Design Questions for you - my new friends

[DeanFL]

We will be going to our Design meeting in November - we were fortunate to be the LAST ones to secure a lot -in Gilchrist- for a custom build a couple weeks ago, a few hours before it became Spec-only. Hopefully the house will be done in Feb 2014. A few questions for you folks that have gone through the Design/selection experience:

1. I'm going to move 3 ceiling fans from my current home (they are very nice ones...) - will they allow us to NOT have the standard fans installed and get a credit?

2. We've been thru quite a few Specs - and the standard carpeting is..not very good. We do want laminate thru most of the Living and bedroom areas - are the Developer prices for laminate outrageous - ie, should we get the standard carpet and have laminate installed later...

3. Similar question, but re landscaping - I love digging and installing...can I get a credit for less landscaping (or none...) and do it all myself after?
Just not sure how flexible the Developer is to all this -and no doubt why they are now Spec-only, to eliminate the individual customer and use their designers.
We are SO looking forward to TV! I live in a 55+ comm in Leesburg after moving to FL 8 years ago. TV came out #3 on my list back then - but after moving, and every time we'd go to TV...I'd kick myself. But BETTER LATE THAN NEVER! Planning to get a Holly designer home. Thanks for your help and the great TOTV site.
Dean

[Houselover]

We will be going to our Design meeting in November - we were fortunate to be the LAST ones to secure a lot -in Gilchrist- for a custom build a couple weeks ago, a few hours before it became Spec-only. Hopefully the house will be done in Feb 2014. A few questions for you folks that have gone through the Design/selection experience:

1. I'm going to move 3 ceiling fans from my current home (they are very nice ones...) - will they allow us to NOT have the standard fans installed and get a credit?

2. We've been thru quite a few Specs - and the standard carpeting is..not very good. We do want laminate thru most of the Living and bedroom areas - are the Developer prices for laminate outrageous - ie, should we get the standard carpet and have laminate installed later...

3. Similar question, but re landscaping - I love digging and installing...can I get a credit for less landscaping (or none...) and do it all myself after?
Just not sure how flexible the Developer is to all this -and no doubt why they are now Spec-only, to eliminate the individual customer and use their designers.
We are SO looking forward to TV! I live in a 55+ comm in Leesburg after moving to FL 8 years ago. TV came out #3 on my list back then - but after moving, and every time we'd go to TV...I'd kick myself. But BETTER LATE THAN NEVER! Planning to get a Holly designer home. Thanks for your help and the great TOTV site.
Dean

Best to talk to your agent and get answers to all your questions..Re #1and 3, pretty sure you need to take what they offer and replace later..

[Pturner]

Hi DeanFL,
The design team will show you what options/upgrades TV can offer. You won't get "credits" for anything you bring or buy from a third party, but nor is it necessary to purchase any upgrades TV offers that don't suit you needs or fit your budget. If you don't like something that comes standard, and are not satisfied with upgrades available for that item, you're best bet would probably be to just go with what comes standard. But no, you can't leave out standard items in your home for credit.

I purchased a pre-owned, but most Villagers I've spoken with who bought a custom-built home were very pleased with their design appointments. Just know that TV prices are not negotiable. They are what they are.

Bet you'll love living here. Welcome to Lower Paradise!

[TheCollierCpl]

Ask your sales rep.

[Lpierleo]

It certainly may have changed since last year, but we did get a credit for ceiling fans and bought our own. All the wiring and switches were done but a plate was installed in the ceilings instead. Best of luck.

[Bosoxfan]

We closed in June & during our design meeting we were able to eliminate the fans putting our own in .We were given a $700 credit. We had them put the cheapest carpet in the bedrooms knowing from our last house we would be replacing them in a couple years. As far as landscaping I don't know.

[Newbeginnings]

I was told the landscaping had to go in, couldn't be without it and they wouldn't close if it wasn't in. I enhanced and did replace some of the landscaping. I put the cheapest flooring and countertops in and then replaced it all after closing.

[asianthree]

with the team winding down things may be different with each appointment..just have list ready

[shcisamax]

Yes, you really need to talk to the designer. Although we didn't take many things including certain lighting (bathroom had to be done) and received credits, things have changed dramatically over the last year so whatever answer you get on this site, it may not be valid by the time you get in to your appointment. As for the flooring, you HAVE to take something so get the least expensive you can..we took linoleum in the wet areas.and the lowest grade carpet in the other areas..and then take it out after closing. Pretty sure landscaping is a must.

[DeanFL]

Thanks so much to all for your timely responses (as usual - as I've seen on TOTV for years now...). I appreciate your input!

I would agree that as customer "Design Meetings" wind down with the recent Spec-only decision - matters as this may be fluid. Time will tell - and our new mantra (after we both reached age 65 a few months ago...) "What Will Be Will Be". That said - if we must get the standard fixtures etc, WWBWB. I will swap out and give the removed standard stuff to Habitat for Humanity or such.

Once we are official TVrs, it will feel as if we are coming home - we've always felt that way during our occasional visits.
Thanks again folks - you are the Best.

[DeanFL]

OK, a bit more confusion now. Our Design meeting is scheduled for Nov 11. We were going thru Open House model homes in Gilchrist Saturday; started talking with a TV Sales Rep (not ours). One thing we questioned re laminate floors. We prefer to have installed by outside contractor after closing (cost...) She said no problem - select a standard linoleum floor for those areas wanting laminate, and that makes a great base for the laminate, no need to rip up etc. GREAT!
Then I questioned OUR Rep today via email on a few things incl this - she responded - NO, must have tile, carpet, or laminate in living areas to Close (NOT linoleum).
I'm sure Design policies change - but not sure which one it IS now, or if we can count on anything until we Design - we will be one of the last to do the Design center... Will be fun, but with unknowns going in...a bit concerning too. Can one 'push back' or is it take it or leave it if it comes to that?

[dotti105]

Let us know what you find out. We are scheduled for Design on Nov 25!! That must be about the last of the design appts. I hope our options are not limited!!!
Good luck to you!

We are flying out in Oct just to narrow things down but like you, we also plan to put a hickory laminate throughout the house and don't want to pay too much for a tear out item.
Would you please PM me with any updates you get?
Thx!