Sunshine 811 Celebrates New Homeowners Day May 1 with Yard Spruce-Up Tips & Resources for First-Time Buyers
You did it! You saved up. You sacrificed. Now you have the keys to your very own home! If you’re a first-time home buyer and one of the thousands who will buy a home during the best time to purchase in Florida (which runs through June – according to some experts), you’re likely already thinking about what to do to make that home yours. That might include interior remodeling and changing up the landscaping. If you’re focusing on the outside, Sunshine 811 is here to help.
Before you start digging to plant new trees or build a fence, you are required to contact 811. When you contact 811 by phone or online by clicking “Create a Ticket.” the organization sends your information to its member utilities who then mark or clear the lines so you can dig safely.
“New homeowners have a lot on their minds once they’ve purchased their new home,” said Wendy Schaefer, education and awareness manager for Sunshine 811. “Painting, remodeling a bathroom or kitchen might be high on the list, as well as exploring fresh landscaping and fencing options to truly personalize their home.” According to Schaefer, many new homeowners don’t realize that contacting 811 before they dig is a law in Florida. In fact, nearly three in five U.S. homeowners will put themselves and their communities at risk this year by digging without contacting 811 beforehand. Sunshine 811 wants to help educate homeowners about the process and other important things to know. The organization offers the following tips and reminders for new homeowners:
Contact 811 at least two business days before your project start so your underground lines can be marked.
Follow the essential six steps to safe digging: (1) Plan your project; (2) Contact 811; (3) Wait until your lines are marked; (4) Confirm responses from utilities; (5) Respect the marks – don’t remove them; (6) Dig with care.
Know the difference between public and private lines. Private lines on your property are not marked by utility companies and are your responsibility. Learn what and where they are, such as water, sewer, irrigation, electrical lines to sheds, lighting and pool pumps, and gas lines to grills.
Use extra caution when installing a new fence and landscaping, as they are the biggest contributors to underground utility damage. Roots can be entangled with lines, and lines can also be very shallow.
Hand digging can be dangerous. Digging straight down with foot pressure or making sharp jabs will almost certainly cause damage if you hit a buried line.
Reach out immediately if you contact or damage utility lines.
For more information, visit Sunshine 811’s online Learning Center.