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Home Section

Cornerstone Protection Plan Will Save You Time And Money

November 23, 2021 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Autumn is a great time to have your home comfort systems serviced, and also to consider an annual protection plan to keep your home cool, and plumbing and electrical components in tip-top shape all year long.

When choosing a company to work on your home comfort systems, you will want an established company with a solid reputation to be around during the course of your plan and in business when you need them.

Many homeowners in Pasco, Hillsborough, Hernando and Pinellas counties count on Cornerstone Pros, one of the area’s largest and most established three-trade contractors. The family owned Land O’ Lakes company has provided air conditioning, plumbing and electrical services for over 15 years, and its reputation for quality and affordable work has allowed it to grow to employ close to 100 local people who provide exceptional customer service. This is evident in Cornerstone’s outstanding customer reviews, which show how the company builds long-term relationships in the communities where its staff lives and works.

Home Warranty vs. Cornerstone Protection Plan

While a home warranty can provide some cost savings and protection when failures arise, it does not guarantee that a homeowner will receive the best solution at the most cost-effective pricing. Often contractors that work for home warranty companies are looking for ways to make money above and beyond the pay structure of the home warranty company. This is typically a low flat rate; therefore, the contractor then looks to pass the cost onto the homeowner, potentially costing you more.

Essentially, it takes the homeowner out of the driver’s seat as far as being in control of who you choose to work in your home and prices you are willing to pay, because the contractor is assigned and you are at the mercy of their schedule, quality and ethics. Many times, a homeowner can go days waiting for a service call or repair to be done.

With the Cornerstone Protection Plan, you have chosen upfront the contractor you want to do business with, so when issues arise, you know who you can count on without a middle man to deal with for approvals on work. It’s just you (the homeowner) and the Cornerstone team. The protection plan also provides preventative maintenance as a part of the package that gives you regular maintenance visits that help to avoid failures during peak times. With a warranty company, the homeowner pays for this as an addition to the package.

A Cornerstone Protection Plan however, offers faster response times, saves you money and reduces headaches. Here are the top five benefits of a Cornerstone protection plan vs. a warranty company:

1.) AC & Heating Cleaning and Check-ups, Plumbing and Electrical Inspections

Semi-annual inspections ensure that your HVAC system is running properly, and also extends the life of your system with the performance of proper maintenance. Those services are not included in home warranties; but they are free every six months under a Cornerstone Pros protection plan. The Protection Plan also offers annual plumbing and electrical inspections.

If maintenance is not done, a home warranty company can deny any claims for repair work, stating the breakdown was due to poor maintenance. That will leave the repair up to you, the homeowner.

2. Discount on All Repairs and Service/Diagnostic Fees

A Cornerstone Protection Plan saves you money on the initial service/diagnostic call, and when work is needed, it provides discounts on repairs, parts and labor. Typically, home warranty companies place limits on what they will fix, and also require a deductible be paid prior to repairs being done.

3. Lower Utility Bills

While a home warranty is strictly focused on providing a homeowner with repair and replacement, a Cornerstone Protection plan maintains all your home comfort products and results in potential savings on your monthly electric bill. Studies show that with regular tune-ups, a unit will maintain up to 95% of its original efficiency.

4. Priority Scheduling for AC, Heating, Plumbing & Electrical

When you have an emergency, a Cornerstone Protection Plan means you don’t have to wait for days for someone to come out and look at the issue. You will be placed on a priority schedule and typically receive same-day service any time of the year.

5. Trustworthy & Local

With a Cornerstone Protection Plan, you are dealing with a company you already like and trust for all of your home comfort needs. With home warranties, the homeowner does not have the option of selecting the provider.

A Cornerstone Protection Plan is a low-cost, effective way to protect your home comfort products, compared to what you would pay for a traditional warranty company plan. Cornerstone Pros is currently offering its Protection Plan at just $9.95 a month for up to two AC units. Please call today or go to the website, CornerstonePros.com, to learn more and sign up for our cost savings plan.

