picking an Iris - advise?

[shalomuall]

My husband and I are coming in 2 weeks to meet with the Design team. We have a lot on the golf course in the village Fernandina, unit 206. We studied and took notes and visited spec homes and talked to friends so we know we want an Iris and would like to take the expensions. Would love to hear from other Iris owners about the must haves, nice to have, wish we had or don't need.
Thank you so much, can't wait !
Sara
Sterling, VA

[jimbo2012]

You may get more feedback if you tell us what options you already have in mind.

[shalomuall]

thanks for your advise. So this is what we have so far

stretch lanai 4'4" to rear
extended 2 car & golf cart garage 4' to side , 2' to front, big garage door
tile floor - diagonal
carpet in bedrooms - worth to upgrade?
walk in shower in master bathroom
tub in 2nd bathroom
the standard kitchen/laundry room option - partial wall for the kitchen. In laundry room - washer & dryer hookups and sink on one side and room for a desk under the window on the other side
plan to get our own washer/dryer
granite in the kitchen, not in bathrooms or laundry room -
black appliances - regular stove
instant hot water faucet in kitchen ?
plumb & electric hookups in lanai
outside lanai electric hookup

cable plug in bedrooms, not in kitchen

no pool
no blinds

not sure about the windows - saw lots of postings about taking our a window in the nook and 2 in master bedroom?

thanks,
Sara Branscome

[Phanatic Luvr]

Hi! We also have an Iris. One thing that I absolutely hate is my Whirlpool refrigerator. I bought the side by side, black, the one down from top of the line. It's noisy, makes ice at 1:00am and I can hear it from my bedroom, not much storage space and it makes a clicking noise every time we open the door. Had a tech out, fixed it and started making the noise once again by the time he drove away. Also, we personally like the bronze screens on the lanai. Doesn't show the dirt like the white, especially if you have new construction all around you. Personal preference there. We had tile in our last home and found it to be hard on your legs and also cracks with settlement. We're pretty young on The Villages spectrum and couldn't imagine constantly living with tile as we age. Again, personal preference. I also didn't purchase the blinds with our home. Penney's has great sales constantly on brand names and better quality than what is installed by The Villages. We are handy so installed them ourselves. Add extra shelving in all closets. Again, we did our own but by the end, the words coming from hubbys mouth were installer unfriendly. Gutters, get gutters if not all around, especially in the front and rear. The water will drip off the roof and quickly etch the concrete on the drive and walk-way. I recommend Hill's for gutters. We closed on our home and did alot of work prior to moving in. Painted the garage floor, interior walls, hung blinds and curtains, shelving. It makes it much easier if you can do this with nothing in your way.
Good luck, I love my Iris.

[shalomuall]

Phanatic Luvr - thank you for taking the time to share with us your info. We are also on the young side (it was fun to have to get "permission" to buy here). We will start out with the Iris being our vacation home and work our way to winter home, etc, and since we live in VA we will leave the painting and such to the future. We hope to do some more stuff everytime we come, but to also enjoy our vacations. It will be an interesting balance since my husband is an avid golfer.
Do you like your black appliances?
thanks again.
Sara

[jimbo2012]

carpet in bedrooms - worth to upgrade?
plan to get our own washer/dryer
granite in the kitchen, not in bathrooms or laundry room -
instant hot water faucet in kitchen ?


Get prices on granite from outside contractors & compare $$$
Take the carpet that comes upgrade later.

Instant hot water, there was a recent thread on this, it costs about .03 a day to let it run till hot with the benefit of flushing the line.

One thing that I absolutely hate is my Whirlpool refrigerator. I bought the side by side, black, the one down from top of the line.

What is the deal on appliances?

Do you get a choice of black white or SS at no cost or is there a cost?

How much credit do you get if you opt out and buy your own?


.

[Phanatic Luvr]

Of course there is a cost attached. I believe the range for refrigerators went from approx. $800.00 for the least expensive to about $1,200.00. There is also a cost for dishwashers, microwaves, etc... These are all considered upgrades. I was told you HAD to purchase your appliances with your new home. I brought my own washer and dryer. Even the blinds, that many think come with the home, you are paying for. I was also told by someone who installs the blinds that what is put in these homes are the least expensive and will start to bow in a few years.
I also agree to take the standard carpet, counters, etc... and upgrade later. If you add to the original cost of the home, you will be also paying property taxes on the higher amount.

