Top New Home "Upgrades" (or Required Completions)
 

We are moving to TV soon and have purchased a brand new home (Veranda-Monroe).

From my research, there are a number of things most homeowners will want/need completed in their first year there which I've listed below in order of priority for us.

REQUEST: Can you please review this list and let me know if there's anything we are missing? We would like to line this up before we move down/in. Thank you!

OUR PRIORITIZED LIST

1. 1. Replace Carpeting (3BR) with LVP
2. 2. Epoxy Garage Floor
3. 3. Install Whole House Water Softener, Kitchen Reverse Osmosis (Culligan?)
4. 4. Purchase/Connect Washer/Dryer and Gas Range (List TV Install for Resale)
5. 5. Improve Insulation, Whole House (including Garage and Lanai)
6. 6. Install Whole House Gutters
7. 7. Install Garage Attic Stairs
8. 8. Build Pantry (in Kitchen Nook, Monroe Model)
9. 9. Touchups (Backsplash, Painting, Lighting, Ceiling Fans

P.S.
This isn't a post to recommend certain contractors - and I'll search on that myself rather than duplicating a number of other threads I'm sure - but I'll happily take and recommendations for any of these by DM/PM. And I was going to post this in the Home Improvement "forum," but that appears to be just a list of rated contractors/advertisements and not posts.

Window blinds, upgrade landscaping, paint driveway, complete interior paint with enamel at wet areas and washable flat wall, garage storage cabs and shelving, solar attic fan, and solar light tubes as needed, plywood attic area for storage, replace bug screen on the lanai with solar screen, front door storm door with pull down screen, roll down solar screens on all west facing windows, pour or pave a rear patio for grilling and entertaining, and more. Bring your checkbook, lol. Enjoy!!

I think your list is pretty good.

Can lighting in the rooms.

1. Built-in closet organizers
2. Landscaping upgrade if the original build is minimal
3. Potential lanai enhancements: shades, awnings, glass enclosure

3. Install Whole House Water Softener, Kitchen Reverse Osmosis (Culligan?)

IMO should be #1 - Contact NOVA

We had Nova installed before we moved in. Then we did just about everything else you listed. We bought resale, so we painted ceiling to baseboards, doors and trim and had LVP installed before we moved in. Some things are easier before the furniture is delivered.

This is excellent - thank you!

I would probably include:

• Your first three: blinds (plantation shutters, to be exact), upgraded landscaping, and painted driveway within my #9 "touchups" one as we'll definitely want to do that, just need to prioritize financially.
• The attic fan and plywood attic area within either the insulation (#3) and/or garage attic stairs (#7) since the contractor(s) will be up there.

And the garage shelving and storage would probably be DIY and definitely will need it eventually, but not immediately so #10+ on the list, similarly with the solar shades and screens, and definitely the patio which we'll probably add a small bird cage over with spa.

RE: the painting - specifically "enamel at wet areas and washable flat" - is it that bad? Definitely something we should probably do now before we're fully moved in, regardless.

Thanks again!

Wow, while we did do some of the items listed quickly, we took YEARS to do some of the items listed. The water softener was done very quickly, the carpeting was years later other items in between, some were never done. My point, you might consider living in the house first, then see what actually needs to be done, your ideas may be very different from suggestions you have read.

Thanks! I've heard mixed reviews about NOVA. While they're certainly better than nothing, we also have seen hard water can do to faucet filters which is kind of gross when you're using that water to brush your teeth. So far, only one glowing recommendation for Culligan from our sales agent who said he checks people's ice cubes to tell: most, including with NOVA, are opaque but his, with Culligan, are crystal clear. It's expensive - over $5K - but, he says, well worth it.

These are the hidden fees with TV...and don't get me started on the bond. :cus:

# 1 upgrade for us, build a pool and plant privacy hedges.

Being able to control the following remotely using a smartphone from 1000+ miles away:

-irrigation
-thermostat
-front door and driveway cameras including 24 hour history
-lock/unlock our front door and open/close garage door

Your sales agent's comment doesn't make sense. When you read all the threads on water filtration and softeners you will find the Nove three stage system is the best and the water softeners, at least the salt type are all basically the same. The difference is in the build quality and cost. Although Culligan is a premium system, and you are paying for it, many are very over priced.

