Building a home in Newell - seeking any words of wisdom

[adeintl]

We just selected a lot and are having a new home built in Newell, near the Franklin Rec Center. Meeting with the design team next week. I would like to hear from folks that have gone thru this experience. Seeking any words of wisdom or advice regarding this process.

Also, considering the color of the exterior, I was thinking of a light off white/beige but according to our designer gray is the most popular. Are darker colors less likely to show mold?

Any suggestions would be helpful.

Thanks!

[Kenswing]

We went through the design process at the end of 2020. From what I understand it’s a lot different now. Try to get into as many model homes as you can. Get an idea what finishes are available. As far as house color. Just drive around the villages closest to you. If you see some colors you like write the address down. They can look up what colors were used. Same goes for roof color.

Most of all pack your patience. There are a lot of decisions to make. The better idea you have of what you want will make the process a little less stressful.

[villagetinker]

We did the build our own design process in 2013, and as noted above, it appears to be much different now. We got 3 stretches on out house and were able to pick our house color and almost all of the items in the house.

[VApeople]

Drive around and look at other houses. When you find one in the colors you like, write down the address. When you eventually meet with a designer, give them the address and say you want your house to be that color.

The same with the driveway light and the lights over the garage. Identify the design you like so you can choose it easily when you meet with the designer.

[Toymeister]

Electric cars and plug in hybrids are in the future I would add a 220 volt outlet (clothes dryer outlet) in the garage.

My wife says get the whole house (built in) vacuum.

[asianthree]

Any advice from anyone prior to September 2022 for design appointments throw it out the door. You are no longer overwhelmed by choice, minimal is the norm.

Change is drastic, for choices, of everything. No moving of interior walls, only front and rear stretch, 2 appliance packages, (at our time, no gas top drop in available, but it can change daily). Few choices for faucets, basic shower heads, only. Drawer pulls, 2 choices. We could not customize our closets, wire rack only. You can no longer add electric outlets, lights. Standard is the new norm, Everything you really wanted is after market now.

What you can choose is Elevation, of house, outside color, drive around pick 3-5 colors with roof, front door and garage color. Write addresses, info will be looked up for you. If no one has the color you choose close to your home it’s yours. In years past 20 shades of beige was the color of choice. Now 20 shades of grey, is the in color. I would say 65% of custom is grey in our village. With exception of a few dark blues, black, and one very pink house.

Interior walls can be painted but same color, in all rooms. Light fixtures have choices, but much less than before. Choice of front doors, (double was available at our time) handles and finish. Get stacking lanai doors. Some windows can be in middle of room or on the side. (Wish we would have chosen one large bedroom window instead of two small.)

Cabinets, painted, or wood, if you want a color cabinet, all baths and or laundry must be same color. Kitchen island can be different color than rest of cabinets, but those have to be all same color.

Choices of flooring, tile, much less, but still choices. Height of floor molding ( go big).

If you want a pool at build, 2 choices at our meeting so we are going after market.

Design team is no longer the overwhelming week long meeting it used to be. RED dots are your friend ( you will understand this at your meeting):thumbup:

Big deep breath, Enjoy, second guessing will pass, then in 4-6 months you get to enjoy your new home.

[LisaFleck]

QUOTE=asianthree;2176609]Any advice from anyone prior to September 2022 for design appointments throw it out the door. You are no longer overwhelmed by choice, minimal is the norm.

Change is drastic, for choices, of everything. No moving of interior walls, only front and rear stretch, 2 appliance packages, (at our time, no gas top drop in available, but it can change daily). Few choices for faucets, basic shower heads, only. Drawer pulls, 2 choices. We could not customize our closets, wire rack only. You can no longer add electric outlets, lights. Standard is the new norm, Everything you really wanted is after market now.

What you can choose is Elevation, of house, outside color, drive around pick 3-5 colors with roof, front door and garage color. Write addresses, info will be looked up for you. If no one has the color you choose close to your home it’s yours. In years past 20 shades of beige was the color of choice. Now 20 shades of grey, is the in color. I would say 65% of custom is grey in our village. With exception of a few dark blues, black, and one very pink house.

