Home improvements that aren't worth it

[Toymeister]

There are plenty of threads on upgrades that you should get on your new home. This isn't one of those threads.

Many of us bought a pre-owned home that we otherwise love but have upgrades that just aren't worth it.

My list includes:

Built in vacuum. While it is nice, it is I just don't use it that much as I thought I would. Even with a self storing hose. My wife doesn't vacuum much, she is indifferent.

Vented gas fireplace. It's nice for a few weeks this time of year but the cost could be better allocated elsewhere.

[asianthree]

Agree about the vacuum. Have robot that sweeps and mops. Don’t have to be home, and return to dock, charging, then resume vacuum and mop. Keep old vacuum to get dirt out of the multi track sliders

[ElDiabloJoe]

Agree with Central Vac. Disagree with fireplace because we like the ambience they give off when used.

I would put Crown Moulding on the list of useless upgrades. It makes a place look too formal, too "up north" and too "old people live here." Same with dark heavy furniture. I don't care how Thomasville, Ethan Allen, or custom it is, dark heavy furniture looks too "up north" too formal, and too "old people."

IMHO.

[tophcfa]

There are plenty of threads on upgrades that you should get on your new home. This isn't one of those threads.

Many of us bought a pre-owned home that we otherwise love but have upgrades that just aren't worth it.

My list includes:

Built in vacuum. While it is nice, it is I just don't use it that much as I thought I would. Even with a self storing hose. My wife doesn't vacuum much, she is indifferent.

Vented gas fireplace. It's nice for a few weeks this time of year but the cost could be better allocated elsewhere.

Agree on both, especially the central vac. Those are difficult/costly to install on finished construction unless you have an unfinished basement, which Villages homes do not. The ambiance of the vented gas fireplace eventually wears off and doesn’t justify the expense. Plus, for a much cheaper price you can get an outdoor propane fire pit to occasionally scratch the itch of sitting by a fire.

[Michael 61]

I would maybe add “storm doors” - Everyone had them back in Colorado, not sure how important they are here in Florida.

[mtdjed]

I would maybe add “storm doors” - Everyone had them back in Colorado, not sure how important they are here in Florida.

Screens on windows.

Palm Trees in Yards

Live oaks

[Normal]

Crown molding and painted driveways for me. What a waste. They wanted 10k when we built our house for crown throughout.

[shut the front door]

Agree with Central Vac. Disagree with fireplace because we like the ambience they give off when used.

I would put Crown Moulding on the list of useless upgrades. It makes a place look too formal, too "up north" and too "old people live here." Same with dark heavy furniture. I don't care how Thomasville, Ethan Allen, or custom it is, dark heavy furniture looks too "up north" too formal, and too "old people."

IMHO.

Totally agree. I also have never understood all of the antiques here. When I moved here, I wanted fresh, light, FL decor. I also did some antique dealing back home and after researching, I learned that antiques sell down here for 10 cents on the dollar because so many bring them here and there is no market for them. I did keep a couple of european bars and I stripped down and painted to make them FL friendly. I used to pop into estate sales now and then and it was just sad how many formerly nice antiques were donated becuase nobody buys them here.

[shut the front door]

Screens on windows.

Palm Trees in Yards

Live oaks

This is the time of year when many love to sleep with the windows open. You don't do that without screens.
I totally agree on the palm trees. I wish my neighbors would get rid of theirs.

[MrChip72]

Robot lawn mower. I think my neighbors paid over $2000.

My neighbors lawn looks like crap. It cuts too short and sometimes misses spots, but they supposedly can't leave it normal height like everyone else since St Augustine grass is too thick that it can get stuck so it runs every couple of days. So you have the 3 adjoining lawns all the same height but theirs is 2" shorter.

I pay $80/month and my lawn looks normal and they run a trimmer around my landscaping beds each time they cut.

[dhdallas]

All cosmetic upgrades. No matter what you do or how much you spend, your house will still be a cookie cutter copy of all the other houses & will still look pretty much the same as all the rest. You can put lipstick on a pig but it's still a pig.

[Randall55]

All cosmetic upgrades. No matter what you do or how much you spend, your house will still be a cookie cutter copy of all the other houses & will still look pretty much the same as all the rest. You can put lipstick on a pig but it's still a pig.As a contractor, I have learned homes with neutral colors sell quickly. Homes with different color walls in each room, different types of flooring, mismatched cabinetry, mismatched tiles, and wall paper are difficut to sell.

Several Interior designers have taught me this rule of thumb: bring color into a room through fabric, art work, and accessories. Always keep walls and flooring neutral and the same color throughout the home.

I agree with Palm Trees. They need constant maintenance.

[midiwiz]

Totally agree. I also have never understood all of the antiques here. When I moved here, I wanted fresh, light, FL decor. I also did some antique dealing back home and after researching, I learned that antiques sell down here for 10 cents on the dollar because so many bring them here and there is no market for them. I did keep a couple of european bars and I stripped down and painted to make them FL friendly. I used to pop into estate sales now and then and it was just sad how many formerly nice antiques were donated becuase nobody buys them here.

way too funny. 'fresh FL decor' really there's no such thing. That 'trend' was set by the Northeasterners from watching TV LOL. As for antiques, that's up to the buyer, I've known a lot of people that hunt them down for specific reasons (some that mystify me) but mostly becuase they are built better than new items.

[midiwiz]

Robot lawn mower. I think my neighbors paid over $2000.

