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Benefits of Buying and Building a New Home

Vectra SEO on April 28, 2023

buying or building

Are you looking to settle down in a place that truly reflects your unique lifestyle and preferences? Consider buying or building a custom home in Naples, Florida. Custom homes offer a range of benefits that go beyond just having a place to live. In this article, we will explore the advantages of investing in a custom home in Naples, highlighting the benefits of buying or building a new home that is tailored to your specific needs and desires.

Personalized Design and Features

One of the key benefits of purchasing or constructing a custom home is the complete freedom to tailor every aspect of the house to align with your personal preferences. With a custom home, you have the freedom to choose the design, layout, and features that align with your lifestyle and tastes.

You can work with an experienced builder to create a home that reflects your personality and meets the needs of your family. From the size and style of the rooms to the materials used in construction, every detail can be tailored to your liking.

Efficient Use of Space

Another benefit of a custom home is the opportunity to maximize the use of space. You can design your home to suit your specific needs, whether it’s adding extra storage space, creating a dedicated office or gym, or designing a backyard oasis for outdoor entertainment. Custom homes allow you to optimize the layout and functionality of your home based on your unique requirements, ensuring that every square foot is utilized efficiently.

Energy Efficiency and Sustainability

Building a custom home also presents the opportunity to incorporate energy-efficient features and sustainable materials into the construction process. You can choose eco-friendly options such as solar panels, energy-efficient appliances, and insulation that meet modern energy standards. These features can help reduce your environmental impact, lower your utility bills, and create a healthier living environment for you and your family.

Location and Neighborhood

When buying or building a custom home, you have the flexibility to choose the perfect location and neighborhood that align with your lifestyle. Naples, Florida, is known for its beautiful beaches, excellent schools, and vibrant cultural scene, making it a desirable place to live.

You can select a location that offers the amenities and conveniences you desire, whether it’s close to the beach, golf courses, or shopping and dining options. Moreover, you can choose a neighborhood that fits your lifestyle, whether it’s a family-friendly community, a retirement community, or a secluded oasis.

Long-term Investment

Investing in a custom home can be a wise financial decision in the long run. When you buy or build a new home, you have the opportunity to choose high-quality materials and construction techniques that can result in a durable and low-maintenance home. This can save you money on repairs and maintenance costs over time. In addition, a well-designed and well-built custom home can appreciate providing you with a solid long-term investment.

Reduced Maintenance and Repairs

Buying or building a new custom home can also save you money on maintenance and repairs compared to purchasing an older home. Older homes may require frequent repairs and updates, which can add up over time. With a new custom home, you can choose modern materials and technologies that require minimal maintenance, reducing the need for costly repairs and replacements in the future.

Personalized Budget and Financing Options

Another advantage of building a custom home is the ability to work with a builder to create a budget that fits your financial situation. You have control over the costs associated with building your home, allowing you to make informed decisions about materials, finishes, and features based on your budget. Besides, custom home builders often offer flexible financing options that can be tailored to your needs, making the home-building process more affordable and manageable.

At Kaye, we build custom homes in Naples that reflect your unique lifestyle and preferences. Our team of designers, builders, and craftsmen work closely with you to bring your vision to life. From modern masterpieces to classic coastal retreats, our homes are designed to exceed your expectations in luxury, style, and comfort.

With our expertise and experience, we create one-of-a-kind homes that are tailored exclusively for you and your family. Don’t settle for a cookie-cutter house when you can have a custom home in Naples that matches your lifestyle. Contact us today to learn more!

How to choose the right custom home-building company?

Vectra SEO on March 29, 2023

Building a custom home is an exciting experience but it can also be a challenging task. One of the most important decisions you will make when building a custom home is choosing the right custom home-building company. With numerous companies to choose from, it can be difficult to know which one to rely on. Here are some key factors to consider when choosing a custom home-building company.

Experience and Reputation

When it comes to building a custom home, experience matters. Look for a custom home-building company with a proven track record of success in building custom homes. Kaye Lifestyle is a reputable company with years of experience building beautiful custom homes in the Naples area. Check our portfolio and read reviews from previous clients to get a sense of the quality of our work and the level of customer satisfaction.

Communication and Transparency

Building a custom home requires clear and open communication between the builder and the client. Look for a custom home-building company that values communication and is transparent about the building process. We prioritize communication with our clients and keep them informed every step of the way. We are willing to listen to your ideas and concerns and are available to answer any questions you may have.

Customization and Flexibility

Building a custom home means you have the freedom to create a unique living space that suits your lifestyle and preferences. Look for a custom home-building company that is willing to work with you to create a custom design that fits your needs and desires. Kaye Lifestyle builds custom Homes in Naples and is flexible in its approach and willing to make changes to the design if necessary. They offer a range of options and materials to choose from, allowing you to customize your home to your liking.

