Talk of The Villages Florida
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Talk of The Villages Florida (https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/)
-   The Villages, Florida, General Discussion (https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/)
-   -   Home Construction Quality (https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/home-construction-quality-316977/)

Altavia 03-03-2021 10:11 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by CFrance (Post 1910339)
The only question I have regarding the time to build a house is the concrete issue. I am no expert, but isn't it supposed to cure for 30 days before being built upon? Or is that old news.
I had the same concern when observing concrete block stacked on the slab a day later. I was told they use granite aggregate to provide high strength early.

Altavia 03-03-2021 10:14 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by John Mayes (Post 1910136)
Hi all. My wife and I are seriously considering moving to TV along with a couple of other options. My main question concerns the quality of the homes in TV. We are most interested in a new home that is CMU. Does anyone have any feedback, good or bad, on the construction quality?
One universal complaint is the time it takes to get hot water to points furtheset from the hot water heater. Upgrading to a recirculating hotwater heater if doing a custom build would be something to consider.

coolJD 03-03-2021 11:01 AM
plumbing is not insulated in the concrete.. with recirculating hot water will higher cost because you are heating the concrete or sand around the hot water pipe. I put a small water heater under the sink. Don't waste water waiting for the hot to get there. The concrete slab the house is built on is not insulated.. When cold outside , you can feel the cold tile in the house.. These homes are not like up north.

Vernon Hud 03-03-2021 11:52 AM
Just responding to person that says you can't build on it for 30 days. Concrete takes 28 days to fully cure, the thicker the concrete the longer it takes. You can actually build on it the next day, but high rise builders usually wait 2 days, if you had to wait 30 days, you would have a heck of a time building a rise. I was a bricklayer for 45 yrs in Minnesota, and we would start building on it the next day. If it is properly reinforced, it will be ok. As far as using granite in concrete here in Florida, that is BS. They use mostly a limestone aggregate. I don't believe there is any granite in Florida, besides the hardness of concrete is not determined by the aggregate, it is determined by the amount of Portland cement added to the mixture.

escudel@bellsouth.net 03-03-2021 12:14 PM
Don,
What kind of noises did the appliances make? We have GE Profile and the icebox (yes, I still call it an icebox) has 5 fans and at least one of them seems to be running constantly. So there is always a noise that has become annoying.

escudel@bellsouth.net 03-03-2021 12:22 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Goldwingnut (Post 1910162)
Having watched, in great detail, several dozen homes being built here in The Villages I can tell you that mistakes are few and the quality of work is very good. The men and women building these homes have honed their skills and know their trades. I've talked to some of the workers in many of the trades and to a person everyone is glad for the success of the development because it means guaranteed work for years to come, something rare in the construction trades. When asked about the quality of work they all say the same thing, their foremen are very tough on them and demand quality, the screwups don't last long and don't get passed from one contractor to another. Too many screwups leads to poor quality work which leads to lost contracts and there are 4 or 5 more companies that will do the same job. They seem to take great pride in their work.

Yes, in some of the spec homes builder's grade fixtures and finishes are used, just like everywhere else, this is adequate for the desires of most, many want to upgrade. I replace all the appliances within the first 2 years because I didn't like the noise, they made or the configuration (side-by-side frig), it was a choice, but not one everyone makes. Looking at the newer spec homes, most come with many upgrades that were previously found in the custom-built homes in response to mark demand.

CYV's used to be built with poured concrete exterior walls, that changed shortly after moving south of SR44 to CMU walls. The CMU give greater ease of flexibility in the design and layout of the homes plus it cut the construction methods from three to two being used.

I've heard some people complain that they take shortcut and that's how they build so fast. This is a false statement. The speed of the building is a testament to the high level of coordination that is going on to build the new communities. You wouldn't call a Mercedes or a BMW poor constructed just because it comes off the assembly line in a few hours, of course not, it's a refined and well organized manufacturing process, the same can be said about homes built here in The Villages.

Yes, there will be some complaints because sometimes there will be errors that were overlooked. I expect to see some of those complaints on this thread over the next few days. Considering this will be only a couple of people out of the 2500-4000 homes they are building every year and the percentage is very small.
Don Wiley aka GoldWingNut,
I think I messed my response up by incorrectly posting. What kind of noises did your appliances make? We have GE Profile and the icebox has 5 fans. At least one of them seems to be running all the time to the point it is annoying. GE repair has not been able to correct it. Says it’s pretty much normal. Our home is still under warranty <1yr old.

