Purchasing a brand-new fixer-upper

[Michael 61]

Hi—

I know I have some followers here who are interested in what a new buyer may do their home after moving in, so here is an update of my journey to date:

I’m moving right along with my home upgrades (purchased a brand new patio villa in December)

What I have already done:
- Purchased Washer/Dryer
- Purchased entire household of new furniture / TV
- Installed glass doors in Master Bathroom
- Installed NOVA water system
- Extended concrete patio area on side of home and added wrap-around Birdcage
- Added gutters, with two buried drains
- Ripped out rolled vinyl flooring and carpet and replaced with vinyl planking and upgraded floorboards to 5”
- Epoxy’d Garage floor
- Purchased new golf cart
- Bought new car (traded in older vehicle)

What I have pending (estimates in, contractors hired, work to be completed between now and end of summer):
- Landscaping and brickwork
- Epoxy of birdcage
- Paint driveway and walkway
- Install glass insert to front door
- Paint entire interior of house / Install crown molding
- Replace kitchen and bathroom counters with quartz and replace all sinks with “drop-in” sinks / Also upgrade all faucets
- Install backsplash
- Install pantry “pull-outs” in all pantry shelves
- Install shelving in laundry closet
- Redesign and upgrade shelving in both bedroom closet.
- Custom frame all art work.

Still to do (probably fall of this year):
- Purchase storage cabinets for garage
- Buy new set of golf clubs
- Purchase E- Bike
- Install Pendant light fixtures along with ambient lighting in kitchen
- Replace cheap-looking sliding door blinds with some sort of upgrade
- Install a surge-protector

On-fence (not sure or not at this point):
- Install a lightning rod
- Install plantation shutters
- Rip out master shower and put in tile.
- Put in a “smart’ doorbell.
- Installing solar tubing in ceiling of both windowless bathrooms
- Upgrade ceiling fans
- Install a TV on wall in bedroom

I realize I’m doing a lot more than the average new buyer, but I really want to make this house “my own”.

Hopefully others will find my list of upgrades helpful, and something to consider when buying a home for the first time in The Villages.

I appreciate all the messages I receive, especially from those who are currently outside of The Villages, but are very interested in possibly making this your future retirement home.

Life is good here - but managing all these projects has been an almost full time job (but a fun one) - but hopefully all will settle down later this year.

[JSR22]

Hi—

I know I have some followers here who are interested in what a new buyer may do their home after moving in, so here is an update of my journey to date:

I’m moving right along with my home upgrades (purchased a brand new patio villa in December)

What I have already done:
- Purchased Washer/Dryer
- Purchased entire household of new furniture / TV
- Installed glass doors in Master Bathroom
- Installed NOVA water system
- Extended concrete patio area on side of home and added wrap-around Birdcage
- Added gutters, with two buried drains
- Ripped out rolled vinyl flooring and carpet and replaced with vinyl planking and upgraded floorboards to 5”
- Epoxy’d Garage floor
- Purchased new golf cart
- Bought new car (traded in older vehicle)

What I have pending (estimates in, contractors hired, work to be completed between now and end of summer):
- Landscaping and brickwork
- Epoxy of birdcage
- Paint driveway and walkway
- Install glass insert to front door
- Paint entire interior of house / Install crown molding
- Replace kitchen and bathroom counters with quartz and replace all sinks with “drop-in” sinks / Also upgrade all faucets
- Install backsplash
- Install pantry “pull-outs” in all pantry shelves
- Install shelving in laundry closet
- Redesign and upgrade shelving in both bedroom closet.
- Custom frame all art work.

Still to do (probably fall of this year):
- Purchase storage cabinets for garage
- Buy new set of golf clubs
- Purchase E- Bike
- Install Pendant light fixtures along with ambient lighting in kitchen
- Replace cheap-looking sliding door blinds with some sort of upgrade
- Install a surge-protector

On-fence (not sure or not at this point):
- Install a lightning rod
- Install plantation shutters
- Rip out master shower and put in tile.
- Put in a “smart’ doorbell.
- Installing solar tubing in ceiling of both windowless bathrooms
- Upgrade ceiling fans
- Install a TV on wall in bedroom

I realize I’m doing a lot more than the average new buyer, but I really want to make this house “my own”.

Hopefully others will find my list of upgrades helpful, and something to consider when buying a home for the first time in The Villages.

I appreciate all the messages I receive, especially from those who are currently outside of The Villages, but are very interested in possibly making this your future retirement home.

Life is good here - but managing all these projects has been an almost full time job (but a fun one) - but hopefully all will settle down later this year.

This is wy I called my house a starter kit.

[Gpsma]

Unless you intend to live in that patio villa forever, id suggest, go easy, just put things in that make you comfortable.

Many people here, and even when i was up north, that are too much for what you have.

[jebartle]

Phewww! I'm going to have to take a nap after reading your to-do list...good luck

[thelegges]

It might be less to upgrade to cottage or designer, with everything you want. In January you will see multiple homes up for sale in Richmond

[Michael 61]

It might be less to upgrade to cottage or designer, with everything you want. In January you will see multiple homes up for sale in Richmond

I agree - I tried multiple times for a designer home in Richmond, but could only come in first for a villa - but I’m happy and it all worked out for the best (when done, my villa will look very much like a cottage or designer home inside) - my neighbors were just talking about what will happen in Richmond starting in November, when the one year will start to be up - with so many investors who bought in Richmond, will be interesting if many of them put their homes up as soon as they can at the one-year mark - will be interesting to see what they ask for vs what they paid - some feel that with us being so close to Brownwood, that the there could be a bit of a “bump” in what some will ask for in putting their house up for sale.

[HandyGrandpap]

It might be less to upgrade to cottage or designer, with everything you want. In January you will see multiple homes up for sale in Richmond

Interesting!! what will be the driver for the multiple homes for sale in Richmond?

[Rainger99]

Hi—

I know I have some followers here who are interested in what a new buyer may do their home after moving in, so here is an update of my journey to date:

I’m moving right along with my home upgrades (purchased a brand new patio villa in December)

What I have already done:
- Purchased Washer/Dryer
- Purchased entire household of new furniture / TV
- Installed glass doors in Master Bathroom
- Installed NOVA water system
- Extended concrete patio area on side of home and added wrap-around Birdcage
- Added gutters, with two buried drains
- Ripped out rolled vinyl flooring and carpet and replaced with vinyl planking and upgraded floorboards to 5”
- Epoxy’d Garage floor
- Purchased new golf cart
- Bought new car (traded in older vehicle)

What I have pending (estimates in, contractors hired, work to be completed between now and end of summer):
- Landscaping and brickwork
- Epoxy of birdcage
- Paint driveway and walkway
- Install glass insert to front door
- Paint entire interior of house / Install crown molding
- Replace kitchen and bathroom counters with quartz and replace all sinks with “drop-in” sinks / Also upgrade all faucets
- Install backsplash
- Install pantry “pull-outs” in all pantry shelves
- Install shelving in laundry closet
- Redesign and upgrade shelving in both bedroom closet.
- Custom frame all art work.

Still to do (probably fall of this year):
- Purchase storage cabinets for garage
- Buy new set of golf clubs
- Purchase E- Bike
- Install Pendant light fixtures along with ambient lighting in kitchen
- Replace cheap-looking sliding door blinds with some sort of upgrade
- Install a surge-protector

On-fence (not sure or not at this point):
- Install a lightning rod
- Install plantation shutters
- Rip out master shower and put in tile.
- Put in a “smart’ doorbell.
- Installing solar tubing in ceiling of both windowless bathrooms
- Upgrade ceiling fans
- Install a TV on wall in bedroom

I realize I’m doing a lot more than the average new buyer, but I really want to make this house “my own”.

Hopefully others will find my list of upgrades helpful, and something to consider when buying a home for the first time in The Villages.

I appreciate all the messages I receive, especially from those who are currently outside of The Villages, but are very interested in possibly making this your future retirement home.

Life is good here - but managing all these projects has been an almost full time job (but a fun one) - but hopefully all will settle down later this year.

If you are doing that much work on a new house (looks like an almost total renovation) what was your reason for not buying a preowned house and fixing that up?

[Dotneko]

Interesting!! what will be the driver for the multiple homes for sale in Richmond?

Hitting the one year mark where the developer no longer gets to keep the profits. Or the two year mark for capital gains.

[Michael 61]

If you are doing that much work on a new house (looks like an almost total renovation) what was your reason for not buying a preowned house and fixing that up?

Wanted an open floor plan, high ceilings, and being close to Brownwood and south of 44 (half hour golf cart right to Eastport) - thinking of future. I like the “south of 44” vibe.

[skippy05]

South of 44 vibe: no stores, no shops, no restaurants, none planned, no land allocation planned for these either, turnpike noise off the chain, visible high power transmission lines everywhere you look....I'd stop with the renovations on the new home and move north villages

[westernrider75]

Hi—

I know I have some followers here who are interested in what a new buyer may do their home after moving in, so here is an update of my journey to date:

I’m moving right along with my home upgrades (purchased a brand new patio villa in December)

What I have already done:
- Purchased Washer/Dryer
- Purchased entire household of new furniture / TV
- Installed glass doors in Master Bathroom
- Installed NOVA water system
- Extended concrete patio area on side of home and added wrap-around Birdcage
- Added gutters, with two buried drains
- Ripped out rolled vinyl flooring and carpet and replaced with vinyl planking and upgraded floorboards to 5”
- Epoxy’d Garage floor
- Purchased new golf cart
- Bought new car (traded in older vehicle)

What I have pending (estimates in, contractors hired, work to be completed between now and end of summer):
- Landscaping and brickwork
- Epoxy of birdcage
- Paint driveway and walkway
- Install glass insert to front door
- Paint entire interior of house / Install crown molding
- Replace kitchen and bathroom counters with quartz and replace all sinks with “drop-in” sinks / Also upgrade all faucets
- Install backsplash
- Install pantry “pull-outs” in all pantry shelves
- Install shelving in laundry closet
- Redesign and upgrade shelving in both bedroom closet.
- Custom frame all art work.