My neighbors lawn looks like crap. It cuts too short and sometimes misses spots, but they supposedly can't leave it normal height like everyone else since St Augustine grass is too thick that it can get stuck so it runs every couple of days. So you have the 3 adjoining lawns all the same height but theirs is 2" shorter.

I pay $80/month and my lawn looks normal and they run a trimmer around my landscaping beds each time they cut.

then I guess they don't understand the lawn....

[midiwiz]

Crown molding and painted driveways for me. What a waste. They wanted 10k when we built our house for crown throughout.

crown is one thing, but the driveway that's different it's called protection.

[midiwiz]

There are plenty of threads on upgrades that you should get on your new home. This isn't one of those threads.

Many of us bought a pre-owned home that we otherwise love but have upgrades that just aren't worth it.

My list includes:

Built in vacuum. While it is nice, it is I just don't use it that much as I thought I would. Even with a self storing hose. My wife doesn't vacuum much, she is indifferent.

Vented gas fireplace. It's nice for a few weeks this time of year but the cost could be better allocated elsewhere.

who does that???

[Remembergoldenrule]

Stacked stone landscaping, granite countertops, murals on walls, swimming pools in backyards

[kendi]

Agree with Central Vac. Disagree with fireplace because we like the ambience they give off when used.

I would put Crown Moulding on the list of useless upgrades. It makes a place look too formal, too "up north" and too "old people live here." Same with dark heavy furniture. I don't care how Thomasville, Ethan Allen, or custom it is, dark heavy furniture looks too "up north" too formal, and too "old people."

IMHO.

When in Rome……

[paulajr]

I use my pool EVERY day all summer. I can have my coffee in the morning, cocktail in the evening, and know who has been in it..and how clean it is. When my pool was 86 degrees in the summer we took a temperature gun to the neighborhood pool…and it was 102 degrees. So totally disagree with that one.
Many of us actually cook here…so our upgraded kitchens are important!
So..the only one I agree with here is the murals!

Stacked stone landscaping, granite countertops, murals on walls, swimming pools in backyards

[kendi]

Totally agree. I also have never understood all of the antiques here. When I moved here, I wanted fresh, light, FL decor. I also did some antique dealing back home and after researching, I learned that antiques sell down here for 10 cents on the dollar because so many bring them here and there is no market for them. I did keep a couple of european bars and I stripped down and painted to make them FL friendly. I used to pop into estate sales now and then and it was just sad how many formerly nice antiques were donated becuase nobody buys them here.

Exactly why I look for furniture down here for our condo up North. Furniture from our previous house was too large for the new condo so needed smaller items. Found a beautiful table and chairs for kitchen and they all fit in our vehicle for transport.

[Nana2Teddy]

I use my pool EVERY day all summer. I can have my coffee in the morning, cocktail in the evening, and know who has been in it..and how clean it is. When my pool was 86 degrees in the summer we took a temperature gun to the neighborhood pool…and it was 102 degrees. So totally disagree with that one.
Many of us actually cook here…so our upgraded kitchens are important!
So..the only one I agree with here is the murals!
Agree about pools! This year was our first summer here, and we were very disappointed to find out the pools were too hot to enjoy in Aug/Sept. Not refreshing at all. We aren’t winter swimmers, so now our swimming season has become quite short. Would definitely have a pool built if we had a pool-sized lot.

[Nana2Teddy]

Crown molding and painted driveways for me. What a waste. They wanted 10k when we built our house for crown throughout.
Disagree about painted driveways if done tastefully with ARC approval. All of the painted driveways on my new-ish street look far better than the original driveways (including ours, which we will have painted eventually).

[TheWarriors]

It’s all relative to what you can afford.

[ChicagoNative]

Decorate and upgrade to what YOU like, not what some HGTV flavor-of-the-month trend says is “in”.

I got a kick out of “Fresh FL decor”. I think beachy-boaty themed homes in pastels are an absolute cliche, but to each their own.

[Papa_lecki]

Stacked stone landscaping, granite countertops, murals on walls, swimming pools in backyards

In The Villages, pools are a good upgrade.

Granite countertops are becoming dated, quartz is the trend now, although it will change. But an upgrade to the kitchen is a great vestment, the kitchen is the first thing you see when you walk into a house.

[garykoca427@gmail.com]

Crown molding, and painted driveways. I like screens on the windows to get fresh air in the house.

[MidWestIA]

Got with a painted driveway I would never pay for that BUT painted garage oh yah that's great

[Topspinmo]

crown is one thing, but the driveway that's different it's called protection.

Concrete don’t need no protection, now bricked driveway need fences :shrug:

[Topspinmo]

Granite countertops when nothing wrong with old ones. Tile floors, Loud, slick, and hard on bare feet.:cryin2:

[Topspinmo]

It’s all relative to what you can afford.


Or keep up with jones.:)

[Topspinmo]

Disagree about painted driveways if done tastefully with ARC approval. All of the painted driveways on my new-ish street look far better than the original driveways (including ours, which we will have painted eventually).

Love when some paint their driveways then won’t park on them or run security tape to keep vehicles off. Like they do with brick driveways. Like neighbors want put up with that.

[retiredguy123]

In terms of resale value, I don't think any upgrades are worth it because you will not recover the cost. If you are lucky, you will get back half of what you paid. I haven't done a single upgrade to my house. But when I sell it, I will price it correctly, and I think it will sell very quickly because it will be the lowest price in the neighborhood. In hindsight, I wish I had replaced the flooring before I moved in. Also, if you replace the flooring, I recommend using the same flooring throughout the house, and no carpet.

