[springfield]

As newbies to TV, we are needing your experienced recommendations. Who would you suggest for bird cages, solar tubes, landscaping, hardscaping like pavers and stonework, and plantation shutters. We would also like to know who to stay away from. We know from experience that service people can talk a good line and sound wonderful, and then turn into your worst nightmare. Thank you in advance for your advice, Teri and David

[skip0358]

I will comment on the solar tubes only. I have used and swear by Solar Guys. I have 5 solar tubes and 2 solar attic fans that were installed by them. They were neat and very professional. Everyone I've recomended them to have also been just as happy.

[LoveFlorida]

I would recommend for the bird cage All Around Aluminum for the bird cage I cannot find there number this second but will send it to you when my husband gets home. I used for landscaping Premiere Landscaping and they did a wonderful job and they also do the hardscape such as pavers so you can give them a call they were very professional and I got to pick all my own trees and knew everything I was getting and a concrete price the number for them is 352-274-8193. I will get back with you on the other number. Good Luck.

[LoveFlorida]

The number for All Around is 352-748-9990.

[Mikitv]

Quality Screen and Aluminum, Inc. just did our front porch area and are working on the bird cage right now. So far very happy with the work they have done. Blake Keedy is who we dealt with and I know I have seen other recommendations for him on this forum. His number is 352-326-9090

[pooh]

We had The Solar Guys for our three solar tubes and two attic fans. They do a great job. Used T&D to expand our lanai and put on a cage. They, also, were great. Both companies have done a number of tubes and cages on our street.

[ijusluvit]

Originally Posted by pooh

We had The Solar Guys for our three solar tubes and two attic fans. They do a great job. Used T&D to expand our lanai and put on a cage. They, also, were great. Both companies have done a number of tubes and cages on our street.

Ditto for both companies!

[LittleDog]

I've used Solar Lights and More from Ocala and they've installed 1 attic fan and 3 solar tubes. No problems with them. I have used Custom Windows for driveway paving as well as transforming my lanai to acrylic windows and later to glass windows. I have been well satisfied with their work.

John

Used Solar Guys for the Solar Tubes: 3 of them and 1 attic fan.
Great job and easy to work with.

[erictarleton]

For landscaping and stonework try Jeremy at Advanced Curbing. We found him and his whole team very professional and would have no hesitation in recommending him. See his work at 2251 Foggy Brook Loop, St Charles.
Tel 352-237-0231

[jaspal]

I have heard that your taxes go up when you use glass on the lanai!! Is this true?

[iandwk]

Originally Posted by jaspal

I have heard that your taxes go up when you use glass on the lanai!! Is this true?

I can't say for sure what the law is in Florida, but I would have to guess that simply adding glass will not increase one's taxes. Taxes are assessed by the square footage under heat if I am not mistaken. If you glassed it in and ran a duct to it from your existing central heat system, you increase the square footage of the house, adding value to the house, thereby increasing your tax base. If you do this, make sure to report it so the house can be reassessed. Adding glass only would not require reassessment, imo. If I am wrong I apologize and somebody please correct me.

One thing I found when I sold real estate was that most people, and I am not accusing you or anyone of anything here, just making a general statement, have a mistaken idea that anything they do to improve their house adds value to the house. Adding square footage adds value. Remodeling the kitchen adds curb appeal, but every house is expected to have a kitchen, and a new kitchen is only new to the one who remodels it. It adds no appraisable value to the house. There are exceptions, of course, depending on the age and previous condition of the house.

I'll shut up now.

[Russ_Boston]

Originally Posted by iandwk

I'll shut up now.

No need. It's valuable input and conversation. Thanks!