Still to do (probably fall of this year):
- Purchase storage cabinets for garage
- Buy new set of golf clubs
- Purchase E- Bike
- Install Pendant light fixtures along with ambient lighting in kitchen
- Replace cheap-looking sliding door blinds with some sort of upgrade
- Install a surge-protector

On-fence (not sure or not at this point):
- Install a lightning rod
- Install plantation shutters
- Rip out master shower and put in tile.
- Put in a “smart’ doorbell.
- Installing solar tubing in ceiling of both windowless bathrooms
- Upgrade ceiling fans
- Install a TV on wall in bedroom

I realize I’m doing a lot more than the average new buyer, but I really want to make this house “my own”.

Hopefully others will find my list of upgrades helpful, and something to consider when buying a home for the first time in The Villages.

I appreciate all the messages I receive, especially from those who are currently outside of The Villages, but are very interested in possibly making this your future retirement home.

Life is good here - but managing all these projects has been an almost full time job (but a fun one) - but hopefully all will settle down later this year.

Wow, that’s a lot. I’m sure you have out much thought as well as time and money into your upgrades. If I could make one suggestion it would be to get that surge protector put in sooner rather than later. With the lightning we get here in the summer it might be worthwhile to move that up on the list.

[PugMom]

@Micheal, as soon as you're done, let me know when you can get started on my place! :thumbup:

[Indydealmaker]

I would move lightning rods up on the list. Cheap insurance.

[Nana2Teddy]

Wow, that’s a lot. I’m sure you have out much thought as well as time and money into your upgrades. If I could make one suggestion it would be to get that surge protector put in sooner rather than later. With the lightning we get here in the summer it might be worthwhile to move that up on the list.
First thing I thought too when reading this list. You need the surge protector ASAP! Best of luck with all of your projects! We’ve been doing the same with our veranda home in DeLuna since closing in December. It’s been all consuming to say the least. 🤪

[Oneiric]

Hi—

I know I have some followers here who are interested in what a new buyer may do their home after moving in, so here is an update of my journey to date:

I’m moving right along with my home upgrades (purchased a brand new patio villa in December)

What I have already done:
- Purchased Washer/Dryer
- Purchased entire household of new furniture / TV
- Installed glass doors in Master Bathroom
- Installed NOVA water system
- Extended concrete patio area on side of home and added wrap-around Birdcage
- Added gutters, with two buried drains
- Ripped out rolled vinyl flooring and carpet and replaced with vinyl planking and upgraded floorboards to 5”
- Epoxy’d Garage floor
- Purchased new golf cart
- Bought new car (traded in older vehicle)

What I have pending (estimates in, contractors hired, work to be completed between now and end of summer):
- Landscaping and brickwork
- Epoxy of birdcage
- Paint driveway and walkway
- Install glass insert to front door
- Paint entire interior of house / Install crown molding
- Replace kitchen and bathroom counters with quartz and replace all sinks with “drop-in” sinks / Also upgrade all faucets
- Install backsplash
- Install pantry “pull-outs” in all pantry shelves
- Install shelving in laundry closet
- Redesign and upgrade shelving in both bedroom closet.
- Custom frame all art work.

Still to do (probably fall of this year):
- Purchase storage cabinets for garage
- Buy new set of golf clubs
- Purchase E- Bike
- Install Pendant light fixtures along with ambient lighting in kitchen
- Replace cheap-looking sliding door blinds with some sort of upgrade
- Install a surge-protector

On-fence (not sure or not at this point):
- Install a lightning rod
- Install plantation shutters
- Rip out master shower and put in tile.
- Put in a “smart’ doorbell.
- Installing solar tubing in ceiling of both windowless bathrooms
- Upgrade ceiling fans
- Install a TV on wall in bedroom

I realize I’m doing a lot more than the average new buyer, but I really want to make this house “my own”.

Hopefully others will find my list of upgrades helpful, and something to consider when buying a home for the first time in The Villages.

I appreciate all the messages I receive, especially from those who are currently outside of The Villages, but are very interested in possibly making this your future retirement home.

Life is good here - but managing all these projects has been an almost full time job (but a fun one) - but hopefully all will settle down later this year.

You will have spent a lot of time and money and have a very nice home. Are you willing to risk it going up in smoke by "being on the fence" with a lightning rod system living in Florida?
We put a lightning rod system/surge protector in our home very soon after closing.

[Rainger99]

First thing I thought too when reading this list. You need the surge protector ASAP!

That is two replies on surge protectors. Does anyone have numbers on how many homes are hit with surges each year?

Any suggestions on where to buy it and ballpark price?

[Bogie Shooter]

That is two replies on surge protectors. Does anyone have numbers on how many homes are hit with surges each year?

Any suggestions on where to buy it and ballpark price?

Buried deep in the 90 posts on this lightning thread is the data you seek.😀

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/weather-talk-515/lightning-strikes-villages-342082/

[Remembergoldenrule]

I would rethink shower tile. It would be better to get a solid service either stone or vinyl look alike because you will not have grout to clean. This is what they are putting in a lot of the new homes. Cleaning grout is not fun especially as you get older.

[Chrusan]

Michael it sounds like you are making an already cute villa your own. And crafting a lovely new life in TV. Would love to see the finished product as we are looking to purchase a similar home this fall. Maybe “The Newcomers” can do a tour showing all your upgrades. 😃

[Nell57]

#1. Surge protectors
Protect all of your other investments

[seecapecod]

Hi—

I know I have some followers here who are interested in what a new buyer may do their home after moving in, so here is an update of my journey to date:

I’m moving right along with my home upgrades (purchased a brand new patio villa in December)

What I have already done:
- Purchased Washer/Dryer
- Purchased entire household of new furniture / TV
- Installed glass doors in Master Bathroom
- Installed NOVA water system
- Extended concrete patio area on side of home and added wrap-around Birdcage
- Added gutters, with two buried drains
- Ripped out rolled vinyl flooring and carpet and replaced with vinyl planking and upgraded floorboards to 5”
- Epoxy’d Garage floor
- Purchased new golf cart
- Bought new car (traded in older vehicle)

What I have pending (estimates in, contractors hired, work to be completed between now and end of summer):
- Landscaping and brickwork
- Epoxy of birdcage
- Paint driveway and walkway
- Install glass insert to front door
- Paint entire interior of house / Install crown molding
- Replace kitchen and bathroom counters with quartz and replace all sinks with “drop-in” sinks / Also upgrade all faucets
- Install backsplash
- Install pantry “pull-outs” in all pantry shelves
- Install shelving in laundry closet
- Redesign and upgrade shelving in both bedroom closet.
- Custom frame all art work.

Still to do (probably fall of this year):
- Purchase storage cabinets for garage
- Buy new set of golf clubs
- Purchase E- Bike
- Install Pendant light fixtures along with ambient lighting in kitchen
- Replace cheap-looking sliding door blinds with some sort of upgrade
- Install a surge-protector

On-fence (not sure or not at this point):
- Install a lightning rod
- Install plantation shutters
- Rip out master shower and put in tile.
- Put in a “smart’ doorbell.
- Installing solar tubing in ceiling of both windowless bathrooms
- Upgrade ceiling fans
- Install a TV on wall in bedroom

I realize I’m doing a lot more than the average new buyer, but I really want to make this house “my own”.

Hopefully others will find my list of upgrades helpful, and something to consider when buying a home for the first time in The Villages.

I appreciate all the messages I receive, especially from those who are currently outside of The Villages, but are very interested in possibly making this your future retirement home.

Life is good here - but managing all these projects has been an almost full time job (but a fun one) - but hopefully all will settle down later this year.

Sad you have a brand new home and have to invest in exterior paint, upgrade floors that have barely been walked on, etc. the cookie cutter approach of new home construction now is a disappointment. I do hope your investment will be returned should you ever need or want to sell.

[sallyg]

South of 44 vibe: no stores, no shops, no restaurants, none planned, no land allocation planned for these either, turnpike noise off the chain, visible high power transmission lines everywhere you look....I'd stop with the renovations on the new home and move north villages
Not in Marsh Bend.

[LLJorgs]

Would be interested in the list of contractors you’ve used and whether you were happy with them afterward. We’ve put off doing projects because heard many sad stories from folks. Also interested in extending concrete. Thanks for all you share!

