New Construction in Richmond
 

Nothing demonstrates quality like a fiberglass bathtub! :>)

Three bathrooms, zero tubs. But we built in the aged Richmond 2/2022.

You would rather sit in a cold steel one? What is your preference?

Villages "cheaping" out. I see in a lot of the models things changing to less expensive items or doing away with so much more.

Steel, anyday. I hate, hate, hate plastic/fiberglass tubs. A steel tub will heat when the hot water is added and holds it heat much longer than the cheapie tubs which many crack or break. If you're buying a resale, do an extreme examination of the cheapie tub if included. You can't always see those cracks easily.

2009 steel tub
2010 fiberglass tub and fiberglass shower master
2012 fiberglass tub and fiberglass shower master
2022 ceramic tile all three walk-in showers

And pre 2009 it was the fiberglass jacuzzi tub with turbo jetts (non heart shaped, LOL).

Yep, The Villages has been cutting costs and corners for many years.

OP joined in 2021 may not have the wealth of knowledge that seasoned posters, about how TV has progressed. Starting in the 70s with trailers, then modular, finally stick built, that is definitely an upgrade for tropical storms and tale end of hurricane weather.

However unless one is buying or building in exclusive areas, building has greatly changed on products and materials. My dad started building houses in the 50s, remember when there was cove ceilings and plaster walls. I wonder if any of the older sections in TV have those qualities?

Is it different in other communities?

its about the comment that fiberglass is cheaping out on house construction implies that steel tubs are standard is a very large leap.

now if the OP had stated: "tile vs fiberglass showers or tub walls", then I would whole heartedly agree. but that is not what was posted.

oh, and housing is an asset, but not an investment, housing is just shelter costs.

Yes.

All of our many homes were assets and were not just shelter costs, along with providing quality features to enjoy. It's difficult not to enjoy a profit when selling one's home unless a manure pit for 200 cattle goes up next door after you bought.

Oh no, now you've done it. Here comes the cut and paste of internet articles saying homes are not investments.

Which ones?

I’ll let you do the legwork, look for high end developers and builders and their end products. They don’t use plastic bathtubs, composite trim work or cheap windows for a start.

Sounds like a good place to move to for those who expect a little more.

Another cost cutting savings for the developer....
 

I attended the Tour of Model Homes in the Moultrie Creek area. Was most surprised to find that ceiling fans are no longer standard issue for new builds...

Many new homeowners get rid of those ceiling fans soon after they move in anyway. They are pretty cheap looking and don't come with a light. It saves a lot of landfill if they don't make them standard.

4 plus years ago, we purchased a resale and was shocked the fans did not come with light kits. One of the first things we added.

Of course there is a place for those people and also a place for those with mediocre tastes. :highfive:

We Just had a quality tub with jets taken out of our primary bath in our second home up north. The tub was too difficult and dangerous to get in and especially out of. We then redesigned the shower to make it larger and a walk in. Something to think about when you are a senior.

Over the years our homes have not only been necessary shelter but also assets and good investments.