[chiefrose]

Originally Posted by janeg

Welcome to Fernandina! We are in Bokeelia villas as we will be part timers. Everything we were told by Eric Nolan, our rep., was accurate.

My opinion would be have a wall in the back as it does give privace. Sunlights in kitchen AND bathrooms for sure and attic stairs for sure. Also the extra outside faucet.

Good luck and maybe we will see you sometime.

Jane and Jim Garrison

Thanks, Jane.

[chiefrose]

Originally Posted by entemedor

>>Outside faucet on each corner of the house
>>why all the hose bibs

You will want to spot water an area of the lawn that does not get hit by the in-ground sprinkler system.

When you get your landscaping put in, you will want to water each tree for a half an hour every day for a month.

When you put in your own flowers, you will want to water them well every day.

When you want to hose off your lanai/concrete pad, driveway, etc.

Way easier if you don't have to drag a 75 foot hose around every time you need to do something like the above. Trust me on this. I do the 75-foot hose drag and a pain in the neck it is, too.

Thanks for the info. Definitely something to consider.

[jimbo2012]

Originally Posted by gomoho

Light tubes are huge 'cause we don't have side windows (because we are so close) and have the lanai or whatever blocking the light from the back. Include some skylights or solar tubes cause we don't want to live in the dark.

Less expensive to have block windows installed at the build time on the side of the house, they are private.

[Lpierleo]

Building, they most certainly will move both the cable and electrical outlets higher to mount your TV and put them on the walls you want. We built an Iris, in addition to many of the things already posted, we had extra insulation placed in the ceiling of the lanai which we also extended 4 feet. We also added an electrical outlet on one of the posts on the inside of the lanai for a table and lamp. We also added 2 ft to the front of the garage and I think that was well worth it if you want to place anything along the back wall. We had an additional dedicated outlet placed in the garage should we want to put a refrigerator in there one day. Insulated garage doors was also something my husband wanted. Additional concrete pad all the way down the the rear of the home out of the lanai, and additonal concrete in the driveway to make it straight rather than at an angle. Had them curve the sidewalk or the angle so it wasnt a 90 degree angle.
We also did the rounded corners and higher baseboards, but I am questioning myself now about the rounded corners, wondering how you transition paint colors from one room to another? Haven'd done that yet, but I am sure there is an answer. Closets could certainly use additional shelving but we will do that after. Good luck in whatever you decide to do, if we can be of any help, just reply.

[mickey100]

There are some great deals on used homes, and you may only have to spend a few thousand dollars to have those upgrades you want, added, if they are not already in place. You'll have mature landscaping, and you may not be paying $20,000 or more towards a bond. Many people get caught up in the sales pitch and the desire to have brand new. There's nothing wrong with that - its easier, it has its pluses in terms of being in a new neighborhood where everyone else is new, the home warranty, etc. Its more work in terms of looking around, making purchase offers etc, and then doing minor refurbishing, but in the long run I think a person can make out better financially at this point in time with a used home. And used homes are generally less than 10 years old, so it isn't like they are really really old. A few years ago I wouldn't have said this. During the housing recession people got some great deals on new homes in certain Villages. But prices have gone up, and I don't believe you can do as well any more with a new home. If you want brand new, you'll be paying for it.

[jimbo2012]

I disagree, for many reasons already stated, the bond is $3 a day, don't you think if the bond is paid down or off the sellers are looking to recoup that $$.

All appliance hotwater A/C roof is ten years old time for repair replace.

That was a different building code back then, widows insulation all lower standards.

Oh, no sinkhole insurance on resales.

Price wise when we looked resales were almost or higher than new.

[A-4 Skyhawk]

Originally Posted by jimbo2012

I disagree, for many reasons already stated, the bond is $3 a day, don't you think if the bond is paid down or off the sellers are looking to recoup that $$.

All appliance hotwater A/C roof is ten years old time for repair replace.