[Nana2Teddy]

Hi—

I know I have some followers here who are interested in what a new buyer may do their home after moving in, so here is an update of my journey to date:

I’m moving right along with my home upgrades (purchased a brand new patio villa in December)

What I have already done:
- Purchased Washer/Dryer
- Purchased entire household of new furniture / TV
- Installed glass doors in Master Bathroom
- Installed NOVA water system
- Extended concrete patio area on side of home and added wrap-around Birdcage
- Added gutters, with two buried drains
- Ripped out rolled vinyl flooring and carpet and replaced with vinyl planking and upgraded floorboards to 5”
- Epoxy’d Garage floor
- Purchased new golf cart
- Bought new car (traded in older vehicle)

What I have pending (estimates in, contractors hired, work to be completed between now and end of summer):
- Landscaping and brickwork
- Epoxy of birdcage
- Paint driveway and walkway
- Install glass insert to front door
- Paint entire interior of house / Install crown molding
- Replace kitchen and bathroom counters with quartz and replace all sinks with “drop-in” sinks / Also upgrade all faucets
- Install backsplash
- Install pantry “pull-outs” in all pantry shelves
- Install shelving in laundry closet
- Redesign and upgrade shelving in both bedroom closet.
- Custom frame all art work.

Still to do (probably fall of this year):
- Purchase storage cabinets for garage
- Buy new set of golf clubs
- Purchase E- Bike
- Install Pendant light fixtures along with ambient lighting in kitchen
- Replace cheap-looking sliding door blinds with some sort of upgrade
- Install a surge-protector

On-fence (not sure or not at this point):
- Install a lightning rod
- Install plantation shutters
- Rip out master shower and put in tile.
- Put in a “smart’ doorbell.
- Installing solar tubing in ceiling of both windowless bathrooms
- Upgrade ceiling fans
- Install a TV on wall in bedroom

I realize I’m doing a lot more than the average new buyer, but I really want to make this house “my own”.

Hopefully others will find my list of upgrades helpful, and something to consider when buying a home for the first time in The Villages.

I appreciate all the messages I receive, especially from those who are currently outside of The Villages, but are very interested in possibly making this your future retirement home.

Life is good here - but managing all these projects has been an almost full time job (but a fun one) - but hopefully all will settle down later this year.
Thanks for sharing! Your list is similar to ours in DeLuna. I hope you’re using Creative Finish Carpentry for crown moulding and painting. They did our whole house in one day. They do all kinds of moulding too, not just crown. They’re family owned with a huge crew, each with their own part to do, and they use real wood, not MDF. We’re so happy with the job they did for us, as well as many neighbors, and our villages agent who referred them to us. A very well oiled machine. 👍🏻

[Michael 61]

South of 44 vibe: no stores, no shops, no restaurants, none planned, no land allocation planned for these either, turnpike noise off the chain, visible high power transmission lines everywhere you look....I'd stop with the renovations on the new home and move north villages

Sounds like you live North, and are happy there - so I am happy for you. Did you not think I was aware of and checked out everything you mentioned before I bought? I am not a shopper, and dislike the crowded shopping areas up North. I don’t eat at chain and fast food restaurants, and am happy with FMK restaurants that I can either walk to or take an 8 minute golf cart ride to in Brownwood or 10 minute golf cart ride to Edna’s on the Green. Turnpike noise? - not an issue where I bought in northern Richmond. Power lines? - none visible around where I live in Richmond. I’m very happy where I live, just as you are apparently happy where you live - why can’t we both be happy and supportive of each other?

[Nana2Teddy]

I would rethink shower tile. It would be better to get a solid service either stone or vinyl look alike because you will not have grout to clean. This is what they are putting in a lot of the new homes. Cleaning grout is not fun especially as you get older.
Which newer homes? I have a new home in DeLuna and I have tiled showers in 2 of my 3 bathrooms. I would’ve loved a stone solid surface. The grout in the master shower is such a huge PITA that I’m looking for a cleaning service now.

[Michael 61]

Michael it sounds like you are making an already cute villa your own. And crafting a lovely new life in TV. Would love to see the finished product as we are looking to purchase a similar home this fall. Maybe “The Newcomers” can do a tour showing all your upgrades. 😃

I was already featured on an episode of the newcomers when I first moved here a few months ago - they mentioned they would like to come back and see my place after all my renovations, so stay tuned ….. 😀

[Stevekehoe]

South of 44 vibe: no stores, no shops, no restaurants, none planned, no land allocation planned for these either, turnpike noise off the chain, visible high power transmission lines everywhere you look....I'd stop with the renovations on the new home and move north villages

Totally agree! North villages may be older, but has everything.

[davephan]

Several additional things to consider:

Is the lawn and shrub irrigation system working properly? Oftentimes, too few zones and too few heads are originally installed. The irrigation controller might also be obsolete. I recommend replacing the old technology irrigation controller with a 12 or 16 zone Orbit B-Hyve system. You can find them at Lowe’s, Home Depot, and other sources. The Orbit B-Hyve controller is easily programmed and monitored from your cellphone from anywhere. The Orbit B-Hyve controller also automatically puts the system into automatic rain delay based on the forecast. Our Florida home had a lousy old technology irrigation controller, which I replaced right away.

Does your home have mostly LED lighting? Our Florida home had incandescent lighting with 21 incandescent only light dimmers. I replaced the light dimmers with Lutron Caseta light dimmers that can accept most lights, including incandescent and LED lights. I then replaced the incandescent lights with LED lights, which draw a fraction of the electricity.

I also replaced the obsolete mechanical timers for the outside lighting with Lutron Caseta dimmers or interrupter switches, depending if a neutral wire was available. The interrupter requires a neutral wire, the dimmer does not require the neutral wire. The Lutron Caseta switches can be controlled, monitored, and programmed with your cellphone from anywhere. The outdoor lights can be programmed to turn on at sunset and off at sunrise. They are programmed one time. The lights then follow the sunset and sunrise times perfectly throughout the year as the sunset and sunrise times change. It even follows the daylight savings time and standard time changes perfectly. The sunset and sunrise times are programmed to your zip code. That system totally automates your outdoor lighting.

Another thing is your security system. A security system is important! You never want to be in a situation where an intruder is in your house and attacking you as you are in bed, trying to wake up. You could be injured, tortured, or killed. An alarm system will alert you to the situation and most likely the intruder will run away. Intruders don’t want to be shot by armed homeowners, or arrested by the police. A good place to start is the Alarm System Store on the Internet. The DSC Neo system is a good security system. You can self monitor or have central station monitoring, or both. Security system companies like ADT are a total ripoff, charging you $30 to $40 a month for monitoring. ADT also locks you into a 3 year contract that automatically renews if you forget to cancel it. Good alarm monitoring should cost about $140 a year.

A whole house generator is also a very nice thing to have. We planned on having a generator in our Florida home before moving to Florida. We signed the contract for a 24 KW natural gas automatic starting whole house electric generator. It automatically starts with 30 seconds of a power outage. During hurricane Ian, our generator ran for 29 hours continuously, and powered everything in the house, including the two heat pump air conditioners. If you don’t have natural gas service, then you’ll need to have a large propane tank installed, which will add a few thousand dollars to the cost. Our generator took 10 months of waiting for the installation and cost about $14,000. You might be able to use a gasoline generator. But dealing with gasoline storage isn’t safe, and refilling your gasoline generator with 80 mph hurricane winds blowing debris around that could injure or kill you isn’t safe either. Gasoline generators are also targets for criminals to steal, unless you lock them In security cages.

Modern thermostats like the Ecobee is a good idea. You can control and monitor the thermostat with your cellphone from anywhere.

Camera systems are also a good idea. That builds on the them of knowing what’s going on at your home when you are away from your home.

Those automation and safety items will increase your peace of mind, save money in the long run, and increase your safety.

[mrf0151]

Well, you bought at the top of the market. You paid the highest bond amount for patio villas in the history of TV. Looks like you're putting a ton of money into this villa. Better keep it as your forever home because it will be pretty much impossible to ever get your money back.

[Owenmac]

[/B]Hi—

I know I have some followers here who are interested in what a new buyer may do their home after moving in, so here is an update of my journey to date:

I’m moving right along with my home upgrades (purchased a brand new patio villa in December)

What I have already done:
- Purchased Washer/Dryer
- Purchased entire household of new furniture / TV
- Installed glass doors in Master Bathroom
- Installed NOVA water system
- Extended concrete patio area on side of home and added wrap-around Birdcage
- Added gutters, with two buried drains
- Ripped out rolled vinyl flooring and carpet and replaced with vinyl planking and upgraded floorboards to 5”
- Epoxy’d Garage floor
- Purchased new golf cart
- Bought new car (traded in older vehicle)

What I have pending (estimates in, contractors hired, work to be completed between now and end of summer):
- Landscaping and brickwork
- Epoxy of birdcage
- Paint driveway and walkway
- Install glass insert to front door
- Paint entire interior of house / Install crown molding
- Replace kitchen and bathroom counters with quartz and replace all sinks with “drop-in” sinks / Also upgrade all faucets
- Install backsplash
- Install pantry “pull-outs” in all pantry shelves
- Install shelving in laundry closet
- Redesign and upgrade shelving in both bedroom closet.
- Custom frame all art work.

Still to do (probably fall of this year):
- Purchase storage cabinets for garage
- Buy new set of golf clubs
- Purchase E- Bike
- Install Pendant light fixtures along with ambient lighting in kitchen
- Replace cheap-looking sliding door blinds with some sort of upgrade
- Install a surge-protector

On-fence (not sure or not at this point):
- Install a lightning rod
- Install plantation shutters
- Rip out master shower and put in tile.
- Put in a “smart’ doorbell.
- Installing solar tubing in ceiling of both windowless bathrooms
- Upgrade ceiling fans
- Install a TV on wall in bedroom

I realize I’m doing a lot more than the average new buyer, but I really want to make this house “my own”.