Cornerstone Pros phones are answered 24/7, and technicians are available weekends and holidays. Call 813-990-0561 anytime. For more information, visit the website at CornerstonePros.com.

Published 11-24-21

Model Townhomes By Mattamy Homes Now Open in Wesley Chapel

October 26, 2021 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Mattamy Homes has opened four new decorated model townhomes with contemporary exterior styling in its all-new Wesley Chapel community of Volanti, located on Wesley Chapel Boulevard at Hay Road. Models are professionally decorated and open for tours daily, with private personalized appointments available.

“Mattamy Homes is delighted to open these new, thoughtfully designed townhomes in one of Pasco’s most desirable locations,” said Lisette Minnick, the homebuilder’s Tampa & Southwest Florida Division Vice President of Sales. “The community is ideally located in a peaceful setting, but close to everything any homebuyer could want or need.”

Volanti is the debut of Mattamy Homes’ new contemporary exterior style of townhomes.

Four floor plans are available, ranging from 1,667 to 2,574 square feet, with three to four bedrooms and 2.5 to three baths. There are three exterior styles available at Volanti — Craftsman, French Country and Contemporary. Base pricing begins in the low to mid $300s.

“Volanti is the debut of our new Contemporary exterior style of townhomes, designed to offer a more modern, fresh look,” said Minnick. “We are excited to show off our models and invite people to stop by to see all this community has to offer.”

Four distinct floorplans are available at Volanti — Marianna, Ormond, Sebring and Venice. All have one- or two-car attached garages and large lanais. The gated community will have 200 homes at build out, and fun-filled, family friendly amenities, including a resort-style swimming pool with an open-air pavilion, a barbecue area and a fire pit.

Volanti Sebring

Making the community even more attractive is free lawn maintenance, and no Community Development District (CDD) fees. Townhomes are released for sale regularly, but home offerings may be limited for a temporary time frame, due to the current high demand for homes and labor and material constraints.

Located just 4 miles from I-75, Volanti boasts excellent access to the best of the Wesley Chapel area, including premier shopping and dining destinations at Tampa Premium Outlets, The Grove, and The Shops at Wiregrass.

For pleasure or business flyers, the Tampa North Flight Center is close by to Volanti, and provides flight opportunities with an airstrip, hangars and a café.  Many of Tampa Bay’s top employers are within easy driving distance, and Pasco County Schools are highly rated, including Veteran’s Elementary, which is just minutes away on Wesley Chapel Boulevard.

The Volanti community is surrounded by lakes and golf courses, and offers homebuyers endless recreational opportunities, including nearby Saddlebrook Resort, historic Tarpon Springs and the Gulf’s white-sand beaches.

Volanti Venice

Lutz Communities – Parkview at Long Lake Ranch and Avea Pointe
Located along State Road 54, close to U.S. 41 and Sunlake Boulevard, is Parkview at Long Lake Ranch, which offers single-family homes and townhomes. Last month, Parkview opened a new amenity center, called Parkview Pavilion, that features a resort-style pool, shaded breezeway, cabanas and social gathering areas. Residents of this gated community also enjoy a paw park for dogs, tot lots and fun park areas. Homesites in Parkview, which have a low-cost HOA, are released regularly.

Just south in Hillsborough County, on Van Dyke Road, just minutes from the Veterans Expressway, is the townhome community of Avea Pointe. Children at this popular community are assigned to some of the best schools in the area, including Steinbrenner High. Only 11 townhomes remain at this community, and buyers are encouraged to call or visit now while there is still an opportunity to live in this top location.