Interior walls can be painted but same color, in all rooms. Light fixtures have choices, but much less than before. Choice of front doors, (double was available at our time) handles and finish. Get stacking lanai doors. Some windows can be in middle of room or on the side. (Wish we would have chosen one large bedroom window instead of two small.)

Cabinets, painted, or wood, if you want a color cabinet, all baths and or laundry must be same color. Kitchen island can be different color than rest of cabinets, but those have to be all same color.

Choices of flooring, tile, much less, but still choices. Height of floor molding ( go big).

If you want a pool at build, 2 choices at our meeting so we are going after market.

Design team is no longer the overwhelming week long meeting it used to be. RED dots are your friend ( you will understand this at your meeting):thumbup:

Big deep breath, Enjoy, second guessing will pass, then in 4-6 months you get to enjoy your new home.[/QUOTE]

[LisaFleck]

We first visited the Villages last February and decided we wanted to build. All summer I scanned Houzz, Pinterest, Magazines, etc. I had my dream house ready. We walked into the Street of Dreams with our realtor (luckily he had warned us of the change) and everything I looked at he shook his head. Can’t get. Not even a gas stove! I went home and burst into tears! After much reflection we decided to proceed. We worked with Amy and she made the entire week as pain free and informative as possible. They start our house Friday in Newell and we are so excited! Once you are able to move past the lack of choices, you realize that if you want something different then choose the least expensive from the Villages choices and redo after market. I too recommend driving around and visiting the model homes. We actually changed our model three times! As mentioned before put in as many stretches as you can! Best of luck😋

[Rwirish]

Don’t build anywhere near the turnpike, power lines etc.

[Papa_lecki]

I would say stretch wherever you can, add a golf cart garage, if you can
And don’t sweat anything else - go with builder grade and change it out as you live there.
There’s a high probablility you will be moving to another home within 5 years.

[Pondboy]

I would agree that the design process has changed completely since we did it in 2021. With that said, I first think it’s important to understand how much room you really need. We measured our existing rooms (back then in our old house) and figured out how much kitchen space we’d need, spare bedroom size, garage size etc. We did a few stretches which we don’t regret. I’d also recommend going to the models. Depending on lot size there are only so many floor plans that will fit on a give lot size. Have a couple in mind.

The average villagers moves 3 times. Too big or too small of house and garage are some of the top reasons. Location and annoying neighbors follow closely behind.

Explore getting appliances from a big box retailer. TV had limited options when we designed. We got ours from Best Buy.

If you’re doing your own closets, let them know. They won’t put up the wire ones and you won’t have to parch holes or paint over the holes.

Go thru your final contract draft with a fine tooth comb. We found mistakes that our designer made. You will be responsible ($$) for any changes, even if not entirely your fault.

Although frowned upon, walk thru your build weekly. You might find mistakes.

If they’re not doing this now automatically, elevate the lanai floor to be level with house floor….I.e no step down.

I also opted for a hose bib and electrical outlet by the back (but inside)of the lanai. This way I can water plants in the lanai and also have electricity back there.

Hope that helps a bit.

[Altavia]

Provided gas is available at the home, not a big deal to run a gas line to the stove post purchase. Run one to the patio for a gas bbq grill audio.

Think about making a list of upgrades to add after and line up the contractors. Especially flooring.

Maybe even try to have major work done after purchase but before moving on.

[asianthree]

****

[asianthree]

I would agree that the design process has changed completely since we did it in 2021. With that said, I first think it’s important to understand how much room you really need. We measured our existing rooms (back then in our old house) and figured out how much kitchen space we’d need, spare bedroom size, garage size etc. We did a few stretches which we don’t regret. I’d also recommend going to the models. Depending on lot size there are only so many floor plans that will fit on a give lot size. Have a couple in mind.

The average villagers moves 3 times. Too big or too small of house and garage are some of the top reasons. Location and annoying neighbors follow closely behind.

Explore getting appliances from a big box retailer. TV had limited options when we designed. We got ours from Best Buy.

