Monitoring Construction

[ltcdfancher]

The Villages will begin constructing our new home in Well Point next week (mid-December). We live about six hours away by car. Regular visits to assess progress would be impractical. I did, however, find a person offering a service that should satisfy my curiosity. Doug agrees to provide a few photos each business day and a weekly drone fly-over. The cost of his service is a steal, in my opinion.

Doug has his own YouTube channel.

[Kenswing]

We used GoldWingNut Productions. Not sure if the price is comparable but I had confidence as Don was in construction management and was able to point out problems that I could then bring to the attention of my designer and get them taken care of in real time.

[Stu from NYC]

Consider a home inspection service when home is finished.

[BrianL99]

The Villages will begin constructing our new home in Well Point next week (mid-December). We live about six hours away by car. Regular visits to assess progress would be impractical. I did, however, find a person offering a service that should satisfy my curiosity. Doug agrees to provide a few photos each business day and a weekly drone fly-over. The cost of his service is a steal, in my opinion.

Doug has his own YouTube channel.

When I was in the highline, custom homebuilding business, customers were only allowed 4 visits during construction, for 1 hour each, in the company of the Real Estate Broker and someone from my office.

No sausage maker wants someone looking over their shoulder.

Unless the person you hire has full access and has a ton of experience in the construction business, I'm not sure what the value is ... other than knowing they're making progress.

[CarlR33]

I think they have done this enough to know by now how to build but keep an eye on them, LOL. Finished product will have a warranty and final walk through. Besides, you will end up moving 2 more times. Sleep well, I bought used and the walls never fell in.

[Altavia]

When I was in the highline, custom homebuilding business, customers were only allowed 4 visits during construction, for 1 hour each, in the company of the Real Estate Broker and someone from my office.

No sausage maker wants someone looking over their shoulder.

Unless the person you hire has full access and has a ton of experience in the construction business, I'm not sure what the value is ... other than knowing they're making progress.


The Villages had no restrictions when we built. In fact there was a sign put up in our home instructing the workers to clean up after themselves because buyers may be walking through..

[BrianL99]

The Villages had no restrictions when we built. In fact there was a sign put up in our home instructing the workers to clean up after themselves because buyers may be walking through..

Wow ...

The reason I adopted this policy ...

Had a buyer of a custom home, in the $700,000 range (now worth $2M). Used to come by every Saturday or Sunday with his wife. My Framer was typically there, went on for almost the entire construction.

Customer would ask the framer, "can we make this closet bigger"? "Sure", was the response. Then it was, "can we make this room smaller and add the space to the room next to it"? "Sure, we can do that". Then ... "can we enlarge the kitchen by kicking out this wall and making it glass"? Sure, that's doable.

Then it was the electrican. "Can we add an outlet, there?". "Can we put this light on a '2-way'"?

Guy got a Change Order for $125,000. His response? "Your framer told me he could do it and the electrician did, too".

My response? "They were right, but they never told you it was going to be free".

I've never bought a new home in The VIllages, but from what I hear of the process, there's not a lot of "give & take" and a customer has limited upgrade options? I used to build 4-5 homes a year, I'm guessing if you're building 2000+ homes a year, your process is a lot different.

[CarlR33]

The Villages had no restrictions when we built. In fact there was a sign put up in our home instructing the workers to clean up after themselves because buyers may be walking through..Assuming you walked through during construction…did you have any issues?

[Altavia]

Wow ...

The reason I adopted this policy ...

Had a buyer of a custom home, in the $700,000 range (now worth $2M). Used to come by every Saturday or Sunday with his wife. My Framer was typically there, went on for almost the entire construction.

Customer would ask the framer, "can we make this closet bigger"? "Sure", was the response. Then it was, "can we make this room smaller and add the space to the room next to it"? "Sure, we can do that". Then ... "can we enlarge the kitchen by kicking out this wall and making it glass"? Sure, that's doable.

Then it was the electrican. "Can we add an outlet, there?". "Can we put this light on a '2-way'"?

Guy got a Change Order for $125,000. His response? "Your framer told me he could do it and the electrician did, too".

My response? "They were right, but they never told you it was going to be free".

I've never bought a new home in The VIllages, but from what I hear of the process, there's not a lot of "give & take" and a customer has limited upgrade options? I used to build 4-5 homes a year, I'm guessing if you're building 2000+ homes a year, your process is a lot different.