Quality of Workmanship and Materials

The quality of workmanship and materials used in the construction of your home will directly impact its durability, longevity, and overall value. Look for a custom home-building company that uses high-quality materials and has a reputation for excellent workmanship. Kaye Lifestyle in Naples takes pride in its work and uses only the best materials available to ensure your home is built to last.

Budget and Pricing

Building a custom home is a significant investment, so it’s important to choose a builder that can work within your budget. Look for a custom home-building company that offers transparent pricing and is willing to work with you to create a home that fits within your financial constraints. We provide a detailed breakdown of the costs involved and help you make informed decisions about where to allocate your budget.

Licensing and Insurance

Finally, it’s important to choose a custom home-building company that is licensed and insured. Kaye Lifestyle is a licensed builder with the necessary training and experience to build your home safely. They also carry insurance to protect you in the event of accidents or damages that occur during the construction process.

Choosing the right custom home building company is a critical decision that requires careful consideration. Look for a company with experience and a good reputation, excellent communication and transparency, flexibility and customization options, high-quality workmanship and materials, transparent pricing, and proper licensing and insurance. With these factors in mind, you can confidently choose Kaye Lifestyle as the builder that will help build your dream custom home in Naples!

Building A Custom Home: Dos & Don’ts

Vectra SEO on March 27, 2023

Building a custom home sounds like an exciting adventure, but it can also be a challenging and stressful one. From the layout and design to the materials and finishes, there are several decisions to make.

To help ensure that your custom home project goes smoothly and that you end up with the home of your dreams, here are some dos and don’ts:

1. Do: set a realistic budget-

Building a custom home can be expensive, and costs can quickly spiral out of control if you’re not careful. Before you start the design process, you can sit down with a financial planner to determine how much you can afford to spend on your new home. This will help you make informed decisions about the size and design of your custom. Also, it will prevent you from overspending.

Don’t: Overlook the importance of location-

When building a custom home, it’s easy to get caught up in the design and forget about the importance of location. The location of your home can have a significant impact on its value, as well as your quality of life. Take time to research different neighborhoods and consider factors like proximity to schools, parks, and shopping. You should also take into account the orientation of your home and how it will be affected by the sun and wind.

2. Do: Choose the right builder-

Working with a builder who has the experience and who understands your vision for your home will make the process easy. You can conduct prior research and ask for referrals from friends and family members who have built custom homes. When you meet with builders, ask them to see examples of their work and check their references.

Don’t: Rush the design process-

It is important to take the time to think about your needs and wants for your home. Then, you can work closely with your architect and builder to create a design that meets those requirements. Make sure you consider the functionality of your home as well as its aesthetics. Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions or make changes as needed.

3. Do: Plan for the future-

Think about your long-term goals and how your home can accommodate them. For example, if you plan to have children or aging parents living with you in the future, you may want to consider incorporating features like extra bedrooms or a first-floor master suite. You should also consider the resale value of your home and how it will be affected by the design choices you make.

Don’t: Skimp on quality-

Cutting corners on materials or finishes may save you money in the short term. However, such a compromise can end up costing you more in the long run. Choose high-quality materials and finishes that will stand up to wear and tear and look great for years to come.

4. Do: Consider energy efficiency-

When designing your home, consider features like high-performance windows, insulation, and HVAC systems. You may also incorporate renewable energy sources like solar panels or geothermal heating and cooling.

Don’t: Forget about permits and regulations-

Building a custom home involves a lot of paperwork and regulations, and it’s crucial to comply with them. Make sure you obtain all necessary permits and approvals before you start construction. Failure to do so can result in costly fines and delays in your project.

Besides the above factors, clear communication with the builder is an important aspect of building a custom home. Also, try to remain flexible throughout the design process. Staying open-minded will make your experience a rewarding one.

At Kaye, we make sure that every aspect of your home is tailored to your unique needs and preferences. Our custom homes in Naples are the ultimate in luxury, style, and comfort.

Whether you’re looking for a modern masterpiece or a classic coastal retreat, we have the skills and experience to make it happen.

Our expert team of designers, builders, and craftsmen will work with you to bring your vision to life.

Seven Custom Home-Building Tips You Should Know

Vectra SEO on March 27, 2023

A custom home offers the opportunity to create a unique and personalized living space that reflects your lifestyle and taste. From custom flooring, fixtures, and countertops; you can choose the features and finishes according to your needs.

It is not only functional but aesthetically pleasing and one of a kind. Building a custom home is a significant investment, and you want to make sure you get it right.

