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We are looking at a new home to be built in an "active adult "community that is 1600 square feet. With that in mind some of you who are experts on the forum , can you give me advise on what is being put in? Adequate ? Reliable?
We are looking at a new home to be built in an "active adult "community that is 1600 square feet. With that in mind some of you who are experts on the forum , can you give me advise on what is being put in? Adequate ? Reliable?
HVAV - Amana Distinctions model # GSX130361CA JUNK
RHEMM Hot Water 82V52-2 ALMOST JUNK and EXPENSIVE (ELECTRIC)
Windows are Comfort View from Stock Lumber (If they're wood they're probably just "jobber" windows- Build-to-order)
Also the appliances are Frigidaire Most are relatively good- nothing fancy- Your standard; Range, Micro, D/W?
Thanks for any info!
If gas service is available, You want gas appliances- including the furnace and W/H.
Thanks the Hvac system says forced air/gas heat but the water heater is electric
We do have a gas range and the Frigidaire are your standard but we can upgrade to the next level. Not sure it is worth it but will go to a store this weekend and learn about them.
I think Amana is a Goodman product? I don't think I can do anything about changing it. Just will try to maintain it well to last as long as possible. Any hints?
I don't remember seeing wood windows so they must be vinyl. I am going to research but can't change them to an upgrade. I miss my Anderson windows.
Thanks and just hope that everything is installed correctly.
1. Gas hot water heater. On demand is expensive, but worth it if can afford the capital cost.
2. Curbless shower in master bath. You cannot see that in this photo. Curbless means handicapped accessible.
3. Quartz countertops. Brand is not important. Any color you want and non-porus.
4. 2x6 exterior walls with at least R-19 insulation.
Builder grade stuff. It will last 5-10 years, and perform adequately.
For windows, HVAC, Appliances, HW Heater it will probably cost you something on the order of $10-15 thousand or more to upgrade to top shelf stuff. AO Smith HW, Andersen Windows, Bosch or Electrolux Appliances, Lennox or Trane HVAC, Kohler fixtures, etc. Arguable, all of them. But just know that the builder is going to put in the stuff which he can buy for the best deal (for him).
So the water heater does not need to run so much. Saves $$.
Note I have a hot water preheater tank next to my woodstove and that water reaches 102 degrees on cold days with the woodstove running a lot. I don't even need to run my electric water heater for most of the winter - my electric bill was $35 last month!
Solar will not work in my area though as too many cloudy days.
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My opinion, experience
