Need Advice: solar tubes, attic fan, window treatments, enclose lanai, paint concrete

[pmbinnj]

YES!!! We are closing on our new house in a couple of weeks and we have some ideas about what we’d like to do to make this new home “ours”. Thoughts are to make the following changes so we’d like to hear suggestions about whom to contact (or who not to use) and any ideas you have based on your experiences. Since we will only be down in TV for a short time in September, we want to arrange for as many appointments as we can. Hoping to get everything done before returning later in the year so any advice you have is much appreciated.
1) Add solar tubes (kitchen? Laundry area? Closet?) and a solar attic fan.
2) Have plantation shutters installed on windows (uncertain about covering the sliding glass doors).
3) Get plans and quotes to enclose part of the lanai with windows and make it climate controlled.
4) Add a “water feature” (fountain) to the lanai
5) Paint the concrete drive and walkway
Thanks for any suggestions you can offer. Looking forward to being Villagers very shortly!

[SouthOfTheBorder]

We waited for 6 months or so (after move in) before we started making changes inside and out. Turned out to be the best decision for us as we changed our minds many times regarding what we "thought" we originally wanted for adding our own personality to our new home. Waiting also provided the opportunity to see in person what others have done.

We are so glad we didn't act on some of our first ideas.

It is an exciting time but for us slowing down some decisions worked out great.

Don

[dewilson58]

We waited for 6 months or so (after move in) before we started making changes inside and out. Turned out to be the best decision for us as we changed our minds many times regarding what we "thought" we originally wanted for adding our own personality to our new home. Waiting also provided the opportunity to see in person what others have done.

We are so glad we didn't act on some of our first ideas.

It is an exciting time but for us slowing down some decisions worked out great.

Don

Agree

Solar Tubes......people like them, I just hate putting a hole in my roof.......over time, !^it happens.

[asianthree]

24 hour blinds and wait on the rest.. No hurry you have plenty of time to change your mind

[HMLRHT1]

Solar tubes work great! We have 4 of them. They work great in rooms with no windows and add more light to the kitchen area. I have two solar fans but if I knew then what I know now I would not have gotten them. They are a waste of money. Research them on the internet. Stay away from the company web sites. Read the independent reviews. We have not seen any reduction in a/c usage or electricity usage since getting them.

[tuccillo]

I would recommend that you not install an attic fan. This has been researched and shown to not save energy.

YES!!! We are closing on our new house in a couple of weeks and we have some ideas about what we’d like to do to make this new home “ours”. Thoughts are to make the following changes so we’d like to hear suggestions about whom to contact (or who not to use) and any ideas you have based on your experiences. Since we will only be down in TV for a short time in September, we want to arrange for as many appointments as we can. Hoping to get everything done before returning later in the year so any advice you have is much appreciated.
1) Add solar tubes (kitchen? Laundry area? Closet?) and a solar attic fan.
2) Have plantation shutters installed on windows (uncertain about covering the sliding glass doors).
3) Get plans and quotes to enclose part of the lanai with windows and make it climate controlled.
4) Add a “water feature” (fountain) to the lanai
5) Paint the concrete drive and walkway
Thanks for any suggestions you can offer. Looking forward to being Villagers very shortly!

[Kahuna32162]

OK, we have been here for 6 months.

Solar tubes installed (2)
Attic stairs installed (great added storage space)
Tile floor installed in 2 bedrooms - no more carpet
Linai rebuilt with with all glass sliders
Landscaping updated
Kitchen countertops replaced
Kitchen backsplash installed

I think you find that your new home will be a project to make your own. Take your time and don't try to do everything the first month.....you're going to be here for a long time! BTW, relay on the recomendations you find on TOTV, they will rarely steer you wrong.

[Gordon82]

I would recommend that you not install an attic fan. This has been researched and shown to not save energy.

What about insulation over the lanai and garage? And insulation for the garage door?

[Ruthtomnorma3]

We waited for 6 months or so (after move in) before we started making changes inside and out. Turned out to be the best decision for us as we changed our minds many times regarding what we "thought" we originally wanted for adding our own personality to our new home. Waiting also provided the opportunity to see in person what others have done.

We are so glad we didn't act on some of our first ideas.

It is an exciting time but for us slowing down some decisions worked out great.

Don

Agree whole heartily .....take time to "feel" the personality of "your" home.
We bought furniture and rushed into some landscape projects.....:sad:

[George Bieniaszek]

I agree with some of the previous posters that said to take your time and enjoy your new home and The Villages. The fun part is the planning of a project and changing your ideas a couple of times before you commit time and money into it.

But to answer some of your questions, Solar Guys for the soar tubes and attic fan. I also used them to put a reflective film on my east-facing windows to cut down the heat coming into the house. I used Florida Deck to paint my driveway. I have west-facing garage doors on my CYV and went to Lowes and got a bunch of 4x8 sheets of Styrofoam panels (3/4' thick) and insulated the doors. WOW what a difference and it is an easy 3-4 hour DIY project, on a cool day.