OUR PRIORITIZED LIST

1. 1. Replace Carpeting (3BR) with LVP (We did LVP throughout during the Design meeting)
2. 2. Epoxy Garage Floor (We did polyaspartic/polyurea instead of epoxy; Had this done the day of closing)
3. 3. Install Whole House Water Softener, Kitchen Reverse Osmosis (Culligan?) (We installed Nova filter day after closing)
4. 4. Purchase/Connect Washer/Dryer and Gas Range (List TV Install for Resale) (We did the washer/dryer combo to save space)
5. 5. Improve Insulation, Whole House (including Garage and Lanai) (garage insulation done a week after closing)
6. 6. Install Whole House Gutters (will be done tomorrow by Stipes!)
7. 7. Install Garage Attic Stairs (installed by Stipes)
8. 8. Build Pantry (in Kitchen Nook, Monroe Model) (done by Kitchenwise/Closetwise)
9. 9. Touchups (Backsplash, Painting, Lighting, Ceiling Fans[/COLOR] (builder says this has to be done within a week after closing)

- Security cameras
- Alarm system

5. Improve Insulation, Whole House (including Garage and Lanai)
7. Install Garage Attic Stairs

Do not try to insulate the garage or the lanai. The builder only insulates the living areas. You will not be able to cool down the garage. There is little or no insulation in the garage walls. In the summer, when it is 90 degrees outside. If you touch the inside walls, you will see how hot they are. It is like a sauna in the garage.

Throw away your old stuff. Do not store it above the garage. Plastic and rubber material will surrender to the heat. If the stuff was important to keep, you would store in an air conditioned space.

Maximize birdcage size.
Security cameras.
Front door area screening and lanai door screening to be able to open both and get a cross breeze.
Upgrade plantings (after birdcage finished lol)
Paint driveway.
Crown molding if you like it (I dont) ditto plantation shutters.

We didnt take out our carpeting. After 4 years it still looks and feels great and it has saved me numerous trips to the store to replace electronics.

We only have minimal gutters. Dont need them. Replaced our mulch with stone. We did add a rain barrel to attach to rear gutter since we have a lot of plants.

The two upgrades I have been the most happiest with was replacing the carpeting with hard wood floors and having a whole house water filtration system. When I had the water system install, the installer told me that I would not have to change my refrigerator water filter anymore. To be honest I didn't believe him, but he was right I never changed the frig filter again and it has been years. I also agree with a previous poster, make the changes you truly believe you want done when you first walk in and this rest do over time, get a feel for the house first.

check out your bond fees and your taxes.

Beer Fridge
 

Beer fridge for the lanai. It may be the most important improvement in the home and would be used after each of the other jobs listed.

Solar Light Tubes in kitchen, bathrooms, closets and utility room. Big Plus

Under cabinet lighting in kitchen. Kitchen cupboard pullouts. Door pulls (knobs/handles) on kitchen cupboards. Get a Nova water filter vs softener. Paint lanai floor if not already tiled. Lots of cosmetic stuff you can spend money on that adds a lot - such as crown molding, granite counters, etc. Have fun.

Well said. These things are not always needed. For example, I’ve lived in two homes in The Villages, and neither one has or needs a water softener, and the water tastes good. (Not all water here is the same.) Epoxy on a garage floor is a luxury, not a necessity. The same goes for the driveway. A pool may cost you $100,000 to put in these days. There are already a lot of barely used beautiful public pools here, including near you. I had a lovely pool for two years, barely used it, and cleaning and repairs cost me about $200 a month. Extra insulation is nice, but my electric bill averages about $100 a month, so I’m not sure if it would cut my bill by much. I love my whole house luxury vinyl planking, but I was replacing badly worn cheap ten year old carpet. It cost me $14,000.

Consider your list of changes mostly if they are things you really want and can afford with ease. Don’t do them to make the house worth more. My sense is that they may make it easier to sell a house, may make your house more desirable, but they don’t necessarily make it sell for much more. Don’t expect to get your money back. Part of it, maybe. House prices tend to be set by comparable sales in the area based on square footage.

We replaced all the new appliances with models/brands we wanted….like 5-burner range, smart refrigerator with glass door etc. We also had cabinets/drawers installed in both master closets. We had a landscape designer from nursery design and install new landscaping, including 5 palm trees. Put in plantation shutters throughout house. Put in a pool and summer kitchen $175K.

Donuts around sprinkler heads.

Sounds crazy. You dont "need" any of that. You may "want" some of that. Live in it for awhile and then see what you really "need and want", otherwise you are just throwing your money away to be "just like the Joneses".

I would add adjustable light kits to the ceiling fans

We have Nova water softener with potassium, about a bag a month.

I applaud you for doing everything upfront (assuming money isn't an issue). When we built our retirement home up north 11 years ago, we did everything when we built it, feeling that we didn't want to be doing remodeling projects once we were retired. That proved to be the correct choice for us.