When you buy a house, make sure that it has a 2-car garage and a golf cart garage. That is something that is difficult to upgrade. There are some 3-bedroom houses in my neighborhood that have a 1.5-car garage. Those people are constantly juggling their vehicles.

[oldtimes]

Decorate and upgrade to what YOU like, not what some HGTV flavor-of-the-month trend says is “in”.

I got a kick out of “Fresh FL decor”. I think beachy-boaty themed homes in pastels are an absolute cliche, but to each their own.

Totally agree.

[dolphin]

Do it after much cheaper

[retiredguy123]

crown is one thing, but the driveway that's different it's called protection.
Protection from what? My bare concrete driveway and patios look as good as new.

[sallyg]

Tiny backyard "swimming" pools.

[mrf0151]

Agree about pools! This year was our first summer here, and we were very disappointed to find out the pools were too hot to enjoy in Aug/Sept. Not refreshing at all. We aren’t winter swimmers, so now our swimming season has become quite short. Would definitely have a pool built if we had a pool-sized lot.

When it comes to pools the things to consider are the expensive upkeep and when you go to sell the house, your size of potential buyers is much smaller as the majority of buyers do not want a home pool.

[JSR22]

When it comes to pools the things to consider are the expensive upkeep and when you go to sell the house, your size of potential buyers is much smaller as the majority of buyers do not want a home pool.

I would not live here without a pool in my yard. We only pay $135 a month for cleaning and chemicals. Not expensive. The demand for resale pool homes is very large. My home is not on the market and I have had offers.
I am very happy with the crown moulding no carpeting, paver driveway and walkway and our palm trees. I feel my house looks finished. I find the plain cement driveways to be an eyesore.

[Pennyt]

When we looked at homes in TV, we saw so many had not been updated. They looked old and tired. We quickly looked past those and eventually bought a new home that we added things to after the sale. We love our crown molding as it makes the living areas look finished. We put in closet organizer shelving and enclosed our lanai to make a sunroom for additional square footage. Haven't regretted any of that. Each year we do some kind of upgrade to our house to keep it current. Last year we took out all the carpeting and installed hardwood flooring so now all floors are hard surface. We've freshened our landscaping twice over the 12 years we've lived here. Not all the upgrades will increase the price of the house, BUT it will make our house more competitive in the marketplace. (I was a realtor for many years)

[Wondering]

I have had central vac with hide away hose since 2009 and love it. Four years ago I bought two robotic vacs because I have rescue dogs, I only have area rugs and use the robotic vac every other day and love them. I still use the central vac on occasion. I also have had a non vented propane fireplace since 2009 and love it on mornings like today to take the chill out of the air. I would do both again. That's my experience and I am a bachelor!

[Pat2015]

When it comes to pools the things to consider are the expensive upkeep and when you go to sell the house, your size of potential buyers is much smaller as the majority of buyers do not want a home pool.
There’s quite a few buyers that won’t buy a house here in FL that doesn’t have a pool, or at least room for a pool.

[Topspinmo]

There’s quite a few buyers that won’t buy a house here in FL that doesn’t have a pool, or at least room for a pool.


IMO To keep up with jones, majority I see that have pools are hardly ever in them. Besides some are just large bath tubes in sardine cramped homes. Sure the 15 % expect pool on their mansions.

[Topspinmo]

When we looked at homes in TV, we saw so many had not been updated. They looked old and tired. We quickly looked past those and eventually bought a new home that we added things to after the sale. We love our crown molding as it makes the living areas look finished. We put in closet organizer shelving and enclosed our lanai to make a sunroom for additional square footage. Haven't regretted any of that. Each year we do some kind of upgrade to our house to keep it current. Last year we took out all the carpeting and installed hardwood flooring so now all floors are hard surface. We've freshened our landscaping twice over the 12 years we've lived here. Not all the upgrades will increase the price of the house, BUT it will make our house more competitive in the marketplace. (I was a realtor for many years)

So you updated to keep updated…
Some people can’t stop updating or spending money…..:ohdear:

[ThirdOfFive]

Not precisely a house upgrade...but as vacuum cleaning is being discussed, any opinions on those "Roomba" robot floor cleaners?

[MSGirl]

Agree with Central Vac. Disagree with fireplace because we like the ambience they give off when used.

I would put Crown Moulding on the list of useless upgrades. It makes a place look too formal, too "up north" and too "old people live here." Same with dark heavy furniture. I don't care how Thomasville, Ethan Allen, or custom it is, dark heavy furniture looks too "up north" too formal, and too "old people."

IMHO.
I agree with the crown molding! It does say old folks live here! When my daughter was building her house, her designer advised her not to get crown molding! She said young folks want a more modern look.
Add to the list- painting your driveway. It wears over time and actually begins to age the house. Looks beautiful in the beginning- later not so much. Too much upkeep. Just power wash the driveway! It’s a driveway after all.

[Villagesgal]

Painted driveways look dated and terrible after a few years and need to be redone. What a waste of money. Painted garage floors are another waste of money. Nothing wrong with concrete. If a new buyer wants it, they can have it done to their taste. As far as interior flooring goes, same thing, you may love that shade of wood floor and buyers may hate it. Don't chase what you think buyers would like. Do renovations that you like and will enjoy otherwise you're just wasting your money.