If you’re doing your own closets, let them know. They won’t put up the wire ones and you won’t have to parch holes or paint over the holes.

Go thru your final contract draft with a fine tooth comb. We found mistakes that our designer made. You will be responsible ($$) for any changes, even if not entirely your fault.

Although frowned upon, walk thru your build weekly. You might find mistakes.

If they’re not doing this now automatically, elevate the lanai floor to be level with house floor….I.e no step down.

I also opted for a hose bib and electrical outlet by the back (but inside)of the lanai. This way I can water plants in the lanai and also have electricity back there.

Hope that helps a bit.

Big changes since 2021. Only front and back stretch, no additional rooms.
Only washer and dryer could be refused
Had to have wire rack installed, no choice for none
No change in lanai floor height allowed
No change in water bibs, or any electrical outlet, and NO additional ones.
New norm is “NO” to original model. If you need something different than choose a model that works better.


We have been going to site daily, since day one. Workers greeted us, having short conversations about the build.

[jimdecastro]

Any advice from anyone prior to September 2022 for design appointments throw it out the door. You are no longer overwhelmed by choice, minimal is the norm.

Change is drastic, for choices, of everything. No moving of interior walls, only front and rear stretch, 2 appliance packages, (at our time, no gas top drop in available, but it can change daily). Few choices for faucets, basic shower heads, only. Drawer pulls, 2 choices. We could not customize our closets, wire rack only. You can no longer add electric outlets, lights. Standard is the new norm, Everything you really wanted is after market now.

What you can choose is Elevation, of house, outside color, drive around pick 3-5 colors with roof, front door and garage color. Write addresses, info will be looked up for you. If no one has the color you choose close to your home it’s yours. In years past 20 shades of beige was the color of choice. Now 20 shades of grey, is the in color. I would say 65% of custom is grey in our village. With exception of a few dark blues, black, and one very pink house.

Interior walls can be painted but same color, in all rooms. Light fixtures have choices, but much less than before. Choice of front doors, (double was available at our time) handles and finish. Get stacking lanai doors. Some windows can be in middle of room or on the side. (Wish we would have chosen one large bedroom window instead of two small.)

Cabinets, painted, or wood, if you want a color cabinet, all baths and or laundry must be same color. Kitchen island can be different color than rest of cabinets, but those have to be all same color.

Choices of flooring, tile, much less, but still choices. Height of floor molding ( go big).

If you want a pool at build, 2 choices at our meeting so we are going after market.

Design team is no longer the overwhelming week long meeting it used to be. RED dots are your friend ( you will understand this at your meeting):thumbup:

Big deep breath, Enjoy, second guessing will pass, then in 4-6 months you get to enjoy your new home.

THIS IS THE TRUE POST TO READ. This is EXACTLY what we experience when we designed in Newell.

[Villages Kahuna]

You’ll be bringing way too much stuff!

[coconutmama]

Agree with “stretch anywhere you can”, plus rounded drywall corners & don’t skimp on the baseboards. If your lot is wide enough, a 3 car garage will add a lot of value to the home. Also add water bib outside (especially out back so that each side has one) & add electric outlet to front door area, back & lanai of home. Never enough of them.

[VApeople]

Agree with “stretch anywhere you can”

Why stretch? Just buy a bigger house.

When we had our house built in 2016, we liked both the Iris and Laurel Oak models. The Laurel Oak cost 10% more than the Iris but had 20% more interior space, so we got the Laurel Oak.

[jimbo2012]

Ask for a 3/4 lanai floor it is a no charge option.
this will raise the floor and avoid the tripping hazard

Ask for eased edges on driveway and walk way. again no charge

Windows in garage door

Ask about raising the lanai ceiling to 10' and 8' sliding doors

On the bird cage ask about Pano screening

Don't get the water softener pipes, they are all wrong

Call Nova Filters for the info

[Mazjaz]

We have built 3 homes in the past and this one was not pleasant at all and we would never build with The Villages ever again. Price hikes galore, changes to the original plan we were not informed about prior to the design meeting, and they will not give you pricing on anything. Expect to pay $75,000 over your budget because nothing will be priced out until the very end. In the end, you get a cookie cutter, over priced spec home that has little customizing.