That was a different building code back then, widows insulation all lower standards.

Oh, no sinkhole insurance on resales.

Price wise when we looked resales were almost or higher than new.

Some people, like my wife and I, only like NEW. Its probably cost me tons over the years, but there's nothing better that fresh, clean, and a warranty

[chiefrose]

Originally Posted by Lpierleo

Building, they most certainly will move both the cable and electrical outlets higher to mount your TV and put them on the walls you want. We built an Iris, in addition to many of the things already posted, we had extra insulation placed in the ceiling of the lanai which we also extended 4 feet. We also added an electrical outlet on one of the posts on the inside of the lanai for a table and lamp. We also added 2 ft to the front of the garage and I think that was well worth it if you want to place anything along the back wall. We had an additional dedicated outlet placed in the garage should we want to put a refrigerator in there one day. Insulated garage doors was also something my husband wanted. Additional concrete pad all the way down the the rear of the home out of the lanai, and additonal concrete in the driveway to make it straight rather than at an angle. Had them curve the sidewalk or the angle so it wasnt a 90 degree angle.
We also did the rounded corners and higher baseboards, but I am questioning myself now about the rounded corners, wondering how you transition paint colors from one room to another? Haven'd done that yet, but I am sure there is an answer. Closets could certainly use additional shelving but we will do that after. Good luck in whatever you decide to do, if we can be of any help, just reply.

Thanks for the info, especially about the extra outlets. What is the story about the insulation in the lanai as we too are extending it by 4'? I'll also have to pay more attention to the driveway and walks.

[designerko]

Hopefully your real estate agent already told you to be looking at all the online model floorplans and when you see a great idea you would like to include in your selected model, add it to your list. Same review will allow you to eliminate things you don't like, such as interior finishes on flooring, cabinets, and countertops, prior to going into your design appointment.

If you find a preferred lot location on a resale you like, then you will benefit from owner upgrades already made and mature landscaping. With a new home, you can add the features you want that are best done at the building stage.

Also good to make a list of what you love in your current home so you are sure to include if you build new.

[TomSpasm]

Unless specified as being included in the original build, you'll want to spend $300 or so to insulate the attic of your garage and lanai areas. We rented a beautiful designer home for 6 months here with the hottest garage I've ever experienced in 25 years in Florida. Of course the snowbird owner may not care, as he's not here in the summer, but your lanai and garage will be far more pleasant if you insulate them.

[ncarvalho]

Originally Posted by chiefrose

Back in March my wife and I were on vacation in Florida when we decided to take a ride to TV. We met with a sales rep and by the end of the day had signed for a lot in Fernandina. I know; not the smartest decision to make but I had researched TV online for awhile and liked what I saw. We went back a few days later to experience the nightly activites in the town squares and again were impressed. We rented a house for a week this coming November to get more of a feel for the area.

We priced out a Begonia on an interior off-set lot and stretched the Lanai 4' and the garage and front bedroom by 2'. We took the upgrades to either the top or second highest on the list. As far as a new build is concerned I think we did fairly well on the house.

Since our visit I have done even more research and visited places like this forum for insight. While I don't have "buyers remorse" on buying in TV I do have some questions. I would appreciate an info and opinions on the following:

1) Lot selection - the houses are pretty close together and I was wondering if I would be better served with a corner, back to a road or wall location for more privacy. I can't see going 100K more for a golf course lot.

2) New build vs resale - since it seems that so many residents move 1-2 times while in TV would it be better to buy a resale, which has upgrades already done, than to build and have to then get the extras like landscaping, molding, shutters, etc. From what I hear the builder doesn't make any modifications beyond what is in their upgrade list.

3) Actual costs - While TV gives you the estimated $1,000 per month cost of living in TV (exclusive of mortgage which I won't have) I know this is unrealistic. I would guess that it is more like $1,500 to $2,000 once you add in more than basic cable, internet, pest control, lawn maintenance, additional insurances, etc. Can anyone give me a ballpark figure?

