Questions About Tilt Walls

[margaretmattson]

We had lunch with friends who are considering moving close to Eastport. They asked us questions about new construction homes. We have never lived in one and do not know the answers. Is it difficult and more costly to replace doors and windows? What if you want to remove a window and make it a solid wall? Is this doable? Is it difficult to hang pictures or artwork? Are the homes more energy efficient? Does the cold weather keep the inside of the home cooler longer? Hotter in the summer? Thanks for your input.

[villagetinker]

We had lunch with friends who are considering moving close to Eastport. They asked us questions about new construction homes. We have never lived in one and do not know the answers. Is it difficult to replace doors and windows? What if you want to remove a window and make it a solid wall? Is this doable? Is it difficult to hang pictures or artwork? Are the homes more energy efficient? Does the cold weather keep the inside of the home cooler longer? Hotter in the summer? Thanks for your input.

No idea of TILT walls, maybe you are asking about the precast concrete walls? From your questions it sounds like your friends would be better off to buy a lot and if possible have the house built the way they want. If this is not possible, some of the changes would void the 1 year warranty, I would proceed carefully.

We have a concrete block house and find it very energy efficient. You will find both wood and metal studs the hangers for artwork etc., are different for each. Our house has sufficient insulation in the walls and ceiling that we do not see significant heat transfer, for example a West facing wall in the evening is not hotter than the east facing wall.

It sounds like your friends should have a discussion with a Villages sales agent, as there may be a different layout that would be more suitable.

[BrianL99]

No idea of TILT walls, maybe you are asking about the precast concrete walls?


"Tilt Up Construction" is exactly what it sounds like. Walls are formed on the ground and tilted into place. It is not "precast concrete", which is an entirely different animal.

Tilt-Up Construction 101 - ConcreteHomes.com (https://concretehomes.com/building-systems/tilt-up-construction/)

[margaretmattson]

No idea of TILT walls, maybe you are asking about the precast concrete walls? From your questions it sounds like your friends would be better off to buy a lot and if possible have the house built the way they want. If this is not possible, some of the changes would void the 1 year warranty, I would proceed carefully.

We have a concrete block house and find it very energy efficient. You will find both wood and metal studs the hangers for artwork etc., are different for each. Our house has sufficient insulation in the walls and ceiling that we do not see significant heat transfer, for example a West facing wall in the evening is not hotter than the east facing wall.

It sounds like your friends should have a discussion with a Villages sales agent, as there may be a different layout that would be more suitable. My friends talked to sales. You are no longer allowed to build a home the way you want. They were told they would have to make changes once the home was built.

They are thinking it may be best to buy a preowned concrete block home. The block home may be easier to make changes. As I said, we have no clue.

[Randall55]

My friends talked to sales. You are no longer allowed to build a home the way you want. They were told they would have to make changes once the home was built.

They are thinking it may be best to buy a preowned concrete block home. The block home may be easier to make changes. As I said, we have no clue.You are correct. Concrete on its own will not maintain inside temperature. Construction crews form the walls like a sandwich with insulation embedded between two layers of concrete. This makes the home energy efficient.

Replacing windows and doors with SAME SIZE versions should be easy and not costly. Changing to a much larger window could be difficult and costly if the wall is load bearing. In most cases, it probably is. A contractor will most likely advise you not to replace a narrow window with a much larger rectangular window.

If you want a solid wall instead of a windowed discuss this with the sales or design team. It may be possible to do when constructing the home. However, fire regulations mandate every room must have an exit.

Hanging light weight pictures and artwork should be relatively easy with adhesive wall hooks. Heavy artwork will require concrete/masonry screws.

[Altavia]

Not much different from concrete block. Tighter tolerances on outside walls, Windows installed at the factory.

Somewhat stronger structure. Similar energy efficency. But difficult to modify.

Interior is the same as with block, interior outside walls have drywall attached to furring strips.

[margaretmattson]

You are correct. Concrete on its own will not maintain inside temperature. Construction crews form the walls like a sandwich with insulation embedded between two layers of concrete. This makes the home energy efficient.