Volanti Venice

Citron Grove Coming Soon
Mattamy Homes recently announced that it also is building 60 new townhomes in Citrus Park, on Gunn Highway. Called Citron Grove, the Craftsman-style townhomes will be similar to those at Avea Pointe, with updated exterior styles. Two floor plans will be available — the Marianna and Ormond. Pre-sales will begin in January. Citron Grove is just 1.5 miles from the Veterans Expressway, 2 miles from Citrus Park Mall and 12 miles from Tampa’s Westshore Business District and International Airport. The gated community includes a number of trees and was formerly Be Mac Nursery. It offers low maintenance living, value-oriented price points and outstanding schools. Potential buyers of Citron Grove, who want to see similar floor plans before its grand opening, can visit Avea Pointe’s sales center, which is just 10 minutes away.

Mattamy Homes Sales Process
Mattamy Homes is thrilled that the level of interest and excitement for our communities is heightened. Mattamy takes pride in providing a fair and easy process to allow prospective homebuyers an opportunity to purchase homes, as they become available. The availability of homesites vary in each Mattamy Homes community, and New Home Counselors can provide guidance on how and when buyers will have an opportunity to purchase. Please call or visit to learn more.

About Mattamy Homes
Mattamy Homes is the largest, privately owned homebuilder in North America, with 40-plus years of history across the United States and Canada. Every year, Mattamy helps more than 8,000 families realize their dream of homeownership. In the United States, the company builds homes in Dallas, Charlotte, Raleigh, Phoenix, Tucson, Jacksonville, Orlando (where its U.S. head office is located), Tampa, Sarasota, Naples and Southeast Florida.

For more information about all of Mattamy Homes’ local communities, go to MattamyHomes.com/florida/tampa.

Published October 27, 2021

Looking For a New Home Before the Holidays?

October 26, 2021 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

With the new home market the tightest it’s been in years, ICI Homes — one of Florida’s best-known and prestigious homebuilders — has invested in quick move-in homes for families wanting to buy now.

There are three inventory homes of the immensely popular Primrose model being built at Persimmon Park in Wesley Chapel, with one of these homes ready in December, and the other two early next year.

ICI Homes also has a quick move-in home available in November, in Lake Jovita Golf and Country Club in Dade City. And, at the first of the year, a 4-bedroom, 3-bath Juliette III home will be ready in the central Pasco community of Asturia in Odessa.

As these inventory homes sell, ICI Homes is committed to quickly building move-in homes for buyers who don’t want to wait 10 months for a new home to be built from the ground up.

“If you don’t have the time to wait several months for the entire building process, we are excited to offer buyers homes scheduled to be completed within 90 days,” said Greg Jones, Tampa division manager for ICI Homes. “These inventory homes are built with the same high standards of quality and custom details that come with every ICI home.”

The Primrose floor plan is being built in Persimmon Park, located in Wesley Chapel.

About the Primrose
The unique Primrose floor plan is being built in Persimmon Park, located in Wesley Chapel in the in-demand Wiregrass Ranch master-planned development. All homes in this community have open floor plans with front porches, and garages and alleys at the back of the home. The community, which will have just over 300 homes at build out, has an amenity center that includes a refreshing, T-shaped luxury pool with cabanas and grilling area.

 The Primrose is Persimmon Park’s most popular floor plan. This two-story plan features nearly 2,500 square feet of living space with a master bedroom suite on the main level, along with one guest bedroom and bathroom. The spacious living area is connected to a beautiful kitchen and dining area with plenty of room for family and friends to gather. The second story includes two additional bedrooms, a full bath, and a bonus room that is perfect for gaming, entertaining, family time or guest privacy.

About the Arden
ICI Homes is building the executive Arden floor plan in Lake Jovita Golf, a beautiful master-planned community with rolling hills and large homesites, located off State Road 52 in Dade City.

The Arden is a 2,402-square-foot, one-story home designed for entertaining and gracious family living. The foyer leads to a large living room centrally located for maximum convenience. A spacious gourmet kitchen and dining area are perfect for entertaining guests or spending quality time with the family. Views from the dining room look out on the covered lanai and large backyard. The master suite features a luxurious bath and a large double entry walk-in closet, and the home is designed so that children and guests can enjoy their own separate spaces.

