[jayteadunn]

My wife and I are soon to start the design center process for a site in DeLuna. This stretch of sites has some unique new limitations on option choices. No double ovens or pot fillers and limited pool options etc. I think they are doing some new streamlined process by limiting options and stretches etc. The house is an IVY-10 now called a Warbler. There are some things we would probably have to do later after closings.

Any do's / don't or mentions you think would be good to know. Any thoughts on companies for a pool and hot tub later, or modifying a kitchen?

Recommendations on area furniture stores, closet organizing, and murphy bed shelving units?

Any area companies for mounting TV's? It looks like The Villages puts cable wires and plugs low on walls normally and not up high. Any suggestions on that and adding some wire networking?

I'm sure these questions have been asked over the years so I apologize for the repetition. I did some searches and some of it is aged., Thank you for your patience with this.

[Laurawilcox]

Welcome to DeLuna. We purchased a lot and went through the process prior to the streamlined changes. Actually I think you are the first asking as I don’t think many know what they are yet. Items that we needed to consider are likely not applicable but would love to know what your options turn out to be. They have many decor choices available. We upgraded the master bath light to include a fan and heater, if that is possible and of interest.

The pool caused us pause. They gave us the choice of what type of heater and we had 30 minutes plus to decide. We had no idea and texted everyone we knew. I wish I had been able to think that through. Also give thought to if you want the pool to square off to a section of your home. We wanted it to square to the family room so had it moved that direction a bit.

Double check everything so you are comfortable. We found the closet sizes were important after the fact when we were planning what to take with us and if we would bring an extra dresser or something.

If you haven’t yet, consider hiring Don Wiley, a bargain and it feels like Christmas every time you see the new construction pictures. Goldwingnut.


We are lot 119-27 on Whittington Circle. Coming from Denver. You can see our home now on the drone videos. Moving in early October.

[tophcfa]

Ask if they can design a noise barrier so you can’t hear the turnpike traffic.

[asianthree]

TV is out of the custom home building. Our friends were upset that the new designer plan may not allow stretch, or add on a room such as a pantry or office, or bath. Interior walls no longer can moved, so no enlargement of closet space, the most important item on their list

It’s so sad that your dream home may only be a dream, as TV design goes back to the cookie cutter plan.

[jayteadunn]

Thank you this is great info !

[coffeebean]

Originally Posted by tophcfa

Ask if they can design a noise barrier so you can’t hear the turnpike traffic.

Oh no! Here we go again. LOL.

[villagetinker]

Jaytesdunn, I tried to reply and it did not work, I am trying again, my comments in blue:

My wife and I are soon to start the design center process for a site in DeLuna. This stretch of sites has some unique new limitations on option choices. No double ovens or pot fillers and limited pool options etc. I think they are doing some new streamlined process by limiting options and stretches etc. The house is an IVY-10 now called a Warbler. There are some things we would probably have to do later after closings. Make sure you get a full set of plans for your house (ours was 15 or16 pages), these has all of the info, except for plumbing. They will have info on load bearing walls if there are any. Also, arrange for construction photos, we got these and they have been very handy over the years, especially if I wanted to know if the studs were wood or metal. If the builder no longer offers this service ask a neighbor, may be a way to make a new friend.

Any do's / don't or mentions you think would be good to know. Any thoughts on companies for a pool and hot tub later, or modifying a kitchen? Many people have reported waits of a year to 18 months for a pool (from name vendors), so if they offer something close to what you want I would go with the pool installed with the house. As for the hot tub, we prefer the above ground type, much easier to maintain. As for the kitchen, make sure whatever you are planning to install or replace is IN STOCK, friends ended up waiting 6 months for new counter tops.

Recommendations on area furniture stores, closet organizing, and murphy bed shelving units? You can review this site and Nextdoor for recommendations, but the warrantees appear to be generally useless, and extended warrantees are worth even less.

