We added the birdcage about 2 years after we moved in. This gave us time to figure out exactly what we wanted. We had a very compressed timeline for the project, and we only found one contractor that could meet the schedule, Killcrease, BUT 95% of the work was done by Joseph Sweeting LLC, excellent work. We had additional electrical work done to avoid the need for extension cords in the future.
Yes you need ARC approval, IMHO, you should get the initial approval, they will need the final design for final approval. All permits are by the contractor(s), you should never get these permits, as it sets you up as the general contractor.
Our project took 2 weeks from start to finish. BTW, the size is about 800 square feet, total cost was around $18,000.

Thanks for the info everyone.. good stuff..

-Spoiler

f you choose to build you will have the opportunity to make those choices with your designer. We went over all of the placements for switches, recessed lights ceiling fans etc. You can move to them at that time. Remember once you sign your changes become a "Change Order" in the build process at $500 + the cost of the change.

We did our build with no change orders. Did we forget somethings, yes. Will we add them now, the jury is still out.

The morning/afternoon before you complete your final walk through of the house with the Builder, not the agent. They will show you all of the features and provide the contact info for the plumber, HVAC, electrician, etc.

The Solar Guys
 

Hi folks,

Based on our experience brightening up your neighbors’ homes in The Villages with the genuine, patented Solatube brand tubular skylight, we would recommend waiting until your home is furnished and window treatments are installed and you are actually living in the home for a bit before you invest in natural daylighting solutions. This is because lighting needs are very subjective from person to person and so the size and placement of lights needs to be customized for each unique situation so that it can take into account various factors such as furniture location, paint colors, existing electrical lighting on the ceiling, the location of any TV’s or computer monitors in the room, and many other variables, most of which are not available to take into consideration when the home is brand new, unfurnished, and unoccupied. That’s why here at The Solar Guys we offer a free, in-home consultation for our customers so that they can have the confidence they are getting exactly what they need and want instead of paying ahead for something that may not actually suit their needs, much less be necessary for their wants.

Feel free to call us at 866-669-5259 if you would like to set up your own personalized visit with a daylighting consultant expert so that we can put the sun to work for you!

Before you finish designing your house, read Super House by Donald Wulfinghoff. You can find it on Amazon. It will help you a lot to make sure your house has everything it needs.

Great info...I agree 100%. Just so folks understand, I have NEVER seen a builder installed solar tube. This is clearly an aftermarket product. Also, as this post stated, you really need to be IN your home to decide if and where you want these. I typically recommend The Solar Guys because they are the largest company out there doing this, and I believe in going with companies that back their products and will be around years down the road.

Frank

we installed several solar tubes in our home and used "The Solar Guy" and later did more tubes in a rental villa, both were well done and completed as promised. Hope that helps!

Our designer at the design center told us that TV started offering solar tubes about 6 months ago. We decided to get them installed (if we need them) after market after living in our new house as you recommended.

Thank you for the info and feedback. It is very helpful.

We lived there for 17 years as snow birds. I completely understand your feelings. We were West Side at Kapalua. Here since 2016 and very happy!