Hopefully others will find my list of upgrades helpful, and something to consider when buying a home for the first time in The Villages.

I appreciate all the messages I receive, especially from those who are currently outside of The Villages, but are very interested in possibly making this your future retirement home.

Life is good here - but managing all these projects has been an almost full time job (but a fun one) - but hopefully all will settle down later this year.

Tile is out dated i would go with a solid surface like JETTASTONE SOLID SURFACE!!

[Jewelz]

Hi Michael – sounds like you ate having a wonderful time and living your best life!!!! We bought a 12 year old courtyard villa and are working on some renovations slowly and having a blast doing it. Thank you so much for your update… Make sure you have plenty of time to have fun!

[JRcorvette]

Hi—

I know I have some followers here who are interested in what a new buyer may do their home after moving in, so here is an update of my journey to date:

I’m moving right along with my home upgrades (purchased a brand new patio villa in December)

What I have already done:
- Purchased Washer/Dryer
- Purchased entire household of new furniture / TV
- Installed glass doors in Master Bathroom
- Installed NOVA water system
- Extended concrete patio area on side of home and added wrap-around Birdcage
- Added gutters, with two buried drains
- Ripped out rolled vinyl flooring and carpet and replaced with vinyl planking and upgraded floorboards to 5”
- Epoxy’d Garage floor
- Purchased new golf cart
- Bought new car (traded in older vehicle)

What I have pending (estimates in, contractors hired, work to be completed between now and end of summer):
- Landscaping and brickwork
- Epoxy of birdcage
- Paint driveway and walkway
- Install glass insert to front door
- Paint entire interior of house / Install crown molding
- Replace kitchen and bathroom counters with quartz and replace all sinks with “drop-in” sinks / Also upgrade all faucets
- Install backsplash
- Install pantry “pull-outs” in all pantry shelves
- Install shelving in laundry closet
- Redesign and upgrade shelving in both bedroom closet.
- Custom frame all art work.

Still to do (probably fall of this year):
- Purchase storage cabinets for garage
- Buy new set of golf clubs
- Purchase E- Bike
- Install Pendant light fixtures along with ambient lighting in kitchen
- Replace cheap-looking sliding door blinds with some sort of upgrade
- Install a surge-protector

On-fence (not sure or not at this point):
- Install a lightning rod
- Install plantation shutters
- Rip out master shower and put in tile.
- Put in a “smart’ doorbell.
- Installing solar tubing in ceiling of both windowless bathrooms
- Upgrade ceiling fans
- Install a TV on wall in bedroom

I realize I’m doing a lot more than the average new buyer, but I really want to make this house “my own”.

Hopefully others will find my list of upgrades helpful, and something to consider when buying a home for the first time in The Villages.

I appreciate all the messages I receive, especially from those who are currently outside of The Villages, but are very interested in possibly making this your future retirement home.

Life is good here - but managing all these projects has been an almost full time job (but a fun one) - but hopefully all will settle down later this year.

All good up-grades and most everyone does them. I would not spend the money on Solar Tubes in the bathrooms. With LED lighting you could leave the lights on 24/7 for 25 years and never spend that much money. Lighting rods is a toss up but it is quite expensive.

Good Luch…

[airstreamingypsy]

That is two replies on surge protectors. Does anyone have numbers on how many homes are hit with surges each year?

Any suggestions on where to buy it and ballpark price?

I do not, but my home which is the most important home to me, was hit. Took out a brand new big screen TV. I now have all electronics in UPSes, and rent a whole house surge protector from SECO.

[Wondering]

Who Cares!

[Bilyclub]

Lightning rods are one of those on the fence items. The problem comes when your insurance company wants a new roof installed after 10 years, the lightning stuff has to be removed before the new roof can be installed. Same problem with solar stuff.

[KsJayhawkers]

South of 44 vibe: no stores, no shops, no restaurants, none planned, no land allocation planned for these either, turnpike noise off the chain, visible high power transmission lines everywhere you look....I'd stop with the renovations on the new home and move north villages

Crawl out of your shell Skippy!!! Do you not read any of Wildwood's Zoning and Planning agenda minutes or the Southern Oaks Comprehensive Growth Plan??? I appreciate the stores being up north and prefer it that way. I am much happier living in the south and not having to deal with that rat race everyday or the noise from all of the traffic. If you ever come to visit us youngins' in the south, you will note we dont eat much at restaurants, we prefer to have BBQ's, block/driveway parties, pool parties, and many other social events with our neighbors. When we decide to eat out, there are plenty of choices all within a three mile radius for us to choose. We are happy you chose up north, it doesn't sound like you would 'vibe' with us southerners, but if you will excuse me, its time to head out for a 20 mile bike ride on our multi-modal paths...

[Regorp]

Hi—

I know I have some followers here who are interested in what a new buyer may do their home after moving in, so here is an update of my journey to date:

I’m moving right along with my home upgrades (purchased a brand new patio villa in December)

What I have already done:
- Purchased Washer/Dryer
- Purchased entire household of new furniture / TV
- Installed glass doors in Master Bathroom
- Installed NOVA water system
- Extended concrete patio area on side of home and added wrap-around Birdcage
- Added gutters, with two buried drains
- Ripped out rolled vinyl flooring and carpet and replaced with vinyl planking and upgraded floorboards to 5”
- Epoxy’d Garage floor
- Purchased new golf cart
- Bought new car (traded in older vehicle)

What I have pending (estimates in, contractors hired, work to be completed between now and end of summer):
- Landscaping and brickwork
- Epoxy of birdcage
- Paint driveway and walkway
- Install glass insert to front door
- Paint entire interior of house / Install crown molding
- Replace kitchen and bathroom counters with quartz and replace all sinks with “drop-in” sinks / Also upgrade all faucets
- Install backsplash
- Install pantry “pull-outs” in all pantry shelves
- Install shelving in laundry closet
- Redesign and upgrade shelving in both bedroom closet.
- Custom frame all art work.

Still to do (probably fall of this year):
- Purchase storage cabinets for garage
- Buy new set of golf clubs
- Purchase E- Bike
- Install Pendant light fixtures along with ambient lighting in kitchen
- Replace cheap-looking sliding door blinds with some sort of upgrade
- Install a surge-protector

On-fence (not sure or not at this point):
- Install a lightning rod
- Install plantation shutters
- Rip out master shower and put in tile.
- Put in a “smart’ doorbell.
- Installing solar tubing in ceiling of both windowless bathrooms
- Upgrade ceiling fans
- Install a TV on wall in bedroom

I realize I’m doing a lot more than the average new buyer, but I really want to make this house “my own”.

Hopefully others will find my list of upgrades helpful, and something to consider when buying a home for the first time in The Villages.

I appreciate all the messages I receive, especially from those who are currently outside of The Villages, but are very interested in possibly making this your future retirement home.

Life is good here - but managing all these projects has been an almost full time job (but a fun one) - but hopefully all will settle down later this year.

You must have w beon Powerball!!

[kendi]

South of 44 vibe: no stores, no shops, no restaurants, none planned, no land allocation planned for these either, turnpike noise off the chain, visible high power transmission lines everywhere you look....I'd stop with the renovations on the new home and move north villages

He’s not you.

[Txcottage]

We are contemplating a concrete pad addition/birdcage for a hot tub. Any recommendations?

[Carlsondm]

South of 44 vibe: no stores, no shops, no restaurants, none planned, no land allocation planned for these either, turnpike noise off the chain, visible high power transmission lines everywhere you look....I'd stop with the renovations on the new home and move north villages
The vibe is different south of 44. We are south of 44 and 91 and love it. Very little freeway noise because of the berms and buffer zones with paths and a wild feeling. We do have excellent restaurants, not as many as on 441..but they are excellent.

I am trying to find those visible high power transmission lines that “are everywhere you look”. Nope. Nada. Not here. Definitely an exaggerated statement. Please check your “facts”. Power lines may be an issue in some areas, but if they are visible, the buyer should be aware.

Our community of Linden/Linden Isle is fairly quiet with lots of walking, biking paths and low golf cart traffic. That will likely change when the new bridge and communities n of 91 plus Sawgrass are connected to us. The Villages is continually improving our services and we are quite pleased. We love this vibe and less traffic.

[Carlsondm]

Wow. You are doing much of what we are doing only super fast. We are moving at a Southern pace. You must enjoy managing projects and moving things along.
Our backgrounds and priorities are different, so you must be having fun with the responses. Florida is a top state for lightening strikes. We in central Florida experience high winds, tropical storms. I recommend a whole house surge protector to protect high tech appliances and computer equipment. Call around to electricians for prices. We bought ours from SECO for $350 four yr ago, but found cheaper installed prices later. I wanted it immediately. Also install point of use surge protectors inside your home on critical devices and outlets.
Do you have electric or gas appliances? Are they protected from lightning. A home in our area was hit near a gas line and burned quickly. Open concept has disadvantages. The rebuilders have chosen an electric home.
We are on the fence about lightning rods, unless they are on our neighbor’s home. : )
I have heard that TV installs them on their buildings but need to verify. If used, gas lines need to be considered. Perhaps a chat with fire experts could enlighten us.