[jimbo2012]

I read you can opt out except for the micro wave because it is vented.

It really sucks you can't get it nailed down exactly how they do it.

[LittleDog]

I hope your house is not in range of errant golf shots. Depends on where you are located on the golf course. If I had a choice of a golf course location I would opt for around the green of a par 3 hole. In that way you can sit on your lanai and watch people hitting to the green. However, you don't want to be too close to the green.

John

[shalomuall]

John,
I left that part to my husband. He has been golfing since he was a kid, for about 40 years now. He spent hours walking the lots and the golf course and consulted the pro at the country club. I hope for the best.
thanks.
BTW, I lived in Toms River, NJ in high school and went to Rutgers.

[RedChariot]

We did not plan this house. Someone else planned this expensive house and had to back out. It had most of what I wanted and we wanted to be here ASAP so we bought it.
I agree on stretching lanai and garage. We have a stretched lanai. We do NOT have a stretched garage. Ours is so small I do not think 2 cars can really fit there. We do also have a golf cart garage. It is used for storage because these houses have very little storage pace. If there is any way you can stretch the front bedroom, do so. The 2 bedrooms are very small and problematic for furniture. I wanted the front room to be my guest bedroom. We are having problems finding a new bedroom set that will fit there with a dresser, night stands etc. Southern Lifestyles told me if I put in a dresser on the opposite wall of the bed, there will be only 2 feet of walking space between the bed and dresser. This is a work in progress. Take the kitchen configuration that gives you the largest kitchen. Choose the best flooring you can. You don't want to be ripping up flooring after you have placed your furniture.
The person who planned my house chose beautiful tile through out the house and showers. Love the walk in shower. She chose high end looking tile but put in the worst carpeting in the bedrooms. Looks like inexpensive shag. I guess I'll have to change that.
Try to get adequate lighting. I'm from NJ and we build houses for the light to come in. These houses are dark. It can be dim in my living room at 4 pm.
We have a pool and big lanai and side decking. I am glad it was here and I did not have to live through the construction.
There are upgraded SS Kitchen aid appliances here. I put a heavy cast iron pot in the wall oven and the metal grate was bending. So much for an upgrade!
Good Luck with the house. It will be wondeful in the end. Enjoy the journey.

[swimdawg]

thanks for your advise. So this is what we have so far

stretch lanai 4'4" to rear- YES
extended 2 car & golf cart garage 4' to side , 2' to front, big garage door - YES
tile floor - diagonal - YES
carpet in bedrooms - worth to upgrade? -YES
walk in shower in master bathroom - YES
tub in 2nd bathroom - YES
the standard kitchen/laundry room option - partial wall for the kitchen. - NO
In laundry room - washer & dryer hookups and sink on one side and room for a desk under the window on the other side
plan to get our own washer/dryer - YES
granite in the kitchen- YES; bathrooms - YES or laundry room - not necessary
black appliances - regular stovE ???? Black??? Not too sure of that one.
instant hot water faucet in kitchen ? - no
plumb & electric hookups in lanai - YES
outside lanai electric hookup - YES - maybe cable out there as well?

cable plug in bedrooms - YES; not in kitchen - Correct - no need.

no pool
no blinds

not sure about the windows - saw lots of postings about taking our a window in the nook and 2 in master bedroom?

thanks,
Sara Branscome

I have the Iris, Sara, and I love it!!! It's bright and cheerful...and open and welcoming. I strrrrretched everything I could. Garage and lanai a must, IMHO. I tried to tell you what I would suggest - above.

I had 48-Hour Blinds install plantation shutters throughout my house and I am very pleased with them. They allow sun to come in....yet afford privacy throughout. I do have verticals on the areas leading to the lanai and rarely use them.

I don't know who suggested to take out windows in the nook and bedroom but I don't agree. Keep the windows!

I am now in the process of having countertops and cabinets installed in the laundry room. There is wasted space in that area. Your idea of a desk is great!

Good luck with your Iris. I call the 2 front bedroom area my "Guest Suite". My guests close that front pocket door and they have total privacy from the rest of the house.

