[Nana2Teddy]

Originally Posted by nhkim

I applaud you for doing everything upfront (assuming money isn't an issue). When we built our retirement home up north 11 years ago, we did everything when we built it, feeling that we didn't want to be doing remodeling projects once we were retired. That proved to be the correct choice for us.

Previous responses have given you a pretty complete list as far as I can tell. I have just a few comments.

1. Although I'd like to have combination fans here, the fan is on one switch (with a pull chain on the fan as well). So without having separate switches, it's cumbersome when you want the light off and the fan on, etc. Having recessed lighting installed in all the areas where there aren't already cans would be the ideal solution, I think.

2. Painting your driveway. You definitely want to do this, including all areas of concrete: driveway, lanai, any added concrete, sidewalks along the side of the house. You're building a veranda; you should have that feature as well. Painted concrete is so much easier to clean than plain concrete; you'll notice that on your lanai.

3. We have a Nova filter here. Some people have full water softener systems; some have nothing. That's a personal preference. However, what your sales rep told you about softeners creating clear ice cubes is not right. A quick Google search will tell you that there's a lot of factors that go into getting clear ice cubes, and a water softener may or may not influence that.

4. Get rid of all the carpeting right away. Builders grade does not hold up over the long term, plus it's pretty much out of style. Do the flooring of your choice all over the house, then replace the baseboard and paint.

Enjoy your new home, once you get it exactly the way you want it!

Verandas aren’t custom builds. They’re spec homes with fenced yards, and they don’t have sidewalks along the sides. Only Courtyard Villas have a sidewalk on the side of the house leading to the gate.