[Carlsondm]

Crawl out of your shell Skippy!!! Do you not read any of Wildwood's Zoning and Planning agenda minutes or the Southern Oaks Comprehensive Growth Plan??? I appreciate the stores being up north and prefer it that way. I am much happier living in the south and not having to deal with that rat race everyday or the noise from all of the traffic. If you ever come to visit us youngins' in the south, you will note we dont eat much at restaurants, we prefer to have BBQ's, block/driveway parties, pool parties, and many other social events with our neighbors. When we decide to eat out, there are plenty of choices all within a three mile radius for us to choose. We are happy you chose up north, it doesn't sound like you would 'vibe' with us southerners, but if you will excuse me, its time to head out for a 20 mile bike ride on our multi-modal paths...
Love it. We’ll be over on our three wheelers. What should we bring? Cheers!

[Bgillam]

Thank you for the list. How do you go about finding contractors, painters, etc? What model patio villa do you have ?

[Bitsee]

Well, you bought at the top of the market. You paid the highest bond amount for patio villas in the history of TV. Looks like you're putting a ton of money into this villa. Better keep it as your forever home because it will be pretty much impossible to ever get your money back.

Agreed !

Question...Why on earth would you stick that much $$ into a Patio Villa which you will most likely grow out of in a few years ? And didn't you mention that you are located in the middle of a hotbed of
AirB&B's ? Yikes !

Just a thought..

Why don't you find a beautiful lot down there and build and
create a brand new Designer home model exactly to your specifications that will suit your high-end tastes ?

You would be much more satisfied and will definitely be able to permanently grow into that home much easier than a smaller Patio Villa .

Again....Just wondering..

[Karmanng]

Hi—

I know I have some followers here who are interested in what a new buyer may do their home after moving in, so here is an update of my journey to date:

I’m moving right along with my home upgrades (purchased a brand new patio villa in December)

What I have already done:
- Purchased Washer/Dryer
- Purchased entire household of new furniture / TV
- Installed glass doors in Master Bathroom
- Installed NOVA water system
- Extended concrete patio area on side of home and added wrap-around Birdcage
- Added gutters, with two buried drains
- Ripped out rolled vinyl flooring and carpet and replaced with vinyl planking and upgraded floorboards to 5”
- Epoxy’d Garage floor
- Purchased new golf cart
- Bought new car (traded in older vehicle)

What I have pending (estimates in, contractors hired, work to be completed between now and end of summer):
- Landscaping and brickwork
- Epoxy of birdcage
- Paint driveway and walkway
- Install glass insert to front door
- Paint entire interior of house / Install crown molding
- Replace kitchen and bathroom counters with quartz and replace all sinks with “drop-in” sinks / Also upgrade all faucets
- Install backsplash
- Install pantry “pull-outs” in all pantry shelves
- Install shelving in laundry closet
- Redesign and upgrade shelving in both bedroom closet.
- Custom frame all art work.

Still to do (probably fall of this year):
- Purchase storage cabinets for garage
- Buy new set of golf clubs
- Purchase E- Bike
- Install Pendant light fixtures along with ambient lighting in kitchen
- Replace cheap-looking sliding door blinds with some sort of upgrade
- Install a surge-protector

On-fence (not sure or not at this point):
- Install a lightning rod
- Install plantation shutters
- Rip out master shower and put in tile.
- Put in a “smart’ doorbell.
- Installing solar tubing in ceiling of both windowless bathrooms
- Upgrade ceiling fans
- Install a TV on wall in bedroom

I realize I’m doing a lot more than the average new buyer, but I really want to make this house “my own”.

Hopefully others will find my list of upgrades helpful, and something to consider when buying a home for the first time in The Villages.

I appreciate all the messages I receive, especially from those who are currently outside of The Villages, but are very interested in possibly making this your future retirement home.

Life is good here - but managing all these projects has been an almost full time job (but a fun one) - but hopefully all will settle down later this year.

I was thinking of some updating too to my place but I bought a resale at 3 years old..............do you care to share Some of these costs? and also who you used and were liking there work? you can email me cg517@hotmail.com thanks

[lvshworles]

Hello! I understand you were a previous resident of Las Vegas! I still own a home in Las Vegas, and presently a summer renter to decide if I want to move to TV!
I read your post! Can give me a ballpark figure as to what those “fun, full time projects” are going to cost you???
Debating new home vs. preowned!!! Any comments there??
Also, are you happy with the Village you had chosen???

[RCJ61]

Hi—

I know I have some followers here who are interested in what a new buyer may do their home after moving in, so here is an update of my journey to date:

I’m moving right along with my home upgrades (purchased a brand new patio villa in December)

What I have already done:
- Purchased Washer/Dryer
- Purchased entire household of new furniture / TV
- Installed glass doors in Master Bathroom
- Installed NOVA water system
- Extended concrete patio area on side of home and added wrap-around Birdcage
- Added gutters, with two buried drains
- Ripped out rolled vinyl flooring and carpet and replaced with vinyl planking and upgraded floorboards to 5”
- Epoxy’d Garage floor
- Purchased new golf cart
- Bought new car (traded in older vehicle)

What I have pending (estimates in, contractors hired, work to be completed between now and end of summer):
- Landscaping and brickwork
- Epoxy of birdcage
- Paint driveway and walkway
- Install glass insert to front door
- Paint entire interior of house / Install crown molding
- Replace kitchen and bathroom counters with quartz and replace all sinks with “drop-in” sinks / Also upgrade all faucets
- Install backsplash
- Install pantry “pull-outs” in all pantry shelves
- Install shelving in laundry closet
- Redesign and upgrade shelving in both bedroom closet.
- Custom frame all art work.

Still to do (probably fall of this year):
- Purchase storage cabinets for garage
- Buy new set of golf clubs
- Purchase E- Bike
- Install Pendant light fixtures along with ambient lighting in kitchen
- Replace cheap-looking sliding door blinds with some sort of upgrade
- Install a surge-protector

On-fence (not sure or not at this point):
- Install a lightning rod
- Install plantation shutters
- Rip out master shower and put in tile.
- Put in a “smart’ doorbell.
- Installing solar tubing in ceiling of both windowless bathrooms
- Upgrade ceiling fans
- Install a TV on wall in bedroom

I realize I’m doing a lot more than the average new buyer, but I really want to make this house “my own”.

Hopefully others will find my list of upgrades helpful, and something to consider when buying a home for the first time in The Villages.

I appreciate all the messages I receive, especially from those who are currently outside of The Villages, but are very interested in possibly making this your future retirement home.

Life is good here - but managing all these projects has been an almost full time job (but a fun one) - but hopefully all will settle down later this year.

What a great Thread. Except maybe the negative view of The southern areas. We just bought a new Designer home in Newell. We thought long and hard about the decision. We liked the newer area because it was less congested and more open. Kinda off the beaten path.
As for your list, we checked off a few of them ourselves.

- Purchased Washer/Dryer
- Purchased entire household of new furniture
- We had the driveway, walk, and Lani painted. (very Happy with that)

Our house came, with wood floors, Granite countertops.

We are not moving in full time till the end of the year. When we get there we plan on Painting the interior and doing crown moulding also.
Landscaping and a golf cart.

Good Luck with your List, it's quite a lot.

RCJ

[Gigi3000]

Hi—

I know I have some followers here who are interested in what a new buyer may do their home after moving in, so here is an update of my journey to date:

I’m moving right along with my home upgrades (purchased a brand new patio villa in December)

What I have already done:
- Purchased Washer/Dryer
- Purchased entire household of new furniture / TV
- Installed glass doors in Master Bathroom
- Installed NOVA water system
- Extended concrete patio area on side of home and added wrap-around Birdcage
- Added gutters, with two buried drains
- Ripped out rolled vinyl flooring and carpet and replaced with vinyl planking and upgraded floorboards to 5”
- Epoxy’d Garage floor
- Purchased new golf cart
- Bought new car (traded in older vehicle)

What I have pending (estimates in, contractors hired, work to be completed between now and end of summer):
- Landscaping and brickwork
- Epoxy of birdcage
- Paint driveway and walkway
- Install glass insert to front door
- Paint entire interior of house / Install crown molding
- Replace kitchen and bathroom counters with quartz and replace all sinks with “drop-in” sinks / Also upgrade all faucets
- Install backsplash
- Install pantry “pull-outs” in all pantry shelves
- Install shelving in laundry closet
- Redesign and upgrade shelving in both bedroom closet.
- Custom frame all art work.

Still to do (probably fall of this year):
- Purchase storage cabinets for garage
- Buy new set of golf clubs
- Purchase E- Bike
- Install Pendant light fixtures along with ambient lighting in kitchen
- Replace cheap-looking sliding door blinds with some sort of upgrade
- Install a surge-protector

On-fence (not sure or not at this point):
- Install a lightning rod
- Install plantation shutters
- Rip out master shower and put in tile.
- Put in a “smart’ doorbell.
- Installing solar tubing in ceiling of both windowless bathrooms
- Upgrade ceiling fans
- Install a TV on wall in bedroom

I realize I’m doing a lot more than the average new buyer, but I really want to make this house “my own”.

Hopefully others will find my list of upgrades helpful, and something to consider when buying a home for the first time in The Villages.

I appreciate all the messages I receive, especially from those who are currently outside of The Villages, but are very interested in possibly making this your future retirement home.

Life is good here - but managing all these projects has been an almost full time job (but a fun one) - but hopefully all will settle down later this year.