It's a great layout! Enjoy your Iris!

[Count'n the days]

We are planning to build the Lily and add a golf cart garage to get the larger front BR. Of course this means a higher premium for the lot, but hopefully this will not be much more than stretching the garage and front bedroom. Can you give me an idea of the cost of stretching the Iris (lanai, garage & bedroom)? Even if we stay with the Lily we are considering stretching the lanai. Thanks.

[Mimivillager]

You are so fortunate to be able to make choices. We bought in 2008 and had to take a pre-built home as is. And I mean as is. We were not even allowed to swap gas stove for electric. Now they don't even put gas in the homes. We do love our home though and our location. There are some things we would love to have but can be satisfied with what we have. Just to be in The Villages and enjoy the lifestyle is certainly a plus.

[taylor111947]

Congrats! I think you will love the Iris. I bought a much upgraded spec a year ago and can't be happier. The only regret I have is not having the desk area in the back hall. The current configuration laundry room is much too small - not that I plan on spending much time there, but it would be nice to have more storage room. Also, I have a cat and had to stack the washer and dryer in order to put her food and litter box back there.

One thing about a golf course lot I never thought about - they start mowing the grass in the predawn hours. Luckily I'm a morning person, but it does take some getting used to.

Since my house was a spec, I had no choices to make and now that I've been here a year I'm considering some changes. But usually, I end up sitting down on my Lanaii, watching the golfers go by and decide I'll think about it tomorrow.

[Bill & Carolyn]

My lovely wife and I purchased a spec Iris that had all the expansions. I would recommend getting as many expansions as they will allow. I don't know how many expansions they allow now. We love our big (huge) two car with Golf Cart garage, our bigger family room, bigger front bedroom, and larger Lanai.

My wife has allergies so we replaced the 'builder basic' carpet with hardwood in the Family Room, breakfast room, bedrooms and hallways. If we had it to do again I'd replace the tile in the kitchen with the hardwood flooring as well (we may still do so later on). If you want to do that it might be cheaper to have them install the lowest grade carpet and then have someone like Lumber liquidators (they did our floors and did a very nice job) install the hardwood. I think it is worth it not only because of the allergy issues (dust mites, mold, mildew, etc) but also because I don't particularly like carpet, it seems to get dirty pretty quickly and you really can't get it clean.

Take the upgrades on the refrigerator and dishwasher, epsecially the dishwasher. We have the 'standard' dishwasher it's okay but very noisy and doesn't clean as well as I'd like. Most likely that is on my wife's 'hit' list for replacement fairly soon.

if you're like us, we expect this to be the last home we live in, so we took the upgrades we could.

[UHH47]

I bought the Whirlpool gold appliance package. What a mistake!!! Nothing but problems.
Not only in my house. I spoke to several neighbors and all have some kind of problems with the Whirlpool appliances. My problems were, damaged glass cook top on stove, controle panel on dishwasher, and numerous service calls on refrigerator. When I spoke with the repairman he said he has the least problems with LG. if I would have the opertunety again I would buy my own appliances.

The under counter lights are over priced. I bought the molding from the cabinet shop that installed the cabinets, and had a choice of moldings, and installed LED lights at a fraction of the cost.

[Mimivillager]

I still have the dishwasher and micro that came with the house and they work fine.

[justjim]

Probably shouldn't tell U this. We started with an Iris and ended up with the Lily. After close look we liked the Lily better. A little larger living area in the Lily----we expanded the master by 2 ft. and the Lanai by 6 ft 4"---and added 2 ft. to the golf cart garage of our Lily. Thats all to the house & garage as far as size. The rest you can always change without too much problem. Corian in our kitchen---double rack closets----and the like is mostly personal taste. We are on the 7th hole of Fort Walton.

[jimbo2012]

Anyone recall the credit $$ offered if you opt out?

[hotrodgirl]

You pay for your appliance packages I believe as part of your total cost of the house, so no credit if you opt out. It's just a matter of what package you order. I am not a particular fan of Whirlpool, so I did opt out of the washer and dryer. I am thinking of just ordering all the appliances myself but am wondering at the same time if it is really cost effective. Would I get a better deal thru the builder? I would much prefer Samsung or LG or Bosch... Is it true you must at least take the microwave? I had not heard that. I am confused:shocked:

[shcisamax]

We opted out of all appliances but you must take the microwave because it is vented and they can't close unless it is complete.