[jimbo2012]

We did it twice, it was great experience and cost less that spec home

[Just jimmy]

We just selected a lot and are having a new home built in Newell, near the Franklin Rec Center. Meeting with the design team next week. I would like to hear from folks that have gone thru this experience. Seeking any words of wisdom or advice regarding this process.

Also, considering the color of the exterior, I was thinking of a light off white/beige but according to our designer gray is the most popular. Are darker colors less likely to show mold?

Any suggestions would be helpful.

Thanks!

Stretch the home wherever you can. Including the garage. We stretched the garage 4 feet deeper and everyone who sees it wishes they had done it. It is a tremendous amount of extra space. Much cheaper to do it when home is built. Have pool built at same time if you are putting one in. Don’t have to rip out lanai, landscaping, and sprinkler system. Or put up with the mess later.

[bark4me]

We just selected a lot and are having a new home built in Newell, near the Franklin Rec Center. Meeting with the design team next week. I would like to hear from folks that have gone thru this experience. Seeking any words of wisdom or advice regarding this process.

Also, considering the color of the exterior, I was thinking of a light off white/beige but according to our designer gray is the most popular. Are darker colors less likely to show mold?

Any suggestions would be helpful.

Thanks!
I suggest having insulation put in interior adjoining walls. These walls are paper thin and do not appear to be the normal thickness of standard drywall.
Also have 3/4 in plywood or horizontal 2x4s put on walls you plan on hanging anything of substance.

I haven't seen any of the newer homes with mold on exterior walls. That happens if/when you have too much vegetation blocking the sun that allows mold to grow. I would go with a light color because the dark colors will attract more heat making your home much hotter.

[jojoturf]

Closing on designer home next week! Very exciting!

One regret — picked Indigo model after touring model homes Feb 2022. Loved that models front pergola & butler’s pantry. And 3 bed/3 full bath. Villages website shows model with those features - today. Picked lot July 2022. Surprise! Pergola & pantry no longer available! Was not aware of the plethora of model choices seen on TV app. Suggest you look at ALL current model offerings.

Otherwise, design process (Amy rocks!) was quick. Had prepared list of must-haves; got all those items. Spent 2-3 hours over 2 days in Design Center. Drove new build areas for color choices. Build process has been smooth for remote folks like us. Asked realtor for photos, weekly. Visited once at 2 month mark. No delays. Ready for move in.

Good luck with your new home!

[Normal]

If you build a Gardenia/Saginaw add a half bath, it has been worth it. Also go with outlets, outlets outlets and make all your cabinets 48 inches in the kitchen. Furthermore, if your lanai faces East, expand it to its maximum. The Villages will also bring your lanai floor up to within 3/4 of an inch of the living room if you tell them you want it at no charge. Finally, have your garage floor done before you move in.

Good luck on your design experience and congratulations ������

PS. Heather is the designer to get if possible.

If you are thinking a pool…have it done now. People that wait till later……..really really really wait. The neighbor’s pool took almost 9 months because it was done “post construction.”

[rrdsg]

We’re happy with our “custom” home but didn’t love the process to get there. Be warned, when you are offered a choice, a price is attached to it and no one will tell you what it is until very late in the process. You can change then but it would be better, IMHO, if they were much more open up front. Were I to do it again, when offered with a choice, I’d ALWAYS ask “what is included for no up charge?” Often what is included is fine or can be replaced after move in for much less. An example, interior door handles, a simple handle selling on Amazon for $100 a dozen, $50 each from the builder. Even if you have to hire a handyman to install, you won’t spend nearly as much.

[Normal]

We’re happy with our “custom” home but didn’t love the process to get there. Be warned, when you are offered a choice, a price is attached to it and no one will tell you what it is until very late in the process. You can change then but it would be better, IMHO, if they were much more open up front. Were I to do it again, when offered with a choice, I’d ALWAYS ask “what is included for no up charge?” Often what is included is fine or can be replaced after move in for much less. An example, interior door handles, a simple handle selling on Amazon for $100 a dozen, $50 each from the builder. Even if you have to hire a handyman to install, you won’t spend nearly as much.