The Arden quick inventory home is close to completion and can be toured by stopping by the ICI Homes sales center and model home. ICI Homes is building semi-custom homes from 2,000 to 4,000 square feet in three distinct communities in Lake Jovita, including homesites in The Bluffs, which boasts some of the highest elevation in Florida.

“All of our Lake Jovita neighborhoods have homesites that back up to the golf course, conservation area, or lakes and ponds,” said Jones. “It is almost unheard of today for a master-planned community with a championship golf course to offer custom homes beginning in the $400s on such large lots with privacy and pristine views. I don’t think there are better homesites anywhere in Pasco County.”

Only 2 Lots Remain In Asturia
Only two lots remain in Asturia, a 550-home master-planned community situated on 500 pristine acres in Odessa along the State Road 54 corridor, just five minutes from the Suncoast Parkway.

ICI Homes is the exclusive builder in Asturia, and is building two showcase inventory homes, including the one-story, 2,193-square-foot Juliette III, which will be ready at the first of the year.

“Asturia is one of the most successful developments in Pasco County, which residents love for its smaller size and convenient location to major roadways,” said Jones. “This is truly the final opportunity to build a new home is this prestigious community.”

Asturia offers a kid-friendly, family oriented lifestyle surrounded by miles of multi-use trails, interspersed with dog parks and pocket parks. Its distinctive, 5,800-square-foot Amenity Center includes a fully equipped fitness center, covered outdoor living rooms, a luxurious resort-style swimming pool and expansive lawn areas for recreation.

ICI Homes model homes are open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and noon to 6 p.m., on Sunday. The Persimmon Park model is at 3793 Lajuana Blvd., Wesley Chapel; the Asturia model is at 2112 Secret Cove in Odessa; and the Lake Jovita Sales Center is at 12330 Lake Jovita Blvd., in Dade City. To schedule a VIP appointment, call 844-349-6401, or email Jones at .

Published October 27, 2021

Beautiful New Homes At Shadow Wood Village

October 26, 2021 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Shadow Wood Village is now taking lot reservations for spacious new manufactured homes in Phase II of its new home neighborhood in Hudson.

Located just 30 minutes from Land O’ Lakes, and 10 minutes from the Gulf, these affordable homes feature open floor plans that boast front porches, great rooms, two bedrooms, two full baths, and a den perfect for an office or craft room. Every home has a covered carport with a large, secure storage area, and steps leading from the driveway to the laundry area and kitchen.

The new park has an inviting gazebo, gas fire pit, winding brick paths, and flower gardens.

Floor plans range from 1,234 to 1,568 square feet, and feature the latest in-home design trends. Kitchens offer lots of cabinets and a large island for bar stools and conversation. Quality blinds and appliances, including the refrigerator, are included.

Shadow Wood Village is a 55-plus community with over 200 homes. New homesites are in an expansion section of the community, which is being readied for 45 new homes arriving in 2022.

Most Shadow Wood Village residents live in the development year-round, which results in an exceptionally strong sense of community.

“Our residents have a sincere respect for others – it’s truly a caring culture,” says Community Manager Tabitha Klinakis. “When family visits, residents are proud to show them around and they are welcomed by the entire community. And when grandkids come to visit, they become everyone’s grandkids.”

The calendar at Shadow Wood is full of activities and social gatherings. Residents enjoy an array of amenities, including a heated pool, pickleball, bocce, horseshoes and shuffleboard. Its recently remodeled clubhouse has a fitness center, library, media room and game room.

The newest amenity is a nature park, located in a serene, wooded area with shady tree coverage and privacy. The park has an inviting gazebo, gas fire pit, winding brick paths and flower gardens.

A large dog park, complete with its own doggie water fountain, has lots of shade for both residents and pets. Shadow Wood welcomes dogs of all sizes, with some breed limitations.

Please call Tabitha to schedule your tour of Shadow Wood Village at 877-360-1124, or email .

Published October 27, 2021

Christmas is already ‘upon us’

October 26, 2021 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Most of us still have a couple of months to shop for the holidays. But for Bella Home Market in Lutz, it’s come down to a couple of weeks.

