[Kenswing]

We're getting to the point that we feel we should start narrowing down our choices of floorplans. We might be stepping our move up a bit.. Right now we're liking the Bridgeport because of the extra half bath and the his and hers closets.

We also like the Laurel Oak because of the big laundry room.

The wife likes the kitchen to be toward the rear of the house, or at least not the first thing you see when you walk through the front door.

Could any of you living in one of these models please give your opinions. Pro and con.

Any other models you would recommend are also welcome. The only real requirements are no more than 3 bedrooms, about 2,000 square feet and kitchen toward the back.

[VApeople]

The Bridgeport has a very small lanai, but it is very nice if you add a pool.

We have a Laurel Oak with the lanai extended across the back of the house and also extended three extra feet outward. We like sitting outside a lot.

We also added a golf cart garage, which was not standard in 2016.

If you choose the Laurel Oak, I have a whole list of other suggestions.

[Toymeister]

We have a bridgeport. The lanai design has changed. Newer bridgeports have larger lanai.

Ours was pushed out on all four sides so I am not sure our experience will be relevant to you. I do think the laundry room is a bit dark and benefits from a light tube or motion activated switch.

[Kenswing]

Originally Posted by VApeople

The Bridgeport has a very small lanai, but it is very nice if you add a pool.

We have a Laurel Oak with the lanai extended across the back of the house and also extended three extra feet outward. We like sitting outside a lot.

We also added a golf cart garage, which was not standard in 2016.

If you choose the Laurel Oak, I have a whole list of other suggestions.

I'd love to hear your suggestions. Not sure if we'll buy pre-owned or have one built. Kind of leaning toward having one built so we can pick all our own finishes. Wife has mandated that we need a pool so that will decrease our pre-owned options also. We will definitely need the added golf cart garage or even a true 3 car. I've seen some of the newer houses built with four car garages.

[Toymeister]

For Bridgeport:

Get pushouts anywhere you can get them. If you have a GC garage add a rear door and hide a way screen, this way you can get great airflow to the garage w/o the garage door open. On the island add a sink, possibly an instant on hot water tap. Add extra water tap to the rear of the GC garage door area (as noted above) as the rear faucet will be in the bird cage. Get water tap for ice maker in garage, you might just get a second fridge or ice maker. Near this door exterior pour a 4' X 4' concrete pad. Later brick up around this pad for your grill. In practice your grill will be in the bird cage and your trash can will be hidden there.

[Kenswing]

Originally Posted by Toymeister

For Bridgeport:

Get pushouts anywhere you can get them. If you have a GC garage add a rear door and hide a way screen, this way you can get great airflow to the garage w/o the garage door open. On the island add a sink, possibly an instant on hot water tap. Add extra water tap to the rear of the GC garage door area (as noted above) as the rear faucet will be in the bird cage. Get water tap for ice maker in garage, you might just get a second fridge or ice maker. Near this door exterior pour a 4' X 4' concrete pad. Later brick up around this pad for your grill. In practice your grill will be in the bird cage and your trash can will be hidden there.

Thank you for your suggestions..

[Toymeister]

Originally Posted by Kenswing

Thank you for your suggestions..

Add rough outs i.e water supply line, drain extra outlets and gas line for outdoor kitchen. Later you can add a nice kitchen

Take a look at the Linden model if you haven't already. 1917 sf, 3 BR, 3 Baths, kitchen towards the back but with a dining room, an office area just in from the garage and a larger more private lanai. IMHO
Good luck!

[VApeople]

Originally Posted by Michael Charles

Take a look at the Linden model if you haven't already. 1917 sf

That is 350 sq ft less than a Laurel Oak.

[Ashley from UK]

The first question - are you buying a pre-built or designing your own.

If the later then the world is your oyster as you can amend the size width and layout.

We started with a Mossy Oak. I hated the corridor to Bedroom 2, the bathroom layout to the master bedroom. My wife found the entrance was claustrophic, and because we have a view site I wanted to maximise the WOW factor at the front door. Visiting other people who had built their homes we also decided to widen the width of the 2nd bathroom so that we could increase the guest's sink.

We also changed the kitchen layout. Does it work? Have a look on the TV at the standard Mossy Oak and then look at ours and make up your own mind.

The point is if there are bits you like in one model and bits in another, don't be frightened to incorporate these into your designer home.

Great advice to the OP

Originally Posted by Kenswing

We're getting to the point that we feel we should start narrowing down our choices of floorplans. We might be stepping our move up a bit.. Right now we're liking the Bridgeport because of the extra half bath and the his and hers closets.

We also like the Laurel Oak because of the big laundry room.

The wife likes the kitchen to be toward the rear of the house, or at least not the first thing you see when you walk through the front door.

Could any of you living in one of these models please give your opinions. Pro and con.

Any other models you would recommend are also welcome. The only real requirements are no more than 3 bedrooms, about 2,000 square feet and kitchen toward the back.

Originally Posted by VApeople

That is 350 sq ft less than a Laurel Oak.

The OP also mentioned "other" so I offered some insight to a 3 BR model with a full 3rd bathroom. The OP also mentioned they may build, if they build they can "stretch" any model to suit their needs which will get them the 350 sf that you mentioned is the difference.