And…taxes are based on the sale price before you do your upgrades. If a house is 450k at the time of sale, that is the amount you will be taxed on.

[Karmanng]

We just selected a lot and are having a new home built in Newell, near the Franklin Rec Center. Meeting with the design team next week. I would like to hear from folks that have gone thru this experience. Seeking any words of wisdom or advice regarding this process.

Also, considering the color of the exterior, I was thinking of a light off white/beige but according to our designer gray is the most popular. Are darker colors less likely to show mold?

Any suggestions would be helpful.

Thanks!

FYI Grey is now out of style.......its been in alot of recent magazines and its boring

[Karmanng]

We first visited the Villages last February and decided we wanted to build. All summer I scanned Houzz, Pinterest, Magazines, etc. I had my dream house ready. We walked into the Street of Dreams with our realtor (luckily he had warned us of the change) and everything I looked at he shook his head. Can’t get. Not even a gas stove! I went home and burst into tears! After much reflection we decided to proceed. We worked with Amy and she made the entire week as pain free and informative as possible. They start our house Friday in Newell and we are so excited! Once you are able to move past the lack of choices, you realize that if you want something different then choose the least expensive from the Villages choices and redo after market. I too recommend driving around and visiting the model homes. We actually changed our model three times! As mentioned before put in as many stretches as you can! Best of luck😋


YOU can have the GAS stove I wanted electric..........I bought a resale glad I did............

[VApeople]

Expect to pay $75,000 over your budget because nothing will be priced out until the very end.

Well, increase your budget. That is what we did 6 years ago.

We chose a house that we liked. After adding some reasonable things like a golf cart garage and an enlarged lanai, we ended up paying about 20% more.

I guess it is the same now.

[Boston Buckeye]

I would change the guest bathroom with a tub to a walk-in shower.

[Buckeye Bill]

EXPAND ALL OF THE HOUSE. Especially the garage at the very least.

[Stu from NYC]

I would agree that the design process has changed completely since we did it in 2021. With that said, I first think it’s important to understand how much room you really need. We measured our existing rooms (back then in our old house) and figured out how much kitchen space we’d need, spare bedroom size, garage size etc. We did a few stretches which we don’t regret. I’d also recommend going to the models. Depending on lot size there are only so many floor plans that will fit on a give lot size. Have a couple in mind.

The average villagers moves 3 times. Too big or too small of house and garage are some of the top reasons. Location and annoying neighbors follow closely behind.

Explore getting appliances from a big box retailer. TV had limited options when we designed. We got ours from Best Buy.

If you’re doing your own closets, let them know. They won’t put up the wire ones and you won’t have to parch holes or paint over the holes.

Go thru your final contract draft with a fine tooth comb. We found mistakes that our designer made. You will be responsible ($$) for any changes, even if not entirely your fault.

Although frowned upon, walk thru your build weekly. You might find mistakes.

If they’re not doing this now automatically, elevate the lanai floor to be level with house floor….I.e no step down.

I also opted for a hose bib and electrical outlet by the back (but inside)of the lanai. This way I can water plants in the lanai and also have electricity back there.

Hope that helps a bit.

If you elevate lanai floor to be level with your house, Sumter county will consider it additional living space and charge you real estate taxes accordingly.

I do not believe the average Villager moves 3x, I think that is an incorrect urban legend. At most twice and many people we have met are still in their first home.

[asianthree]

Don’t build anywhere near the turnpike, power lines etc.

We don’t have power line, but turnpike is 4 streets over. We had more road noise from previous homes in our neighborhood streets than the turnpike. Giving advice that one has no immediate experience on facts is pointless.

[Normal]

We don’t have power line, but turnpike is 4 streets over. We had more road noise from previous homes in our neighborhood streets than the turnpike. Giving advice that one has no immediate experience on facts is pointless.

You can’t hear the turnpike in Newell, there is a large 30 foot earthen berm between the village and the turnpike. You can actually hear a pin drop in most areas.

