Downside of over 55 communities
22 years ago
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Advice for hvac in 55+ community
Comments (19)So, My dad wasn't worried about the efficiency or the comfort of 2-stage etc. His concern is that he wants the furnace in the basement and the builder doesn't want to do it. He says the basement will be too cold (which someone here said it will be colder). He is concerned with frozen pipes and I guess the coldness of the space in general. Frozen pipes might be a very small chance, but once he knows of a potential problem he doesn't take chances. He wouldn't buy the house they saw that had two sump pumps...... I explained to mom that the hvac contractor has probably engineered (or whatever it's called) the model with the unit in the attic and moving it would involve changing more than just the location of the unit. I suggested that maybe they can run a duct down into the basement for a couple of vents or maybe look into a gas fireplace down there that they could run when there is a vicious cold snap or he is doing stuff down there. Maybe they make a wall heater of some type that would be effective and would be less $ than an actual gas fireplace as they don't plan to finish the space. Not sure if a few vents or a separate heater, or getting them to actually move the furnace would be cheaper and/or most effective. They are extending their attorney review period until they get this sorted out, so it's a big deal to dad. If we can come up with a solution the builder will do that doesn't break the bank it would be great! Thanks for everyone's input....See More'No frills' over 55 communities
Comments (5)They are not cemeteries at least not ours. I live in a patio community and the builder sells to anyone, but the covenants pretty well keep the buyers to seniors. We have small lots, 95% of the outside is taken care of by the HOA, even painting and gutters. It's mostly widows who are just a bit lonely and smile when you knock on their door. Some of us travel together, lunch together and of course shop till you drop together. We have no pool or organized community activity. Three of us hosted a new years party and had a good time getting to know each other. I highly recommend this type of community. Our home is 1,440 sq foot upstairs and 900 livable down stairs, the rest is mechanical and storage. Laundry is upstairs. And the most important was the homes are well priced here in the midwest. I paid $164,000. and that included a deck with roof, upgraded carpet and appliances. I think I've died and gone to heaven. LOL...See MoreComprehensive list of over 55 (only) communities by state?
Comments (5)Thanks leel! Would you believe I work in the admin office of our county's school library program and it didn't occur to me to check the local library...lol! I wish this forum was more active....I would think it would be with so many of us boomers reaching retirement age....See Moreover 55 -developements
Comments (31)Friends bought in an age-restricted, gated community in California about ten years ago. We've visited them. It's not for me, and I really doubt it's for them, but they couldn't get their money out if they sold now. As for being 'gated', there is a gate, but no fencing! This means that an ambulance has to wait to clear the gate; any burglar could walk through the property. The homes are single-family, single-level, all white. The landscaping is perfectly maintained. It's completely SILENT. There are no pedestrians. Eerie. As we approached our friends' home the first day I couldn't quite place the feeling I had. When we drove off two days later I recognized what I felt. It was like a gigantic mausoleum. My friend writes that this neighbor or that one is coping with a dying spouse or is now widowed, or that so-and-so has sickened and died. It's darn depressing! In an ordinary community there's a balance; none there. Why do builders continue to build these developments? Because Seniors are a large source of cash in this economy. We've never wanted a so-called 'no maintenence' community. We'd rather decide for ourselves what needs maintaining and who we want to do the work -- not pay dues to a committee that awards the work -- or doesn't think work we want done is necessary. We don't golf and don't want to pay to support a course. We have an excellent Senior Center in our town with minimal membership fees and activities we can participate in (and pay for) as we wish. Our library is excellent. We're minutes from town and medical care. Our friends are not exactly 'nowhere', but you can see it from there! LOL They have a long drive to hospitals, doctors and shops. (There are some nearby, but not top-notch.) We own a vacation rental condo on Maui in a development of over 300. Some owners are in default on their fees. Some have been foreclosed upon. The association is last in line to collect on a lein. It gets no money while a propety sits on the market, and little even when it sells. I don't want this situation for my main residence....See More- 8 years ago
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