[fdpaq0580]

Painted driveways look dated and terrible after a few years and need to be redone. What a waste of money. Painted garage floors are another waste of money. Nothing wrong with concrete. If a new buyer wants it, they can have it done to their taste. As far as interior flooring goes, same thing, you may love that shade of wood floor and buyers may hate it. Don't chase what you think buyers would like. Do renovations that you like and will enjoy otherwise you're just wasting your money.

Total agreement. Unless you are planning to flip the house, this is supposed to be your HOME. It should be what you want, not what others think you should or shouldn't have. The only one you need to please is you!

[coffeebean]

In The Villages, pools are a good upgrade.

Granite countertops are becoming dated, quartz is the trend now, although it will change. But an upgrade to the kitchen is a great vestment, the kitchen is the first thing you see when you walk into a house.

The kitchen is also the place that everyone hangs out when social gathering.

[coffeebean]

Love when some paint their driveways then won’t park on them or run security tape to keep vehicles off. Like they do with brick driveways. Like neighbors want put up with that.

Seems the taping off is just to let the driveway dry and cure. Do people in you neighborhood actually leave the security tape up all the time? Seems excessive; no?

[coffeebean]

I agree with the crown molding! It does say old folks live here! When my daughter was building her house, her designer advised her not to get crown molding! She said young folks want a more modern look.
Add to the list- painting your driveway. It wears over time and actually begins to age the house. Looks beautiful in the beginning- later not so much. Too much upkeep. Just power wash the driveway! It’s a driveway after all.

I agree about the crown molding. It not only screams "old folks live here" but, to me, also makes the rooms appear smaller and the ceilings not as high.

Regarding the plain concrete driveways......I much prefer pavers which appear "richer" to me than painted driveways. But.....that is just my opinion.

[Nana2Teddy]

Love when some paint their driveways then won’t park on them or run security tape to keep vehicles off. Like they do with brick driveways. Like neighbors want put up with that.
Hasn’t happened on my street yet. Everyone parks in their garage, including us.

[patfla06]

I would not live here without a pool in my yard. We only pay $135 a month for cleaning and chemicals. Not expensive. The demand for resale pool homes is very large. My home is not on the market and I have had offers.
I am very happy with the crown moulding no carpeting, paver driveway and walkway and our palm trees. I feel my house looks finished. I find the plain cement driveways to be an eyesore.

We had a large pool, hot tub and outdoor kitchen in our Tampa house for
17 years. Now we no longer want any of those things. Too much responsibility
and been there done that!

[patfla06]

When we looked at homes in TV, we saw so many had not been updated. They looked old and tired. We quickly looked past those and eventually bought a new home that we added things to after the sale. We love our crown molding as it makes the living areas look finished. We put in closet organizer shelving and enclosed our lanai to make a sunroom for additional square footage. Haven't regretted any of that. Each year we do some kind of upgrade to our house to keep it current. Last year we took out all the carpeting and installed hardwood flooring so now all floors are hard surface. We've freshened our landscaping twice over the 12 years we've lived here. Not all the upgrades will increase the price of the house, BUT it will make our house more competitive in the marketplace. (I was a realtor for many years)

I think we are the last people in T.V. that still have and LOVE carpet.

[2luke2]

I would agree with crown molding, different color in every room, flower/beach/etc patterns on everything. Though I would also say that all these are personal preferences for each of us.

However I would disagree with the pool/spa comment on two angles, it's definitely worth it as homes with pools sell and rent for a lot more here. We used ours almost every day, even when we aren't in it we are watching the water falls from inside our offices. We even use the spa during the colder days after a quick heating. So again, I guess it boils down to personal preference. My wife is a chemist and actually likes the challenge to keep the pool perfect haha! So we haven't paid for much in regards to maintenance that we weren't happy to pay for the benefits it affords us.

So like most everything, to each their own, I try not to judge, though we all have our own opinions. The difference between most, is that some just like to try and push theirs on others. ;)

[Packer Fan]

In terms of resale value, I don't think any upgrades are worth it because you will not recover the cost. If you are lucky, you will get back half of what you paid. I haven't done a single upgrade to my house. But when I sell it, I will price it correctly, and I think it will sell very quickly because it will be the lowest price in the neighborhood. In hindsight, I wish I had replaced the flooring before I moved in. Also, if you replace the flooring, I recommend using the same flooring throughout the house, and no carpet.

When you buy a house, make sure that it has a 2-car garage and a golf cart garage. That is something that is difficult to upgrade. There are some 3-bedroom houses in my neighborhood that have a 1.5-car garage. Those people are constantly juggling their vehicles.


I agree with same flooring through most of the house - not tile - Vinyl plank. However, the master should be carpet. Nobody likes stepping onto a cold floor. I have 2 rental homes in TV, and allmost all my renters have commented they like the carpet in the master bedroom. Tile is very hard on old knees, but LVP is softer. I would never buy a house with hard floors in the master bedroom. Sorry.

[jimjamuser]

Crown molding, and painted driveways. I like screens on the windows to get fresh air in the house.
I think that you only get FRESH AIR in through the open windows for a few hours after a rain. Other times you are better off with the air circulated through the A/C's filters. The outside air from the close by streets contains CO and CO2 from the noisy gas (non - catalytic convertered, non-mufflered exhaust. So it is NOT "fresh air". And the air often contains pollen.