About the power surge installation, are you talking about the cords with plugs on them that protects TVs? or are you having to have an electrician install something? Also, you would still need a lighting rod after installing SP? I'm new to these things, obviously.

[Michael 61]

Thank you for the list. How do you go about finding contractors, painters, etc? What model patio villa do you have ?

For the most part, I have been happy with my contractors - I have used a combination of neighbor referrals / referrals from users here on TOTV / referrals from other contractors I already trust / review ratings from TOTV (home improvements tab) and Yelp reviews/ratings. I will usually interview three contractors for each job, and though I want to be thrifty with what I spend, I haven’t always just automatically used the cheapest contractor. For work like landscaping, cement staining, flooring, I want to see physical examples of the contractor’s work. I also need to be impressed with not jut their quality and cost, but their service as well (starting off by not returning phone messages or showing up late for an appointment, will usually want me to shy away from that contractor).

I have a Topaz model, corner lot.

[Michael 61]

Agreed !

Question...Why on earth would you stick that much $$ into a Patio Villa which you will most likely grow out of in a few years ? And didn't you mention that you are located in the middle of a hotbed of
AirB&B's ? Yikes !

Just a thought..

Why don't you find a beautiful lot down there and build and
create a brand new Designer home model exactly to your specifications that will suit your high-end tastes ?

You would be much more satisfied and will definitely be able to permanently grow into that home much easier than a smaller Patio Villa .

Again....Just wondering..

Thanks for responding. Curious as to why I will “most likely grow out of my home in a few years?”

[maistocars]

Totally agree! North villages may be older, but has everything.
True- well, er, except for those 10+ year old roofs that are uninsurable and need replacing on your dime. Or maybe the outdated house styles that likely need upgraded kitchens and baths......everyone likes where they live or they likely wouldn't have moved there.

[pikeselectric]

About the power surge installation, are you talking about the cords with plugs on them that protects TVs? or are you having to have an electrician install something? Also, you would still need a lighting rod after installing SP? I'm new to these things, obviously.

Hi Gigi, This is Casandra, with Pike's Electric. Just wanted to chime in on this if I may. Whole Home Surge Protection is considered a device installed at your electrical panel in the garage. You may have also been offered this from your power company (Duke, SECO, etc.) however they install a device on your meter outside. Individual (SAPS) Or Surge Arrestor Protectors, that plug into the wall locally, then you plug in your device (TV, Computer, Fridge, Etc.) will suppress a surge if for some reason it travels through the home's circuitry to that item. We have a lot of information on surges, what they are, and why it is so important to protect your home on our website here: https://pikeselectric.com/protection-from-power-surges/
Please let us know if you have further questions! - Casandra 352-748-6251

[Escape Artist]

Hi—

I know I have some followers here who are interested in what a new buyer may do their home after moving in, so here is an update of my journey to date:

I’m moving right along with my home upgrades (purchased a brand new patio villa in December)

What I have already done:
- Purchased Washer/Dryer
- Purchased entire household of new furniture / TV
- Installed glass doors in Master Bathroom
- Installed NOVA water system
- Extended concrete patio area on side of home and added wrap-around Birdcage
- Added gutters, with two buried drains
- Ripped out rolled vinyl flooring and carpet and replaced with vinyl planking and upgraded floorboards to 5”
- Epoxy’d Garage floor
- Purchased new golf cart
- Bought new car (traded in older vehicle)

What I have pending (estimates in, contractors hired, work to be completed between now and end of summer):
- Landscaping and brickwork
- Epoxy of birdcage
- Paint driveway and walkway
- Install glass insert to front door
- Paint entire interior of house / Install crown molding
- Replace kitchen and bathroom counters with quartz and replace all sinks with “drop-in” sinks / Also upgrade all faucets
- Install backsplash
- Install pantry “pull-outs” in all pantry shelves
- Install shelving in laundry closet
- Redesign and upgrade shelving in both bedroom closet.
- Custom frame all art work.

Still to do (probably fall of this year):
- Purchase storage cabinets for garage
- Buy new set of golf clubs
- Purchase E- Bike
- Install Pendant light fixtures along with ambient lighting in kitchen
- Replace cheap-looking sliding door blinds with some sort of upgrade
- Install a surge-protector

On-fence (not sure or not at this point):
- Install a lightning rod
- Install plantation shutters
- Rip out master shower and put in tile.
- Put in a “smart’ doorbell.
- Installing solar tubing in ceiling of both windowless bathrooms
- Upgrade ceiling fans
- Install a TV on wall in bedroom

I realize I’m doing a lot more than the average new buyer, but I really want to make this house “my own”.

Hopefully others will find my list of upgrades helpful, and something to consider when buying a home for the first time in The Villages.

I appreciate all the messages I receive, especially from those who are currently outside of The Villages, but are very interested in possibly making this your future retirement home.

Life is good here - but managing all these projects has been an almost full time job (but a fun one) - but hopefully all will settle down later this year.

As my late Irish father-in-law used to quip, “it’s well for some!”

[Toymeister]

I would get a light kit for the fan, then switch the LR and BR switched outlet to a switched fan light. It's an easy task, I've done it quite a few times.

All switch boxes in Richmond include a neutral wire which allow for more sophisticated light switches and timers.

[Marsha11]

WOW lots a bucks

[JOERILLA]

Mike...ignore the haters on here who judge from their keyboards or are jealous because they can't afford the improvements you have done....Its your house and you should be proud of it and what you have done. We are in Richmond as well and have done many of the things on your list. We also can't hear the turnpike or see power lines anywhere...despite what some posters here (who have never even ventured south of 466A let alone 44) would want people to believe!

[rsmurano]

OP, is that all you did? I did most of what you said you did and going to do and have done much more:
Added a new car, enclosed lanai with double pane windows, raised the lanai floor to match height of house and put the same tile down as the house, tiled front entrance, added new slab and birdcage, added a hot tub, automated whole house, changed all network wiring to actually be used for Ethernet instead of phones, ripped up bedroom carpet and put engineered wood floors down, had our master closet custom built with shelf’s up to the ceiling, made 1 bedroom into a craft room with custom cabinets along 1 wall, changed out wall switches to smart switches for motion and lighting.
This has turned out to be the most expensive brand new home remodel ever and still going!

[westernrider75]

That is two replies on surge protectors. Does anyone have numbers on how many homes are hit with surges each year?

Any suggestions on where to buy it and ballpark price?

We got ours through Pikes Electric, who is the original electrical contractor on our home. It was approximately $500.

[Chrusan]

I was already featured on an episode of the newcomers when I first moved here a few months ago - they mentioned they would like to come back and see my place after all my renovations, so stay tuned ….. 😀

I remember that video and that you promised to return when your home was done. Can’t wait! Continued health and happiness.

[westernrider75]

Several additional things to consider:

Is the lawn and shrub irrigation system working properly? Oftentimes, too few zones and too few heads are originally installed. The irrigation controller might also be obsolete. I recommend replacing the old technology irrigation controller with a 12 or 16 zone Orbit B-Hyve system. You can find them at Lowe’s, Home Depot, and other sources. The Orbit B-Hyve controller is easily programmed and monitored from your cellphone from anywhere. The Orbit B-Hyve controller also automatically puts the system into automatic rain delay based on the forecast. Our Florida home had a lousy old technology irrigation controller, which I replaced right away.

Does your home have mostly LED lighting? Our Florida home had incandescent lighting with 21 incandescent only light dimmers. I replaced the light dimmers with Lutron Caseta light dimmers that can accept most lights, including incandescent and LED lights. I then replaced the incandescent lights with LED lights, which draw a fraction of the electricity.

I also replaced the obsolete mechanical timers for the outside lighting with Lutron Caseta dimmers or interrupter switches, depending if a neutral wire was available. The interrupter requires a neutral wire, the dimmer does not require the neutral wire. The Lutron Caseta switches can be controlled, monitored, and programmed with your cellphone from anywhere. The outdoor lights can be programmed to turn on at sunset and off at sunrise. They are programmed one time. The lights then follow the sunset and sunrise times perfectly throughout the year as the sunset and sunrise times change. It even follows the daylight savings time and standard time changes perfectly. The sunset and sunrise times are programmed to your zip code. That system totally automates your outdoor lighting.

Another thing is your security system. A security system is important! You never want to be in a situation where an intruder is in your house and attacking you as you are in bed, trying to wake up. You could be injured, tortured, or killed. An alarm system will alert you to the situation and most likely the intruder will run away. Intruders don’t want to be shot by armed homeowners, or arrested by the police. A good place to start is the Alarm System Store on the Internet. The DSC Neo system is a good security system. You can self monitor or have central station monitoring, or both. Security system companies like ADT are a total ripoff, charging you $30 to $40 a month for monitoring. ADT also locks you into a 3 year contract that automatically renews if you forget to cancel it. Good alarm monitoring should cost about $140 a year.

A whole house generator is also a very nice thing to have. We planned on having a generator in our Florida home before moving to Florida. We signed the contract for a 24 KW natural gas automatic starting whole house electric generator. It automatically starts with 30 seconds of a power outage. During hurricane Ian, our generator ran for 29 hours continuously, and powered everything in the house, including the two heat pump air conditioners. If you don’t have natural gas service, then you’ll need to have a large propane tank installed, which will add a few thousand dollars to the cost. Our generator took 10 months of waiting for the installation and cost about $14,000. You might be able to use a gasoline generator. But dealing with gasoline storage isn’t safe, and refilling your gasoline generator with 80 mph hurricane winds blowing debris around that could injure or kill you isn’t safe either. Gasoline generators are also targets for criminals to steal, unless you lock them In security cages.

