Originally Posted by Lolabird
Hello everyone,
My name is Lora. My husband Mark and I are headed to your beautiful community in February for the first time. We have been excited about our home buying / building process, and are planning on getting started when we arrive.
We have never built a home before, and I would appreciate any suggestions from those who know so much more than we do.
We have chosen a model (Anhinga), and will most likely choose a site near Waters Edge.
I would appreciate any suggestions as to what I should ask when we meet with the staff.
Such as:
1) types of finishes (flooring, cabinetry, countertops, roof, etc.) - LVP, tile, carpet are the most common (IMO avoid carpet), you only get to choose cabinet door face and not layout (fixed based on model), you pick shingles color but generally insurance companies demand replacement by year 15 (so don't buy 50 yr shingles), you pick your colors, countertops (we like Quartz and there are something like 6 grades of it), you pick plumbing and electrical fixtures, but keep in mine these aren't really custom homes and you can't just add outlets, lights, move interior walls, etc.)
2) insulation, Comes standard on all homes and only in the walls and ceiling (not rafters)
3) gas vs electric, IMO gas as it is cheaper, better to cook on and heat the house.
4) making changes or additions to the model - remove a wall, put washer / dryer in garage, additional outlets, [B]Washer/Dryer location is fixed based on model and you cannot move it. You can pick a roof line, e.g. shallow for more peak for more usable storage area, but then I'd insulate the rafters, close it off from the other open attic space with insulation board, and put in solar fans to vent heat to keep the temps low enough to be usable storage (that won't melt plastic, etc.).[/B]
5) what does it mean exactly to "stretch" a floorplan? [B]Floor plan stretches are Exterior walls, usually in 2' increments. I'd max stretch the garage in all directions because that will be most/all of your easily accessible storage. I'd also stretch the Laini by at least 4' in most models.[/B]
6) location of lot to choose - noise level (I hear many people comment on this), This is personal, but avoid Turnpike (noise), and try to be at least several blocks from pickleball courts (very noisy game). Lake front will have gators and several people have told us they're sick of watching gators kill and eat the birds, avoid kissing Laini with zero privacy. The new area (Eastport) has larger commerical area with restaurants, shops, sports areas, and will be busier and noisier (IMO), and I think will be more attractive to renters giving you less stable neighborhoods. Nearby is Middleton, which is family housing, so more young people and all that brings (good and bad), $1B in schools, stadiums, baseball fields, games nights (probably many), traffic, etc. We have a preserve lot so it feels private even though a fraction of an acre.
7) What does it mean when a floorplan has a C or F after its name? Usually, the build options are Framed, Concrete block or Precast concrete. Some models only differ in the method used.
Building vs. purchasing an existing home in other areas of the Villages. Existing homes may not be up to the latest building code for storms, power protection, etc. They may have roofs that are nearing the insurance company's replacement requirement, may have older HVAC systems needing work/replacement, in the original area may have older more chopped up floorplans, and remodeling may be needed. On the bright side bonds will be less.
Thank you all so much for your time and expertise. I have been perusing the forums, and you are all such a wealth of information. I look forward to your guidance!
Lora from RI
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