[Bitsee]

Originally Posted by 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.

Agreed !

Question...Why on earth would you stick that much $$ into a Patio Villa which you will most likely grow out of in a few years ? And didn't you mention that you are located in the middle of a hotbed of
AirB&B's ? Yikes !

Just a thought..

Why don't you find a beautiful lot down there and build and
create a brand new Designer home model exactly to your specifications that will suit your high-end tastes ?

You would be much more satisfied and will definitely be able to permanently grow into that home much easier than a smaller Patio Villa .

Again....Just wondering..

[Karmanng]

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.

I was thinking of some updating too to my place but I bought a resale at 3 years old..............do you care to share Some of these costs? and also who you used and were liking there work? you can email me cg517@hotmail.com thanks

[lvshworles]

Hello! I understand you were a previous resident of Las Vegas! I still own a home in Las Vegas, and presently a summer renter to decide if I want to move to TV!
I read your post! Can give me a ballpark figure as to what those “fun, full time projects” are going to cost you???
Debating new home vs. preowned!!! Any comments there??
Also, are you happy with the Village you had chosen???

[RCJ61]

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.

What a great Thread. Except maybe the negative view of The southern areas. We just bought a new Designer home in Newell. We thought long and hard about the decision. We liked the newer area because it was less congested and more open. Kinda off the beaten path.
As for your list, we checked off a few of them ourselves.

- Purchased Washer/Dryer
- Purchased entire household of new furniture
- We had the driveway, walk, and Lani painted. (very Happy with that)

Our house came, with wood floors, Granite countertops.

We are not moving in full time till the end of the year. When we get there we plan on Painting the interior and doing crown moulding also.
Landscaping and a golf cart.

Good Luck with your List, it's quite a lot.

RCJ

[Gigi3000]

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.

About the power surge installation, are you talking about the cords with plugs on them that protects TVs? or are you having to have an electrician install something? Also, you would still need a lighting rod after installing SP? I'm new to these things, obviously.

[Michael 61]

Originally Posted by Bgillam

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

For the most part, I have been happy with my contractors - I have used a combination of neighbor referrals / referrals from users here on TOTV / referrals from other contractors I already trust / review ratings from TOTV (home improvements tab) and Yelp reviews/ratings. I will usually interview three contractors for each job, and though I want to be thrifty with what I spend, I haven’t always just automatically used the cheapest contractor. For work like landscaping, cement staining, flooring, I want to see physical examples of the contractor’s work. I also need to be impressed with not jut their quality and cost, but their service as well (starting off by not returning phone messages or showing up late for an appointment, will usually want me to shy away from that contractor).

I have a Topaz model, corner lot.

[Michael 61]

Originally Posted by Bitsee

Agreed !

Question...Why on earth would you stick that much $$ into a Patio Villa which you will most likely grow out of in a few years ? And didn't you mention that you are located in the middle of a hotbed of
AirB&B's ? Yikes !

Just a thought..

Why don't you find a beautiful lot down there and build and
create a brand new Designer home model exactly to your specifications that will suit your high-end tastes ?

You would be much more satisfied and will definitely be able to permanently grow into that home much easier than a smaller Patio Villa .

Again....Just wondering..

Thanks for responding. Curious as to why I will “most likely grow out of my home in a few years?”

[maistocars]

Originally Posted by Stevekehoe

Totally agree! North villages may be older, but has everything.

True- well, er, except for those 10+ year old roofs that are uninsurable and need replacing on your dime. Or maybe the outdated house styles that likely need upgraded kitchens and baths......everyone likes where they live or they likely wouldn't have moved there.

[pikeselectric]

Originally Posted by Gigi3000

About the power surge installation, are you talking about the cords with plugs on them that protects TVs? or are you having to have an electrician install something? Also, you would still need a lighting rod after installing SP? I'm new to these things, obviously.

Hi Gigi, This is Casandra, with Pike's Electric. Just wanted to chime in on this if I may. Whole Home Surge Protection is considered a device installed at your electrical panel in the garage. You may have also been offered this from your power company (Duke, SECO, etc.) however they install a device on your meter outside. Individual (SAPS) Or Surge Arrestor Protectors, that plug into the wall locally, then you plug in your device (TV, Computer, Fridge, Etc.) will suppress a surge if for some reason it travels through the home's circuitry to that item. We have a lot of information on surges, what they are, and why it is so important to protect your home on our website here: https://pikeselectric.com/protection-from-power-surges/
Please let us know if you have further questions! - Casandra 352-748-6251

[Escape Artist]

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.

As my late Irish father-in-law used to quip, “it’s well for some!”

[Toymeister]

I would get a light kit for the fan, then switch the LR and BR switched outlet to a switched fan light. It's an easy task, I've done it quite a few times.

All switch boxes in Richmond include a neutral wire which allow for more sophisticated light switches and timers.

[Marsha11]

WOW lots a bucks

[JOERILLA]

Mike...ignore the haters on here who judge from their keyboards or are jealous because they can't afford the improvements you have done....Its your house and you should be proud of it and what you have done. We are in Richmond as well and have done many of the things on your list. We also can't hear the turnpike or see power lines anywhere...despite what some posters here (who have never even ventured south of 466A let alone 44) would want people to believe!

[rsmurano]

OP, is that all you did? I did most of what you said you did and going to do and have done much more:
Added a new car, enclosed lanai with double pane windows, raised the lanai floor to match height of house and put the same tile down as the house, tiled front entrance, added new slab and birdcage, added a hot tub, automated whole house, changed all network wiring to actually be used for Ethernet instead of phones, ripped up bedroom carpet and put engineered wood floors down, had our master closet custom built with shelf’s up to the ceiling, made 1 bedroom into a craft room with custom cabinets along 1 wall, changed out wall switches to smart switches for motion and lighting.
This has turned out to be the most expensive brand new home remodel ever and still going!

[westernrider75]

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?

We got ours through Pikes Electric, who is the original electrical contractor on our home. It was approximately $500.