[mrf0151]

Well, you bought at the top of the market. You paid the highest bond amount for patio villas in the history of TV. Looks like you're putting a ton of money into this villa. Better keep it as your forever home because it will be pretty much impossible to ever get your money back.

[Owenmac]

[/B]

Originally Posted by Michael 61

Hi—

I know I have some followers here who are interested in what a new buyer may do their home after moving in, so here is an update of my journey to date:

I’m moving right along with my home upgrades (purchased a brand new patio villa in December)

What I have already done:
- Purchased Washer/Dryer
- Purchased entire household of new furniture / TV
- Installed glass doors in Master Bathroom
- Installed NOVA water system
- Extended concrete patio area on side of home and added wrap-around Birdcage
- Added gutters, with two buried drains
- Ripped out rolled vinyl flooring and carpet and replaced with vinyl planking and upgraded floorboards to 5”
- Epoxy’d Garage floor
- Purchased new golf cart
- Bought new car (traded in older vehicle)

What I have pending (estimates in, contractors hired, work to be completed between now and end of summer):
- Landscaping and brickwork
- Epoxy of birdcage
- Paint driveway and walkway
- Install glass insert to front door
- Paint entire interior of house / Install crown molding
- Replace kitchen and bathroom counters with quartz and replace all sinks with “drop-in” sinks / Also upgrade all faucets
- Install backsplash
- Install pantry “pull-outs” in all pantry shelves
- Install shelving in laundry closet
- Redesign and upgrade shelving in both bedroom closet.
- Custom frame all art work.

Still to do (probably fall of this year):
- Purchase storage cabinets for garage
- Buy new set of golf clubs
- Purchase E- Bike
- Install Pendant light fixtures along with ambient lighting in kitchen
- Replace cheap-looking sliding door blinds with some sort of upgrade
- Install a surge-protector

On-fence (not sure or not at this point):
- Install a lightning rod
- Install plantation shutters
- Rip out master shower and put in tile.
- Put in a “smart’ doorbell.
- Installing solar tubing in ceiling of both windowless bathrooms
- Upgrade ceiling fans
- Install a TV on wall in bedroom

I realize I’m doing a lot more than the average new buyer, but I really want to make this house “my own”.

Hopefully others will find my list of upgrades helpful, and something to consider when buying a home for the first time in The Villages.

I appreciate all the messages I receive, especially from those who are currently outside of The Villages, but are very interested in possibly making this your future retirement home.

Life is good here - but managing all these projects has been an almost full time job (but a fun one) - but hopefully all will settle down later this year.

Tile is out dated i would go with a solid surface like JETTASTONE SOLID SURFACE!!

[Jewelz]

Hi Michael – sounds like you ate having a wonderful time and living your best life!!!! We bought a 12 year old courtyard villa and are working on some renovations slowly and having a blast doing it. Thank you so much for your update… Make sure you have plenty of time to have fun!

[JRcorvette]

Originally Posted by Michael 61

Hi—

I know I have some followers here who are interested in what a new buyer may do their home after moving in, so here is an update of my journey to date:

I’m moving right along with my home upgrades (purchased a brand new patio villa in December)

What I have already done:
- Purchased Washer/Dryer
- Purchased entire household of new furniture / TV
- Installed glass doors in Master Bathroom
- Installed NOVA water system
- Extended concrete patio area on side of home and added wrap-around Birdcage
- Added gutters, with two buried drains
- Ripped out rolled vinyl flooring and carpet and replaced with vinyl planking and upgraded floorboards to 5”
- Epoxy’d Garage floor
- Purchased new golf cart
- Bought new car (traded in older vehicle)

What I have pending (estimates in, contractors hired, work to be completed between now and end of summer):
- Landscaping and brickwork
- Epoxy of birdcage
- Paint driveway and walkway
- Install glass insert to front door
- Paint entire interior of house / Install crown molding
- Replace kitchen and bathroom counters with quartz and replace all sinks with “drop-in” sinks / Also upgrade all faucets
- Install backsplash
- Install pantry “pull-outs” in all pantry shelves
- Install shelving in laundry closet
- Redesign and upgrade shelving in both bedroom closet.
- Custom frame all art work.