[TheSolarGuys]

We can help you out with the Solatube's and Attic Fans. Once you get settled in you can visit us at our local showroom just 5 miles north of The Villages on Hwy. 441. In the meantime you can review our company and product information on our website at www.TheSolarGuys.com (http://www.thesolarguys.com)

[sammy8duck]

We spent $3,000 at the Solar Guys, $1,700 for 3 solar tubes and $1,300 for 2 attic ventilators. The solar tubes let in natural light which is appealing to many people. If you just want economical attractive lighting led lights are an alternative. Hayes Electric installed an LED light over our bathtub for $140 and did a great job. The ventilators appear to be a complete waste of money. When I went into the attic I could feel no effect. When I complained to the solar guys they said that is how they work. You won't feel air moving like an electric attic fan. About a month after I complained I received an email from the Solar Guys for a special to those who had already purchased a ventilator to upgrade it to double the capacity for $399 each. I think if you want something to ventilate the attic an electric attic fan is the way to go.

[GeoGeo]

I would get the solar tubes. I didn't like the idea of more holes in the roof, but they do light things up. Forget the attic fans....we have two and see no difference. You might ask around about the painted concrete....we don't have it, but know people who do. They think it is a pain in the neck. They have to re-seal ever so often. And they get black marks on it from car tires and it fades over time. Beautiful, but I know some people think it was not worth it. Don't overdo and try to get everything accomplished at once. Give it time.

[TNLAKEPANDA]

What about insulation over the lanai and garage? And insulation for the garage door?

We insulated the attic over the garage and also the garage doors. Not happy with the door insulation. It is not near as good as OEM insulated doors! Our lanai is open... we do not want to be all glassed in living in FL.

[JMEZARIC3]

YES!!! We are closing on our new house in a couple of weeks and we have some ideas about what we’d like to do to make this new home “ours”. Thoughts are to make the following changes so we’d like to hear suggestions about whom to contact (or who not to use) and any ideas you have based on your experiences. Since we will only be down in TV for a short time in September, we want to arrange for as many appointments as we can. Hoping to get everything done before returning later in the year so any advice you have is much appreciated.
1) Add solar tubes (kitchen? Laundry area? Closet?) and a solar attic fan.
2) Have plantation shutters installed on windows (uncertain about covering the sliding glass doors).
3) Get plans and quotes to enclose part of the lanai with windows and make it climate controlled.
4) Add a “water feature” (fountain) to the lanai
5) Paint the concrete drive and walkway
Thanks for any suggestions you can offer. Looking forward to being Villagers very shortly!

Wait a few months before any major upgrades.Talk to your new friends about contractors,check reviews here on TOTV.We planned to add solar tubes to our Patio Villa's dark kitchen.But found out the tubes do not work at night!.Decided to upgrade the kitchen lights and add wattage.Much cheaper than tubes and it works at night.But I must say the solar tubes do work great during the day but I could not justified the expense.I put the money saved towards a bigger and better HDTV.
Roof mounted attic fans are a waste of money.All the homes in TV seem to be properly vented.A roof mounted fan will only draw outside air into the attic from the nearest ridge vent and then recycle that air outside.I noticed most of these fans are installed next to ridge vents.

[Bob McKeever]

You should also check out radiant heat barrier. Energy Home Shield (http://www.energyhomeshield.com/seco/). We think it was the best home improvement that we made. Fantastic reduction in temperature of the attic and garage, and SECO customers get a good discount.

[Jim 9922]

I agree with the several posters who suggest establishing your lifestyle patterns before you rip up your house and spend lots of money on the wrong things. Case in point, once you punch a hole in your roof and ceiling for a sola-tube, you are stuck with it; where it is, and the size it is.
My suggestion is that you spend a few months learning about the different products, their care and maintenance, quality levels, etc.
Most important of all, spend time touring resale open houses to get ideas of what improvements and changes you want to make and how they have held up over the years. Be sure to tour homes of your model. I am sure that you will see lots of mistakes because of hasty decisions, and you will discover many things you never thought of.
Go slow, you have the rest of your retirement to do it right!:thumbup:

[2BNTV]

I have been here a year, and have installed four solar tubes. 2 are connected to an electric switch for addition light, at night. I find I hardly ever use a light switch in my home. I don't think the cost will offset any decrease in electrical bills.

Village Interiors, (Blinds and Shutters), for window treatments. I have found they are very accommodating and interested in having satisfied customers. They are next to Bargains and Treasures on 466, (same complex at the end).

I have found that taking my time is much better than to think you have to do everything in the shortest amount of time. It is exhausting to say the least.

Taking one's time will allow you to really know what you want in terms of decorating your home. I have seen other people do decorations quickly, only to change their minds shortly thereafter, when they have discovered a better way to do something.

Give your mind a rest and the results will be better. The idea's will slowly come to you.