The locally owned, gift and home store features upscale décor and memorable merchandise, and is a premier retailer of Dixie Belle paints. Each visitor has the opportunity to find something unique that no one else will have. Christmas is practically here for Bella Home because of the new seasonal merchandise that’s made its way through the door, with plenty more on the way.

“I can’t even begin to describe all that we have coming in,” said owner Lou Malerba.

The store features locally crafted products that will now fit the holiday season. This includes delicacies that make great grab gifts like Toffees To-Go with its kitchen located in Tampa, complete with box and bow. If you prefer the handmade gift option, Bella Home offers three upcoming classes that will provide an evening of personalized instruction using the popular Dixie Belle paints. You end the night with your own seasonal décor item, but the skillset learned is the gift that keeps on giving.

For online catalog orders and class signups, visit BellaHomeMarket.com.

Published October 27, 2021

Affordable Living At Club Wildwood

October 26, 2021 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Older adults in central and east Pasco County are discovering the charming manufactured home community of Club Wildwood in Hudson, which boasts affordable homes, first-class amenities and a five-minute drive to the beach.

Club Wildwood is the largest retirement community in north Pasco County, with close to 500 homes. Living in a large community means there is always someone to share things with, including swimming in the resort-style heated pool, taking your pup to the friendly dog park, enjoying crafts and potluck dinners at the clubhouse, and even fishing in a well-stocked lake. Residents are friendly, and welcome newcomers to the community’s many clubs and activities.

There are several resale homes available in Club Wildwood, very affordably priced from $48,500 to $69,900. Most resale homes in the community have been updated with the latest designs and flooring, and are a tremendous value for a single-family home in terms of cost, amenities and location.

For folks moving from Land O’ Lakes, Lutz and Wesley Chapel, living at Club Wildwood costs less than renting an apartment. The community’s monthly lot rental fee is less than $700, and includes trash, landscaping and full use of all recreation facilities.

Club Wildwood’s location on U.S. 19 gives residents quick access to major roadways, shopping and dining, and area attractions. In addition to its Olympic-size heated pool, amenities include a picnic area, shuffleboard courts, a bocce ball court and horseshoe pits. A spacious clubhouse has recently been remodeled, and boasts a fully equipped kitchen and large meeting room, small library, pool tables, fitness room and card tables.

Regular activities include bingo, karaoke, potluck dinners, coffee hours, dart tournaments, happy hours, pancake breakfasts, line dancing and bridge games. During the social distancing requirements of COVID-19, some of these activities have been suspended, but all will be back when it is safe to gather together again.

Outside of the park, many Club Wildwood residents participate in special interest clubs, including bowling and golf leagues, the Red Hat Society, and volunteering at nearby Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point.

The 290-bed hospital, which is less than 10 minutes from Club Wildwood, is the only Level II Trauma Center and Comprehensive Stroke Center in Pasco County, and its renowned Heart Institute provides comprehensive cardiac care and an open-heart surgery program.

Make Club Wildwood your next home by contacting Community Manager Sean Terris for a private tour at 866-799-6707or .

Published October 27, 2021

Avalon Park Wesley Chapel Partners With Local Nonprofit To Give Back To Troops

October 26, 2021 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

To give back this holiday season, Avalon Park Wesley Chapel is partnering with The Stano Foundation, a nonprofit in Wesley Chapel dedicated to supporting troops of all branches, both active duty and veterans.

The nonprofit was founded by Paula Stano in 2015, two years after her son joined the Marines at age 17.

“We truly put the ‘care’ into care packages,” says Stano.

Avalon Park Wesley Chapel’s entire team will help make care packages for The Stano Foundation’s next ship date. The packing party will take place on Nov. 6 from 9 a.m. to noon.

