[chiefrose]

Originally Posted by Roaddog53

Most options can be done by aftermarket MUCH cheaper than TV. Many with as good or better quality and better warranties. It's just a matter of you wanting to put up with the hassles after closing. However, another bonus is your property value at closing is less if done after, thus less taxes.
With the exception of structural and grass, everything else is possible. However, I even saw where someone built a standard house and it was less to have added sq ft later.
Examples of at least 30-50% less aftermarket are: front door sidelights, landscape, granite/corian countertops, tile flooring, appliances, even pools.
Be aware too. Doors and walls CAN be moved if not a bearing wall. For example, on the IRIS, we put the door on the laundry room versus the hallway to the kitchen. Light switches can be moved. Most are not mentioned and they tell you no many times, but not true. Good luck

Thanks for the info. I have to think about that moving the door on the laundry. I've also saw a newer floor plan for the Iris that loses the space across from the laundry room. They have taken that area and made it the HVAC closet with access off the garage. Not usre if I like losing that ineriour aera as I had intended on putting extra cabinets in that space.

[jimbo2012]

look at the new WP, laundry room Hvac lay out it's great.

[Roaddog53]

The more important thing is to face your home correctly for the suns solar orientation, that is the lanai should be SSE.

Very interesting philosophy here . Maybe should be a different thread though not to hijack this one. Some quick thoughts though:
Everyone worries about the "heat in the summer" with a western exposure and higher AC bills, glaring lanai hot sun.
Well: the sunsets are gorgeous IF you have a view. If not than the sun shouldn't be an issue. The master bedroom is much warmer in the mornings in summer and BRIGHTER unless you pay much more for above avg room darkening blinds.
Heating in the "winter months" of Oct-Mar is much less. My furnace for example has yet to run and probably won't for a while. It is set at 67 and not even close. The lanai is livable more too than.
Anyway.. Just a start. I am sure there are pros and cons to each.

[chiefrose]

Originally Posted by jimbo2012

look at the new WP, laundry room Hvac lay out it's great.

You prefer the new layout for the HVAC? Is that because it gives more wall space in the garage?

[chiefrose]

Originally Posted by Roaddog53

The more important thing is to face your home correctly for the suns solar orientation, that is the lanai should be SSE.

Very interesting philosophy here . Maybe should be a different thread though not to hijack this one. Some quick thoughts though:
Everyone worries about the "heat in the summer" with a western exposure and higher AC bills, glaring lanai hot sun.
Well: the sunsets are gorgeous IF you have a view. If not than the sun shouldn't be an issue. The master bedroom is much warmer in the mornings in summer and BRIGHTER unless you pay much more for above avg room darkening blinds.
Heating in the "winter months" of Oct-Mar is much less. My furnace for example has yet to run and probably won't for a while. It is set at 67 and not even close. The lanai is livable more too than.
Anyway.. Just a start. I am sure there are pros and cons to each.

The lot is actually one of the things that I took into consideration. The one I got has the lanai slightly NE so the afternoon sun will hit the front of the house. Perhaps not ideal but the lania will be nice in the afternoon and evening.

[jimbo2012]

If I showed the solar arcs you would understand it better, and it changes through the year.

I've been playing around with solar for many years it's very interesting.

NE isn't terrible, agree, but in the winter it will be cooler than a lanai facing more south.

[jimbo2012]

Originally Posted by chiefrose

You prefer the new layout for the HVAC? Is that because it gives more wall space in the garage?

The living room gets more space...hard to put into words vist one of the new models in 210, it is not on the current floor plans on paper or online.

[jimbo2012]

Sorry, don't follow which direction your lanai faces?

Originally Posted by Roaddog53

The more important thing is to face your home correctly for the suns solar orientation, that is the lanai should be SSE.

Very interesting philosophy here . Maybe should be a different thread though not to hijack this one. Some quick thoughts though:
Everyone worries about the "heat in the summer" with a western exposure and higher AC bills, glaring lanai hot sun.
Well: the sunsets are gorgeous IF you have a view. If not than the sun shouldn't be an issue. The master bedroom is much warmer in the mornings in summer and BRIGHTER unless you pay much more for above avg room darkening blinds.
Heating in the "winter months" of Oct-Mar is much less. My furnace for example has yet to run and probably won't for a while. It is set at 67 and not even close. The lanai is livable more too than.
Anyway.. Just a start. I am sure there are pros and cons to each.

[Roaddog53]

It faces west and we love it!

[aljetmet]

Originally Posted by chiefrose

You prefer the new layout for the HVAC? Is that because it gives more wall space in the garage?

We designed last week and we were told by our designer that the HVAC moving in garage is due to the water supplies are now going through the attic instead of under the slab.

[jimbo2012]

Saw a Wisteria with all plumbing in ground yesterday, which pipes were they referring to?

Speaking of which, the reason I was looking is someone told me that the main drain under the slab was thin wall pvc and I should ask for an upgrade to sch 40.

They were incorrect it is sch 40 standard build.

[Yankee Quilter]

Question on the tile. I asked, a couple of months ago, about before or after build. I called a couple of the vendors recommended and basically was told it would be hard to match the baths, I would have to pay for the removal of the carpet put in by the builder ...and the price per sq ft was somewhat high. I talked to HD here in GA but since all districts carry different product, they were reluctant to give bids. We want to tile as much of the house as we can with 18 in with a darker grout. Anyone who can give me recommendations about reliable, economical vendors ... We would appreciate. We are not moving in for a couple. Of weeks after closing so we have time ..... Thanks all

[Golfingnut]

When you upgrade after the build, Keep this in mind.

House at 250 K Tax bill is based on that price.

House at 250 K with 40 K of upgrades Tax bill is based on 290 K

House at 250 K with interior upgrades of 40 K done after the buy Tax bill is based on 250 K


The upgrade is one time cost.

The tax bill is for life.

[jimbo2012]

interesting tax calc, but with taxes as low as they are in FL, what might the tax increase be on say that 40K in ungrades?

Also with the homestead exemption how does it figure?

[jimbo2012]

Originally Posted by Yankee Quilter

I called a couple of the vendors recommended and basically was told it would be hard to match the baths, I would have to pay for the removal of the carpet put in by the builder ...and the price per sq ft was somewhat high.

It may be hard to match, but you should be able to find out when the build is going on walk over to the contractor and grab an empty box.

But R U thinking of using the same bath tile thru the whole home?

The cost the builder charges for tile is a real rip, the carpet can be sold as long as it's brand new for some cash. U can post it here 4 sale.

The important factor in the install is that a layer of crack resistant floor cover be installed first, this looks like cloths that sticks to the slab.

Then it is a straight forward install with thinset & grout.

The typical cost depends on the tile you select, but $6-8 is ballpark, if you go on a diagonal add a buck or so.

Also like most contractors cash means a better deal.


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