you need them most. Fascia replacement runs $6–$20 per linear foot depending on material.

Gutters and downspouts: Clean gutters aren't just about appearance. Clogged gutters overflow, sending water cascading down exterior walls and pooling at your foundation. During a hurricane, overwhelmed gutters contribute to water intrusion at the roofline. We clean and flush the full system, check for proper slope (gutters should drop about 1/4 inch per 10 feet toward the downspout), and make sure downspout extensions direct water at least four feet from the foundation. If you're also looking at exterior cleaning, our pressure washing service pairs well with gutter and soffit maintenance.

Outdoor Structures — Screens, Fences, Decks, and Landscape

Everything attached to your home's exterior is either a shield or a projectile during a hurricane. Outdoor structures that are secured and maintained protect your home. Structures that are loose or damaged become debris that damages your home — and your neighbors' homes.

Screen enclosures: Almost every home in Southwest Florida has a pool cage or lanai screen — and they're one of the most wind-vulnerable structures on the property. We check frame connections at the base plates and roof attachments, inspect for corroded bolts, and verify that screen panels are taut and properly secured. Loose screen material acts like a sail in high wind, putting enormous stress on the aluminum frame. Pre-storm screen tightening and panel replacement can prevent total enclosure loss. Our screen replacement service handles everything from single-panel fixes to full rescreens.

Fencing: Wood fences are a major concern. Posts set in sandy Florida soil shift and loosen over time, and fence sections that aren't plumb will fail in sustained wind. We check post stability, rail connections, and picket attachment. Leaning sections should be reinforced or replaced before storm season. Vinyl and aluminum fencing holds up better but still needs post-foundation inspection. Visit our fencing service page for repair and replacement options.

Decks: Deck boards that are cupping, splitting, or pulling away from joists need attention before storm season. We check all fasteners, ledger board connections (where the deck meets the house), and railing stability. A deck that partially detaches during a hurricane can rip siding, sheathing, and flashing off the wall it's connected to. See our deck work page for more detail.

Landscape: Tree trimming is one of the cheapest prep steps that makes a real difference. Dead branches, crossing limbs, and any growth within ten feet of the roof or power lines should be removed. Palm trees need dead fronds cleaned — a coconut palm with a full crown of dead fronds in 100 mph winds is dangerous. We don't do tree removal ourselves (that's an arborist's job), but we handle trimming near the house and clearing debris from around the foundation and drainage paths.

Electrical, Plumbing, and AC — Systems That Fail in Storms

All the structural work above keeps the wind out. But your home's electrical, plumbing, and AC systems are what keep you safe and functional during and after a storm. Here's what we check on the systems side.

Electrical: GFCI outlets in all wet areas (kitchen, bathrooms, garage, exterior, laundry) should be tested and functional. During and after storms, water intrusion into non-GFCI outlets creates shock and fire hazards. We also check surge protector status, smoke detector batteries and age (replace units over 10 years old), and whether your panel has a generator interlock or transfer switch installed. If you're considering a portable or whole-house generator, the transfer switch needs to be installed by a licensed contractor — our electrical services page covers what we handle.

Plumbing: Know where your main water shut-off is and make sure the valve turns freely. A stuck shut-off valve during an emergency is a common nightmare. Water heaters in garages should be strapped to the wall to prevent tipping during shaking or wind intrusion — an unstrapped 50-gallon water heater weighs over 400 pounds when full and can crush drywall, rupture water lines, or crack floor tile if it topples. Check that sump pumps are operational if your home has one. Our plumbing repair team handles all of these items.

AC system: Your outdoor condenser unit should be bolted to its pad with hurricane-rated tie-down straps. An unsecured condenser can shift off its pad during high winds, severing refrigerant lines and causing thousands in damage. We verify tie-downs, clear debris around the unit, and check that the disconnect box is functional so you can kill power to the AC before evacuating if needed. For AC-specific service, see our air conditioning repair page. Full HVAC system replacement is something we refer to dedicated AC contractors, but tie-downs, pad leveling, and disconnect maintenance fall within our scope.

My Safe Florida Home Program — Free Inspections and $10K Grants

This is the best-kept secret in Florida hurricane prep. The state is putting real money toward hurricane hardening, and most homeowners in our area have never heard of it.

The My Safe Florida Home program provides two things. First, free wind mitigation inspections for eligible homeowners. A certified inspector evaluates your home's hurricane resistance — roof connections, opening protection, roof covering, and more — and provides a report detailing what improvements would make the biggest impact.