[jimbo2012]

And you didn't get any credit?

[hotrodgirl]

Appliances are not included I think. You pay for the package you choose and it gets rolled into the cost of the house. So no credit...but other than the micro, at least I know I can choose my own! Probably at a premium though:cry:

[jimbo2012]

In reviewing the floor plans they all have: Refrigerator, Range, Microwave
Over Range, and Dishwasher included.

Washer dryer not.

[hotrodgirl]

I stand corrected! Just looked at my paperwork. I had an upgrade on my appliances which is where I messed up!! I would guess they would have to credit you the price of the base appliance package? Good observation !! Who knows if this is correct?

[shcisamax]

Yes, they credit you whatever is the basic package. I have no idea what that amount was.

[Carmpat]

We took the appliance package for our Iris only because we were told by others if something goes wrong you call the Warranty Dept and someone comes out right away to fix your appliance. If you buy your own appliances except for the microwave you would have to take out a warranty and that can cost up to $500 for a 3 to 5 yr period. If someone goes wrong then you have to wait for a tech to come out for a service call and that can take up to a week before anyone comes out. At least for the first year all appliances are covered by The Villages. We went out and bought a washer and dryer through Sears over the Memorial weekend. I must have mentioned on another post that we took out one of our windows in the nook and left in the slider and small window Someone mentioned not to do that but each person has their own opinion about something. I was browsing through the other models over the weekend to see if we could find similar models that did not have the window on the side of the house. I found two models like that and it looks fine. We also took out the 2 side windows in the master bedrooms as we needed wall space. The Begonia has only the two back windows and that also looks fine. I believe with all our upgrades in our Iris our taxes will be about $2500 a yr. Our friends own a Begonia and have similar upgrades like us. Their taxes are $2500. I like the idea of having that extra room off the laundry room. We plan on putting more cabinets in on the one wall and the other a computer desk in due time. We also had the Villages install pull ou shelves in our kitchen cabinets for tops and bottoms. We had the Villages move the dining room light over closer to the wall about 12 inches. I felt the table was sticking out in the pathway and chairs could be closer to the back wall. When they display the dining area with the table and chairs they pick out the biggest oversized set they can find. My husband added extra outlets throughout the house and a towel rack inside the toilet area.

[hotrodgirl]

I haven't had my design team meeting yet, but want to see what all the options are. I would prefer to purchase my own appliances, and by using an AmEx card, my manufacturer's warranty is doubled. I believe you sign up for this with AmEx, which I did some years ago. Not sure if I would have to
pay a service call, but I would guess not if it's still warranted! I want to have all my options in place before I make any decisions! I did state I wanted the blinds, but after reading so many posts, I may opt out of that one too! So many decisions! One thing I am certain about is to extend my garage and lanai, and take any bump outs I can! I am also changing the kitchen to add the wine rack and extra cabinet, and the small wall to the right of the sink. That will also afford the ability to add a cabinet over the counter. Does anyone know if pendant lights are an option?
Sorry about any misspellings! I lost my spellcheck option with the new format!

[jimbo2012]

I'm thinking of opting out of the appliances also once I find out the credit applied, it should be $1500-2000, if so my wife and I would rather shop.

I think almost all manufacturers give a reasonable warrentee, but all I read online says the cost of extending same is not a good investment????

The pendant lights can be done later if they go in the spot as the current fixture.

Spell check works in the new format.

[shalomuall]

First, let me start by thanking everyone for all the advise, it has been very helpful. I called today and was told that we had to take the kitchen appliances - with the option to upgrade. I guess we'll find out if for sure when we get there.

[jimbo2012]

Sara, I don't think that info was correct, I have an email stating you can opt out with the exception of the micro wave, because it is vented and needs to be installed for the CO, closing etc.

Other have posted likewise herein.

[shalomuall]

We are so confused. We'll do the research and wait till we get there. Only another 2 weeks from today.

[Sunshine Mary]

Shalomull I was told by my sell rep we could opted out of the appliances .Please let me know because I well be building in the fall .