[tuccillo]

I don't know how effective insulation over the garage and lanai will be - hopefully some folks who have done this already can comment. Regarding insulation for the garage door, I think this is a very good idea and the few folks I know who have done this have had a positive result. The front of our house faces southwest and the garage door gets very hot and this is radiated to the garage. I haven't decided whether to DIY or hire someone.

What about insulation over the lanai and garage? And insulation for the garage door?

[jpvillager]

Also insulated the west facing garage door. Used kits from Home Depot that come cut to height and you cut to width. Garages is cooler and A/C bill is lower.

[indianavette]

I personally disagree with waiting on the things you know you want, such as driveway and landscaping. Why not enjoy it immediately? We did not install solar tubes or actic fans because we don't want them (to each his own). I have recommendations for the drive and landscaping if you want them.

[tuccillo]

Attic ventilators don't impact attic temperatures because the heat primarily comes from the hot roof decking via radiative transfer. Heat moves via conduction, convection, and radiative transfer. Unless you insulate the underside of the roof decking you won't impact the attic temperatures. Ridge and soffit vents should provide enough natural convection to control moisture in the attic. If you really want to reduce your attic temperature you should look into spray foam insulation on the roof decking - I had this in a prior home in southern GA and the attic never got above 85F. It will be costly for an existing home. You could also look into having a radiant barrier installed. Radiant barriers are essentially aluminum foil and reduce radiative transfer. For new construction, there is a roof decking with a radiant barrier already applied - too bad The Villages doesn't have use this product. A retrofit of spray foam insulation or a radiant barrier may not have an economic payback. You would want to research this before pulling the trigger.

We spent $3,000 at the Solar Guys, $1,700 for 3 solar tubes and $1,300 for 2 attic ventilators. The solar tubes let in natural light which is appealing to many people. If you just want economical attractive lighting led lights are an alternative. Hayes Electric installed an LED light over our bathtub for $140 and did a great job. The ventilators appear to be a complete waste of money. When I went into the attic I could feel no effect. When I complained to the solar guys they said that is how they work. You won't feel air moving like an electric attic fan. About a month after I complained I received an email from the Solar Guys for a special to those who had already purchased a ventilator to upgrade it to double the capacity for $399 each. I think if you want something to ventilate the attic an electric attic fan is the way to go.

[Cool Breeze Roll screens]

Cool Breeze Roll Screens has supplied motorized roll screens for homes and businesses for over 15 years. There available in a variety of options and sizes. Roll Screens can be used to cover openings like lanais, garages, windows, gazebos, car ports, front porches, bay windows, open seating areas and more. A motorized roll screen will turn your extra room into useable space by keeping out the bugs, outdoor debris and intense rays.

All extruded aluminum housing, side tracks and bottom bar Internal motor.
Works within it’s own housing and tracks, not to interfere with garage door or warranties.

With the click of a remote, your roll screen will conveniently roll down to provide protection and roll up out of view when it is not in use.
Screens come in a variety of mesh to allow for as much ventilation, Rain and Sunshade protection as you want.

Please visit us on TOTV or Facebook CoolBreeze Screens for pictures and videos.
Call Lonnie and David today for your free estimate
888-896-8935
Cool Breeze Incorporated - Home :coolsmiley:

[KristenY]

The best things we've done to our home are as follows:

Plantation Shutters - 48 hour Blinds
Crown Molding - Creative Finish Carpentry (these guys are the best)
Lanai sliders - Custom Windows
Solar tubes - Solar Guys (we only did the kitchen)

If you want to get some things done right away I would say stick to the basics. Good luck and enjoy the process!

[teachnmo]

I love my plantation shutters which we put in about a year after moving in. At first I didn't get the lanai shutters but then had them come back and install them. I love them! They let in however much light you want. Would do it again in a heartbeat.

We also put gutters on the house. If you don't you will notice that the rain goes straight down and leaves a small ditch around the house.

Take your time and relax. It all doesn't have to be done the first month.

[Waverunner]

Although it is not on your wish list, if you are ever considering an epoxy (painted speckled seal coating) finish on the garage floor, it is best to do it when the garage is already empty. A good contractor will acid wash and apply coats over a 3-4 day period to allow for complete drying. We were glad we tackled this project before actually moving.

[Beth P]

Wave runner, who did you use to do your garage floor?

[Waverunner]

Beth P - We used Superior Concrete Design @ 352-454-4002. Speak to Woody. He will come out and measure and charges by area. It is not inexpensive, but they did a fabulous job and the floor looks incredible. They disconnected and/or taped garage door sensors and touched up the wall paint when finished. We were very happy with the professional results.

[skyc6]

If you don't have a house behind you, I would possibly not cover the sliding doors. If you have a house behind you ,the sliding blinds are nice. Slides from one side to the other and collapses down very small when opened. I wouldn't put plantations on the sliders. I left them uncovered and don't regret it.