Getting nervous!

[ZeroLot]

Just curious, how much of a deposit is Taylor Morrison requiring for options. I purchased in Amelia and the design center is requiring a 50% deposit on all upgrades except flooring. For flooring they're requiring a 20% deposit.

They are requiring a 30% deposit for all design upgrades. That's so annoying - I didn't know they required anything until escrow closes.  I'm learning a lot as I go through this new construction process. But 50% is even more annoying - I'll take the 30% then

Any tips from anyone that's bought new construction is appreciated!

30% is steep.  Ip charges 25%.

Flooring, painting, pantries, epoxy, retractable screens, garage door automation, home security, closets upgrades and other cosmetic upgrades can be done easily after escrow closes.

Anything that requires punching out a dry wall or electrical should be done thru the builder to avoid voiding warranties.

However if you don't mind voiding warranties than it's all fair game. 

My decisions were made to avoid voiding warranties, as always do whatever makes sense for your lifestyle.

Congrats on your new home purchase.  You'll have lots of fun discovering all these cool gadgets that can be installed in a new house.  Still love all the automatic light sensor switches we installed in all the walk ins.

*Upgraded flooring around bathroom areas

*Upgraded counter tops in kitchen and bath areas

*Ceiling fan prewires in all bedrooms

*Canned lights in all bedrooms

*Living room and master pre wired for wall mounted tvs

*Whole house insulation

*Extra internet ports in living room and tech areas.

*Extra electrical outlets in garage and backyard (for extra fridge and future EV and water softener)

======

Other stuff I upgraded because I wanted the convenience:

* larger kitchen sink

* door knobs to door handles

* extra electrical in hallway areas so I can easily plug a vacuum or emergency blackout lights

 

[Paris167]

a

 

[ZeroLot]

I'm still trying to figure out that attic fan installation.  I think I will start a new thread on that.

I should also mention that I just saw costco selling a solar powered AC unit.  It looks great, not sure if it's compatible with a new house.  It makes sense to go solar power for just the AC. 

 

[ZeroLot]

Wow good stuff zerolot - thanks.

So why extra insulation? Don't these new homes have good enough insulation already? And do you know on average how much extra insulation costs?
I listened to the garage close on the models and it was so quiet (they said that was standard - not due to extra insulation)

All new houses comes standard with insulation.  But not between the floors and the garage exterior walls and sometimes not between certain rooms.  Standard insulation only applies to the EXTERIOR walls of the house.  Interior walls may be an upgrade thru some builders.

Also consider this, any room above the garage gets a lot of heat if the garage is not insulated.  So venting out the garage is crucial to keeping the room above the garage cool at night, especially if it's the master above the garage.  Insulating the garage helps too.  When it's over 100 degrees out my garage is about 15 degrees cooler.  That makes a big difference compared to a non insulated garage. 

Also insulation between the floors is also good for a bit of sound barrier although nothing will sound proof kids running or jumping upstairs.

 

[Paris167]

a

 

[OCgasman]

The insulation upgrade is really a must IMHO.  Typically runs $2k-$3k depending on the size of the house.

 

[irvinehomeowner]

Also those Irvine trash cans are so elusive.  It's like a Where's Waldo hunt every time.  Except is Where's that Irvine trash can ...

This is ps9's predicament.

 

[O Hills]

You really struck a nerve with the room over the garage issue.
But our builder does not offer upgraded insulation.

Any other solutions to this issue?
(Given the forum, I'm fully aware of the risk for creative/snarky responses, but am hoping for the best.)

Upgrading the insulation after COE seems like a total nonstarter. 
[Could spray foam insulation be feasible?]
I'm sure they wont let me throw in a couple rolls of insulation while they have the walls open.

Attic fan might offer some relief in the summer, but the room would still be extra cold in the winter.

 

[paperboyNC]

You really struck a nerve with the room over the garage issue.
But our builder does not offer upgraded insulation.

Any other solutions to this issue?
(Given the forum, I'm fully aware of the risk for creative/snarky responses, but am hoping for the best.)

Upgrading the insulation after COE seems like a total nonstarter. 
[Could spray foam insulation be feasible?]
I'm sure they wont let me throw in a couple rolls of insulation while they have the walls open.

Attic fan might offer some relief in the summer, but the room would still be extra cold in the winter.

My upstairs 2nd and 3rd bedrooms are above the garage and they don't get hot. I bought a quick move-in new home and didn't have the extra insulation option so I'd bet my home doesn't have it.