[jimjamuser]

I agree with same flooring through most of the house - not tile - Vinyl plank. However, the master should be carpet. Nobody likes stepping onto a cold floor. I have 2 rental homes in TV, and allmost all my renters have commented they like the carpet in the master bedroom. Tile is very hard on old knees, but LVP is softer. I would never buy a house with hard floors in the master bedroom. Sorry.
I prefer wearing slippers or sandals to having dirt catching wall to wall rugs in the bedroom. I prefer wood in the main bedroom.

[Packer Fan]

There’s quite a few buyers that won’t buy a house here in FL that doesn’t have a pool, or at least room for a pool.

I have 2 pools within walking distance of my house that I can meet nice people at. Why anyone has their own in TV is beyond me - you never see anyone in them. The people who claim they are cooler - do you have a chiller? We love the pools in the summer. We didn't have to pay $80K for one and we don't have to pay upkeep.

[JSR22]

I have 2 pools within walking distance of my house that I can meet nice people at. Why anyone has their own in TV is beyond me - you never see anyone in them. The people who claim they are cooler - do you have a chiller? We love the pools in the summer. We didn't have to pay $80K for one and we don't have to pay upkeep.

I would not live here without a pool. Our pool is used daily. There is nothing like jumping into the pool in the morning and floating n the pool in the evening looking up at the stars. Worth every dollar we paid.

[jimjamuser]

I have 2 pools within walking distance of my house that I can meet nice people at. Why anyone has their own in TV is beyond me - you never see anyone in them. The people who claim they are cooler - do you have a chiller? We love the pools in the summer. We didn't have to pay $80K for one and we don't have to pay upkeep.
I agree an individual pool is like throwing money away.

[Topspinmo]

Hasn’t happened on my street yet. Everyone parks in their garage, including us.

I surprised they can get vehicle in garage. Most garages full of junk and vehicles has to park in driveway and street. ;)

[Topspinmo]

I think we are the last people in T.V. that still have and LOVE carpet.

I like carpet cause easy to walk on and muffles noise.

[jebartle]

I would not live here without a pool in my yard. We only pay $135 a month for cleaning and chemicals. Not expensive. The demand for resale pool homes is very large. My home is not on the market and I have had offers.
I am very happy with the crown moulding no carpeting, paver driveway and walkway and our palm trees. I feel my house looks finished. I find the plain cement driveways to be an eyesore.

Different strokes for different folks, that's what makes the world go round. Regarding pools, I'm sure we have all had pools in our past, i love my pool peeps, and two so close, warm water in winter, cool in summer and maintenance (kinda, not counting VCDD) free.

[asianthree]

I live within 5 minutes of 5 pools, yet have our own. Like the privacy, read a book without listening to multiple conversations by those in person, and on their phones. I know chemical balance is perfect, and no worries of someones, perfume, lotion, sunscreen, and so on.

[qywc3bbb]

Definitely agree with swimming pools. I see all these swimming pools in private homes and nobody is using them! What a waste of money. With all the neighborhood pools available and with the little time one spends at them…not worth it!

[Chi-Town]

Definitely agree with swimming pools. I see all these swimming pools in private homes and nobody is using them! What a waste of money. With all the neighborhood pools available and with the little time one spends at them…not worth it!

Private water view.

[qywc3bbb]

Painted driveways need to be clear coated every other year to remain fresh otherwise they will fade. I love mine

[Tom1916]

I agree about the crown molding. It not only screams "old folks live here" but, to me, also makes the rooms appear smaller and the ceilings not as high.

Regarding the plain concrete driveways......I much prefer pavers which appear "richer" to me than painted driveways. But.....that is just my opinion.

Who do you think buys homes in the Villages? OLD PEOPLE !!!:22yikes:

[asianthree]

Who do you think buys homes in the Villages? OLD PEOPLE !!!:22yikes:

Tell that to the 28 and 32yo that bought one of our houses. Two of our own will be buying soon mid forties.

[HandyGrandpap]

what about wallPaper?? how about a nice floral design?

[skippy05]

Avoid buying solar tube skylights. All give off a bluish tinted light that looks like a Motel 6 parking lot.

[GizmoWhiskers]

Just a squirrel observation, but based on the 5 pages so far to this thread could it be deduced that the averages of posters claiming to have and prefer private pools just might run parallel with threads on outsiders using T V pools.

I wonder if the same amount of posters who say "who cares if people without visitor passes use the pools in T V" equals the same number of posters indicating private home pools are much better than T V pools?

If memory serves me in most cases original purchasers of home pools do not recoop that entire cost. I suppose though, T V is an anomoly when it comes to the value of everything; pools, painted driveways, rock walls included.

[BrianL99]

what about wallPaper?? how about a nice floral design?

Goes well with Chintz furniture and a grandfather clock.

[BrianL99]

Just a squirrel observation, but based on the 5 pages so far to this thread could it be deduced that the averages of posters claiming to have and prefer private pools just might run parallel with threads on outsiders using T V pools.

...

If memory serves me in most cases original purchasers of home pools do not recoop that entire cost. I suppose though, T V is an anomoly when it comes to the value of everything; pools, painted driveways, rock walls included.

I've had a pool in 2 of my Florida homes ... never again! Biggest PITA on earth. I wouldn't buy a home with a pool again, if it was the only house available in the USA.

The FL market has been moving away from private pools for years, but as you noted TV is an anomaly when it comes to most everything. Based on the #'s I've heard for pool construction costs in TV, I don't think there's any way folks are going to get their money back on that investment.

