Just my opinion. I understand your concern about the flat roofs, and I'm wondering if you're being hit with the extra fee because you have a flat roof or because you have a flat roof that doesn't have a membrane surface. A good membrane can be warrantied for 25 years.

Your home is kind of an architectural gem and some of the ideas you're suggesting IMO will ruin it. The Bahama shutters are so charming and are really great at protecting your windows in the event of a storm. I would leave them.

If you push out the entrance it may interfere with your side window. Having the deeper entrance overhang is great for guests with all the showers that occur in Florida.

Thanks very much. I really appreciate your comments. I don't think we have a choice about redesigning the roof. We were originally denied insurance be 3 companies because of the flat roof… they will not insure a membrane roof at all even though this roof has never leaked. We finally found someone to insure us, but at a large cost. It is really unfortunate as I do like the overall look of the architecture. All three of the bay windows need new windows, which need to be high impact, ($$$!!) in order to get an insurance credit. When it rains… it pours! Thanks again so much for your suggestions. Peggy

Friggin' beautiful, ourfarmhouse!

Oh, that is amazing!!! I love it and will get on it as soon as we get back there. Today, they raised the insurance to $11,000 a year, so there is not a moment to spare! Thank you so much for your time and efforts. I am so grateful! Kind regards, Peggy

Like the direction ourfarmhouse

Wow, our farmhouse, awesome idea and design!!

Peggy, I understand your concern about the home insurance. We also live in S. FL. and the insurance here is RIDICULOUS. We live in a smaller home so we pay less. My advice is to get on it as soon as possible because every year the insurance goes up here, sometimes $20, sometimes $200, you never know until you are slammed with the new yearly policy. I remember when I bought my first house here, the insurance was only $1,300 a year, now over $5,700. If you can bring down the insurance in any way, that would be fantastic!

Have you spoken with a roofer yet? Maybe they can refer a good architect or one they already have worked with.

Good luck, Peggy.

One more thing, I worked in construction for 17 years. My advice is to not mess with the structure of the house. Permitting fees and plans and construction costs are very expensive and require strict inspections, in which may not pass the first time around, resulting in re-inspection fees. Fix the roof so that you can save some money on your insurance. You will be happy you did. Just my opinion.

Thanks very much. I appreciate all advice. As for not messing with the structure, do you think there is a way to add a sloped roof without messing with the structure? We have not found any solutions other than to add a gable in the front.

Yes, I did speak with a roofer. He gave me the name of someone he likes and I am hoping to meet with that person the next time we get down there. Thanks!

I do like the added gable very much, that may not be as difficult as it sounds, but you will definitely need an architect to draw up some plans to submit for a permit. It is definitely added labor and material but you will have to pull a permit anyway so you might as well add it if you really like it.