Build process
 

We are looking to build in about 10 months or so. Can someone give me a process. Would the 1st thing be to pick a model we like so we can determine size of lot? Then what? Time frames? Schedule? Etc. Thanks

We bought a lot and built, 7 years ago. We knew the model we wanted, a Gardenia, we also knew the direction we wanted the house to sit. We then asked the agent to find a lot which she did. We built the largest house we could on that lot, got 3 of 4 stretches. Once the lot was purchased, we met with the designer to pick all of the stuff inside the house. If you want carpeting, get the best grade you can afford, NOT the builders grade. Tile on diagonal looks better (IMHO) we missed this one. We stayed with the builders interior paint, and have repainted several rooms at our on pace and colors that took many months to decide on. Get items installed immediately that are big ticket, like additional golf cart garage, to stretches to the house (basically structural changes). Go for upgraded cabinets, and if you do not want the dust and dirt upgraded counter tops. We also included whole house alarm system wiring and wiring for cameras (this saved LOTS of money when actual alarm system was installed).
There were probably more items, I will add if i think of them.
Good luck with your project.

The lot is the most important thing. Get one with a nice view, not close to a road or other source of noise, and on a cul de sac, if possible, because of the extra distance between you and your neighbor. Some people don't like a west facing lanai. Include a two car garage and a golf cart garage. I would install the same tile flooring throughout, with no carpet. If you are not going to use a very light, neutral color wall paint, consider painting the ceilings white. Consider quartz countertops instead of granite. Decide in advance if you want the lanai to be enclosed rather than doing it after the house is built. Good luck.

Thank you. Eventually we will want to build a pool. So we're choosing a lot that has enough room. Does it do any good to try to pre-plan that before irrigation and/or gas line stuff.

It probably won't make any difference. This is a minor thing, but may want to choose a model that has all the bedrooms on one side of the house, like a Lantana. That way, the pool pump will be installed on the garage side away from the bedrooms where you won't hear it. The Lantana and Gardenia are popular models. The Gardenia has the master bedroom on one side and the two other bedrooms on the other side of the house. Something to consider, if you have guests.

Keep in mind there are hundreds of new models built and ready to go on all sorts of lots and in 6 different villages at this point. You really should come down and spend a week or two looking around, you might find something that is a perfect fit for you and you will have plenty of time to have a pool installed after you buy.

Great idea but would come down for a month or more to decide on the location.

People say the average villager has 3 homes before they are satisfied with home and location.

We're going through the process right now.

Pick your floorplan first, then the lot. Not all lots will fit all houses. We had to pass on a few lots because they wouldn't fit the house and garage configuration that we wanted. Once you get that figured out you can start choosing your design elements.

Here is a thread I started awhile back that has some great information on the building process.

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/fo...rience-310880/

That is because they keep building new villages, that will continue to happen once you buy your home.

We are moving into a furnished house for a month starting Wednesday so we can decide if we take a spec house or have one built. If we have one built, we will rent a unfurnished for 6-8 months while the house is being built and slowly purchase furniture.

New Home Build
 

Good luck on your endeavor! I would get a VLS agent to work with first. Our agent did a great job for us. They know when new areas are coming available and are knowledgable about lot sizes and home builds. Search through the models to decide on which plan suits you best. Info we learned is most interior walls can be moved without affecting the cost. Decide if you want the home stretched in any way. How large you would like the garage 2 car golf cart, 3 car etc. I would suggest stretching the garage making it deeper and a bit wider. All golf cart garages aren't equal, some have room for just one others are full depth of the garage. The home you pick will determine the lot. Our agent Stephanie Anderson did an amazing job for us. If you are interested I will send you her info. After looking at lots in several areas we decided on a spec home with a few upgrades. Our priority was room for a decent size pool, southern facing lanai, 3 car garage, large bedrooms, and the village. After an extended search and guidance from Stephanie we chose our current home, our 2nd in the Villages. Pool is going in now. If you find a spec home you're interested in, a site plan and the builders print are available on the counties website via email request. In our case Sumter County. Best of luck.

Yes, cul de sacs are great. No daily traffic

Keep in mind that there are two ways of purchasing. You can go The custom route In which case you need a fat wallet or purchase a home that is already built with specific items already installed. ( you may not get exactly what you want but it’s much cheaper)

Something just touched on—paint.

If you’re certain on the colors you desire, specify brand and specific color of paint. Don’t forget specifying trim paint as well. Otherwise every room is spray-painted an off-white color with “builder’s grade” paint. I doubt that the upgrade would cost that much and I guarantee you’ll thank your lucky stars that you specified the upgrade. Otherwise, you’ll be repainting in a couple of years.

We’ve use the top grade Benjamin Moore paint for years, but specifying to best grade of whatever brand you choose is important.

Be prepared to add a $30,000 bond to the price of your house. It’s like being a partner with a developer without any of the benefits. Good luck!