Second, matching grants up to $10,000 for qualifying improvements. The state matches $2 for every $1 you spend, which means a $5,000 out-of-pocket investment in hurricane shutters, impact windows, roof reinforcement, or garage door bracing gets matched with a $10,000 grant. That's $15,000 worth of hurricane protection for $5,000 out of your pocket.

The insurance savings stack on top of the grants. A wind mitigation inspection that documents qualifying features can reduce the windstorm portion of your homeowner's insurance premium by up to 45%. In Southwest Florida, where windstorm coverage often makes up the largest piece of your total premium, that translates to $500–$2,000+ per year back in your pocket — every year, for as long as you own the home.

Eligibility requirements include: the home must be your primary residence, it must have been built before 2008, and you must have an active homeowner's insurance policy. Applications go through MySafeFLHome.com. The program received new state funding in 2022 and demand has been high — apply early, because funds are allocated first-come, first-served.

Your Pre-Hurricane Contractor Checklist (Printable Summary)

Here's the consolidated checklist we use on every pre-hurricane home inspection. This is the same list our crew works through on homes across Estero, Bonita Springs, Naples, and Fort Myers. Print it. Tape it to the fridge. Walk through it yourself, then call us for anything you can't handle.

1. Inspect roof shingles or tiles for cracks, lifting, or missing pieces
2. Check roof flashing at all penetrations, valleys, and wall junctions
3. Verify hurricane straps are installed at every truss-to-wall connection
4. Inspect attic for truss bracing and gable end wall reinforcement
5. Test garage door for wind-load rating — install bracing kit if unrated
6. Inspect all windows for seal integrity and functioning hardware
7. Verify hurricane shutters or impact protection on every opening
8. Check weatherstripping and deadbolt engagement on all exterior doors
9. Inspect soffit panels for secure attachment, cracks, and moisture damage
10. Probe fascia boards for rot, especially behind gutters
11. Clean gutters and downspouts — verify proper slope and extensions
12. Check screen enclosure frame connections and panel tension
13. Inspect fence posts for stability and plumb
14. Check deck fasteners and ledger board connection to the house
15. Trim trees within 10 feet of the roof and power lines
16. Test all GFCI outlets in wet locations
17. Verify smoke detectors are under 10 years old with fresh batteries
18. Confirm generator transfer switch is installed and functional (if applicable)
19. Locate and test the main water shut-off valve
20. Verify water heater is strapped to the wall (garage installations)
21. Check AC condenser tie-down straps and clear surrounding debris
22. Verify AC disconnect switch is accessible and functional
23. Remove or secure all loose outdoor items — furniture, grills, planters
24. Document home condition with photos for insurance purposes
25. Review homeowner's insurance policy and confirm coverage limits

When to Call a Licensed Contractor vs. DIY

Not everything on that list requires a pro. Here's our honest breakdown of what you can handle yourself and what needs a licensed contractor.

DIY-safe tasks: Cleaning gutters (if you're comfortable on a ladder), trimming low branches, securing outdoor furniture and potted plants, testing GFCI outlets by pressing the test/reset buttons, replacing smoke detector batteries, checking your water shut-off valve, photographing your home's exterior for insurance documentation, and reviewing your policy. These are all tasks any physically capable homeowner can do in a weekend.

Licensed contractor tasks: Anything structural. Roof repairs, hurricane strap installation, shutter mounting, garage door reinforcement, electrical work, plumbing modifications, soffit and fascia replacement, and screen enclosure repairs. Florida law requires a licensed contractor for structural modifications, and your insurance company requires documentation from a licensed professional for claims related to storm damage on repaired areas.

The gray area is where homeowners get hurt — or create bigger problems. Replacing a single shingle seems simple, but if you don't seal the underlayment properly, that “repair” becomes a leak point during the next storm. Installing shutter brackets requires drilling into concrete block or stucco and hitting structural points — miss those anchor points and the shutter pulls free under wind load, taking a chunk of your wall with it.

Our general home repairs service is built for exactly this: the homeowner handles the supply kit and the loose patio furniture, and we handle the structural prep that requires tools, experience, and a license. If something comes up during a storm that needs immediate attention, our emergency handyman services are available for urgent post-storm repairs.

For a deeper look at what a licensed handyman can and can't do in Florida, read our post on licensed handyman services in Florida. It covers the full scope of work under a CBC license like ours.

Frequently Asked Questions