Hurricane Protection and Remodeling Services in Venice

Hurricane Protection Built for Venice Homes

Venice was planned from the start. John Nolen laid out the city in the 1920s, and the Northern Italian and Mediterranean Revival buildings on Venice Island still give it a look unlike anywhere else on the coast. Around that historic core are decades of ranch homes, villas and gated communities, many of them part time residences for owners who spend the summer somewhere cooler. That combination of historic character, coastal exposure and homes that sit empty during peak hurricane season shapes how we approach protection here. Milton’s landfall on Siesta Key in 2024 was a short drive up the coast, and Venice felt it.

West Shore Construction has been installing hurricane protection and handling remodeling along the Gulf Coast since 1985. Here is what we offer Venice homeowners.

Protecting a Home You Are Not In

The most common question we hear in Venice is how to protect a house when the owner is out of state from June through October. The answer is usually one of two things. Impact windows need no action at all, so the house is protected whether anyone is there or not. Motorized shutters and screens can be closed by a neighbor, a property manager or remotely through our automated hurricane protection system. Manual shutters and panels still work well, but only if someone is reliably there to put them up.

Code and Permitting in Venice

Coastal Sarasota County, including Venice, sits inside Florida’s wind borne debris region with design wind speeds generally in the 140 to 155 mph range. New and replacement windows and doors must be impact rated or protected.

Homes inside city limits are permitted through the City of Venice, while nearby neighborhoods may fall under Sarasota County. On Venice Island, the city’s historic and architectural standards can affect exterior changes, so we plan products that fit the Mediterranean character. For homes in flood zones, remodeling is reviewed under the FEMA substantial improvement rule.

Hurricane Protection for Every Venice Home

Impact Windows

Impact windows are the most popular choice among Venice’s seasonal residents for good reason. Laminated glass stays in the frame when struck and keeps the house sealed. They also reduce heat and UV while the house is closed up for the summer, which helps protect interiors. Arched and specialty shapes common on Mediterranean style homes can be matched. See our impact windows page.

Hurricane Shutters

Motorized rolling shutters are a strong fit for Venice because they close in seconds and double as security for an empty house. Accordion shutters stay mounted and are simple to close by hand. Bahama shutters add shade and suit many coastal home styles. Compare them on our shutters page.

Motorized Hurricane Screens

Lanais and pool enclosures are standard in Venice communities, and a motorized hurricane screen protects them without closing them in. The screen lowers into locking side tracks and stops wind borne debris. When it is up, it is hidden. When it is down on a normal day, it cuts sun and keeps bugs out. See our motorized hurricane screens page.

Hurricane Fabric

Hurricane fabric such as astroGuard is light, strong and easy to handle, which makes it a good option for full time residents who prefer to deploy their own protection. It rolls up for storage, lets in daylight and is nearly invisible when not in use, a plus on Venice Island facades. Learn more on our hurricane fabric page.

Remodeling in Venice

Venice has a lot of well built homes from the 1970s through the 1990s that are ready for new kitchens, bathrooms and updated layouts. As a state certified building contractor, West Shore handles full remodels, and we can schedule the work while you are away for the season and combine it with hurricane protection. Explore whole home remodeling, kitchen remodeling and bathroom remodeling.

Grants and Insurance Credits

Protected openings are one of the most valuable wind mitigation credits on a Florida homeowners policy, documented by an inspection after installation. West Shore is an eligible My Safe Florida Home contractor, a state program offering matching grants to qualifying homesteaded owners. Financing is available.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hurricane Protection in Venice

What is the best hurricane protection for a seasonal home in Venice?

Impact windows are the most hands off option. Motorized shutters or screens are a close second because a neighbor or property manager can close them in minutes, or they can be automated.

Are there special rules for homes on Venice Island?

Venice Island has architectural and historic standards that can affect exterior changes. We choose products that fit the Mediterranean style and help with any review the city requires.

Can you do the work while I am out of town?

Yes. Many Venice projects are scheduled while owners are away. We coordinate by phone and email and send updates as the work progresses.

Nearby Areas We Serve

West Shore also serves homeowners in Sarasota, Casey Key, Manasota Key and Bradenton.

Get a Quote in St. Petersburg

West Shore is a state certified building contractor (CBC044653) with more than 40 years of experience. Estimates are free and on site, and we can coordinate with you by phone and email if you are out of town.