[Nucky]

We don’t have power line, but turnpike is 4 streets over. We had more road noise from previous homes in our neighborhood streets than the turnpike. Giving advice that one has no immediate experience on facts is pointless.

I couldn't agree more. Our house is on the Turnpike. We have to Open the back door and then open the front door to let the trucks through several thousand times a day. :1rotfl::1rotfl:

Seriously now, the Turnpike is just behind the wall in the back of our house and it is a total NON-ISSUE FOR US! I would rather have no neighbor in the back and except the occasional noise that we hear from the Jake Brakes on some of the trucks.
The house is absolutely beautiful and we met with the builder today before our one-hour meeting was over they knocked off three items from the short punch list that we gave to him. This guy was no joke. He texted what he needed to be completed and the workers were here with wings on and did a great job in just minutes.

The entire experience was wonderful so far. From the realtor to the bank to the title company and I can't believe I'm saying this, we actually think the world of our realtor, Zina Fenster Beasley. It couldn't have gone much better. I usually growl at sales people even if its a car or a house I just don't like them. Zina is the one exception. WONDERFUL!

The only beef so far is I've seen some rental signs going up in a few houses but that's what happens with a lot of Patio and courtyard villas. Oh well. Our life is going to be great. Hopefully, the renters are cool calm, and collected.

We do miss our friends and neighbors in The Historic Section. We both loved living there but we did set a world record for ourselves by being there 6 and a half years. That's a record that neither one of us could believe. We almost kept the manufactured home in case the new home didn't work out but took a leap of faith and decided that our decision was solid.

We did have two comments from some supposedly called friends a the old house that they would never come to visit us because it is too far away. I replied whoever said that an invitation would be forthcoming to you and then mentioned that they would travel to wherever Costco is to save 50 cents on a can of green beans but 30 minutes is too far to visit friends???? Just stay home and relax. What a dumb bunny!!

The only other problem about moving here is it's a little too close to Blue Fin and Wolfgang Puck! Oh my Oh my! :icon_hungry: There goes the budget.

[Woodbear]

If the golf cart garage is set back, push it up to be equal with your main garage. This way you can buy 2 golf carts and park them head to tail in your new lengthened "cart" garage.

[Pondboy]

Big changes since 2021. Only front and back stretch, no additional rooms.
Only washer and dryer could be refused
Had to have wire rack installed, no choice for none
No change in lanai floor height allowed
No change in water bibs, or any electrical outlet, and NO additional ones.
New norm is “NO” to original model. If you need something different than choose a model that works better.


We have been going to site daily, since day one. Workers greeted us, having short conversations about the build.

Well that’s certainly disappointing……from the street of dreams to the street of broken dreams.

[RICH1]

Add methane burn-off pipes in the yard…

[Marathon Man]

Don’t build anywhere near the turnpike, power lines etc.

Do some folks wake up in the morning and think, "How can I bring up the turnpike today"?

[Bilyclub]

I though that the developer has stopped officering to do stretches due to the prefab wall construction used now.

[2delunatics]

THIS IS THE TRUE POST TO READ. This is EXACTLY what we experience when we designed in Newell.
This is spot on.......we met with design team in August, broke ground in late October, moving into our new house 1st week of Feb. You no longer get to "BUILD" your dream home, you get to "PERSONALIZE" it with limited selections for choices. You may hear.......you have these 5 choices, but only 2 are available due to supply chain issues, so which one do you want? Also, it's VERY difficult to get an upfront price for each upgraded item you may want. They bake the price of each requested upgrade, plus their 30% profit, into the price and give you a final total build price at the end. Something as simple as the floor, which is a HUGE consideration .......they couldn't (weren't willing to) give tell me the price upfront of the ceramic tile we picked vs LVP we picked , so that we could make an informed decision as to whether it was worth it to go with one or the other. That went on an on and on. Very frustrating.

