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Originally Posted by Soon2B-Villager
We have our home design meeting next month for our future home in St Catherine. We have done some research, but would like some feedback from our future neighbors in the Villages. With added costs in mine, we want to be realistic on what upgrades to add. We are leaning toward building the Sunflower/Begonia or Iris/Lilac model home. I guess we’ll find out when we get there on what is standard for our model and what is an upgrade.
Part 1 - Energy saving options. In terms of ROI, which additions should we request? - Attic Fans: From aerial flyovers I see most (all?) the homes have attic fans. Is one fan standard and multiple fans optional? Also, are solar powered fans recommended?
- Attic insulation: is builder standard sufficient or additional insulation recommended?
- Garage door/ceiling insulation: Worth the cost? Additional ventilation or garage fans worth the cost.
- Insulated siding: Is insulated vinyl siding standard or an upgrade?
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Return on investment is the proper way to look at it. Cost is $$$$$$ time to recover that expense is so many months, years etc. We purchased our home new. I was built on speculation so all the choices were made.
My view, frankly my wife choosing what countertop to buy and what color, I could not take that pain.
We do have an attic fan. I don't know if it is a billed addition to our spec built home or is included in the basic plan. Does it save anything? We all know hot air rises, cold air falls
I assume all, most of the homes have ridge vents down the highest part of the roof as well as intakes along the lowest part of the roof.
Garage door insulation. Reminder insulation can only slow heat flow. Your garage is not air conditioned. I don't think it will save much. We do not have it. It might and probably does block outside noise. Probably, if you want it to get the builder to do it. Your garage door is a balancing act. The counter balance springs are chosen, adjusted to the weight of the door.
Insulated, vinyl siding? We have block and stucco. Our previous home had vinyl siding.
I'm sure it is not the same today. Ours was ONLY 40 years old. They had added insulating board behind it. It was fine when we sold the house. Florida sun, hurricanes etc I don't know. Forty years? I will not last another forty years.