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October 18, 2024

Rebuilding Together with Domain Homes: A Post-Hurricane Community Support Initiative

Intro to Our Rebuilding Initiative

During good and bad times, it is Tampa Bay’s community spirit that truly shines. At Domain Homes, we’ve always believed in the strength and resilience of the Tampa Bay community. After the devastation caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, we’re standing together with you to rebuild, restore, and recover.

Through our initiative, Rebuilding Together with Domain Homes, we’re committed to helping you and your family navigate the challenges that come in the aftermath of these hurricanes.

Important Note: This is an ever-evolving resource, and will be updated regularly to provide essential information, helpful tips, and ways to give back. We are here for you, now and always.

About Domain Homes

For those who may not be familiar with us, Domain Homes is a premium home builder in the West Central Florida region, dedicated to building quality homes with care and attention to detail. We’re a local builder through and through, with deep roots in Tampa Bay and years of experience in its neighborhood styles and building standards. Now, more than ever, it is our responsibility to support the community that has given us so much.

Local Resources for Hurricane Recovery

Below are some links the Domain Homes team has compiled for local resources that can provide additional support. 

Whether you need financial assistance, emergency shelter, or general information, these organizations are ready to assist.

IMMEDIATE NEEDS: 

  • 2-1-1: Call 211 for information and referral to food, housing, health and mental health services 
  • Red Cross: Visit redcross.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767)
  • Feeding Tampa Bay: Visit https://feedingtampabay.org/ to find emergency food distributions 
  • Metropolitan Ministries: Visit https://www.metromin.org/ for support for food, shelter and financial assistance

LOCAL RESOURCES:

  • FEMA Disaster Assistance:
  • Crisis Cleanup Hotline
    • 844-965-1386 (Hillsborough and Pinellas) 
  • Pinellas County Hotline for Displacement: for people displaced with no housing accommodations
  • Pinellas Hurricane Website: to report damage, debris cleanup, housing resources, verify contractors licenses, sign up for alerts, etc.
  • Tampa Bay Emergency Services:
  • Florida Division of Emergency Management:
  • Insurance Consumer Helpline:
    • 1-877-MY-FL-CFO (693-5236) 
  • Insurance Fraud Hotline:
    • 1-800-378-0445 
  • Florida Commerce: Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program
    • Call 1-833-989-2763 FEDERAL RESOURCES 
  • U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Assistance Loans:
  • U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) – Agriculture Assistance:

Common Post-Hurricane Problems

After any major hurricane, the road to recovery can feel confusing and overwhelming. From water damage to power outages, every problem can seem daunting, but fortunately most things are solvable. Below, we’ve outlined some of the most common issues homeowners face after a storm, along with practical tips to help you move forward.

1. Flooding and Water Damage

  • Top Tips:
    • Remove standing water as soon as possible, and dry out affected areas quickly to prevent mold growth.
    • Use dehumidifiers, fans, and open windows to promote air circulation.
    • For safety purposes, do not enter areas with standing water unless the power has been disconnected.

2. Roof and Structural Damage

  • Top Tips:
    • Inspect your roof for missing shingles, damaged underlayment, obvious leaks, or other signs of damage.
    • If you know somebody with a drone in your area, ask them to fly over the roof to inspect the damage if you don’t feel comfortable going up yourself.
    • Use tarps or other temporary solutions to cover exposed areas until professional repairs can be made.
    • Consider calling a company to temporarily tarp your roof if you cannot do it yourself.
    • Schedule a professional inspection to ensure there’s no hidden damage that could cause long-term issues.

3. Mold Growth

  • Top Tips:
    • Control moisture by keeping humidity levels as low as possible. Consider purchasing a dehumidifier.
    • Clean up any minor mold growth using mold-killing products and ensure the area is dry. Mold can grow fast, so it’s important to jump on this quickly.
    • For widespread or larger mold issues, it’s essential to contact a professional mold remediation service ASAP.

4. Power Outages

  • Top Tips:
    • Keep flashlights and battery-powered tools handy.
    • If using a generator, always ensure it’s outside and properly ventilated. Never use it indoors.
    • Consider staying with friends or family for a night to get a temporary escape from not having AC and power.
    • Consider working from local businesses or areas where power has been restored and WiFi is being offered.
    • Locate your emergency release for your garage so that you can open the garage door manually.
    • Remember that a refrigerator will keep food safe for 4-6 hours if you don’t open the door. After that, perishable foods need to be thrown away.
    • A freezer, unopened, will keep food safe for 48 hours, according to the CDC.