Carlsondm 03-03-2021 01:30 PM
Our appliances are all Samsung, but I am guessing that no matter what brand, the contractors use the cheapest/lower models. We had so many problems with the microwave, dishwasher, etc. that we had frequent visits and chatted with the repairman. He confirmed that we had low end models that were prone to problems and noisier. We have an open concept large Iris, so the noise is continuous, but we are getting used to it. We will update to the top-of-the-line when the time comes.

I would build a designer to get what I want next time or buy from a first owner with good taste who upgraded.

Also, don't expect square corners or straight walls. While construction is relatively good, techniques and objectives are different in TV. Gramps was a Master Carpenter and much of the family worked in construction. Maybe we expect more precision... like in our home up north. BTW, we have a hip roof stucco to better handle high wind storms ..and I R an engineer! We are happy with our new home south of 44, but will do a bit more upgrading and correction than we thought.

Bilyclub 03-03-2021 02:21 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by retiredguy123 (Post 1910197)
I don't agree that there is a higher level of construction quality "up north". Most builders everywhere use inexpensive windows in new construction, and copper piping is rarely used for interior plumbing anymore. I don't know what conduit you are referring to. Also, concrete block is a structural material, but brick is not. Brick is used as a cosmetic facade. The structural part of a brick wall is usually wood studs.
In Chicago all electrical work must run thru metal pipe, no romex. Metal is also required for all inside water service so copper it is, except they are allowing plastic for inside sewer pipe. The majority of older houses are Chicago Common brick/cinder block load bearing walls.

John_W 03-03-2021 03:11 PM
....

vintageogauge 03-03-2021 03:19 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Catalina36 (Post 1910203)
When I purchased a home in TV, I was told the Stucco homes required pressure washing, and painting every so many years. Also the walls can develop cracks from settling. With the vinyl siding homes and there are many, you just have to wash the siding every couple of years. Note, It is easier to wash siding then stucco. Another I read where a HIP roof is stronger against high winds then a Gable roof. A house with a Gable roof can sustain damage to siding and trim where as the HIP roof directs the wind upward??
We have one of each, they recommend power washing the stucco every year and the vinyl twice a years. We have had no cracks in our stucco to date, it's 4 years old.

John_W 03-03-2021 03:20 PM
....

vintageogauge 03-03-2021 03:21 PM
1 Attachment(s)
Quote:
Originally Posted by Catalina36 (Post 1910209)
When discussing home construction and storms some homeowners mention hurricanes that came across TV. I mean really what speed of wind are you talking maybe 50 or at the most 60 mph??? By the time a hurricane enters TV it is most likely down sized to Gale Winds. Up north on the coastal areas like Long Island we have had over 100 mph winds from hurricanes and most likely 98% of the vinyl sided homes sustained NO DAMAGE.
February 2, 2007, the villages tornado.

vintageogauge 03-03-2021 03:25 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by CFrance (Post 1910339)
The only question I have regarding the time to build a house is the concrete issue. I am no expert, but isn't it supposed to cure for 30 days before being built upon? Or is that old news.

We had cracks in our lanai in our designer, and when we ripped up the carpet in the living and dining room, we found serious cracks in the slab that had to be addressed. You could tell the house had shifted by looking at the door from the laundry room into the garage, which used to be shut tighter than a drum, but eventually you could see through to the garage at one point. And I watched a tile in the entrance to the master bedroom slowly crack right to left.

I think they're decent houses, but expect some issues. In our CYV, when you flip the light switch to the lanai, the television goes off briefly! But I'm a happy camper.
I owned a steel warehouse and the city had to cut through our driveway when they put in storm sewers. They filled over with concrete that allowed 70,000 lb. trucks to drive on the same day, never had a problem, driveway is still there 10 years later.

John_W 03-03-2021 03:51 PM
....

vintageogauge 03-03-2021 05:07 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by John_W (Post 1910459)
Hurricane Irma eye wall came directly over TV in 2017 with winds of 85 - 95 mph and with 12-15 inches of rain.