[JSR22]

I've had a pool in 2 of my Florida homes ... never again! Biggest PITA on earth. I wouldn't buy a home with a pool again, if it was the only house available in the USA.

The FL market has been moving away from private pools for years, but as you noted TV is an anomaly when it comes to most everything. Based on the #'s I've heard for pool construction costs in TV, I don't think there's any way folks are going to get their money back on that investment.

Not looking to get money back on my pool. We enjoy the pool daily and would do it again.

[Pat2015]

Definitely agree with swimming pools. I see all these swimming pools in private homes and nobody is using them! What a waste of money. With all the neighborhood pools available and with the little time one spends at them…not worth it!
Not worth it to you to have a pool, but there are many buyers who will only buy a house that has one, or has room for one. Personal preference.

[Fastskiguy]

I could see having a pool if I was into swimming. It's convenient and you know who has been peeing in it.

Joe

[ThirdOfFive]

I think we are the last people in T.V. that still have and LOVE carpet.
There is a very good reason that so many homes in TV have non-carpeted floors. Older folks sometimes suffer from urinary incontinence and there is nothing like a nice fluffy carpet for absorbing and holding odors. We've gone to more than one estate sale where the urine smell in the common rooms was pretty noticeable.

Were I a new buyer here, I'd be VERY leery about buying a resale that has carpeting. Even if it looks and smells OK all that may mean is that the carpets had been cleaned before it was put on the market. A month or two later could reveal some very unpleasant surprises to the new owner.

[shut the front door]

I would not live here without a pool. Our pool is used daily. There is nothing like jumping into the pool in the morning and floating n the pool in the evening looking up at the stars. Worth every dollar we paid.

Exactly. Some don't understand that a pool underneath a birdcage does stay cooler than the neighborhood pools that are not. I went to a neighborhood pool 1 time in the last 10 years. Within a half hour, I'd been stung by a wasp and had to watch a 300 pounder with a depends under a skimpy bathing suit jump in. I'll pass. My pool is private and I can watch football on TV while floating on my actual raft with a cold beer.

[coconutmama]

I live within 5 minutes of 5 pools, yet have our own. Like the privacy, read a book without listening to multiple conversations by those in person, and on their phones. I know chemical balance is perfect, and no worries of someones, perfume, lotion, sunscreen, and so on.

Same for us. During the height of Covid, & the rec pools were closed, we still had ours to use.

Plus I love reading the paper or a book & enjoying the sound of the waterfall.

When we entertain at night everyone comments on the pool’s colored lights & soothing sounds.

During the summer, after golf or gardening, nothing beats jumping into our own pool

[Foristell10]

The value of most upgrades depends on who wants them. We have a central vac that we had installed when we built the home. We think its great. The big advantage is for people with allergies. This is our second home with a central vac. We notice a significant difference.

[midiwiz]

Concrete don’t need no protection, now bricked driveway need fences :shrug:

it doesn't??? that's just too funny.

[coffeebean]

Who do you think buys homes in the Villages? OLD PEOPLE !!!:22yikes:

Yes, I'm aware old folks purchase in The Villages. I'm one of them. Having said that, I prefer a home that has a younger vibe to it. That includes clean lines at the ceilings......hence, no crown molding. That is just my opinion. Happy for those who love crown molding and have it in their homes.

[coffeebean]

what about wallPaper?? how about a nice floral design?

There ya go. Reminds me of my childhood home.

[Michael 61]

Yes, I'm aware old folks purchase in The Villages. I'm one of them. Having said that, I prefer a home that has a younger vibe to it. That includes clean lines at the ceilings......hence, no crown molding. That is just my opinion. Happy for those who love crown molding and have it in their homes.

I just completed quite a few upgrades to my new home, and several people recommended I install crown molding - glad now I didn’t. I have a minimalist /modern decor, and I like the “clean”, “straight lines”. Crown molding would have clashed in my modern looking home - but I enjoy crown molding in remodeled, older homes, where it fits in with the architectural design of the home.

[coffeebean]

what about wallPaper?? how about a nice floral design?

There ya go. Reminds me of my childhood home. LOL.

[coffeebean]

Goes well with Chintz furniture and a grandfather clock.

And.......plastic slip covers on the sofa.

[coffeebean]

I could see having a pool if I was into swimming. It's convenient and you know who has been peeing in it.

Joe

If you were into swimming, you still wouldn't want a back yard pool. How many laps can you swim in a backyard pool.......maybe 2 1/2? Backyard pools are not meant for swimming. Bobbing in a floating device with a cocktail in hand.....now that's a different ballgame. THAT I could go for. LOL.

[Patents111]

While I might not want a pool, I certainly would consider a swim spa. Just float or get some swimming exercise.

[ElDiabloJoe]

While I might not want a pool, I certainly would consider a swim spa. Just float or get some swimming exercise.

I have heard those referred to as "spools" for Spa-pools.

[retiredguy123]

it doesn't??? that's just too funny.
What's funny? If you paint a concrete driveway, you need to protect the paint with a sealer, and then reseal it every few years or so. But, bare concrete needs no paint or protection.

[fdpaq0580]

If you were into swimming, you still wouldn't want a back yard pool. How many laps can you swim in a backyard pool.......maybe 2 1/2? Backyard pools are not meant for swimming. Bobbing in a floating device with a cocktail in hand.....now that's a different ballgame. THAT I could go for. LOL.

