[justjim]

My wife loved the Lily and when she is happy I'm happy! There is something to be said for any of the designer homes and just a matter of personal taste.

[jimbo2012]

Originally Posted by stuckinparadise

We chose the Lily because I loved the guest bedroom with the bay window.

That is an option on several designers, including cottage models

[slmwest]

We will be building in the next year and one big question we have is Block home construction or Frame construction? Would like to consider a block home to better withstand a FL storm and FL bugs but after seeing thousands of frame homes I'm thinking its not a real issue. What advise would you offer?
SLMWEST

[jimbo2012]

Originally Posted by slmwest

We will be building in the next year and one big question we have is Block home construction or Frame construction? Would like to consider a block home to better withstand a FL storm and FL bugs but after seeing thousands of frame homes I'm thinking its not a real issue. What advise would you offer?
SLMWEST

In a hurricane or low grade tornado the roof is subject to damage.
By bugs I assume U mean termites, the roof and many interiors are comprised of wood.
U need to inspect annually anyway.

They usually cost more.

There are some advantages such as sound control......

A frame home is better insulated.
A frame home doesn't need exterior painting every few years

U will get folks that love them as rightly so there is nothing wrong with that choice.

[TimeForChange]

My wife and I loved the Cedar and we bought one this week. It had eveything we wanted,,,,golf car garage, concrete block and cement construction, open kitchen, tile floors except BR's, roman shower and corner lot.

[jimbo2012]

Originally Posted by jimbo2012

We intend to build the Bougainvilla, we narrowed it down to designs with kitchens located in the rear.
Also < $200K

We R also starting to take a closer look at the Allamand, the florida room is interesting and it it is poured concrete & about 150' larger.

Anyone have any thoughts, I haven't seen it first hand.

[Sable99]

Originally Posted by jimbo2012

We R also starting to take a closer look at the Allamand, the florida room is interesting and it it is poured concrete & about 150' larger.

Anyone have any thoughts, I haven't seen it first hand.

I haven't seen the Allamanda in person but, these are my thoughts from the floor plan--

Pros--
- Only a dining room and not two eating areas.
- 2nd and 3rd bedrooms are a decent size.
- Florida room gives extra living space or you could use it as a multi functional room with office/den area.
- Two closets in master bedroom.

Cons--
- Small living area.
- Small master. You might have to eliminate some bedroom furniture but you have the two closets in the master so that would help.
- Lanai is on the small size. I think we will spend a lot of time on the lanai when we get there!
- 2 car garage. In all of the posts about what people wished they put in a house, a 2 car garage plus golf cart is usually the first one on the list.
- And for me, no 'niche' for my cat's litter box and extra indoor storage.

Just my 2 cents. I hope it helps when making your decision. Whatever floor plan you decide on, I am sure you will love it!!

[graciegirl]

I think that the Camellia, which still can be purchased for about 225k on some lots gives you a lot of bang for the bucks. It is just shy of 2000 square ft. Has a big kitchen and great room and a large master.

The second and third bedroom aren't real big. And the unexpanded lanai like most designers is kinda narrow, but long.

I love the big open hall that gives you the view from the front door out through the back lanai.I loved the pillars in ours. Added a little architectural zip.

[jimbo2012]

Thanks for your input sable99.

Gracie, that's way to big a home for us.

Question anyone tell me the ceiling eight of the garages?

My guess is 8 or 10 feet

[Tom Hannon]

Originally Posted by Sable99

I picked the Iris!!! I didn't want my cat's litter box in a bathroom so I wanted a floor plan that had that niche off the laundry area!! So, I picked my floor plan with my two cats in mind!!

We did the same thing. And my wife has a file cabinet and desk by the window. I also like the guest closet when you enter the house. At 1961 feet, there is a lot of house. I also like the tray ceilings in master and second bedroom (My Office)