Irma continues to weaken after passing through Central Florida

https://www.weather.gov/images/mfl/H...tAnimation.gif

Turtle Mound Golf Course at Buena Vista & 466A

https://scontent-mia3-1.xx.fbcdn.net...ef&oe=606433C7

The historic side of TV

https://scontent-mia3-1.xx.fbcdn.net...a7&oe=60677C2A

Golf Cart Tunnel at Havana CC under Morse

https://scontent-mia3-1.xx.fbcdn.net...66&oe=60659316
That was our first Hurricane, was not nearly as bad as I thought it was going to be, I slept through most of it. I was in a few tornados including the one down here in 2007 and those are much worse.

jimhurtt@twc.com 03-03-2021 05:50 PM
What does CMU stand for?

retiredguy123 03-03-2021 06:06 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by jimhurtt@twc.com (Post 1910482)
What does CMU stand for?
Concrete masonry unit.

Also known as concrete block.

Sherry8bal 03-03-2021 07:27 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by John Mayes (Post 1910136)
Hi all. My wife and I are seriously considering moving to TV along with a couple of other options. My main question concerns the quality of the homes in TV. We are most interested in a new home that is CMU. Does anyone have any feedback, good or bad, on the construction quality?
The home construction quality here is hit and miss. The builders are given "x" amount of time to do each section or job and if something breaks in the meantime, they are told to leave it and go on. If the homeowner finds it, they will fix the problem but if they do not, that's money saved for them.

That's a sad way to do business, but that's the way Developer here operates. In our first year, we have over 100 things wrong with the house that we found that had to be fixed. It really was shameful!!

vintageogauge 03-03-2021 08:55 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sherry8bal (Post 1910487)
The home construction quality here is hit and miss. The builders are given "x" amount of time to do each section or job and if something breaks in the meantime, they are told to leave it and go on. If the homeowner finds it, they will fix the problem but if they do not, that's money saved for them.

That's a sad way to do business, but that's the way Developer here operates. In our first year, we have over 100 things wrong with the house that we found that had to be fixed. It really was shameful!!
We have been here 4 years and had to have one floor tile re-glued and that is it. We have owned a lot of homes both new and re-sales the quality of this home is above all of the others we have owned. You must have bought the legendary lemon house that everyone has heard about LOL.

John Mayes 03-03-2021 09:40 PM
Thank you all so much for the feedback and comments. Most of the comments were favorable of the build quality. I fully expect some issues with a new construction but I feel better about the overall quality and responsiveness through the warranty process if there are issues. Thanks again!!!

kathyspear 03-03-2021 10:03 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by John_W (Post 1910447)
These are the 2-1/2" wide louvers, they also make 4" wide louvers. My neighbor has them, I'm not a fan, on a big window they might look good.
We just had plantation shutters installed in our whole house by Shutter Professionals. All 4" louvers. (2 huge windows, one set of sliders, lots of smaller windows.) They look great! Just my opinion. :)

kathy

Bridget Staunton 03-04-2021 07:06 AM
We built our own home with with quality material. We choose conduit for our electric so wires were protected , it’s also code in suburban Chicago. We choose copper for water instead of cpvc for taste. That been said Florida weather is different that up north Thank God and rust is a problem down south therefore materials are different. No criticism just facts

Goldwingnut 03-04-2021 08:39 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by escudel@bellsouth.net (Post 1910403)
Don,
What kind of noises did the appliances make? We have GE Profile and the icebox (yes, I still call it an icebox) has 5 fans and at least one of them seems to be running constantly. So there is always a noise that has become annoying.
I don't remember the brand that was originally installed but the icemaker in the refrigerator was very noisy on the filling and drop cycles and we didn't like the side-by-side doors. The dishwasher was the worst, when they pulled it out to put the new one in there was no insulation on the old unit, just a hard plastic shell that echoed inside the kichen cabinets. It was not unexpected; we had the same issue with the supplied dishwasher in our last house (outside TV) and replaced it also after a year or so. The stove, my wife didn't like it, I replaced it, no questions asked, I've been well trained over the last 40 years.

The Samsung appliances we replaced the originals with have proven themselves less than stellar. We had the icemaker issue that has plagued Samsung. The dishwasher's internal computer needed frequent resetting (cycle the breaker). The stove and microwave however work great. My son did us a favor on Monday, he stumbled in the kitchen and fell on the open dishwasher door and bent it beyond repair and economical replacement. He's fine but the dishwasher was a total loss. So far so good with the new Maytag I installed on Monday afternoon; and the old Samsung is now at the county landfill.

FG111 03-04-2021 10:00 AM
Since a majority of us have no idea about home construction and as a consumer we rely on the county inspector to ensure code compliance, I honestly wonder if the county inspector are just "checking-off" and not verifying the builders quality of build.