Replacing windows and doors with SAME SIZE versions should be easy and not costly. Changing to a much larger window could be difficult and costly if the wall is load bearing. In most cases, it probably is. A contractor will most likely advise you not to replace a narrow window with a much larger rectangular window.

If you want a solid wall instead of a windowed discuss this with the sales or design team. It may be possible to do when constructing the home. However, fire regulations mandate every room must have an exit.

Hanging light weight pictures and artwork should be relatively easy with adhesive wall hooks. Heavy artwork will require concrete/masonry screws.Thanks. The floor plan they like is the Mason model. They were told Veranda homes are built as spec homes with no modifications or color choice.

They would prefer a built in wall unit or fireplace instead of two windows in the living area. The window areas would need to be filled in. Is this difficult and costly to do?

[Randall55]

Thanks. The floor plan they like is the Mason model. They were told Veranda homes are built as spec homes with no modifications or color choice.

They would prefer a built in wall unit or fireplace instead of two windows in the living area. The window areas would need to be filled in. Is this difficult and costly to do?Before purchasing, get ARC approval. If permissible, I advise you to move forward with caution:
1. New homes come with a one-year warranty. You made void this warranty if you make structural changes

2. Structural changes can be costly. Once you remove the windows there may be a problem you were not expecting. Fixing the issue may cost you more money than you bargained for.

3. You most likely will not recoup the cost of this change when you resale. In fact, depending on your design choice, it may chase buyers away.

4. Home decorating fads come and go. In 2-4 years, what you built may be outdated. What are you going to do then? Tear it down and build something new?

5. Technology changes. I remember when big-screen TVs were giant boxes. Many new homes came with a built-in to fit these massive units neatly into the wall. Flat screens came along and they had to replace these built-ins. Do you want this expensive must change?

Sometimes, it is better to leave well enough alone.

My advice is to walk through as many model homes as possible. You may find a simple and inexpensive solution you like. The Villages is near completion of many near the new high school. On top of the World Ocala has some, as well. If you do not want to make the drive, they are available online. There are a ridiculous amount of model home tours on Youtube. Some furniture stores will help you with design. You can google the words " wall unit between two windows design ideas" With all this free information, I think you can find something you like without making structural changes.

After purchasing the home and settling in, if you are still hellbent on removing those windows, you can PM me. I will try my best to convince you not to make this mistake.

[frayedends]

"Tilt Up Construction" is exactly what it sounds like. Walls are formed on the ground and tilted into place. It is not "precast concrete", which is an entirely different animal.

Tilt-Up Construction 101 - ConcreteHomes.com (https://concretehomes.com/building-systems/tilt-up-construction/)

The Villages is now building with precast walls brought in on trucks and placed with a crane. But it is commonly being called tilt wall on just about all the YouTube channels. Not much difference.

[Randall55]

The Villages is now building with precast walls brought in on trucks and placed with a crane. But it is commonly being called tilt wall on just about all the YouTube channels. Not much difference.The difference is tilt walls are made on site. Precast are made in a factory or off site. I have heard several Villages sales reps use the term tilt wall. They are either using the term incorrectly or some walls can be made on site. I never had a need to ask. Both are put into place with a crane.

[Bill14564]

The Villages is now building with precast walls brought in on trucks and placed with a crane. But it is commonly being called tilt wall on just about all the YouTube channels. Not much difference.

I took a ride down towards Middleton the other day and saw a line of at least 10 trailers with concrete wall sections on them waiting to be lifted into place. No question these were precast sections.

Tilt wall construction, at least for the homes, is less likely due to the limited space available. There simply is not enough room between many of the homes in my neighborhood for the walls to have been cast horizontally and then tilted into place.

But for what the OP is asking, there doesn't seem to be a significant difference. If the walls are made to a template, whether on-site or in a factory, the concern for whether they can be modified after the home is constructed is the same.

[BrianL99]

The Villages is now building with precast walls brought in on trucks and placed with a crane. But it is commonly being called tilt wall on just about all the YouTube channels. Not much difference.

Apples & oranges.

Precast & "tilt up" are 2 different kinds of construction.