Still to do (probably fall of this year):
- Purchase storage cabinets for garage
- Buy new set of golf clubs
- Purchase E- Bike
- Install Pendant light fixtures along with ambient lighting in kitchen
- Replace cheap-looking sliding door blinds with some sort of upgrade
- Install a surge-protector

On-fence (not sure or not at this point):
- Install a lightning rod
- Install plantation shutters
- Rip out master shower and put in tile.
- Put in a “smart’ doorbell.
- Installing solar tubing in ceiling of both windowless bathrooms
- Upgrade ceiling fans
- Install a TV on wall in bedroom

I realize I’m doing a lot more than the average new buyer, but I really want to make this house “my own”.

Hopefully others will find my list of upgrades helpful, and something to consider when buying a home for the first time in The Villages.

I appreciate all the messages I receive, especially from those who are currently outside of The Villages, but are very interested in possibly making this your future retirement home.

Life is good here - but managing all these projects has been an almost full time job (but a fun one) - but hopefully all will settle down later this year.

All good up-grades and most everyone does them. I would not spend the money on Solar Tubes in the bathrooms. With LED lighting you could leave the lights on 24/7 for 25 years and never spend that much money. Lighting rods is a toss up but it is quite expensive.

Good Luch…

[airstreamingypsy]

Originally Posted by Rainger99

That is two replies on surge protectors. Does anyone have numbers on how many homes are hit with surges each year?

Any suggestions on where to buy it and ballpark price?

I do not, but my home which is the most important home to me, was hit. Took out a brand new big screen TV. I now have all electronics in UPSes, and rent a whole house surge protector from SECO.

[Wondering]

Who Cares!

[Bilyclub]

Lightning rods are one of those on the fence items. The problem comes when your insurance company wants a new roof installed after 10 years, the lightning stuff has to be removed before the new roof can be installed. Same problem with solar stuff.

[KsJayhawkers]

Originally Posted by skippy05

South of 44 vibe: no stores, no shops, no restaurants, none planned, no land allocation planned for these either, turnpike noise off the chain, visible high power transmission lines everywhere you look....I'd stop with the renovations on the new home and move north villages

Crawl out of your shell Skippy!!! Do you not read any of Wildwood's Zoning and Planning agenda minutes or the Southern Oaks Comprehensive Growth Plan??? I appreciate the stores being up north and prefer it that way. I am much happier living in the south and not having to deal with that rat race everyday or the noise from all of the traffic. If you ever come to visit us youngins' in the south, you will note we dont eat much at restaurants, we prefer to have BBQ's, block/driveway parties, pool parties, and many other social events with our neighbors. When we decide to eat out, there are plenty of choices all within a three mile radius for us to choose. We are happy you chose up north, it doesn't sound like you would 'vibe' with us southerners, but if you will excuse me, its time to head out for a 20 mile bike ride on our multi-modal paths...

[Regorp]

Originally Posted by Michael 61

Hi—

I know I have some followers here who are interested in what a new buyer may do their home after moving in, so here is an update of my journey to date:

I’m moving right along with my home upgrades (purchased a brand new patio villa in December)

What I have already done:
- Purchased Washer/Dryer
- Purchased entire household of new furniture / TV
- Installed glass doors in Master Bathroom
- Installed NOVA water system
- Extended concrete patio area on side of home and added wrap-around Birdcage
- Added gutters, with two buried drains
- Ripped out rolled vinyl flooring and carpet and replaced with vinyl planking and upgraded floorboards to 5”
- Epoxy’d Garage floor
- Purchased new golf cart
- Bought new car (traded in older vehicle)

What I have pending (estimates in, contractors hired, work to be completed between now and end of summer):
- Landscaping and brickwork
- Epoxy of birdcage
- Paint driveway and walkway
- Install glass insert to front door
- Paint entire interior of house / Install crown molding
- Replace kitchen and bathroom counters with quartz and replace all sinks with “drop-in” sinks / Also upgrade all faucets
- Install backsplash
- Install pantry “pull-outs” in all pantry shelves
- Install shelving in laundry closet
- Redesign and upgrade shelving in both bedroom closet.
- Custom frame all art work.