5. Debris and Junk Removal

  • Top Tips:
    • Always wear gloves and protective clothing when handling debris. Also, keep in mind that nails, screws, and other items may have blown off other houses. So always be extra careful when going through debris.
    • As a first step, prioritize clearing driveways, sidewalks, and emergency access points.
    • For large items such as trees or heavy debris, contact professionals to avoid injury.

6. Short-Term or Long-Term Shelter

  • Top Tips:
    • Contact local emergency services such as FEMA and local government to help locate temporary accommodations for short-term stays.
    • Contact your insurance provider immediately to see if your homeowner’s or renter’s policy covers temporary housing while your claim is being processed.
    • Find available rental housing for long-term stays in the event you need to restore or rebuild your home.
    • If leaving your home, gather important documents, personal items, and belongings to take with you if it is safe to do so. 

Mental Health and Emotional Support 

After any major stressful event or life change, it is important to check in with yourself. It’s so easy to become consumed with finding solutions, managing what feels like a never-ending list of challenges, and living in constant fight or flight. 

Remember you are not alone. There are resources to help you get the support you need during this time. 

  • National Disaster Distress Hotline: 24/7 support for anyone experiencing emotional distress
    • 1-800-985-5990 (call or text)
  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call 988 for suicide and mental health crisis 

How You Can Support the Community

Rebuilding after a hurricane isn’t just about homes and infrastructure. It’s about supporting each other through acts of kindness and selflessness.

Here are some meaningful ways you can help others in need:

  • Donations: Consider contributing to local charities, hurricane relief funds, or organizations working directly with individuals impacted by the storms.
  • Volunteering: Volunteer with a local organization, church, or group. Alternatively, you can show up to the heavily affected areas and simply ask people if they could use a hand.
  • Offer Temporary Housing: If you have extra space, or a rental property, even one or two nights can make a world of difference for someone who has been displaced.
  • Donate Supplies: Many people are in need of bottled water, non-perishable food, and first-aid supplies. Every little bit counts! You can also consider ordering some pizzas, sandwiches, or other types of food, and drive around handing it out to people who are hard at work.

Not Sure Where to Start? Just Contact Us!

Sometimes the hardest part is knowing where to start.

That’s why Domain Homes has a small team of “Navigators” dedicated to helping you get the information and support you need. With years of experience building homes and knowing the ins and outs of that entire process, we are well-equipped to point you in the right direction.

Whether it’s guiding you through the rebuilding process or pointing you to local resources, our Navigators are here to assist you.

How to reach our team for help:

Call Us: 813-580-8111

Visit our Contact Page: https://www.domainhomes.com/contact/

We’re here to provide advice, support, and guidance. Feel free to share this blog article as a resource with your family, friends and other members of the community who have been impacted by the two recent hurricanes. We will rebuild together.

March 29, 2023

Love your location? Stay where you are and build your dream home!

Thinking about a do-over? You’re not alone.

Since the beginning of Domain Homes’ history, people in charming Tampa neighborhoods like Seminole Heights, Tampa Heights, Hyde Park and beyond have come to us hoping to keep their homesite — but completely rebuild their home.

For these customers, leaving their beloved, historic neighborhoods is not an option. However, some of them own irregularly shaped or sized lots, which often comes with the territory of living in older parts of town.

We’ve seen a lot of different situations. Some of these properties have irregular, angled or “L” shapes. Some are extra-narrow, or just don’t seem to lend themselves to the home of one’s dreams.

But Domain Homes doesn’t dwell on the negatives. Where others see challenges, we see opportunity. We work with these people to assess their needs, budget and wishes, and we use our long years of experience to propose a new home making creative use of the space.

We’ve helped so many people in this way that it has become somewhat synonymous with Domain Homes. And we’re proud to be able to help people gain a dream home while keeping their dream neighborhood.

Yes, you CAN have your cake and eat it, too.