Previous responses have given you a pretty complete list as far as I can tell. I have just a few comments.

1. Although I'd like to have combination fans here, the fan is on one switch (with a pull chain on the fan as well). So without having separate switches, it's cumbersome when you want the light off and the fan on, etc. Having recessed lighting installed in all the areas where there aren't already cans would be the ideal solution, I think.

2. Painting your driveway. You definitely want to do this, including all areas of concrete: driveway, lanai, any added concrete, sidewalks along the side of the house. You're building a veranda; you should have that feature as well. Painted concrete is so much easier to clean than plain concrete; you'll notice that on your lanai.

3. We have a Nova filter here. Some people have full water softener systems; some have nothing. That's a personal preference. However, what your sales rep told you about softeners creating clear ice cubes is not right. A quick Google search will tell you that there's a lot of factors that go into getting clear ice cubes, and a water softener may or may not influence that.

4. Get rid of all the carpeting right away. Builders grade does not hold up over the long term, plus it's pretty much out of style. Do the flooring of your choice all over the house, then replace the baseboard and paint.

Enjoy your new home, once you get it exactly the way you want it!

New home
 

Nothing is a must have, but the top 3 to do first are your #2, 4, and 6. Move in then get a better idea of all the rest. Take your time to do it right .

I would move into the home -- you may decide that your long list is not really a priority. You may find other priorities. In reviewing the previous responses, people recommended various upgrades which may not be important to you and your lifestyle.

Nova
 

We have Nova filters, water softener, and their RO (reverse osmosis) system for the refrigerator. Our ice cubes are clear. Our water measures 15 grains of hardness which is very hard. (get a kit on Amazon to measure). Now it measures 0 grains. When we moved in our home was ~10 years old. Heavy calcium deposits in the toilets, sinks, around the faucets etc. What a mess to clean up. The filter/softener system took care of that. If you want to see our setup pm me. Oh and the electric hot water heater was a mess inside with the heater elements completely enclosed in calcium. We replaced that too.

Another vote for Nova

If you are like a lot of people who move here you may decide to move again within a year or two. Take it slow and don’t waste money on a lot of upgrades until you know for sure you need/want them. And don’t try to “keep up with the Jones.” That’s just a waste of money that could be used instead as a donation to help others or investment for the future.

Verandas aren’t custom builds. They’re spec homes with fenced yards, and they don’t have sidewalks along the sides. Only Courtyard Villas have a sidewalk on the side of the house leading to the gate.

Perhaps consider all season lanai enclosure
garage shelving
garage door insulation
research lawn care
hide wires for wall mount tv
lighting improvements
front door screen enclosure
if older home outdoor tankless water heater flush
ceiling solar tubes for lighting
garage door screening (mechanical)

Plant trees to block the sun and get their evaporation cooling effect. Put stone or low growing plants in a circle a LARGE circle around the trees. Widen your driveway as much as allowed. Both of these strategies give you less grass to mow and fertilize. If it were me, I would get a small riding lawnmower or a push electric one to cut my own grass. If my neighbors were LOUD, I would soundproof a TV room so that I could avoid their noise. I would also plant fast growing plants like podocarpus on my sides or back to block noise and also put stones or low growing plants to cut down further on the area to be mowed. The grass in Florida are all ugly and not as soft as northern grass AND besides mowing they require a lot of expensive watering.

Pest Control inside the walls and attic
 

I recommend contacting your monthly pest control vendor and have them open all of the electrical outlets and spray inside the walls and the electrical outlets to seal off the outside world from the inside of your home. This will greatly reduce the exposure to bugs, spiders, and other critters.

2nd: Have them spray for the destructive wood beetles inside your attic.

We agree with Nova or similar for water treatment. Much more reasonable than many companies and totally adequate for most people. I worked as a water engineer for 38 years and enjoyed the sales talks from the pricey firms. Way over priced and over treated. Get several bids for initial and operating costs. We also use sediment filters on irrigation.

OMG - a new home and you have to do all that - plus more recommendations? So so glad we didn't buy new!

This is has just become my top priority item.

Also, my ONLY priority item. :beer3:

Yes, I agree it's a lot (too much?) but we were able to pick the model, lot, and location which and thankfully TV doesn't mark them up too much - especially with the bond. So while there are a number of items I would consider basic, a brand new veranda, with a decent yard with room for a pool, no back neighbors, on a corner lot walking distance from Eastport for less than $500K isn't too bad.

Thanks! Would love to pick your brain some more about the difference between water filtration options (levels of filtration vs. softener, irrigation line options, RO kitchen-only, etc.). Mind if I DM you after searching/researching this forum and other places?