Still to do (probably fall of this year):
- Purchase storage cabinets for garage
- Buy new set of golf clubs
- Purchase E- Bike
- Install Pendant light fixtures along with ambient lighting in kitchen
- Replace cheap-looking sliding door blinds with some sort of upgrade
- Install a surge-protector

On-fence (not sure or not at this point):
- Install a lightning rod
- Install plantation shutters
- Rip out master shower and put in tile.
- Put in a “smart’ doorbell.
- Installing solar tubing in ceiling of both windowless bathrooms
- Upgrade ceiling fans
- Install a TV on wall in bedroom

I realize I’m doing a lot more than the average new buyer, but I really want to make this house “my own”.

Hopefully others will find my list of upgrades helpful, and something to consider when buying a home for the first time in The Villages.

I appreciate all the messages I receive, especially from those who are currently outside of The Villages, but are very interested in possibly making this your future retirement home.

Life is good here - but managing all these projects has been an almost full time job (but a fun one) - but hopefully all will settle down later this year.

You must have w beon Powerball!!

[kendi]

Originally Posted by skippy05

South of 44 vibe: no stores, no shops, no restaurants, none planned, no land allocation planned for these either, turnpike noise off the chain, visible high power transmission lines everywhere you look....I'd stop with the renovations on the new home and move north villages

He’s not you.

[Txcottage]

We are contemplating a concrete pad addition/birdcage for a hot tub. Any recommendations?

[Carlsondm]

Originally Posted by skippy05

South of 44 vibe: no stores, no shops, no restaurants, none planned, no land allocation planned for these either, turnpike noise off the chain, visible high power transmission lines everywhere you look....I'd stop with the renovations on the new home and move north villages

The vibe is different south of 44. We are south of 44 and 91 and love it. Very little freeway noise because of the berms and buffer zones with paths and a wild feeling. We do have excellent restaurants, not as many as on 441..but they are excellent.

I am trying to find those visible high power transmission lines that “are everywhere you look”. Nope. Nada. Not here. Definitely an exaggerated statement. Please check your “facts”. Power lines may be an issue in some areas, but if they are visible, the buyer should be aware.

Our community of Linden/Linden Isle is fairly quiet with lots of walking, biking paths and low golf cart traffic. That will likely change when the new bridge and communities n of 91 plus Sawgrass are connected to us. The Villages is continually improving our services and we are quite pleased. We love this vibe and less traffic.

[Carlsondm]

Wow. You are doing much of what we are doing only super fast. We are moving at a Southern pace. You must enjoy managing projects and moving things along.
Our backgrounds and priorities are different, so you must be having fun with the responses. Florida is a top state for lightening strikes. We in central Florida experience high winds, tropical storms. I recommend a whole house surge protector to protect high tech appliances and computer equipment. Call around to electricians for prices. We bought ours from SECO for $350 four yr ago, but found cheaper installed prices later. I wanted it immediately. Also install point of use surge protectors inside your home on critical devices and outlets.
Do you have electric or gas appliances? Are they protected from lightning. A home in our area was hit near a gas line and burned quickly. Open concept has disadvantages. The rebuilders have chosen an electric home.
We are on the fence about lightning rods, unless they are on our neighbor’s home. : )
I have heard that TV installs them on their buildings but need to verify. If used, gas lines need to be considered. Perhaps a chat with fire experts could enlighten us.

[Carlsondm]

Originally Posted by KsJayhawkers

Crawl out of your shell Skippy!!! Do you not read any of Wildwood's Zoning and Planning agenda minutes or the Southern Oaks Comprehensive Growth Plan??? I appreciate the stores being up north and prefer it that way. I am much happier living in the south and not having to deal with that rat race everyday or the noise from all of the traffic. If you ever come to visit us youngins' in the south, you will note we dont eat much at restaurants, we prefer to have BBQ's, block/driveway parties, pool parties, and many other social events with our neighbors. When we decide to eat out, there are plenty of choices all within a three mile radius for us to choose. We are happy you chose up north, it doesn't sound like you would 'vibe' with us southerners, but if you will excuse me, its time to head out for a 20 mile bike ride on our multi-modal paths...

Love it. We’ll be over on our three wheelers. What should we bring? Cheers!

[Bgillam]

Thank you for the list. How do you go about finding contractors, painters, etc? What model patio villa do you have ?