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Hernando Today

Roofing Idea Could Save Homeowners Money

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By MICHAEL D. BATES

Hernando Today

Published: March 14, 2009

BROOKSVILLE - The building department has been bleeding money ever since the falloff in construction.

No new homes being built translates to fewer permit fees. That in turn leads to staff layoffs, of which there have been 12 in the last year.

Michael Burmann thinks he has hit on a way for the building department to save money and jobs. Just as important, it can help put $200 to $300 a year into homeowners' pocketbooks through reduced insurance rates.

He pitched his idea recently to the county's budget and finance committee and was favorably received.

Burmann, a state certified wind mitigation inspector, said his plan has the potential of bringing in $50,000 or more annually to the beleaguered department.

Here's how it works:
Joe Smith needs a new roof and calls one or two licensed roofing contractors to get cost estimates.

After choosing one, Joe signs a contract for about $7,000. (Depending on the size of the home, a new roof can cost anywhere between $5,000 to $10,000).

The roofing contractor then goes to the building department and requests an inspector come out to make sure the job is being done to new code requirements. Those requirements have been beefed up to make roofs more hurricane-resistant, including using stronger and thicker roof shingles and nails.

The county inspector arrives at the site, does his inspection and typically leaves.
Burmann is proposing the building inspector alter his routine slightly and charge a fee - for example $50 - and have the homeowner fill out a uniform mitigation verification form.

That form, when mailed to the state by the homeowner, certifies that the new roof meets the proper state guidelines and makes Joe eligible for a discount on his homeowners insurance.

Burmnann, who has experience dealing with the state forms, said those discounts typically run $200 to $300.

"People don't know about this savings owed to them and insurance companies don't advertise it," Burmann said.

The county would net money by collecting the $50 (or higher fee).

The county issues about 1,000 permits annually for reroofing jobs in Hernando County, especially in Spring Hill where a number of homes are showing age.

At $50 a pop, that would be $50,000.

If the county charged even $75, and issued about 1,500 roofing permits, the department would realize about $100,000 - about how much it would cost to pay three employees, Burmann said.

Deputy County Administrator Larry Jennings said the building department is evaluating Burmann's idea.

Interim Building Official Joe Creech plans to issue a statement at a later date, said a building department representative.

Commissioner Jeff Stabins said he is for "anything that will help our citizens, especially if it's going to make your home safer and they can qualify for a lower insurance premium."

As for making the building department more money: "I'm not interested in helping the building department with any additional funding opportunities," he said. "They have plenty (of opportunities) currently."

At first blush, County Commission Chairman David Russell said the idea sounds like a good one.

"If we can save the county some money that's always a good thing," Russell said.

But he said he wants to see more details.

To learn what kinds of improvements would be made to a roof to strengthen it against hurricanes and save you money on homeowner's insurance, visit: www.mysafeflorida.org/mysafefloridahome.html

To see a copy of the state form homeowners would send to the state, visit: www.floir.com/pdf/OIR-B1-1802.pdf

Reporter Michael D. Bates can be reached at 352-544-5290 or mbates@hernandotoday.com.

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