Modern thermostats like the Ecobee is a good idea. You can control and monitor the thermostat with your cellphone from anywhere.

Camera systems are also a good idea. That builds on the them of knowing what’s going on at your home when you are away from your home.

Those automation and safety items will increase your peace of mind, save money in the long run, and increase your safety.

Sounds like you have lots of high tech options going on but regarding the generator, you say it ran for 29 hours during hurricane Ian. We never even lost power, are you in The Villages?

[westernrider75]

All good up-grades and most everyone does them. I would not spend the money on Solar Tubes in the bathrooms. With LED lighting you could leave the lights on 24/7 for 25 years and never spend that much money. Lighting rods is a toss up but it is quite expensive.

Good Luch…

We absolutely love our solar tubes and they were very reasonable IMO.

From the posts I’ve seen, lightning rods are in the $1500 range, still on the fence about them and I wish State Farm would give a discount for installation but at this time they do not.

[pikeselectric]

I remember that video and that you promised to return when your home was done. Can’t wait! Continued health and happiness.

Hi Chrusan! We are happy you had this done with us. Our promotion is 10% OFF right now for surge protection installations. We are the lowest in the area, even before this promotion, for this product :MOJE_whot: - Casandra Pike's Electric 352-748-6251

[Jerry F2]

Hi—

I know I have some followers here who are interested in what a new buyer may do their home after moving in, so here is an update of my journey to date:

I’m moving right along with my home upgrades (purchased a brand new patio villa in December)

What I have already done:
- Purchased Washer/Dryer
- Purchased entire household of new furniture / TV
- Installed glass doors in Master Bathroom
- Installed NOVA water system
- Extended concrete patio area on side of home and added wrap-around Birdcage
- Added gutters, with two buried drains
- Ripped out rolled vinyl flooring and carpet and replaced with vinyl planking and upgraded floorboards to 5”
- Epoxy’d Garage floor
- Purchased new golf cart
- Bought new car (traded in older vehicle)

What I have pending (estimates in, contractors hired, work to be completed between now and end of summer):
- Landscaping and brickwork
- Epoxy of birdcage
- Paint driveway and walkway
- Install glass insert to front door
- Paint entire interior of house / Install crown molding
- Replace kitchen and bathroom counters with quartz and replace all sinks with “drop-in” sinks / Also upgrade all faucets
- Install backsplash
- Install pantry “pull-outs” in all pantry shelves
- Install shelving in laundry closet
- Redesign and upgrade shelving in both bedroom closet.
- Custom frame all art work.

Still to do (probably fall of this year):
- Purchase storage cabinets for garage
- Buy new set of golf clubs
- Purchase E- Bike
- Install Pendant light fixtures along with ambient lighting in kitchen
- Replace cheap-looking sliding door blinds with some sort of upgrade
- Install a surge-protector

On-fence (not sure or not at this point):
- Install a lightning rod
- Install plantation shutters
- Rip out master shower and put in tile.
- Put in a “smart’ doorbell.
- Installing solar tubing in ceiling of both windowless bathrooms
- Upgrade ceiling fans
- Install a TV on wall in bedroom

I realize I’m doing a lot more than the average new buyer, but I really want to make this house “my own”.

Hopefully others will find my list of upgrades helpful, and something to consider when buying a home for the first time in The Villages.

I appreciate all the messages I receive, especially from those who are currently outside of The Villages, but are very interested in possibly making this your future retirement home.

Life is good here - but managing all these projects has been an almost full time job (but a fun one) - but hopefully all will settle down later this year.

Watch Jerry & Linda "The Newcomers" Utube....The $400,000 dollar fixer upper

[GpaVader]

Sorry if this is a duplicate, I didn't read all of the postings... Your home is not a fixer upper. This is more like redecorating or upgrading your purchase. I bought a car, I want to put a better car stereo in. I want to put new wheels on.... The reality is that you don't have to fix anything you are making it more to your taste and getting all the bells and whistles on it you would have put on originally if you built it. That is not a Fixer-Upper.

[psjordan]

I usually just lurk here, but wanted to chime in on this one. We bought 18 months ago, and like (I'd guess) 99% of TV buyers after staying here and researching we had a list of what we wanted, including location, style/age of house, upgrades already done, amount of bond paid, etc.

I am not sure why posters here tend to question whether any OP went through the above thought process before buying? Do people really have dozens of new neighbors who say "darn, I wish I had thought of where the stores/power lines/noise/etc. were before I bought this house"? Or "holy cow, I did not realize the outstanding bond was THAT much"? Or for that matter - when doing upgrades - do people have neighbors who dislike their "setup" but decide to do a dozen upgrades anyways? Of COURSE you've thought this through and are happy enough to tackle your list with your current house.

Anyways, it's clear you have a home you love and wish to make it your own. After looking at dozens of houses, we were lucky to find pre-owned with the vast majority of what we wanted - but of course the remaining wish-list items we have since addressed added up to big bucks. But we knew that before we purchased.

If our neighborhood "vibe" did not match our desires, we would have been happy enough but would not have done further upgrades. But our neighborhood is great. Do we expect to "get our money back" on our upgrades should we decide to sell? Likely not, at least not a huge percent if we sell in the next five years. We DO however get enjoyment and use out of the improvements in the meantime, which is why we spent the money.

Your published experiences will help more than one reader. So thanks for posting.

Go for it, enjoy it, seems you enjoy the upgrade process and I hope you can sit back and enjoy the end results even more.

[wolfie]

We chose view first we looked in new and old areas, we did not like the new area, house were to close and the bond was high. we kept looking until we found the view, house is lantana, took out the center wall made all sliding doors now see the whole view, low taxes no bond, close to everything, best decision, we made

[Goinghiway]

I seldom reply, but really, buying a new house and immediately renovating?? Some people have too much money....And....doing it in the wrong spot....he could get the same house, closer to more amenities, established location, for have the price.....Good luck being closer to Eastport..

[Michael 61]

I usually just lurk here, but wanted to chime in on this one. We bought 18 months ago, and like (I'd guess) 99% of TV buyers after staying here and researching we had a list of what we wanted, including location, style/age of house, upgrades already done, amount of bond paid, etc.

I am not sure why posters here tend to question whether any OP went through the above thought process before buying? Do people really have dozens of new neighbors who say "darn, I wish I had thought of where the stores/power lines/noise/etc. were before I bought this house"? Or "holy cow, I did not realize the outstanding bond was THAT much"? Or for that matter - when doing upgrades - do people have neighbors who dislike their "setup" but decide to do a dozen upgrades anyways? Of COURSE you've thought this through and are happy enough to tackle your list with your current house.

Anyways, it's clear you have a home you love and wish to make it your own. After looking at dozens of houses, we were lucky to find pre-owned with the vast majority of what we wanted - but of course the remaining wish-list items we have since addressed added up to big bucks. But we knew that before we purchased.

If our neighborhood "vibe" did not match our desires, we would have been happy enough but would not have done further upgrades. But our neighborhood is great. Do we expect to "get our money back" on our upgrades should we decide to sell? Likely not, at least not a huge percent if we sell in the next five years. We DO however get enjoyment and use out of the improvements in the meantime, which is why we spent the money.

Your published experiences will help more than one reader. So thanks for posting.

Go for it, enjoy it, seems you enjoy the upgrade process and I hope you can sit back and enjoy the end results even more.Thank you for better articulating where I am coming from - you are spot on! I did a ton of homework and research prior to buying where I did. If I was unhappy with my home or location, I would not be doing the upgrades on my house. Sure, there are things I’d change (like maybe having less short-term rentals in my neighborhood), but I absolutely love where I live, and have begun to get close with many of my neighbors, who are now good friends. Honestly, thinking about resale and getting my money back on my upgrades is NOT my primary consideration. This is my retirement home. I worked long and hard (like most TV retirees) for many, many years, and I am now in the position where I can customize my home to my liking. I plan to stay put as long as I can where I’m at (I Know, I’ve heard the average villager moves three times). I just got through with a major down-size when I moved here, and I find having less “things” to be liberating and refreshing. The size of my villa is perfect for me - I can’t see myself wanting “more” house, and wanting to move in the future.

I’m just sharing my journey here, realizing everyone is different, and respecting and celebrating different decisions that others make. Hey, we’re all retired, so let’s enjoy ourselves and create homes where we will be happy.

[kingofbeer]

Hi—

I know I have some followers here who are interested in what a new buyer may do their home after moving in, so here is an update of my journey to date:

I’m moving right along with my home upgrades (purchased a brand new patio villa in December)

What I have already done:
- Purchased Washer/Dryer
- Purchased entire household of new furniture / TV
- Installed glass doors in Master Bathroom
- Installed NOVA water system
- Extended concrete patio area on side of home and added wrap-around Birdcage
- Added gutters, with two buried drains
- Ripped out rolled vinyl flooring and carpet and replaced with vinyl planking and upgraded floorboards to 5”
- Epoxy’d Garage floor
- Purchased new golf cart
- Bought new car (traded in older vehicle)

What I have pending (estimates in, contractors hired, work to be completed between now and end of summer):
- Landscaping and brickwork
- Epoxy of birdcage
- Paint driveway and walkway
- Install glass insert to front door
- Paint entire interior of house / Install crown molding
- Replace kitchen and bathroom counters with quartz and replace all sinks with “drop-in” sinks / Also upgrade all faucets
- Install backsplash
- Install pantry “pull-outs” in all pantry shelves
- Install shelving in laundry closet
- Redesign and upgrade shelving in both bedroom closet.
- Custom frame all art work.