Point of concern. My Lanai was glassed-in by a supposedly local reliable contractor. The county inspector responded and after a total of 45 seconds of his time, the county inspector checked-off my Lanai as passing code. My Lanai has been an ongoing concern. After many months of contention, my Lanai was finally repair by the original contractor.

Just saying, with so many homes being built so quickly, I really wonder if the county inspectors are doing their due diligence to protect us as consumers.

Dgodin 03-04-2021 10:03 AM
I was impressed with the build quality as far as fit and finish. I found good attention to detail, tight corner miters, no nail pops in the drywall, caulking done well. The contractor, like most, does skimp on interior products. The wall paint seems quite thin. I figure it was sprayed on.
We had looked at homes in south Carolina and the build quality there was less than desirable.

nick demis 03-04-2021 10:31 AM
Simple answer, better than average but not as good as a true custom built home.

doecats 03-04-2021 11:08 AM
POOR CONSTRUCTION, not a square corner in the house, half the electrical outlets dont have boxes(bathroom light over sink) microwave vent not connected.

Garywt 03-04-2021 04:42 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kenswing (Post 1910151)
Concrete masonry unit.
I was thinking the same thing. I just say brick or wood when talking about the 2 choices.

We have brick and is is great.

retiredguy123 03-04-2021 04:53 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Garywt (Post 1910792)
I was thinking the same thing. I just say brick or wood when talking about the 2 choices.

We have brick and is is great.
Brick is usually just a cosmetic facade attached to a wood framing system. The wood framing is the load bearing part of the wall, not the brick. However, the concrete block houses in The Villages, use the block as the load bearing part of the walls, so load bearing wood framing is not needed. Other houses use a load bearing wood framing system with vinyl siding.

joelfmi 03-04-2021 05:05 PM
check location the property for sink holes and check with Neighbors for location
 
[That is very important to do before you move in amongst all the other thing you have been told to do. Sink holes are very bad for any structure's.

Packer Fan 03-04-2021 05:26 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bridget Eichaker (Post 1910191)
Don’t expect the quality to be the same as up north like Chicago. No conduit, no copper pipe, crappy windows that fail every few years etc. one nice thing is the concrete block although we had brick up north. Weather is beautiful especially in the winter
Yes, it is way better than in Chicago. I live up here, my house is down there is better built than my 2007 build condo up here, or for that matter, any house I have had in the Midwest.

retiredguy123 03-04-2021 05:37 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Packer Fan (Post 1910802)
Yes, it is way better than in Chicago. I live up here, my house is down there is better built than my 2007 build condo up here, or for that matter, any house I have had in the Midwest.
I am not familiar with the apparent unique building codes in Chicago. But, I would much prefer to have plastic water pipes instead of copper pipes in my house. Also, I would not want to have my electrical wires installed in metal conduits. The Romex wiring system seems to be plenty adequate and more flexible for making changes than metal conduits.

Stu from NYC 03-04-2021 05:39 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by joelfmi (Post 1910798)
[That is very important to do before you move in amongst all the other thing you have been told to do. Sink holes are very bad for any structure's.
As I understand it sink holes pop up as they pop up.

Will agree it would not be a good thing to wake up in a new home 50 ft below ground.

Tbrazie 03-08-2021 05:10 PM
No worries
 
My business partner and I flew down here to look at homes before I bought. He was a home builder for the last 2 decades. He insisted on going to see the homes under construction as well as those fully built. He was impressed with the quality and said it was way above average in the US.

Shoolie 03-08-2021 10:39 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by coolJD (Post 1910370)
plumbing is not insulated in the concrete.. with recirculating hot water will higher cost because you are heating the concrete or sand around the hot water pipe. I put a small water heater under the sink. Don't waste water waiting for the hot to get there. The concrete slab the house is built on is not insulated.. When cold outside , you can feel the cold tile in the house.. These homes are not like up north.
No, you are not "up north". All Florida homes settle after first year, usually resulting in cracks in tile. Most Floridians know this & do not add tile until two years after. As for copper pipes, not good down here. Too much lightning, copper pipes are not pure & so as storms approach & electricity is in the air & ground, copper alloys pop out & leaks occur. That is why most older homes in Florida are repiped, with PVC. This is usually done thru the attic or crawlspace as you cannot dig up the slab. All slabs will crack, problems occur if slab cracks completely thru, usually it is only superficial. We usually use a waterproof agent or paint to seal the slab before adding new flooring. I didn't do this to our new home in TV, home is well built & I can only hope that I do not get cracked tile, so far after 4 years, things are good.


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