 

[bones]

asdfasdf

 

[irvinehomeowner]

1) don't park cars in your garage.

You're encouraging test.

 

[O Hills]

Thanks WTTCMN, but 

1.  We can only fit the Monster Van in the garage; and

2.  Leaving the door open does help a little in the summer, but not much and is no help during the "winter."

 

[Paris167]

a

 

[bones]

[quotzxcv

 

[O Hills]

You really struck a nerve with the room over the garage issue.
But our builder does not offer upgraded insulation.

Any other solutions to this issue?
(Given the forum, I'm fully aware of the risk for creative/snarky responses, but am hoping for the best.)

Upgrading the insulation after COE seems like a total nonstarter. 
[Could spray foam insulation be feasible?]
I'm sure they wont let me throw in a couple rolls of insulation while they have the walls open.

Attic fan might offer some relief in the summer, but the room would still be extra cold in the winter.

Some non-intrusive and free options:
1) don't park cars in your garage. Or at least don't park 2 cars. I find the rooms above the garage are less hot if you don't park your cars in it.
2) be a bad neighbor and leave your garage open to cool it down at night before going to bed. You can leave it fully open or partially open. This will help cool it down a bit.

Leave your garage open at night and you'll find a nice raccoon family inside by the time you close the garage ESP up there in OH there's an abundance of raccoons and coyotes I'm sure. Little dogs and cats beware!

So for those keeping score at home, is that another con for orchard hills?  >

Yes!  OH is the only place where rooms are above the garage!

WTF WWTCMN??

Our old house (built in 2002) had these same issues and coyotes running loose.
Some see wildlife as a positive-- and a way to irradicate those annoying little yipey dogs.  >

 

[irvinehomeowner]

Some see wildlife as a positive-- and a way to irradicate those annoying little yipey dogs.  >

Paging qwerchete...

 

[bones]

[zxcv

 

[qwerty]

Some see wildlife as a positive-- and a way to irradicate those annoying little yipey dogs.  >

Paging qwerchete...

yeah that is just plain mean.

O hills - i have a particular set of skills that make me a nightmare for people like you, if you stop making comments about little dogs everything will be fine. if you continue to make comments about little dogs, i will find you, and i will ..... 

 

[O Hills]

You really struck a nerve with the room over the garage issue.
But our builder does not offer upgraded insulation.

Any other solutions to this issue?
(Given the forum, I'm fully aware of the risk for creative/snarky responses, but am hoping for the best.)

Upgrading the insulation after COE seems like a total nonstarter. 
[Could spray foam insulation be feasible?]
I'm sure they wont let me throw in a couple rolls of insulation while they have the walls open.

Attic fan might offer some relief in the summer, but the room would still be extra cold in the winter.

Some non-intrusive and free options:
1) don't park cars in your garage. Or at least don't park 2 cars. I find the rooms above the garage are less hot if you don't park your cars in it.
2) be a bad neighbor and leave your garage open to cool it down at night before going to bed. You can leave it fully open or partially open. This will help cool it down a bit.

Leave your garage open at night and you'll find a nice raccoon family inside by the time you close the garage ESP up there in OH there's an abundance of raccoons and coyotes I'm sure. Little dogs and cats beware!

So for those keeping score at home, is that another con for orchard hills?  >

Yes!  OH is the only place where rooms are above the garage!

WTF WWTCMN??

Our old house (built in 2002) had these same issues and coyotes running loose.
Some see wildlife as a positive-- and a way to irradicate those annoying little yipey dogs.  >

Actually my snark was directed at the wildlife so at least wtf the right thing.  And I hope the OH peeps don't become the new "you all have Stonegate envy" posters of TI.

My wtf was directed at your total snark.
Anything in the area has the same issues with wildlife as well -- see my comment about small dog eating coyotes?
I know piecing it together is difficult, but can be done without too much brain damage.

I'm new so I dont get your comment about stonegate.
Sorry, try some more snark, I'm sure my feelings will be hurt at some point. 

 

[O Hills]

Some see wildlife as a positive-- and a way to irradicate those annoying little yipey dogs.  >

Paging qwerchete...

yeah that is just plain mean.

O hills - i have a particular set of skills that make me a nightmare for people like you, if you stop making comments about little dogs everything will be fine. if you continue to make comments about little dogs, i will find you, and i will ..... 

Now I'M getting nervous-- I just said SOME people consider that a positive-- not me.

In order to be offended, you have to acknowledge you have a little yipey dog, which means you are either a pre-teen girl or  . . . nope, that's the only option.