Precast is is stronger as a complete structure.

Tilt up (in some ways) is more flexible and built on-site, but not as flexible as to overall "shape" ... it's best used with simple, rectangular designs.

Tilt up can be customized on-site, pre-cast cannot.

Precast panels are built by concrete professionals and shipped to the site.

Tilt up (in many cases) is amateur hour and there's minimum quality control and seldom used for residential construction.

Tilt up is a cheaper construction process and likely one of the reasons TV is now using it.

If you read the link I posted in Post #3, you'll learn some of the differences and better understand the 2 different processes.

Here's another link that will help: Precast Concrete vs Cast-In-Place vs Tilt-Up | High Concrete (https://www.highconcrete.com/blog/precast-concrete-vs-cast-in-place-vs-tilt-up/)

[John Mayes]

Apples & oranges.

Precast & "tilt up" are 2 different kinds of construction.

Precast is is stronger as a complete structure.

Tilt up (in some ways) is more flexible and built on-site, but not as flexible as to overall "shape" ... it's best used with simple, rectangular designs.

Tilt up can be customized on-site, pre-cast cannot.

Precast panels are built by concrete professionals and shipped to the site.

Tilt up (in many cases) is amateur hour and there's minimum quality control and seldom used for residential construction.

Tilt up is a cheaper construction process and likely one of the reasons TV is now using it.

If you read the link I posted in Post #3, you'll learn some of the differences and better understand the 2 different processes.

Here's another link that will help: Precast Concrete vs Cast-In-Place vs Tilt-Up | High Concrete (https://www.highconcrete.com/blog/precast-concrete-vs-cast-in-place-vs-tilt-up/)

The Villages do not use conventional tilt up construction for homes….although most people use that term. TV uses precast walls that are manufactured by DZ Precast in Sumterville.

[Altavia]

Thanks. The floor plan they like is the Mason model. They were told Veranda homes are built as spec homes with no modifications or color choice.

They would prefer a built in wall unit or fireplace instead of two windows in the living area. The window areas would need to be filled in. Is this difficult and costly to do?

Four years ago, I was able to ask questions like this with my designer prior to meeting via email.

But based on friends recent experience, the answer to most modifications was no.

They did maximize any available expansion, especially the garage and Lanai.

[frayedends]

All I was pointing out is the OP is talking about the pre cast walls. I wasn’t trying to debate the differences in terminology. We know what the OP is asking so why get into semantics of the terminology?

Anyhow I assume it’s easy to close up a window. But matching the stucco outside may be a concern. And as mentioned I doubt ARC would approve if it’s a window on the front, just for aesthetics.

[Dusty_Star]

Before purchasing, get ARC approval. If permissible, I advise you to move forward with caution:
1. New homes come with a one-year warranty. You made void this warranty if you make structural changes

2. Structural changes can be costly. Once you remove the windows there may be a problem you were not expecting. Fixing the issue may cost you more money than you bargained for.

3. You most likely will not recoup the cost of this change when you resale. In fact, depending on your design choice, it may chase buyers away.

4. Home decorating fads come and go. In 2-4 years, what you built may be outdated. What are you going to do then? Tear it down and build something new?

5. Technology changes. I remember when big-screen TVs were giant boxes. Many new homes came with a built-in to fit these massive units neatly into the wall. Flat screens came along and they had to replace these built-ins. Do you want this expensive must change?

Sometimes, it is better to leave well enough alone.

My advice is to walk through as many model homes as possible. You may find a simple and inexpensive solution you like. The Villages is near completion of many near the new high school. On top of the World Ocala has some, as well. If you do not want to make the drive, they are available online. There are a ridiculous amount of model home tours on Youtube. Some furniture stores will help you with design. You can google the words " wall unit between two windows design ideas" With all this free information, I think you can find something you like without making structural changes.

After purchasing the home and settling in, if you are still hellbent on removing those windows, you can PM me. I will try my best to convince you not to make this mistake.

Sounds like very good advice & very generous of you to help them.

[villagetinker]

Thanks. The floor plan they like is the Mason model. They were told Veranda homes are built as spec homes with no modifications or color choice.