We’ve got the right Guy for the job

Our longtime on-your-lot specialist is Guy Frankenfield. He is experienced at this process and knows all the options. Guy loves to help both new and returning clients and will expertly guide you through the entire process.

First, he will review your property’s location, dimensions and local zoning requirements. Based on these findings, he’ll help you select the perfect Domain Homes floor plans for your property size, needs and available budget.

This is followed by a detailed site evaluation. Here, Guy will take a close look at the property and consider all the site costs that will be associated with building here — like demolition of the existing house, tree/landscaping work, and any flood foundations (where applicable).

After that, we turn you over to our interior designer, Jon Behr, who will help you personalize all the design selections available for your chosen plan. From materials, fixtures, treatments and features to architectural styles and color palettes, this is your opportunity to make your new home reflect your unique tastes — from laid-back to luxurious!

We factor all these elements, costs and upgrades into the final price of the home.

We know the area

Driving through many of Tampa’s neighborhoods, you’ve probably seen our completed homes — or the familiar Domain Homes sign on a new construction site. The word has certainly spread about our specialized abilities in on-your-lot design and construction, so people from all over Tampa and St. Pete have been asking us to help.

As you see Domain Homes being built all over, you may notice how different each situation is. We’ve put new homes into what some would consider very tight spaces, breathing new life into a homeowner’s beloved property with a spacious and stylish new design. Often, these are two-story plans offering far more square footage than the previous home. The results are stunning and the homeowners are delighted.

Of course, a new home should complement its surroundings. We’re frequently asked to adhere to the prevailing visual style of a neighborhood. Being able to match a given look and feel is especially important in certain historic communities, where architectural details must match exact standards before a plan can be approved.

Being based in Tampa, we have deep familiarity with these neighborhoods. This expertise, and our sheer range of architectural offerings, make us your ideal homebuilder for these situations.

By the way, we get many customer inquiries regarding flood zones. We are well-acquainted with building on both sides of Tampa Bay and are experienced with the construction techniques appropriate for each flood zone level. Not only will your home be safe, but your new Domain home can also reduce your existing flood insurance to a dramatic degree.

We have a plan

Domain Homes currently offers a wide variety of home plans ranging from 1,266 to 3,784 square feet. These are available in multiple elevations, offering an impressive array of style options.

We even offer a 484-square-foot, 2-story detached garage with a 1-bedroom, 1-bath residence upstairs. This is one of the ways we can make creative use of irregularly-shaped homesites, adding great value and utility to any sized property — with a minimal footprint.

All our homes offer impressive exterior and interior details and energy-saving features.

We’re on-your-lot financing experts, too

In addition to picking the perfect floor plan, Domain Homes can also perfect the financial part of the equation. We work with a hand-picked collection of preferred lenders for on-your-lot projects.

These lenders specialize in making the best use of any equity you may already have in your property. This equity could be advantageous when applied to the down payment of your new construction loan.

Domain Homes makes dreams come true

Visit our build on your lot page for more info. You can schedule a free property evaluation — or just call us at 813-580-8114 to have that initial conversation and get your questions answered.

We’re confident Domain Homes can add your name to our long list of satisfied customers.

February 1, 2023

Tampa is the #1 place to live in Florida — and we’re building it daily!

A new Forbes Magazine article has listed Tampa, Florida as the #1 best place to live in Florida for 2023. They looked at different factors such as population, home affordability, employment opportunity, community well-being scores, crime rates, estimated monthly expenses and more. Forbes’ editors concluded that Tampa is Florida’s winning option for young adults and families.

With all due respect to the other cities mentioned, we’re not surprised. We’ve been building here since founding our company in 2010, and we believe Tampa has always been a great place to live.

Tampa’s bright future stems from a rich past

Tampa’s unique history stretches back long before Ponce de Leon’s 1513 visit. Native American tribes inhabited the area and flourished for hundreds of years prior, but modern development as we know it began after 1845, when the region became a territory of the United States.

Growth remained steady even throughout the Civil War. Henry B. Plant brought worldwide attention, wealthy investors and significant population growth to the area with his 1884 railroad extension, steamship service and hotels. Many establishments in the area are named after him for the influence he had in developing the region.

The late 1880s phosphate mining boom led the creation of Port Tampa — now the seventh largest port in the nation. Further growth resulted in iconic cigar factories, new commercial airline services and an influx of new residents after the advent of the automobile. Many current subdivisions, like Davis Island, were built during a large settlement wave between 1923–1926.

