Buying a KB Home (Alamo: foreclosure, homes, construction)

[joe123456]

Originally Posted by banker

We are looking at a 3,106 square foot KB Home in Saddle Mountain that also only has one unit. Who are you having do the work on your house? How much in dollars are you talking? $3,000+/-? Thankfully the floorplan we are looking at has return air ducts on the first and second floor which dramatically improves circulation - but would prefer to have two units. I'm not sure how the zoning would work. We will have radiant barrier in the attic - which will help efficiency though.

I haven't decided on who will put in a zoning system. I talked to one HVAC contractor and they told me $1000 for their labor. I would buy the zoning equipment $750 online. Zoning - two thermostats one on each floor. Thermostats close and open dampers that allow air to flow throughout each floor.

[Steel Man]

Originally Posted by banker

We are looking at a 3,106 square foot KB Home in Saddle Mountain that also only has one unit. Who are you having do the work on your house? How much in dollars are you talking? $3,000+/-? Thankfully the floor plan we are looking at has return air ducts on the first and second floor which dramatically improves circulation - but would prefer to have two units. I'm not sure how the zoning would work. We will have radiant barrier in the attic - which will help efficiency though.

It is hard to believe that KB is STILL using only one A/C unit for two stories, especially houses larger than 2,500 SF (recommended max for 5-ton A/C unit). I have a KB and they only installed one unit (3 1/2 ton that should be a 4-5 ton).

[joe123456]

Originally Posted by Steel Man

It is hard to believe that KB is STILL using only one A/C unit for two stories, especially houses larger than 2,500 SF (recommended max for 5-ton A/C unit). I have a KB and they only installed one unit (3 1/2 ton that should be a 4-5 ton).

Definitely not the ideal situation, but according to the drawings it does pass the J manual standard for HVAC installation. Most KB homes don't have alot of fancy windows, vaulted ceilings etc., so they are able to keep the HVAC unit to a smaller size.

When was your house built? I assume from your experience you are not happy with the results.

[movingtosa]

I have a question. My husband and I are looking to buy a home in this area, since he will be stationed at Lackland. Any advice for finding a decent home just under $200K? We really want a safe area. I found some KB homes just west of the 1604 in the Northwest??? Please help!

[mastercone]

Monticello Ranch is one of many that comes to mind out that way. There's no shortage of builders in that area. From 1604, you can go west all of the way to Redbird Ranch which is just short of the Medina county line to see a pretty good clip of all of the developments. Once you get to the Medina county line, you can turn around come back east.

As you make your way back toward 1604 coming east, make a left turn and go north on Talley road to see Monticello Ranch immediately on your left and at least one other development nearby. If you go, plan for lunch and about 5 or 6 hours for the adventure. There's something for everyone out that way.

Monticello Ranch:
Centex Homes - Monticello Ranch neighborhood in San Antonio Texas

Originally Posted by movingtosa

I have a question. My husband and I are looking to buy a home in this area, since he will be stationed at Lackland. Any advice for finding a decent home just under $200K? We really want a safe area. I found some KB homes just west of the 1604 in the Northwest??? Please help!

[movingtosa]

Thank you so much, we actually had one of their plans in mind too. The school systems good? Also, do you consider the area safe? I have read many things about San Antonio.. good and bad, but I definately want to get a heads up before picking a location. We will have time to scope out the area, and will probably get an apartment first, so we can be there through the building process, so I'm just gathering as much info as possible!

[banker]

Originally Posted by Steel Man

It is hard to believe that KB is STILL using only one A/C unit for two stories, especially houses larger than 2,500 SF (recommended max for 5-ton A/C unit). I have a KB and they only installed one unit (3 1/2 ton that should be a 4-5 ton).

It is all about cubic feet - not square feet. With a max 9' ceilings downstairs and 8' upstairs on most plans they can do it. KB does offer 2 units in many of their plans - expecially ones with vaulted ceilings. Another thing to consider is how far the ducts have to travel - if it is a box (which most KB and other trac builders are) then if the unit is centrally located the duct runs are short so the unit isn't having to push the air so far. It can work if done right.

[banker]

Originally Posted by joe123456

Definitely not the ideal situation, but according to the drawings it does pass the J manual standard for HVAC installation. Most KB homes don't have alot of fancy windows, vaulted ceilings etc., so they are able to keep the HVAC unit to a smaller size.

When was your house built? I assume from your experience you are not happy with the results.

Do you know what ton unit they are putting in your house? I would assume for a one unit A/C on a 3,000 square foot house it would be a 5 ton unit.

[joe123456]

Originally Posted by banker

Do you know what ton unit they are putting in your house? I would assume for a one unit A/C on a 3,000 square foot house it would be a 5 ton unit.

No, it is not a 5ton it is a 4ton unit for 3266sf. I talked to an HVAC installer, and he thought that is small. He said he would have to see the plans to believe it.

[banker]

Originally Posted by joe123456

No, it is not a 5ton it is a 4ton unit for 3266sf. I talked to an HVAC installer, and he thought that is small. He said he would have to see the plans to believe it.

Wow - that does seem small. I am going to check with KB to see what tonnage they put in the 3,106 square foot unit we are considering. I will update the thread when I find out.