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What You Need to Know About Condo Construction Codes

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  While under construction on March 27, 1981, the five-story Harbour Cay Condominium building in Cocoa Beach, Florida, collapsed during the placement of concrete for the roof slab, killing 11 workers and injuring 23 more. The Threshold Inspection law was created in response to the findings of engineering and construction problems after the Harbour Cay Condominium collapse . A threshold building is defined in Section 553.71(7), Florida Statutes, as  Any building greater than three stories or 50 feet in height; OR  A building having an assembled occupancy that exceeds 5,000 sq.ft and has an occupancy content of greater than 500 persons. The intent is that inspections be made of critical structural elements while they are installed or constructed. In addition to those stated above, there are many different condominium construction codes. They are designed to protect not only those who live within the condominium, but also protects the condo association against unlicensed co...

How to Purchase a Condo

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  Buying a condo may seem like a daunting task. With all the things to consider in a condominium, like location and amenities, you may find your head spinning-- and that’s not even including things like financing and closing! Fortunately, with the right realtor and condominium association, the condo-buying process can go from stressful, to stress-free.  At Golf Lake Condos , we want our residents to have not only the best living experience but also a carefree and easy buying process. We’ve made you a quick checklist of things to do when buying a condo so that when it comes time to make the tough decisions, you’re prepared.  Define Your Lifestyle. Before you buy a condo, make sure that the condominium lifestyle is best suited for you. Note that a condo is much different than a single-family home; though your condo may look like a single-family house, it is much more like living in an apartment. Most condos, however, have shared walls, little private backyard or outdoor spa...

Condo Living Best Practices

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  Whether you’re looking for a condo or already have one, you’ll want to make sure that you’re aware of condo living best practices. These practices can help enhance your quality of life, and ensure that you love where you live. Here are some of those best practices. Run for the Board Now, we understand that volunteering for a job with no perks doesn’t necessarily sound like the best way to improve your quality of living. However, believe it or not, there is a lot of value in being part of the decision making body for the condo association. For example, you get to weigh in on important matters that make a real impact on both quality of life in the building and your investment by making sure that things get fixed, repaired, and addressed properly. Don’t Be Rude Living in a condo means you’re going to be living very close to many other people. The more friends you have the better. You never know when you’re going to need your neighbor’s help for something. So, don’t be a jerk. Say he...

Pinellas County Attractions

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One thing that you have to think about before deciding where you want to live, is what is there to do near me? This article will give you a better understanding of the top attractions near Golf Lake Condominiums . Take a look at what Pinellas County has to offer.  Florida Botanical Gardens This is a nice little piece of paradise in Largo, Florida. With beautiful and large gardens this is the perfect place to just get out and enjoy the fresh air. The gardens are very well maintained and have lots of signs with information about the plants. There is a children’s trail with six activity stations, along with a wedding garden, places for private events and parties, classes, and an amazing gift shop. The beautiful gardens are only a short 5 mile drive away.  Clearwater Beach Though it’s about a 20 minute drive away, Clearwater Beach is a must go to. The beach was named the nation’s best beach in 2018. With impeccable beaches and inviting waters, this is definitely a top attraction ...

Benefits of Condo Living

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When you think of owning a piece of property do you automatically think of a white picket fence somewhere in the suburbs? Homeownership has a myriad of benefits but oftentimes the upkeep can be too much for many to consider, if this describes you, owning a condo might be the perfect alternative. There is no ‘one size fits all’ when it comes to your housing preference so finding something that fits your needs and lifestyle is key. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR) , condominiums are often the most affordable homeownership option for first-time buyers, small families, single people, and older Americans. Here are some things to consider when purchasing a condo.  Sense of community and amenities  Looking for resort-like amenities without leaving home? Many condos have clubhouses, pools, walking paths, hot tubs, and social environments for hosting friends and family for residents to use. The closer proximity of condos allows residents to forge strong relation...

Poured Concrete vs. Cinder Block

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When it's time to choose a new place to live, it's essential to consider the different foundations used to build your home. Poured concrete and cinder block are among the top two most used foundations throughout the United States. However, after the Portland Cement Association conducted a survey, they learned that 72% of recently built homes used poured concrete for their basements. Many people still use cinder block, but it does come with its own cons. Read below to learn the key differences between concrete and cinder block.  Top 3 Differences Between Concrete and Cinder Block  Strength & Durability: Overall, poured concrete is much stronger than using cinder block, especially when it comes to lateral force. Poured concrete is a sturdy, reliable foundation for your home that can withstand debris from nature and harsh weather conditions.  Water Resistant: As stated above, poured concrete has a higher amount of strength and durability in comparison to cinder blocks. ...