 Avalon Park Wesley Chapel and The Stano Foundation are asking the public for donations, which includes items such as deodorant, hand lotion, protein cookies, beef jerky and more. These items can be dropped off at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel’s Welcome Center, at 33613 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel, FL 33543. The center is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“Our goal is to pack 100 care packages,” says Marielle Fernandez, marketing and events coordinator at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel.

This isn’t the first time Avalon Park Wesley Chapel has partnered with The Stano Foundation. Avalon Park Wesley Chapel was first introduced to the nonprofit back in 2018, when the residential community hosted several community drives for the organization, as well as a packing party.

Then in 2019, Avalon Park Wesley Chapel hosted a Jack Frost 5K, where all the proceeds from the race went to the nonprofit.

The nonprofit also was recently spotlighted for Avalon Applauds, a monthly story Avalon Park Wesley Chapel does in collaboration with The Laker/Lutz News, which recognizes local students and nonprofits in the area for going above and beyond in their community.

“We are always looking for ways to give back to our community, and we love every time we get to collaborate with The Stano Foundation,” says Fernandez.

“Avalon Park Wesley Chapel is not only an amazing community, but one that loves to give back to so many. We are so grateful for their partnership, as we wouldn’t be able to do what we do without their support,” says Stano.

For monetary donations to help with postage fees for the care packages, visit Stano.org/donate/, and to check out The Stano Foundation’s Amazon wish list, visit tinyurl.com/59374kye.

For those interested in volunteering at the Nov. 6 packing party, sign up by emailing .

Why Families Choose Avalon Park
In addition to quality builders and frequent community events, families choose to live in Avalon Park Wesley Chapel because it offers so much more than just another subdivision with homes and amenities.

“We are not just developers — we are building a brand new town,” said Stephanie Lerret, senior vice president of marketing for the Avalon Park Group. “We’re bringing together everything a family needs to enjoy life today and in the future.”

Few communities offer the recreational activities found at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel, including two amenity centers with a zero-entry pool, splash pad, spa, and picnic area, as well as a new amenity center being built in the new Westgate Village, in the northwest section of the development.

Avalon Park Wesley Chapel has been welcoming families since 2012, when this community on State Road 54, a few miles east of Interstate 75, began building its first homes. Today, over 2,000 residents enjoy unique amenities, neighborhood schools, and a convenient location with easy access to Tampa, Lakeland and Orlando.

 For more information about Avalon Park, call 813-783-1515, email , or go to AvalonParkWesleyChapel.com.

Donations needed for the Avalon Park Wesley Chapel and The Stano Foundation packing party:

Baby Wipes – travel size (18 ct)
Beef Jerky – snack size (.625 oz)
Combos – snack size (1.7 oz)
Cup O Noodles (2.25 oz cup)
Deodorant – standard size men’s
Drink Mix Pouches – 1 box (12 sticks, no lemonade)
Hand Lotion – Gold Bond, travel size (1 oz)
Nutella & Go (1.8 oz)
Protein Cookies – Lenny & Larry (2 oz pack)
Sour Path, Swedish Fish, Starburst (2 oz)
Sunflower Seeds
Tuna Kits

Please drop off any donations at:
Avalon Park Wesley Chapel’s Welcome Center
33613 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel, FL 33543
Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Published October 27, 2021

Cornerstone Protection Plan Will Save You Time And Money

October 26, 2021 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

As the hot summer months subside, autumn is a great time to have your home comfort systems serviced, and also to consider an annual protection plan to keep your home cool, and plumbing and electrical components in tip-top shape all year long.

When choosing a company to work on your home comfort systems, you will want an established company with a solid reputation to be around during the course of your plan and in business when you need them.

Many homeowners in Pasco, Hillsborough, Hernando and Pinellas counties count on Cornerstone Pros, one of the area’s largest and most established three-trade contractors. The family owned Land O’ Lakes company has provided air conditioning, plumbing and electrical services for over 15 years, and its reputation for quality and affordable work has allowed it to grow to employ close to 100 local people who provide exceptional customer service. This is evident in Cornerstone’s outstanding customer reviews, which show how the company builds long-term relationships in the communities where its staff lives and works.

