The use of CPVC under the slab is pretty typical in the south.

that's correct, but I'm surprised they don't use Pex I think it's better & less expensive.

Also they don't use primer on the fittings just glue

Sorry, I misspoke - should have referred to sound reduction. Some windows do not transmit outside sound as well as other windows. It refers to the STC value (Sound Transmission Class) of the windows - directly relating to thickness of glass and airspace in the windows, and how airtight they are. Typically the STC of double paned windows has a range of 26-32. You can buy "soundproof" windows that typically have much higher STC values. I have spoken with other people that commented that the windows here seem to transmit sound more easily than what we had up north. I don't know if it is the windows themselves, or the method of installation. I suppose if one is hard of hearing, as are many of us at this age, it wouldn't be a big deal one way or another. But not everyone has hearing loss. I personally have pretty sensitive hearing and have noticed the difference from our Anderson windows up north.

Lower Sales
 

Very subjective.

You are entitled to your preferences like everybody. Of course you can find bigger lots in many places (even in TV, as has been pointed out). But similar spacing as in TV is not uncommon by any means. And it certainly is not a criterion for judging quality of construction.

Small lots are better
 

In Florida we find smaller lots are better for a number of reasons, but primarily because of the necessity of watering your yard and cost of land. Water, as we know, has become precious and very costly.

The Developer is no longer building the "neighborhood patio villas" and they sold very quickly in TV. I have no idea why but I'm sure there was a reason. This also brought total new sales down.

Several things - I was not aware what they used for piping under the slab. However, I like the plastic push on the supply stops - I have the same thing in my condo in Milwaukee- I know it seems cheap, but it works great- I had to pull the toilet to put in a new floor and it was zip zip with no wet floor like the old type of metal stops. However, I was thinking more of the arrangements of where and how they do the HVAC, as well as the windows and lack of gutters. The windows are simple, have the low E coating on the outside of the inside pane to keep sun and heat OUT, and have really good drainage to deal with the downpours. Same thing with lack of gutters. With the downpours in the area, I would be concerned that water would splash up from the gutters and get under the shingles and eventually start leaks. With the lack of basements and the sand around the houses, gutters are not only unnecessary but detrimental in my opinion. Seems like the general quality is good- finishes on the concrete, drywall, etc..

The fact that they obviously did a deep cleaning after construction and before we moved in shows the attention to detail. I was very impressed with my builder walkthru - they guy has been building houses in the villages for 15 years and really knew his stuff.

Ed

A Casement window like we have up North would not last 5 years in Florida - they are not built for the heat, humidity, or the rain downpours. A different solution for a different set of problems. You would have mold and other problems building up inside the cases in no time with a Northern style window.

Where are you getting your statistics on what is selling and what is not? I hear a lot of opinion.. And the house I bought is in Hillsborough, but not on the trail. I personally think the reason the houses on the main drag don't sell fast is the Lanai's are on a busy road- I am sure they have problems selling all the ones like that - it has nothing to do with being a spec home.

The other houses in Hillsborough have sold very briskly.

As far as a resale versus new- everywhere else I have been, I would agree with you totally. However, we did our homework and bought new. It was the best deal for what I got - period. I could have bought a resale with about the same stuff for $20,000 more, but with no Warranty. My second choice was a new house too. To be honest, the landscaping is good with Florida centric shrubs, etc. The only thing I needed to do that I would have had in a resale was window treatments that I had put in for $1600 from one of the sponsers on this site. I also added a few towel bars (about $200 total). I also had to buy a washer and dryer, and we got what we wanted. Other than that, there might be wants, but not needs...

My 2 cents, and we love the villages. If you don't, I am sure there are houses available elsewhere.

the correct way solar glass is made is with the coating is on the INSIDE of the interior glass see the Cardinal glass web site.

Water really can't get under the shingles there is a starter course and a drip rail. I have never heard of a problem here.

As far as gutters (which cost only a $1 a foot) is don't install them if you want the edge of your slab to get saturated along with the sod or plant beds touching same............if you don't install them the termites will thank you over and over again.

You need to move water away from the foundation avoid that moisture.

Not so much the warranty try get full sink hole insurance on a resale I've been told impossible.

Based on what we saw I agree- they seem to mark up fancy counters and fixtures a lot.... We bought a more basically appointed home, I can do the upgrades cheaper when I want to, and get exactly what I want. To be honest Granite countertops are overrated anyway -the new high res laminate is pretty nice stuff.

:clap2::clap2::clap2::clap2::clap2::clap2:

I agree completely - we need more like Graciegirl

Clarify please... Do you mean "Formed and Poured" Concrete exterior walls or Block exterior walls?

Regarding the HVAC, I think they could have done better for a small incremental cost. They could have installed air handlers with variable speed fans - next Carrier model up - and they could have used hard ducts instead of flex ducts. Also, they could have used roof sheathing with a built in radiant barrier - small incremental cost. They installed a builder grade hot water heater. For a small incremental cost they could have installed a Marathon water heater, which will last much longer. There is nothing wrong with what they did but for small incremental costs they could have done much better in a number of areas.