First, let me start by thanking everyone for all the advise, it has been very helpful. I called today and was told that we had to take the kitchen appliances - with the option to upgrade. I guess we'll find out if for sure when we get there.

[shalomuall]

looked at reviews for the GMH6185XV - Gold Microwave-Range Hood Combination on the appliances list that we were sent and they are not good.
Talk to me please - if you got it, do you like it? other options? Meeting with design team next week.
thanks.

[shcisamax]

I am afraid, at least when I was there in March, the microwave is THE one appliance they would not you opt out of because they have to vent it to outside and needed to do that for their c/o.

[shalomuall]

We had our design meeting today and it was great. Mary was very helpful. We were able to add, remove and change many options. As far as the appliances, you must take the microwave but not the other appliances. You can however, pick and choose appliances from different packages so you don't have to stick with a grouping. We actually found their appliance to be very close to the quotes we got at the store in our area. I did not realize we even can choose the color of the light switches covers.
We are so excited and can't wait to see how it all come together.
Thanks again for everyones help and suggestions.

[hotrodgirl]

Can't wait to meet you and see your new place, Sara! Sounds as if you are very pleased with your choices and happy in your decisions! Best of luck with the build!!

[shalomuall]

our closing is set for August 30th - WOW! so exciting.

[asianthree]

I hate my fridge glad i only have to deal with it for few months at a time

[Vagabond]

You have an option to replace the large kitchen window with a third patio door in the nook area. The roof of the home is extended over this patio door which creates an L shaped lanai.

[Cedwards38]

Definitely get that walk in shower. You'll like that a lot, every day.

[chiefrose]

John,
I left that part to my husband. He has been golfing since he was a kid, for about 40 years now. He spent hours walking the lots and the golf course and consulted the pro at the country club. I hope for the best.
thanks.
BTW, I lived in Toms River, NJ in high school and went to Rutgers.

Go RU! Hopefully 7-0 after tomorrow...

[SALYBOW]

I have an Iris and you have made some good choices so far I might add having an electrical outlet box attached to the lamppost for Christmas decorations. Upgrade appliances as high as possible, we also upgraded carpet. Our neighbors extended the front of their home two feet and I wish we had. Gutters across the back of the home and lanai. We extended ours up to the whole side of the lanai. Hills is great. If it is an option I would suggest having an accent wall painted in LR, MBR, and anywhere else you would like one. We got our granite at 50% off due to a close out. It was just what I wanted so that worked for us. If not, consider looking elsewhere for granite later. Depending upon the rear exposure you might some day need blinds on the lanai. We enjoy our Iris especially when entertaining. The hostess is always still part of the party.

[batman911]

Anyone know if you can replace the vented microwave with just a hood?

[jimbo2012]

Anyone know if you can replace the vented microwave with just a hood?

They claim it's required by the building code, sounds like BS.

Only building code I think is vent over the stove.

You should be able to, may need to push the issue.

[jimbo2012]

. Upgrade appliances as high as possible,

You may want to shop the appliances you want and opt out of the builders, you will get $1625 credit.
Others have reported this was a better saving and of course unlimited choices. Plenty of time to shop before moving in.

If it is an option I would suggest having an accent wall painted in LR, MBR, and anywhere else you would like one. .

The paint is an option, but you can save $$ with local painters, same on granite.

But if you want to just move in.......

[shalomuall]

Go RU! Hopefully 7-0 after tomorrow...

RU!!!!!

[shalomuall]

I have an Iris and you have made some good choices so far I might add having an electrical outlet box attached to the lamppost for Christmas decorations. Upgrade appliances as high as possible, we also upgraded carpet. Our neighbors extended the front of their home two feet and I wish we had. Gutters across the back of the home and lanai. We extended ours up to the whole side of the lanai. Hills is great. If it is an option I would suggest having an accent wall painted in LR, MBR, and anywhere else you would like one. We got our granite at 50% off due to a close out. It was just what I wanted so that worked for us. If not, consider looking elsewhere for granite later. Depending upon the rear exposure you might some day need blinds on the lanai. We enjoy our Iris especially when entertaining. The hostess is always still part of the party.

Thank you. our Iris was actually done and we closed on Aug 30. We love our Iris.