Any area companies for mounting TV's? It looks like The Villages puts cable wires and plugs low on walls normally and not up high. Any suggestions on that and adding some wire networking? If you are sure what wall you want the TV on, have the cable and electrical boxes installed around 4 feet off the floor. There are a couple of small firms that are very good at mounting the TVs, I did my own (75” model). I am surprised if the builder is installing any telephone or internet cabling as everything I have seen is based on a wireless design with the router in the kitchen area. Be sure to consider where you want the equipment installed, countertop or above the cabinets and have the wiring arranged for this. Also these need to be reset periodically.
I saw a post that mentioned a sound barrier; I have no idea where you are located with regard to the turnpike, but be aware there have been discussion about widening it. We occasionally hear the train whistle about 1 to 2 miles away when the wind is blowing the correct direction.

I'm sure these questions have been asked over the years so I apologize for the repetition. I did some searches and some of it is aged., Thank you for your patience with this.

[valuemkt]

WE (my wife) modified the heck out of the IVY 10. While not sure of the new restrictions, I would definitely add a second closet in the master, along with making sure the Lanai is stretched to the kitchen end of the house. The second closet shares a wall with the lanai wall, with our lanai (with stretches) being 30x16. His and hers closets prevent a lot of ugly discussions esp in Oscar and Felix situations. Stretch as much as possible to give extra room to living room, dining room and kitchen. Not sure why you cant do double ovens. We credited out the standard appliances, and had detailed measurements and electric requirements for the two non Samsung oven types that were installed right after closing. Just a few ideas

[Kenswing]

That’s a shame. You’d think after spending millions on a new design center that they would be expanding the available options.

[ohioshooter]

Originally Posted by tophcfa

Ask if they can design a noise barrier so you can’t hear the turnpike traffic.

No TP noise on Whittington Circle.

[Garywt]

We bought a newly built house, we looked into getting a lot but found a house we loved. Didn’t need any extras. As for furniture we went with City furniture. Some don’t like them but we loved them and the price was right. As for tv’s we gave ours on tv stands as a posed to on the wall.

[VApeople]

Drive around and look at other houses. Find one that has the color roof, outside, and trim that you like.

The designer will ask what color you want for the outside, trim, and roof. Just give them to address of the house you like.

[Woodbear]

Concrete is cheap. If you want any expansions of concrete, now is the time to do it. As for landscaping I would not take any knowing I would most likely upgrade it later myself. Colors, have your lineup in place in the event you cannot get your first choice. If you find homes online, note their address and the design team can look up their paint schemes. Basic interior paint is garbage. To upgrade the Villages charged quite a bit. I would look at doing later via myself or others. I am not aware that the Villages will no longer customize. The stretches and modifications we wanted were reasonably priced. Each design may have its quirks.

Do your homework and have a plan. Think ahead of the items that could go wrong (i.e. I love this countertop but it is backordered). Have a fall back plan for every aspect. I came in with a folder of information and data.

[Papa_lecki]

Originally Posted by villagetinker

Any thoughts on companies for a pool and hot tub later, or modifying a kitchen? Many people have reported waits of a year to 18 months for a pool (from name vendors), so if they offer something close to what you want I would go with the pool installed with the house. As for the hot tub, we prefer the above ground type, much easier to maintain. As for the kitchen, make sure whatever you are planning to install or replace is IN STOCK, friends ended up waiting 6 months for new counter tops.

If you are considering a pool, do it now. T&D will get it in before closing.
Otherwise, you’re looking at it not starting the pool for 18 months.

[villageuser]

Originally Posted by asianthree

TV is out of the custom home building. Our friends were upset that the new designer plan may not allow stretch, or add on a room such as a pantry or office, or bath. Interior walls no longer can moved, so no enlargement of closet space, the most important item on their list

It’s so sad that your dream home may only be a dream, as TV design goes back to the cookie cutter plan.

Why would somebody pay for a custom-built home, if they can’t get custom home options?