[Altavia]

This is spot on.......we met with design team in August, broke ground in late October, moving into our new house 1st week of Feb. You no longer get to "BUILD" your dream home, you get to "PERSONALIZE" it with limited selections for choices. You may hear.......you have these 5 choices, but only 2 are available due to supply chain issues, so which one do you want? Also, it's VERY difficult to get an upfront price for each upgraded item you may want. They bake the price of each requested upgrade, plus their 30% profit, into the price and give you a final total build price at the end. Something as simple as the floor, which is a HUGE consideration .......they couldn't (weren't willing to) give tell me the price upfront of the ceramic tile we picked vs LVP we picked , so that we could make an informed decision as to whether it was worth it to go with one or the other. That went on an on and on. Very frustrating.

I understand the business decision but very sad to see dreams can no longer come true.

Reduces the likelyhood we'll build another.

[Jcicales]

Someone is a new village called to have dryer vent cleaned 1.5 years after moving in. Found out contractor never hooked up a dryer vent to outside- was going
Inside siding- what a mess- not sure how this could ever pass final inspection. Keep it in mind

[asianthree]

Someone is a new village called to have dryer vent cleaned 1.5 years after moving in. Found out contractor never hooked up a dryer vent to outside- was going
Inside siding- what a mess- not sure how this could ever pass final inspection. Keep it in mind

Most new houses don’t come with Washer/Dryer as in many years in the past, so install could have been aftermarket, no inspection.

Our 2010, 2012, 2014 came with W/D. 2023 we bought our own.

[asianthree]

I understand the business decision but very sad to see dreams can no longer come true.

Reduces the likelyhood we'll build another.

It’s heartbreaking to walk through Street of dreams, today, and find out 40 items in that section only 2 have a RED dot availability.

New name should be Street of Disappointment.

[Bilyclub]

Most new houses don’t come with Washer/Dryer as in many years in the past, so install could have been aftermarket, no inspection.

Our 2010, 2012, 2014 came with W/D. 2023 we bought our own.


In most places it's code to install the basics like a dryer vent and washing machine spigots and drain, even if they don't come with the house.

[Woodbear]

I was with a Villages agent today. It was shocking to hear how different the Design Process has changed in the last year. I understand the Villages is not a "custom builder" but it would be nice if they offered a few more options in todays market.

[Normal]

We just selected a lot and are having a new home built in Newell, near the Franklin Rec Center. Meeting with the design team next week. I would like to hear from folks that have gone thru this experience. Seeking any words of wisdom or advice regarding this process.

Also, considering the color of the exterior, I was thinking of a light off white/beige but according to our designer gray is the most popular. Are darker colors less likely to show mold?

Any suggestions would be helpful.

Thanks!

One last opinion of mine I should have included earlier. When you are building/buying/designing it may be best to think further down the road. Will you resell later, is this the “Dream” home where you will never move from again? If it became a rental, consider how the market is softening up because of all the new external options in Wildwood and just across 501. These factors should be carefully considered when building. You may not want that new quartz countertop, or MDF cabinets installed.

Also consider expenses that many new homes seem to eventually go through like water filters, softeners, solar tubes, landscaping, gutters, painted garage/lanai floors/driveways etc. These things don’t have to be done overnight, but they are possibly future costs to flush through the mind when designing.

[BrendaF]

We just selected a lot and are having a new home built in Newell, near the Franklin Rec Center. Meeting with the design team next week. I would like to hear from folks that have gone thru this experience. Seeking any words of wisdom or advice regarding this process.

Also, considering the color of the exterior, I was thinking of a light off white/beige but according to our designer gray is the most popular. Are darker colors less likely to show mold?

Any suggestions would be helpful.

Thanks!
Although there is no longer a true customizable option, I did hear that if there is an existing plan they have on file that has been customized, they may build that for you. That would be the closest I think you can get to a truly customized plan, but then again, it would be someone else’s customized home. I worked on ours for over a year to customize. No way I could’ve made choices in one week!
As for exterior colors, I would recommend a light color. There is a lot of thermal mass if you are talking concrete. That will hold heat or cold longer than siding. Talk to Florida paints and get a good idea how hot, say a navy, exterior paint can be. Good luck!