I swim laps in our backyard pool. Lots of reversals, but 6/7 strokes each for 30 minutes is a good workout for me. Also do other exercises that are done in place. When exercises are done sit under the falls and let tne water massage relax those muscles. Then, we float, read and relax.
And, just because we aren't seen as one passes by doesn't mean we don't use it.

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

Definitely agree with swimming pools. I see all these swimming pools in private homes and nobody is using them! What a waste of money. With all the neighborhood pools available and with the little time one spends at them…not worth it! To Who??? You ??? The people who have them think it’s worth it .

[Topspinmo]

If you were into swimming, you still wouldn't want a back yard pool. How many laps can you swim in a backyard pool.......maybe 2 1/2? Backyard pools are not meant for swimming. Bobbing in a floating device with a cocktail in hand.....now that's a different ballgame. THAT I could go for. LOL.

I was into swimming would get one of these, don’t have dig no holes. :jester:

Aruba Swim Spa Hot Tub (https://www.integrityspas.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=ARUBA_SPA&Click=4&utm_source=googlebase&utm_medium=shoppingengine&gad_source=4&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIgM_7tZrsggMVLJ1aBR0j9gm6EAQYGyAB EgIfQPD_BwE)

[Topspinmo]

Tell that to the 28 and 32yo that bought one of our houses. Two of our own will be buying soon mid forties.


.5%.

[Topspinmo]

I think that you only get FRESH AIR in through the open windows for a few hours after a rain. Other times you are better off with the air circulated through the A/C's filters. The outside air from the close by streets contains CO and CO2 from the noisy gas (non - catalytic convertered, non-mufflered exhaust. So it is NOT "fresh air". And the air often contains pollen.

So, can you show test results or you just blowing smoke?

[md5wl]

I think it’s personal preference. While I wouldn’t have a central vac I like cosmetic upgrades such as crown moulding and nice landscaping. Some people do go overboard though. I just like what I like and put certain things in for me, not to increase the value of the home.

[Nana2Teddy]

I surprised they can get vehicle in garage. Most garages full of junk and vehicles has to park in driveway and street. ;)
We’re a fairly new village (DeLuna) and most homes have 2 car + golf cart garages, and lots of newbies, including us, cleaned out their junk before moving here so we all came with minimum stuff. We’ve been here a year and still have empty cupboards and closets even though we’re completely unpacked, and we don’t need to use our attic. We also have just one car and one cart, but looking at getting a 2nd cart eventually.

[jimjamuser]

What's funny? If you paint a concrete driveway, you need to protect the paint with a sealer, and then reseal it every few years or so. But, bare concrete needs no paint or protection.
My Grandfather was a supervisor of 3 shifts of painters in a large steel mill. He often stated, "NEVER paint concrete"!

[frayedends]

Glad I read this thread, having recently bought a new home in Lake Denham. I was on the fence on driveway painting. I like the look but don't want to deal with it once it starts chipping.

Regarding pools that's definitely a personal opinion. I put in a pool up here in Massachusetts. I love love love it. I only have a few months of pool weather and even then, few days we can actually be in the pool. But we love the ambiance of sitting around the pool in summer evenings. We love the look of the pool in the yard, sipping a cocktail in the pool with friends. Those are things you aren't doing at the neighborhood pools.

Regarding upkeep costs, with our salt water generator I haven't spent more than $100/year on chemicals. It's as easy as can be. With a birdcage we won't even need to vacuum it or skim it that much. Once I'm down there full time I will be putting a lot of $$ into a pool.

I guess for this thread it all depends on if you are talking about upgrades that make you happy or upgrades that will make you money on a resale. These are completely exclusive issues.

[villagetinker]

Glad I read this thread, having recently bought a new home in Lake Denham. I was on the fence on driveway painting. I like the look but don't want to deal with it once it starts chipping.

Regarding pools that's definitely a personal opinion. I put in a pool up here in Massachusetts. I love love love it. I only have a few months of pool weather and even then, few days we can actually be in the pool. But we love the ambiance of sitting around the pool in summer evenings. We love the look of the pool in the yard, sipping a cocktail in the pool with friends. Those are things you aren't doing at the neighborhood pools.

Regarding upkeep costs, with our salt water generator I haven't spent more than $100/year on chemicals. It's as easy as can be. With a birdcage we won't even need to vacuum it or skim it that much. Once I'm down there full time I will be putting a lot of $$ into a pool.

I guess for this thread it all depends on if you are talking about upgrades that make you happy or upgrades that will make you money on a resale. These are completely exclusive issues.

There are special "paints" actually more of a stain that are made for concrete. We had ours done over 8 years ago, NEVER sealed, and it still looks great. The coating has not failed, any chips were due to the concrete failing. The reason we did the "painting" was due to the staining for the driveway from the rain coming off the roof. You have to use the correct products. Feel free to send a PM if you would like more info.

[coffeebean]

While I might not want a pool, I certainly would consider a swim spa. Just float or get some swimming exercise.

I just looked that up. THAT would be wonderful in a back yard if one likes to swim. What a great idea!

[jimjamuser]

I think it’s personal preference. While I wouldn’t have a central vac I like cosmetic upgrades such as crown moulding and nice landscaping. Some people do go overboard though. I just like what I like and put certain things in for me, not to increase the value of the home.
I like nice landscaping. But, I NEVER use the automatic dishwasher.

[tophcfa]

If you were into swimming, you still wouldn't want a back yard pool. How many laps can you swim in a backyard pool.......maybe 2 1/2? Backyard pools are not meant for swimming.