Home Warranty vs. Cornerstone Protection Plan
While a home warranty can provide some cost savings and protection when failures arise, it does not guarantee that a homeowner will receive the best solution at the most cost-effective pricing. Often contractors that work for home warranty companies are looking for ways to make money above and beyond the pay structure of the home warranty company. This is typically a low flat rate; therefore, the contractor then looks to pass the cost onto the homeowner, potentially costing you more.

Essentially, it takes the homeowner out of the driver’s seat as far as being in control of who you choose to work in your home and prices you are willing to pay, because the contractor is assigned and you are at the mercy of their schedule, quality and ethics. Many times, a homeowner can go days waiting for a service call or repair to be done.

With the Cornerstone Protection Plan, you have chosen upfront the contractor you want to do business with, so when issues arise, you know who you can count on without a middle man to deal with for approvals on work. It’s just you (the homeowner) and the Cornerstone team. The protection plan also provides preventative maintenance as a part of the package that gives you regular maintenance visits that help to avoid failures during peak times. With a warranty company, the homeowner pays for this as an addition to the package.

A Cornerstone Protection Plan however, offers faster response times, saves you money and reduces headaches. Here are the top five benefits of a Cornerstone protection plan vs. a warranty company:

1.) AC & Heating Cleaning and Check-ups, Plumbing and Electrical Inspections

Semi-annual inspections ensure that your HVAC system is running properly, and also extends the life of your system with the performance of proper maintenance. Those services are not included in home warranties; but they are free every six months under a Cornerstone Pros protection plan. The Protection Plan also offers annual plumbing and electrical inspections.

If maintenance is not done, a home warranty company can deny any claims for repair work, stating the breakdown was due to poor maintenance. That will leave the repair up to you, the homeowner.

2. Discount on All Repairs and Service/Diagnostic Fees

A Cornerstone Protection Plan saves you money on the initial service/diagnostic call, and when work is needed, it provides discounts on repairs, parts and labor. Typically, home warranty companies place limits on what they will fix, and also require a deductible be paid prior to repairs being done.

3. Lower Utility Bills

While a home warranty is strictly focused on providing a homeowner with repair and replacement, a Cornerstone Protection plan maintains all your home comfort products and results in potential savings on your monthly electric bill. Studies show that with regular tune-ups, a unit will maintain up to 95% of its original efficiency.

4. Priority Scheduling for AC, Heating, Plumbing & Electrical

When you have an emergency, a Cornerstone Protection Plan means you don’t have to wait for days for someone to come out and look at the issue. You will be placed on a priority schedule and typically receive same-day service any time of the year.

5. Trustworthy & Local

With a Cornerstone Protection Plan, you are dealing with a company you already like and trust for all of your home comfort needs. With home warranties, the homeowner does not have the option of selecting the provider.

A Cornerstone Protection Plan is a low-cost, effective way to protect your home comfort products, compared to what you would pay for a traditional warranty company plan. Cornerstone Pros is currently offering its Protection Plan at just $9.95 a month for up to two AC units. Please call today or go to the website, CornerstonePros.com, to learn more and sign up for our cost savings plan.

Cornerstone Pros phones are answered 24/7, and technicians are available weekends and holidays. Call 813-990-0561 anytime. For more information, visit the website at CornerstonePros.com.

Published October 27, 2021

Take Advantage of Current Pricing and Save Money On Mechanical Systems For Your Home

September 29, 2021 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

If you are planning to replace your HVAC system or water heater, or you’re considering adding a home generator or water softener, Cornerstone Pros recommends you act now — before more price increases are passed on from manufacturers to local AC, electrical and plumbing companies.

“We just got notice of our fourth price increase of the year — an 8% jump coming Nov. 1, and we’re sure there will be another one at the first of the year,” said Dana Spears, president and owner of Cornerstone Pros in Land O’ Lakes. “We are advising homeowners to call and schedule an appointment now, so we can get your order processed and scheduled before another rate increase.”