I can see that happening, the workers should have sent them back to you.

Not speaking English also helps ;-)

[asianthree]

The Villages had no restrictions when we built. In fact there was a sign put up in our home instructing the workers to clean up after themselves because buyers may be walking through..

Same experience, we stopped daily took pics, sent weekly to our inspector. Easier to catch problems early.
We have some background in home build. Brick, Block and concrete since the 30s. Family run, We learned to frame/plaster (don’t you love a cove ceiling), drywall. Then plumbing, base electrical, septic tank fields. I can strip repair wood floors in 100yo houses. Our kids refurb old furniture as a hobby.

We built 3 homes contracting only family, except for roofers who were close friends. TV is the only time we had to use someone’s builder, with no choice on who. Since nothing could be added, changed, and 1-2 choices on product, it was frustrating on how much we had to do aftermarket, for 2-3 time the cost.

[Altavia]

Assuming you walked through during construction…did you have any issues?

There were a few minor things where I made mental note but found them fixed the next day.

Was there one day when about 6 construction supervisers walked through. They noted a few things but most of the discussions were about best practices and how to do things better.

This was a custom Villages build 5 yrs ago.

[TheWarriors]

When I was in the highline, custom homebuilding business, customers were only allowed 4 visits during construction, for 1 hour each, in the company of the Real Estate Broker and someone from my office.

No sausage maker wants someone looking over their shoulder.

Unless the person you hire has full access and has a ton of experience in the construction business, I'm not sure what the value is ... other than knowing they're making progress.

Amazon anyone would agree to those stipulations.

[Goldwingnut]

The Villages will begin constructing our new home in Well Point next week (mid-December). We live about six hours away by car. Regular visits to assess progress would be impractical. I did, however, find a person offering a service that should satisfy my curiosity. Doug agrees to provide a few photos each business day and a weekly drone fly-over. The cost of his service is a steal, in my opinion.

Doug has his own YouTube channel.

Please contact me for the services you are desiring.
Don

[Justputt]

The Villages will begin constructing our new home in Well Point next week (mid-December). We live about six hours away by car. Regular visits to assess progress would be impractical. I did, however, find a person offering a service that should satisfy my curiosity. Doug agrees to provide a few photos each business day and a weekly drone fly-over. The cost of his service is a steal, in my opinion.

Doug has his own YouTube channel.

Our TV Agent (Eileen) sent us weekly photos and occasional drone video of our build. No charge. Maybe ask your agent if they'll be doing the same for you.

[RRGuyNJ]

When I was in the highline, custom homebuilding business, customers were only allowed 4 visits during construction, for 1 hour each, in the company of the Real Estate Broker and someone from my office.

No sausage maker wants someone looking over their shoulder.

Unless the person you hire has full access and has a ton of experience in the construction business, I'm not sure what the value is ... other than knowing they're making progress.

ROFLOL No way would you build a house for me. If I had a house built, believe me I will be on a first name basis with anyone swinging a hammer! Restrictions like your company had would simply cause you to lose the contract.
We know a couple that had a home built in NC and the husband set up a camper on site during construction to keep an eye on the progress.

[SoCalGal]

Besides, you will end up moving two more times.

What do you mean by this?

[Papa_lecki]

What do you mean by this?

There’s a stat that the average villager moves 3 times within the villages.
Either up sizing, downsizing, moving to new area, etc.

[courtyard]

When we sold our home in TV, we had one month to find another. So every time it rained during that month, we drove over to the street we selected and checked to see if the roof had been protected or not. When it was time to select our home, we only looked at the homes that had their roofs protected.

[bark4me]

The Villages will begin constructing our new home in Well Point next week (mid-December). We live about six hours away by car. Regular visits to assess progress would be impractical. I did, however, find a person offering a service that should satisfy my curiosity. Doug agrees to provide a few photos each business day and a weekly drone fly-over. The cost of his service is a steal, in my opinion.

Doug has his own YouTube channel.
TV construction cuts many corners, trust me.

[JoMar]

When I was in the highline, custom homebuilding business, customers were only allowed 4 visits during construction, for 1 hour each, in the company of the Real Estate Broker and someone from my office.

No sausage maker wants someone looking over their shoulder.

Unless the person you hire has full access and has a ton of experience in the construction business, I'm not sure what the value is ... other than knowing they're making progress.