4) Home improvements - How about things like water filters, drip irrigation, skylights, lightning rods, etc. Needed or not?

5) Design team - when you meet with a designer do you get to actually see what you are buying in a showroom setting. Things like kitchen cabinets (really surprised I didn't see any 42" cabinets in models), light fixtures, granite, faucets, etc.

I really appreciate anyone who has read this posting to this point. Actually, I could probably think of even more to ask. I will REALLY appreciate anyone that can help with some of the questions.

Rich

Hi, These are very good questions: What I am going to list below is expenses based on an average for 2012 and you can play with some figures. I do my budget all the time, mostly the fixed costs, so we can play with what if and what else we can add on a monthly basis. What is not included is Medical and life insurance, as well as income taxes and the travel/ party expenses. But this includes the overall groceries and pharmacy and general house maintenance. THis is close for a designer home, close to 2300 sq ft , with no pool or golf costs to it, and one car, one electric golf cart, and are monthly averages --It can be close to $2500 a month -- Have fun:
1. amenities fee (that usage of regular pool) = $150
1a. we pay close to 300/year for the pool at the country club, no golf: $25
2. Cable/Comcast: includes two tv, HD with major chanels and HBO, and internet wireless and house phone and 2 DVRs : $200
3. Car insurance: 40
4. Water softner maintenance, done 2x year, rounded up: $10
5. Electric/ gas: $150
6. Yard/ grass/ cut/ trim and includes bushes: $55
7. Yard: Maintenance: chemicals/ weeds, gen care: $42
8. Waste/ trash: (charged quarterly), mon: $20
9. Golf cart maintenance: $200 (can be less, but we need to change batteries, that can be a good $600-700)
10. A/C maintenance : $10
11. We add house maintenance "surprises" : $ 150 (to set apart, but add it to the budget)
12. pharmacy/ cleaning/ lights and the kind : $200
13. Gasoline (we use the electric golf cart a lot) $100
14. 2 cell phones: $100
15. Skype (int'l call if not connected) $10
16. Groceries/market/wine $600
17. Prop taxes: $300
18. Homeowner's insurance: $150

I enjoy cooking and that provides for good friends to enjoy homecooking with us, and a good glass of wine!
Hope it helps. I think I only missed the most important part, at no extra cost -- retire and enjoy what we already pay for at TV!

Best,

[UpNorth]

New construction is fine if you dont mind waiting 10 years for the dusty place to look established, are satisfied with only high-cost electricity (no gas), and are willing to pay a high bond.

[jimbo2012]

Originally Posted by UpNorth

New construction is fine if you dont mind waiting 10 years for the dusty place to look established, are satisfied with only high-cost electricity (no gas), and are willing to pay a high bond.

That is a ridiculous statement, the bond is 100 a month on a designer, less on others.

Established is a matter of opinion, I've seen areas a year or two old that look pretty good just because a neighborhood is older does make it better or worse.

I'm on the very most southern edge in 215 and in a month here I've yet to wash off dust.

So I think your comments are mis placed or just do not know what you speak.......

[jrandall]

Answer for number1. We are quite close to our neighbors back yard and lanai. We love our neighbors but we can hear them and they can hear us talking when we are in our lanai. I would recommend a lanai facing the road if the road is not Pinellas a high traffic route or consider the wall.

[sharonga]

Moved to Sanibel May 25, 2012, our house was hit by lightening June 4 2012. All in all we were very lucky because our house took a direct hit and did not burn down. Firemen did not think lightening rods would have helped. We have a surge protector that we rent from the electric company. We think that saved the large appliances. It was a nightmare, but its over and we are loving life in the villages. Just go with the flow and enjoy. Leave your old life behind. Bills are a lot less here. I dont know why. We are from NY and while I do find the cost of supermarket shopping a lot higher, restaurants are much cheaper. Its just easier living here.