Through the 1960s and after, the downtown business district attracted major banks and other large companies, eventually erecting skyscrapers to tower over the otherwise notably flat landscape. The development of the Tampa Convention Center, Harbour Island, the Florida Aquarium, the Channelside District and Riverwalk followed over the course of decades.

Excitement about Tampa’s potential is nothing new, by the way. Way back in the 1980s, Tampa was widely promoted as “America’s Next Great City.” At the time, it seemed a bit aspirational, but completely possible. Even in the pre-Internet era, all indicators were pointing toward Tampa becoming the site of the next boom.

Winning geographical features

With miles of coastline, the Tampa Bay area is a water-lover’s paradise. The terrain ranges from sugar-white sand beaches to fish-friendly mangrove trees and rich oyster beds. Piers and bridges are everywhere. The Hillsborough River, Alafia River and others are a haven for wildlife and a natural balm for the adventurous soul. Wonderful state and county parks and recreation areas have walking paths, boardwalks and mountain bike trails to help you explore.

Yes, there really is mountain biking in flat Hillsborough County. The sand, mud and tree roots across the trails make for technical riding in places — and if you go to Balm Boyette Scrub Nature Preserve a bit southeast of Tampa, there are even hills to climb and coast down.

Recreation and attractions

Tampa is home to theme parks, state fairs, festivals, expos, museums, aquariums, performing arts centers, concert halls and innumerable music venues. Entertainment districts like historic Ybor City, the still-growing Channel District and the newer River Walk and Armature Works offer a fun, walkable variety of Tampa flavor.

Hyde Park, Seminole Heights, downtown and Westshore also offer their own brands of diversion. Like Tampa’s residential neighborhoods, there’s a different feel everywhere you go.

Professional sports teams like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Tampa Bay Lightning, the Tampa Bay Rays and many minor league and intercollegiate teams bring year-round sports excitement to Tampa. In addition to all the fun we have attending games and parties, these teams have made us proud by winning championship series. No wonder they call it Champa Bay!

Culture and cuisine

Tampa’s roots include strong Cuban, Italian and southern influences. As the birthplace of the Cuban sandwich, site of historic cigarmaking and home to pirate-themed Gasparilla, Tampa continues to represent a melting pot of flavors.

Enjoy fine dining at numerous Michelin-recommended restaurants or take in the view at one of our rooftop bars. Try some sushi, tapas, Korean BBQ or Cuban dishes and find new favorites. Add freshness to your diet with fresh fruits, vegetables, meat and dairy from the bountiful farmlands of the area.

Tampa’s powerhouse economy

Tampa (and the surrounding Tampa Bay area) is home to significant business activity and robust job opportunity. Major employers include medical companies, financial services, business and information services, defense contractors, microelectronics and medical device manufacturing, port and maritime industries, tourism and more. Major airports, seaports and infrastructure support it all.

As more national companies turn their attention to making their employees’ lives happier, they are looking toward Florida in general (and Tampa in particular) for possible relocation. With no state taxes and an entrepreneurial spirit, Tampa is a natural fit for companies of all sizes.

Tampa is also home to MacDill Air Force Base, the U.S. Central Command Coalition and armed forces personnel from all branches.

Our business is at the center of the Tampa phenomenon

As you read this, we’re in various stages of building many homes in Tampa’s most exciting neighborhoods. You could say we’re specialists in the Tampa building scene.

Domain Homes started right here, and we’ve been building our reputation by designing gorgeous homes in unexpected places. Our ability to build on your lot and complement the architecture of your unique neighborhood is one of our greatest joys.

It’s great to be part of Tampa’s latest boom

Today, Tampa is an exciting city with a buzz of activity and ultramodern offerings. It’s no surprise that it’s become internationally known and evidently desirable.

We’re excited to live, work and build here in Tampa. Fulfilling our customers’ dreams of well-crafted, stylish new homes is something that never ceases to make us happy. We have helped many customers stay in their beloved neighborhoods while enjoying spectacular new homes.

We’re glad to see the area achieve more national recognition — and we’re thrilled to meet, greet and help new customers who are delighted to make Tampa their new home.