Well that wouldn't work for us. When we built out last home I was there everyday and was welcomed by the builder and the subs. There were decisions to be made, especially when the physical product we wanted varied from the drawings. 3D is always better than 2D.

[CarlR33]

What do you mean by this?It’s an average talked about on different forums regarding the villages. I have also spoke first hand with people that in conversation have supported this average. I just spoke to a person this past weekend who was on his fourth move in 10 years. He, as others have stated move for different reasons, i.e.not wanting a pool anymore, location, smaller size, etc.
You must realize you’re maybe 60+ and most likely not in your forever home because at 65 or 70 you might want something else probably smaller than what you had at 60?

[VApeople]

When we sold our home in TV, we had one month to find another. So every time it rained during that month, we drove over to the street we selected and checked to see if the roof had been protected or not. When it was time to select our home, we only looked at the homes that had their roofs protected.

What does it mean to "protect" a roof?

[CarlR33]

TV construction cuts many corners, trust me.It might help to expand on that then? I have not heard or seen issues with homes falling apart due to a crooked corner, a tile out of alignment, crooked electrical outlet, etc.

[bmcgowan13]

ROFLOL No way would you build a house for me. If I had a house built, believe me I will be on a first name basis with anyone swinging a hammer! Restrictions like your company had would simply cause you to lose the contract.
We know a couple that had a home built in NC and the husband set up a camper on site during construction to keep an eye on the progress.

AGREED! It is a 3-7 month "job" for the builder/framer/electrician/plumber. But this home is the single biggest investments of my life. My family will wake/sleep/argue in this house another 10-60 years. In 6 months we live with the house and the "too small closet"--the builder is on to another build. I want it done the right way--for my family.

I am 100% invested in the build. I saved years for the down payment and have 15/30 years on the mortgage. If I have substantial changes that indicates the builder did not do their diligence with me on the front end to make sure the floor plan was what we needed. I had *numerous* meetings with the builder and my wife at Dunkin' Donuts going over floor plans/changes before the first shovel was put in the ground.

Each of my (4) builders had nothing to hide and welcomed us on site--they frequently adjusted their schedule to meet us after the work day to make changes (if needed)! They had no issue with our visits. Heck-it felt like they welcomed us to they could show off their work. Our builder even volunteered modifications (post-start) to make the home more of a fit for us! That is a professional and there are many out there.

Do not forget who is paying the freight. Who wants a contractor/employee who feels your input/interest is a distraction? That is a spec home builder-they will build what they think you need.

I hope the Village builders are accommodating to the client.

Get out there and take pictures and enjoy watching your home come together.

PS We always arrived with donuts for the crew...:)

[ltcdfancher]

I hope the Village builders are accommodating to the client.

Get out there and take pictures and enjoy watching your home come together.

PS We always arrived with donuts for the crew...:)

The Villages does not offer very much leeway when personalizing one’s dream home and I do understand that point to a degree. Moving a door or enlarging a window in a precast wall would not be practical. Opting for a 36” range/cooktop vice the standard 30” is not available. Plumbing a gas line to the lanai for my gas barbecue is also not an available ‘option.’ For appliances, choose any color you want as long as it’s stainless steel. I could go on.

[Normal]

TV construction cuts many corners, trust me.

For sure, I’ve watched many foundations being poured on these homes. When the form boards are laid there are mounds of sand that are left all over inside the form. Huge amounts of soil are not removed to form depth. But hey, you save on concrete.

[Laurawilcox]

We used Don Wiley, he is a great value and fairly priced, has a background in construction and a great communicator. He even saved us when we were unaware that our pool was overflowing by taking charge of it and calling T and D.

[gorillarick]

"PS We always arrived with donuts for the crew..."

Ahhh, so that's why you were welcomed.

[Altavia]

We used Don Wiley, he is a great value and fairly priced, has a background in construction and a great communicator. He even saved us when we were unaware that our pool was overflowing by taking charge of it and calling T and D.

We also used Gold Wingnut when he first started the construction video service and was very pleased.

[CoachKandSportsguy]

There are managers and there are micro managers. . .
if I am competent, micro managers fry my fingers. . .
intelligence and capability insulters
If I am your husband, by all means "what's up boss?"

BUT you can either:
Tell me what you want
or
Tell me how to do something

But you can't tell me both. .

[BobnBev]

Blue tarp on a roof means the roof has a leak.

[indianahurricane]

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