Here are some tips to keep in mind as you go through the building process:

1. Decide on a location and determine your budget:

The location of your custom home is dependent on several factors such as proximity to work and schools. Easy accessibility to amenities and a lovely neighborhood are prime to a place where you wish to spend your life.

Before you start designing and building, you need to know what you can afford. You should take into account the cost of the land, materials, labor, and financing.

2. Hire a team of professionals:

From the team of architects to engineers, your contractor should be reliable. The builder should be able to plan, design, and build your home efficiently.

You can consider getting quotes from multiple contractors and suppliers to ensure you receive the best value for your money.

3. Create a fundamental plan:

Even before we start building our custom home, we start imagining what it would look like. A good building plan can save you time and money. Thus, it is a wise idea to chalk out the layout and design beforehand.

Also, think about the amenities you would like to have in your home. For instance, the kitchen and the bathroom are two areas where you may wish to add technological advancements.

4. Be environment-conscious:

While building your custom home, make sure to choose good quality materials. In the long run, they will affect the durability and overall appearance of your home.

Moreover, look for technologies that can help you save energy and reduce your carbon footprint. Energy-efficient homes are more affordable to maintain and better for the environment.

5. Inspect and communicate:

Regular monitoring of the work as it progresses can help you catch any problems early. This will help you cut down costs and save effort. Additionally, transparent communication with your contractor is essential to ensure everyone is on the same page.

6. Figure out electric outlets and plumbing:

When planning electrical aspects for a custom home, consider the number of outlets needed in each room, their placement, and their electrical capacity.

Also, consider the proximity of plumbing fixtures and the location of pipes to minimize the amount of piping required. You should also plan the location of your sewer lines to prevent clogging issues in the future.

7. Take your time:

Building a custom home is a complex process, and things will change as the project progresses. Be flexible and willing to make adjustments to your plan. You don’t need to rush the process or cut corners.

When designing your home, think about your future needs and plans. Consider things like aging in place and the accessibility of your home to marketplaces.

Building a custom home can be an exciting and challenging process. However, with the right team, a well-planned budget, and careful consideration of the future, you can create the home of your dreams.

At Kaye Lifestyles Homes, we bring your dreams to life by offering personalized, one-of-a-kind spaces. Our team makes sure that your custom home in Naples reflects your individuality and provides a comfortable haven for you and your family.

Our client-centered approach will help you get a custom home tailored to your every desire. Our floor plans are crafted with precision and designed to fit your unique lifestyle. We offer custom homes in Naples that feature spacious outdoor areas such as courtyards and pools.

Let us help you build your forever home and make your living experience exceptional!

Disinfecting Granite and Other Natural Stone

Vectra SEO on April 17, 2020

Keeping your family safe during COVID-19 is a concern for many people. Natural stones are beautiful, but they are porous and full of sponge like capillaries that absorb liquids and require proper care. but with just a few changes to your normal cleaning routine, you can help keep your home healthy.

The CDC distinguishes between cleaning and disinfecting. Cleaning removes germs and potential organic material that bacteria grows in, while disinfecting kills the germs that are left behind after cleaning. Both processes are important to stop the spread of infectious diseases. It is extremely important to keep your stone clean to keep it free of germs and bacteria.

The following are tips for cleaning your natural stone:

Clean the surface of your stone removing all dirt and liquids. Make sure to clean with a neutral cleaner specifically designed for your type of stone.
Use a damp soft cloth or sponge and a mixture of pH-neutral soap with warm water to disinfect the stone. Note* Using an abrasive cleanser or rough sponge may remove the sealant and damage your stone over time.
Allow the mixture to remain on the surface for 5 minutes.
Immediately dry the surface with a soft towel to avoid spotting.
Make sure to avoid cleaning products that aren’t specifically designed for natural stone. Chemicals with high acidity will eat away at the protective sealant and may chemically scratch your stone.
Make sure that you maintain the proper sealant on your stone. The right sealant makes all the difference in maintaining your stone. It is recommended to reseal your stone every 6-12 months, but that is dependent on how much your surface is used.

Sealing your stone:

Deep clean you surface using a stone-safe cleaner before applying the sealant. Make sure to address any unwanted stains, because the stains will lock in once sealant is applied.
Wear gloves to protect yourself from harmful chemicals and make sure to keep the area ventilated.
Apply sealer with a microfiber cloth. Make sure the sealer does not dry on the surface to avoid hazing or discoloration in those areas. Make sure to protect any surface where you don’t want the sealant and follow the manufacturer’s application instructions.
The stone will absorb some of the sealant so make sure to soak up the excess area with your cloth. Once the area is dry to the touch (15-30 minutes), repeat the process 2-3 times.