They would prefer a built in wall unit or fireplace instead of two windows in the living area. The window areas would need to be filled in. Is this difficult and costly to do?

As noted in previous comments you need to be very careful that removing the windows will not void the 1-year warranty. IMHO, there is no need for a fireplace in Florida, and I agree with previous comments that this will detract from the house.

Now I have seen houses with full wall built in shelves and door or drawers, even done very well these seem to detract from the house as they remove the versatility of the original design. Here is my suggestion if the wall unit is a requirement. Get an ELECTRIC fireplace, these actually look very realistic, and do not require the chimney, also when you get tired of this they are easily removed. The windows can be removed, and concrete block installed, you may need to have a Professional Engineer design this modification for hurricane standards, I stumbled across this requirement for knee walls on a lanai enclosure project. The county building department can advise on this requirement.
You will need to get ARC approval for the window removal, and there will be at least 2 permits required, building and electrical. As for the built-in unit, there are several companies that do this, and you can contact them for cost estimates, etc.

I would expect this project to take several weeks and cost several thousand dollars.

I hope this helps.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

If you want shelving/bookcase, you don't have to remove the window. You can just put the bookcase in front of the window. Be sure to add some kind of decorative thing, either a window decal or painted board or curtain, so people looking IN from the outside don't see the back of a bookcase. That way you get your bookcase, outsiders get a perfectly normal looking window, and when it's time to sell the property, new buyers won't ever know that you completely eliminated the natural lighting of the room.

[BrianL99]

All I was pointing out is the OP is talking about the pre cast walls. I wasn’t trying to debate the differences in terminology. We know what the OP is asking so why get into semantics of the terminology?

Anyhow I assume it’s easy to close up a window. But matching the stucco outside may be a concern. And as mentioned I doubt ARC would approve if it’s a window on the front, just for aesthetics.


It matters, because it's an apple vs oranges comparison. You can do things with Tilt Up walls, that you can't do with Precast Walls ... and vice versa.

Another poster clarified that TV isn't using Tilt Up Construction, they're using Precast ... that's a huge difference.

You cannot modify Precast Construction, without a structural analysis. You can't simply remove a window & "fill it in and match the stucco". That's not how Precast works.

A simplified comparison might be "balloon construction". You can't remove a single piece of the structure, without affecting the entire structure. That's what Precast construction is. Every piece is part of the whole. Every inch of that structure is "load bearing".

[BrianL99]

The Villages do not use conventional tilt up construction for homes….although most people use that term. TV uses precast walls that are manufactured by DZ Precast in Sumterville.

Stupid me. I assumed people knew what kind of construction was going on, before they offered solutions and suggestions.

It makes perfect sense that TV would use Precast, as Tilt Up requires space and presumes not all walls will be the same. Precast is much more cost effective when building "cookie cutter" homes. In the area of the country where wood is prevalent, it would be called "modular" or "panelized".

[charmed59]

We have a model similar to the Mason. (A Williamsburg) The shaded lanai means there is not a ton of light coming in through the sliders in the living room, most of the light comes in through the side windows. We even added a solar tube to get more light in that area.

That said, I’ve been in a few homes in my area where people have blocked windows from the inside in rooms they want to use as home theatres. On the outside the house looks the same as others. Usually there is blinds or something in the window. Then there is insulation and wall board on the inside of the window. From the inside it looks like a wall. I would assume if you bought the house it would just be a demolition issue to get the windows to let light back into the room.

[frayedends]

It matters, because it's an apple vs oranges comparison. You can do things with Tilt Up walls, that you can't do with Precast Walls ... and vice versa.

Another poster clarified that TV isn't using Tilt Up Construction, they're using Precast ... that's a huge difference.

You cannot modify Precast Construction, without a structural analysis. You can't simply remove a window & "fill it in and match the stucco". That's not how Precast works.

A simplified comparison might be "balloon construction". You can't remove a single piece of the structure, without affecting the entire structure. That's what Precast construction is. Every piece is part of the whole. Every inch of that structure is "load bearing".

Whatever.