Additions to a villa
 

I know we need approval to add to our homes such as adding a garage, possibly extending the living room. where do you find an architect to help create the plans for approval?

You most certainly need ARC approval for additions.

To your 2nd question, sorry, no idea...

you do a google search for architects in our area. quite simple really. luck.

You may want to start with ARC. First, to find out if you can expand the home you are in, how far off the property line you have to be and things like that. The second, is they maybe able to refer to someone that does this all the time.

You contact a contractor, like Demetri Homes. They take care of everything including drawing the plans and submitting them to ARC. From your site plan, they will be able to tell if you can build and how big you can go. You do not need an architect.

I agree that you probably should start with the ARC first. The reason I suggest that is knowing what is possible might be better before going to the trouble of finding an architect and then paying them for design work that probably won't be approved. From what I've seen and heard for the years we've been in The Villages, modification to villas (either Courtyard or Patio) are very very few. I've seen a few villas with a 2 car garage in the northern areas, and one with a golf cart garage door in the house where the front bedroom would be. But most of the villas with 2 car garages & golf cart garages are in the new southern areas. Based on that, I would suspect that ARC approval would probably be based on similar houses in their district. Good Luck. And post back what you end up doing. I would love to hear about your experience.

Get your site plan - you can get it. It will show you your setbacks and if you can even build an addition. Don’t assume because there is a lot of room to your property line that you can build - there a significant set backs and easements on many properties

ARC will want to see and approve the final design plans, so as noted above get your plot plans and check out the setbacks etc. Also take into consideration access for lawn mowing equipment, if you only allow 5 feet or less, some of the mowers may not be able to get access. Talk to your neighbors, typically some big equipment will need access and may need to go on your neighbors property, any damage is typically your cost. Good luck with your project.

Just a reminder don't depend only on your site plan as the set backs can and do change. After you get your plan imma go to your Township

What did your GOOGLE search come up with??

1st. Go on line and order a site plan of your home; cost is minimal.
2nd. Contact local contractors who are familiar with The Villages.
3rd. Discuss with them as to what you would like to do. They can tell you upfront what you may be able to do basically by looking at the Site Plan. They have worked with the ARC in the past. They have contacts with local architects plus they can provide you with a rough idea of the cost.

They may have done exactly what you want and can advise you how to proceed.

PSL Construction *(352) 330-1817‬

You Don't Need an Architect.
 

If you don’t have a corner lot (Courtyard Villa) forget about adding a garage. They won’t approve. Only corner lots.

An architect here usually works with a company. You need to interview construction companies and if they can’t roll off Village requirements they are worth nothing. Get references look at their work in person and be patient everything is backed up. Be very careful and do your homework the lowest is never the best.

Having just added 12 feet out, 30 feet wide on to the back of our 2nd villa, I say start with a contractor.

When we did additions up north, we always got an architect first, it doesn't have to be the same process here in TV.

If you want to do the GC work yourself, it's entirely possible to do it all. Of course, you'll have to find trustworthy subs, deal with suppliers, and manage that entire process. It's all possible, but in my opinion, not worth it.

Our contractor got Arc approval, got the truss company to do structure plans, got permits and has had an array of subs(concrete, truss install, roofing, electrician, dry wall, drywall mud, dry wall textures, stucco, windows and doors).

I'm doing the paint, flooring and trim, but if you don't have the tools for that, it's another group of folks.

That's just how we managed it, but all the nonsense he(Contractor) has had to deal with has made it worth it for us. Windows took a LONG time(almost 6 months from the time of ordering) and trusses were almost 3 months.

Started Feb 1, will probably be done with everything by the middle of February. It was all supplier delays, once parts were in, work was fast.

Go to a Recommended Contractor
 

I agree with this post. We went to a local builder (we went with T&D Screen Enclosures - Phone: 352-748-6655
http://tdseinc.com/).
We had a plat from our settlement. They knew what could & could not be done. They got ARC approvals (and provided me a copy) and then the necessary building permits. We are about halfway thru a 3.5 month build to add a 10’x15’ sitting room off our MBR in the backyard and a 12’x22’ birdcage. It is not cheap but based on our research, TDSE is one of the best… it should be done by mid-Feb.

ARC is your First call..The Village is full of non-approved Construction failures. many have tried and most have failed .

I have a patio villa with extra room and birdcage in back. Be according to lot size. It was there when I brought. Many have extra in my area north of 466.