Not sure if you're aware, but you might be surprised at how little damage there was to well-built, concrete block/stucco homes with tile roofs, that are just a few miles inland (not on a barrier island, a canal or river). We had mostly downed palm fronds and that was about it. 

My neighbor said he could hardly hear the storm, this was Ian BTW, when he was in his den. We also had electric, internet, cable, landline throughout and lost power for about a day when the storm ended. So, no "battering" and the whole thing was over within about 8-9 hours......and that was a long one while the snow and freezing temps hang around for months.