I swim laps in our backyard pool. Lots of reversals, but 6/7 strokes each for 30 minutes is a good workout for me. Also do other exercises that are done in place.

There is a really cool device available called a swimpro that can be found at superswim.com. It’s a tether system that allows the swimmer to swim forever without going anywhere. The user never has to turn at a wall. It’s a flexible fiberglass pole that goes into the pool deck that has a rope attached to the top of the pole and a belt on the other end. The swimmer puts on the belt and just swims and swims. The faster one swims, the more the fiberglass pole bends. Our pool is 12 x 24 feet and has more than enough room to use the devise. I use it almost daily to supplement my lap swimming at the various sports pools. There is nothing like a quick half hour swim before golfing to loosen up the muscles, or a nice moonlight swim before bed. Unlike an endless pool device or a swim spa, the swimpro only costs about $250, last virtually forever, has zero maintenance, and uses no electricity. Also, unlike swimming against a current, where the swimmer has to maintain a constant speed, the user can vary their effort as much as desired. I wish I had better pictures, but the two attached pictures give a decent idea of the system. In one picture I am swimming backstroke while being watched by the absolute best lifeguard ever (ya gotta love border collies). The other picture shows the swimpro in the pool deck at the end of the pool. Swim on : )

[asianthree]

If you were into swimming, you still wouldn't want a back yard pool. How many laps can you swim in a backyard pool.......maybe 2 1/2? Backyard pools are not meant for swimming. Bobbing in a floating device with a cocktail in hand.....now that's a different ballgame. THAT I could go for. LOL.

Our pool is 28’ so very short. But two very good options, I try to swim 2-4 miles per day. You can have swim jets which you can swim until your heart’s content. Never reaching the end.

Cheaper option, is swim trainer. Belt with bungee like cords that attach side of pool, creating an V. Doesn’t effect arm or leg movement.

Only thing missing is the flip, since you basically stay within 3’ area. The harder you swim, the more you pull on the cords. Great tool for endurance. Use same electronic device to keep track of “laps”. Nothing like a quiet swim without waiting for a lane

[NavyVet]

There is a really cool device available called a swimpro that can be found at superswim.com. It’s a tether system that allows the swimmer to swim forever without going anywhere. The user never has to turn at a wall. It’s a flexible fiberglass pole that goes into the pool deck that has a rope attached to the top of the pole and a belt on the other end. The swimmer puts on the belt and just swims and swims. The faster one swims, the more the fiberglass pole bends. Our pool is 12 x 24 feet and has more than enough room to use the devise. I use it almost daily to supplement my lap swimming at the various sports pools. There is nothing like a quick half hour swim before golfing to loosen up the muscles, or a nice moonlight swim before bed. Unlike an endless pool device or a swim spa, the swimpro only costs about $250, last virtually forever, has zero maintenance, and uses no electricity. Also, unlike swimming against a current, where the swimmer has to maintain a constant speed, the user can vary their effort as much as desired. I wish I had better pictures, but the two attached pictures give a decent idea of the system. In one picture I am swimming backstroke while being watched by the absolute best lifeguard ever (ya gotta love border collies). The other picture shows the swimpro in the pool deck at the end of the pool. Swim on : )

I'm really curious: Which sports pools and what times of the day are you able to find lap lanes (with lane ropes)?

[tophcfa]

Our pool is 28’ so very short. But two very good options, I try to swim 2-4 miles per day.

That is super impressive. I am on pace to swim about 400 miles this year and I thought that was a lot. At 2-4 miles per day, say you average 3, that’s well over 1,000 miles per year. Good for you, it’s the greatest low impact full body exercise out there. Swim on : )

[tophcfa]

I'm really curious: Which sports pools and what times of the day are you able to find lap lanes (with lane ropes)?

It’s not easy, but I have a system that doesn’t limit me to one pool. My life is scheduled around the weekly sports pool schedule in the Recreation News insert in the Daily Sun each Thursday. I juggle the rest of our daily activities (golf, bike riding, walking the dog, etc…) around my best swim option each day of the week. I have a couple days each week I can go to Mulberry and La Hacienda, and one day each week at Colony Cottage and Lake Miona, and usually weekends at Laurel Manor. Things should get better in my area now that the High School finally has their own pool and is no longer monopolizing all week nights at Laurel Manor. By extensive trial and error I have identified the best options each day of the week that work within our schedule. My wife has come to accept that if dinner hours are the best option on a given day, she will be playing a round of executive golf that evening and we will be eating late. I have swam at every sports pool in the Villages and found that getting a lane at Everglades or Ezell are the most difficult. I am not one to swim early in the morning, so I can’t speak of the ability to get a lane then. In general, I find it’s much more difficult to get a lane when daylight savings ends and pool closing time comes much earlier, which coincides with busy season. The easiest time to get a lane is when the temperature drops below about 55 degrees out. The colder it gets, the less crowded the pools are. I love having the whole pool to myself in January when it’s 40 degrees out. It’s a little cold getting out of the pool, but we’ll worth it. Swim on : )

[HandyGrandpap]

How about some heavy dark drapes with cornices + plastic covers over the couch!!! Perhaps include a greeter dogs that is all over you upon entry that you have to pretend you enjoy the attention from the dog.

[Dusty_Star]

...Perhaps include a greeter dogs that is all over you upon entry that you have to pretend you enjoy the attention from the dog.

You're saying that a person's pet is a home improvement that is not worth it - to a temporary, occassional visitor?????