To help homeowners budget for these expenses, Cornerstone offers deferred-interest loans for up to 18 months. “You will save a lot of money if you have these home improvements done now, before the upcoming price increases,” said Spears.

Like manufacturing companies everywhere, plants that make home mechanical equipment are faced with parts and labor shortages, which are resulting in higher prices on most everything, including air conditioning units, refrigerants, electrical panels, hot water heaters (traditional and tankless), home generators, and parts and material for all trades.

“We’re asking people to understand that these price increases are out of our control,” said Spears. “We are doing the best we can to hold our expenses, but price increases from our manufacturers have been so significant that they impact prices for our services.”

Cornerstone Pros always recommends regular maintenance and planning ahead when it comes to taking care of your home. This will save you money, and allow you to budget for future repairs.

The only thing worse than having you’re AC go out during the holidays when you have a houseful of guests, is not being able to get it repaired right away.

“We can help to prevent an emergency from happening at your home if you schedule a preventative maintenance checkup, which will allow us to catch a problem prior to the system failing on that hot summer day,” said Spears. “This is very affordable — we’re currently offering an AC System Maintenance Program that begins at just $9.95 a month for up to two AC units.”

For homes needing a replacement system, one of the most popular AC systems Cornerstone Pros offers is the Daikin Fit series, which is so quiet that it can be installed outside a bedroom window and not be heard inside.

“Our AC equipment product line has the best warranties in the industry, with a 12-year parts and labor warranty available for purchase. We also offer great financing terms and rebates, and work with local utility companies to qualify customers for additional rebates,” said Spears.

Generators and Surge Protectors
Cornerstone Pros offers permanent and portable home generators, and has deferred-interest financing. It installs Generac generators, the country’s largest manufacturer of backup generators, that run on natural gas or liquid propane, and automatically activate when there is a power outage.

“Choosing the right size generator is just as important as the quality of the generator. Our technicians do a full load calculation on every home we quote, and specify a generator that best meets a family’s needs and budget,” said Miguel Silva, plumbing manager for Cornerstone Pros.

The company also installs whole-home surge protection devices, which can prevent a power surge from damaging appliances and essential electronics if lightning strikes your home or nearby.

Cornerstone Pros is one of the area’s largest and most established trade contractors offering air conditioning, plumbing and electrical services. It is proud to employ over 95 local, qualified people who provide prompt service and exceptional customer service seven days a week.

Cornerstone Pros phones are answered 24/7, and technicians are available weekends and holidays. Call 813-990-0561 anytime. For more information, visit the website at CornerstonePros.com.

Published September 29, 2021

Stage Your Home And Sell For 20% More

September 29, 2021 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

If you’re looking to sell your home, one of the easiest and most affordable things you can do is hire a professional to stage your home before taking listing photos and opening your door to prospective buyers.

Jennifer Schumacher

“Everyone likes to look at pictures, and seeing photos of your home staged beautifully grabs a buyer’s attention when looking on Zillow, Realtor.com and other on-line listing services,” said Jennifer Schumacher, owner of Sunshine Staging in New Port Richey. “If you want your home to be selected as a favorite, you better make sure your photos give an outstanding first impression.”

Research shows that homes that are staged sell faster, and typically for 20% more than homes not staged.

“People are always surprised at the tremendous return on investment staging brings,” said Schumacher, adding that both vacant or occupied homes can be staged, and the cost for a typical 2,000 square foot home is less than $2,000 for a three-month period.

“While most clients ask us to stage their master bedroom, living and dining rooms and baths, we can also do just one room or an entire house,” said Schumacher. “We are very flexible and have our own trailer to bring in furniture, accessories and artwork. Our goal is to stage a home so a potential buyer can easily imagine their family living there.”

Schumacher worked in the home staging business for 10 years before opening Sunshine Staging three years ago. You can meet her and learn more about home staging at a breakfast tour she is hosting on Oct. 8. Please see the ad below for information.

Published September 29, 2021

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