Still to do (probably fall of this year):
- Purchase storage cabinets for garage
- Buy new set of golf clubs
- Purchase E- Bike
- Install Pendant light fixtures along with ambient lighting in kitchen
- Replace cheap-looking sliding door blinds with some sort of upgrade
- Install a surge-protector

On-fence (not sure or not at this point):
- Install a lightning rod
- Install plantation shutters
- Rip out master shower and put in tile.
- Put in a “smart’ doorbell.
- Installing solar tubing in ceiling of both windowless bathrooms
- Upgrade ceiling fans
- Install a TV on wall in bedroom

I realize I’m doing a lot more than the average new buyer, but I really want to make this house “my own”.

Hopefully others will find my list of upgrades helpful, and something to consider when buying a home for the first time in The Villages.

I appreciate all the messages I receive, especially from those who are currently outside of The Villages, but are very interested in possibly making this your future retirement home.

Life is good here - but managing all these projects has been an almost full time job (but a fun one) - but hopefully all will settle down later this year.
What does this have to do with the improvements in your home?
- Purchased new golf cart
- Bought new car (traded in older vehicle)
- Buy new set of golf clubs
- Purchase E- Bike

You purchased the home and now are adding in all these improvements to make yourself happy. Personally, I would buy a new home that already has the quartz and better flooring installed, so I don't have to deal with contractors and the mess.

[Michael 61]

What does this have to do with the improvements in your home?
- Purchased new golf cart
- Bought new car (traded in older vehicle)
- Buy new set of golf clubs
- Purchase E- Bike

You purchased the home and now are adding in all these improvements to make yourself happy. Personally, I would buy a new home that already has the quartz and better flooring installed, so I don't have to deal with contractors and the mess.

Hi- appreciate you taking the time out of your busy day to read and reply to my thread - Yeah, those few items are not House-specific, but I decided to include to be helpful to those outside of TV, to consider to add to their total over-all budget, if they fit their circumstances.

It took me six attempts to land a house in Richmond. Of course, I would have preferred to have had flooring and counters to match what I wanted, but that was not possible for me. One did not have the luxury of being selective and taking their their time to find the perfect home when new houses were selling in Richmond. Almost every new house sold within two hours of being listed. If I hadn’t been as fortunate to have landed my current home, I would not have been able to have secured a new home in Richmond, which is something I really wanted. I knew, I was going to have to budget for some contractor work as a compromise, and I was OK with that.

Sounds like, something you would not have done, so that’s OK. We all have different desires and wants when it comes to our own houses - no “one way’ is the right way - I’m very happy with my decision, and I am happy for you with the decisions you have made, though they may not be my own. 😀

[Nana2Teddy]

All good up-grades and most everyone does them. I would not spend the money on Solar Tubes in the bathrooms. With LED lighting you could leave the lights on 24/7 for 25 years and never spend that much money. Lighting rods is a toss up but it is quite expensive.

Good Luch…
We love our solar tubes in the bathroom that has no window, and the laundry room. There’s tax credits too when you have them install the solar night light with them.

[Nana2Teddy]

What a great Thread. Except maybe the negative view of The southern areas. We just bought a new Designer home in Newell. We thought long and hard about the decision. We liked the newer area because it was less congested and more open. Kinda off the beaten path.
As for your list, we checked off a few of them ourselves.

- Purchased Washer/Dryer
- Purchased entire household of new furniture
- We had the driveway, walk, and Lani painted. (very Happy with that)

Our house came, with wood floors, Granite countertops.

We are not moving in full time till the end of the year. When we get there we plan on Painting the interior and doing crown moulding also.
Landscaping and a golf cart.

Good Luck with your List, it's quite a lot.

RCJ
Wow, did the Villages just start using wood floors and granite? Neither were used just a few months ago in DeLuna, Richmond, and St Johns, the villages built just before Newell. They were doing wood-look tile and wood plank look vinyl flooring, but not real wood. And the counters were either laminate (Formica) or quartz, not granite. Interesting. I would’ve loved granite.

[Nana2Teddy]

Thanks for responding. Curious as to why I will “most likely grow out of my home in a few years?”
Yeah, that comment puzzled me too. There are some really grumpy, unhappy people here. 🙄

[Nana2Teddy]

Hi Gigi, This is Casandra, with Pike's Electric. Just wanted to chime in on this if I may. Whole Home Surge Protection is considered a device installed at your electrical panel in the garage. You may have also been offered this from your power company (Duke, SECO, etc.) however they install a device on your meter outside. Individual (SAPS) Or Surge Arrestor Protectors, that plug into the wall locally, then you plug in your device (TV, Computer, Fridge, Etc.) will suppress a surge if for some reason it travels through the home's circuitry to that item. We have a lot of information on surges, what they are, and why it is so important to protect your home on our website here: https://pikeselectric.com/protection-from-power-surges/
Please let us know if you have further questions! - Casandra 352-748-6251
Casandra, is the surge protector installed by SECO on our meter enough, or do we need the whole house one installed on the electrical panel too?

[Nana2Teddy]

Mike...ignore the haters on here who judge from their keyboards or are jealous because they can't afford the improvements you have done....It’s your house and you should be proud of it and what you have done. We are in Richmond as well and have done many of the things on your list. We also can't hear the turnpike or see power lines anywhere...despite what some posters here (who have never even ventured south of 466A let alone 44) would want people to believe!
Amen to this from a happy DeLunatic enjoying my brand new home. 😄

[Nana2Teddy]

OP, is that all you did? I did most of what you said you did and going to do and have done much more:
Added a new car, enclosed lanai with double pane windows, raised the lanai floor to match height of house and put the same tile down as the house, tiled front entrance, added new slab and birdcage, added a hot tub, automated whole house, changed all network wiring to actually be used for Ethernet instead of phones, ripped up bedroom carpet and put engineered wood floors down, had our master closet custom built with shelf’s up to the ceiling, made 1 bedroom into a craft room with custom cabinets along 1 wall, changed out wall switches to smart switches for motion and lighting.
This has turned out to be the most expensive brand new home remodel ever and still going!
Yep! Us too! Have spent the last 6 months improving our brand new DeLuna home, and loving every minute of it. Have several more projects upcoming.

[Nana2Teddy]

We absolutely love our solar tubes and they were very reasonable IMO.

From the posts I’ve seen, lightning rods are in the $1500 range, still on the fence about them and I wish State Farm would give a discount for installation but at this time they do not.
The lightning rods quotes are coming in at $2500+ from what I’ve been seeing on Facebook this week. This is with A-1 Lightning systems. I’ve read you have to be careful who you hire because they’re useless if not installed correctly.

[Nana2Teddy]

Thank you for better articulating where I am coming from - you are spot on! I did a ton of homework and research prior to buying where I did. If I was unhappy with my home or location, I would not be doing the upgrades on my house. Sure, there are things I’d change (like maybe having less short-term rentals in my neighborhood), but I absolutely love where I live, and have begun to get close with many of my neighbors, who are now good friends. Honestly, thinking about resale and getting my money back on my upgrades is NOT my primary consideration. This is my retirement home. I worked long and hard (like most TV retirees) for many, many years, and I am now in the position where I can customize my home to my liking. I plan to stay put as long as I can where I’m at (I Know, I’ve heard the average villager moves three times). I just got through with a major down-size when I moved here, and I find having less “things” to be liberating and refreshing. The size of my villa is perfect for me - I can’t see myself wanting “more” house, and wanting to move in the future.

I’m just sharing my journey here, realizing everyone is different, and respecting and celebrating different decisions that others make. Hey, we’re all retired, so let’s enjoy ourselves and create homes where we will be happy.
Perfectly said! I’m with you 100%! 👍🏻

[Laker14]

Michael, I have read many of your posts and watched your visit with Newcomers. I admire your enthusiasm and positive attitude. It's astonishing to me how often a positive post generates negative comments. My analysis is people are envious of your happiness and wish to shoot it down. Carry on with your plan. This is the time of your life to enjoy what you've worked for, so if you can swing it, do it.
Make it what you want, where you want it.
And, if you make some decisions along the way, that down the road you think, "hmm...wish I hadn't done that one..."...that's just life.

Enjoy the trip!

[Michael 61]

Thanks everyone for such positive and encouraging posts - you folks are a big part of why I am so happy here in TV - Besides the great, active lifestyle, it’s the people that make TV such a wonderful place to retire. I received some really good feedback a few months ago here from TOTV users, when I was considering leaving the forum over a few trolls and nay-sayers. I was advised to ignore this tiny, but vocal minority, and enjoy the helpful comments of the vast majority here. I joined TOTV one year ago next week (the one-year anniversary of my first lifestyle visit), and it has been an instrumental resource in helping me choose TV as my home, and has been a valuable aid in the buying of my home, relocating and moving from Colorado, getting set up with everything you need when you first buy a home, learning about all the amenities TV has to offer, and now working with contractors to customize my home.

Going forward, I am committed to helping others who are new to TV to become acclimated to our wonderful community as we continue to grow and prosper here.

The Villages keeps getting better each day!