All responses IMO and reflect what we did for our Fall 2019 build:
Appliances (gas): take a credit, buy my own. If this is good advice where should I buy.
Depends what brand you;re thinking about, whether its a push in range or cooktop. If it's a cooktop you will probably have to go with builder, because they need it to cut size into quartz / granite and they would not accept third party provided product. OTOH we did leave wall cabinet openings for two wall ovens, and both electric and rough openings were done by builder to mfrs specs. For Kitchen Aid and Wolf Appliances we used Aggressive Appliances out of Orlando - no problems whatsoever, install was done a couple days after closing.
Crown Molding: might want it in a room or two. If not the builder, who do you recommend? I had builder do it. If you want it done post close, I've used JSR in another house and was very satisfied. Be aware of their lead time
Closets: I do not want the builder special wire racks. Who do you recommend? Do they also do the pantry and laundry room?
If you want it done as part of build, you have a choice of one.. Inspired Closets. Owner will meet you as part of design process. Expensive, but a good product.
Ceiling fans: Bedrooms ok from builder. Living room, might want to go high-end. Where to buy? High end fans are at Dans Fan City in Leesburg - Some of their fans can lift your house off of its foundation
Attic stairs: Would like to go electric? Any suggestions? If you want electric, MajicStairs is the leader. Budget around 4k.. make sure you;re comfortable putting stuff in 100 plus degree heat before going that route
Blinds: 48 hour blinds recommended. I want electric blinds for the lanai sliders. There a million "budget" blind companies around. Also many other credible places. Village shutters and Blinds in Oxford carries Hunter Douglas and other lines.. high end product.. not cheap
Light tubes: Some love them, some hate them. Is it just another place for a leak to form? Your opinion…
IMO, they are so yesterday .. If you;re concerned about your house being dark (and many Village homes are), go crazy with Can lights on dimmers.. you can;t dim a solar tube. Then upgrade the can lights to bright LEDs.. Amazing difference to the standard bulbs - if builder wont do it, put it on the immediate after move in list
Security: Want to install a quality alarm system, with monitoring. Maybe an exterior camera. You can do most things with NEST products.. If you want a lot of low voltage pre-wire, again, you have a choice of one - Galaxy - my experience with them was not positive.
A partial smart house: Any thoughts? Lights, blinds, sound system, temperature, etc. Almost all of this can be done post install via wireless. Remember that most internet cable connections terminate in the garage. Decide where you want your modem / router and make sure you get wiring to that spot. I found after the fact that most pre-wire was not done properly and had to be fixed post move-in. Depending on house size, you may find a single router won;t do the trick - Villages AV installed mesh network, TVs, soundbars surround sound along with the apps that control the network and sound system; as well as NEST products. Tom will also show you how to integrate with Alexa or google
Air Conditioning: 2 AC systems, house and master bedrm. Is it best to have builder install both units? I saw this as standard in the formerly offered premiere series. BTW, I’ve begged them to build me a St. Charles, a quick no. Premiere no longer offered.
The Villages will never get an award for HVAC design. Our house from Atlanta had separate HVAC in first floor master. We briefly looked into it, but cost was exorbitant. We have numerous hot and cold spots throughout the house - as much as 3-5 degree difference. I don;t think doing it post build is practical, with all the duct work changes required. However, what you can do pre or post build is to add a zone board to essentially have 2 thermostats for the same single unit. I didnt think about that at the time, but then remembered some of my townhouse rental units had them.. Not sure if builder will agree to do it or not, but have casually spoken to HVAC people - if youre looking to keep your master cooler than rest of house at night, go back to comment about Dans fan City
Recirc pump: Does tankless hot water need a recirc pump, should it have a pump, can it have a pump? BTW, I don’t mind waiting a minute for hot water. Waiting minutes might be annoying. Don;t hesitate and do the Recirc Pump .. the pipes are laid in the ground as part of rough in. Without it, you can perform 2 of the 3 S's and still have an intolerable wait for hot water for the third.
Nova water filter: Do I get this directly from Nova or the design center? Not Needed. Drink the water from your refrigerator that is perfectly filtered. Total waste of money IMO
Entertainment center: Want BIG (85” min.) screen tv and associated DVD player/burner. Along with wall furniture to house tv and equipment. Who should I call? Timberwood Cabinets built us an awesome Entertainment Center post close.
Make sure that all counters and vanities are at adult height, as well as toilets. Plastic shut-offs are garbage - they would not put real ones in. Bathroom fan/lights are also garbage - can't exhaust anything (smell or steam) - didnt realize until too late - jsut replaced all of them .. I'm already out of blanks in my electric panel - see if they will size up to 250 from 200, or what a 100 / 150 subpanel will cost.
Feel free to PM me with other questions
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