Maintain your sealant:

Make sure to always use a Ph-neutral cleaner that is specifically formulated for your type of stone. Wipe away food and liquids and avoid abrasive cleaners that will tear away at your sealant.

Keep liquid containers off your stones that will leave a ring of buildup underneath them and eats away at your protective seal. Be very cautious with oil since it can seep into the surface and leave a hard to remove stain.
Reapply your sealant as needed. A simple water test will let you know if you need to reapply your sealant. Pour a small amount of water over various sections of your stone and let it sit for 30 minutes. If the stone starts to darken, it is time to reseal your stone. NOTE* If your seal is worn down, it may start to darken before the 30 minutes are up.

Should I Get Solar Panels for my Home?

Vectra SEO on March 18, 2020

Here, in The Sunshine State, solar is an option that all homeowners should consider when building a new home. The cost has come down, their efficiency has gone up, and tax credits are being offered all the time. But are they right for your home? Ask yourself these questions before you make a decision:

1. Which direction does your roof slant?

South-facing roofs are the most productive for solar, followed by west-facing and then east-facing roofs. North-facing roofs are the least desirable for solar, and many people rule them out.

2. Is your roof heavily shaded?

Ideally, the sun will hit your panels for at least five hours a day. If trees, or other homes block the sun from reaching your roof, that’s a problem.

3. What size roof do you need?

You need about 100 square feet of area per kilowatt of solar system. An average residential solar system is five kilowatts — 20 panels — in size. So, for that, you’d need roughly 500 square feet of space.

4. What’s the angle of your roof?

The ideal angle for solar panels is 30 degrees, but they can be installed on roofs ranging from zero to 45 degrees. Solar panels for flat roofs are installed on tilted racks.

5. What type of roofing do you have?

It’s easiest to install solar panels on asphalt shingles or corrugated metal roofs. Putting them on slate or tile roofs is more complex and costlier.

6. What size system do you need?

You can run the numbers yourself using the Energy Department’s impartial PVWatts Calculator. The typical five-kilowatt system generates an average of 7,000 kilowatt hours per year.

7. How expensive is your electricity?

The U.S. Energy Information Administration provides a map of electric rates, so you can see how your state compares. Confirm by looking at the rate per kilowatt hour on your bill.

Here’s the bottom line: If you have the right kind of roof, your local electric rates are high, and your state provides a lot of incentives, it’s time to take a serious look at solar.

What’s the Best Floor Plan for a Family?

Vectra SEO on February 7, 2020

It’s important not to settle when it comes to your new home. A few years down the road you don’t want to regret your choice or bemoan the fact that you quickly outgrew your living situation. Follow the tips below to find the best house layout for your family:

1. Make Sure You Have Enough Bedrooms

How many family members do you expect to live at the home? Are you a family of three and plan on growing in the years to come? As a rule of thumb, you should have enough bedrooms for everyone in the house plus an extra bedroom for guests.

Extra bedrooms come in handy with young children. It will give visiting grandparents their own private space. Additionally, it will give the other parent a room to sleep in if the baby wakes up during the middle of the night. This is not uncommon with a newborn in the house. The parent who is working may choose to crash in another room to get some rest on weekdays.

Bedroom Location Is Also Key – Pay attention to the location of bedrooms as well. If you have a bun in the oven, an infant, or plan on starting a family, you’ll want a nursery close to the master bedroom. Two-story houses with the master suite on the first floor can be a nightmare for parents of infants and toddlers.

However, if your kids are older you may want the bedrooms more spread out, even giving kids their own wing. This way parents can retreat to their sanctuary without being bothered by loud video games and other activities.

2. Don’t Overlook the Bathroom Situation

Not having enough bathrooms is a common complaint for house hunters. Avoid lines for the bathroom in the morning by choosing a layout with an adequate number of bathrooms. Ideally, to provide the best layout for your family, there should be one bathroom for every two bedrooms in the house.

Homeowners that entertain frequently should choose a layout that has a full or a half-guest bathroom near the living area. The guest bathroom should be downstairs in homes with multiple floors.

Look for master bathrooms that have his and her vanities. This will allow both partners to get ready without being in the other one’s way.

3. Select an Open Floor Plan

Most new construction homes have open floor plans. They are ideal for families with young children, since you need to watch them carefully. With an open floor plan, babies can play in their playpen while you get dinner ready. Older children can sit at the kitchen island and receive help with their homework as you meal prep. Open floor plans are designed to bring the family together.

Look for floor plans that have unobstructed site lines of the backyard too. As the kids grow older, they can play outside while you do housework — without losing sight of them.

4. Have a Convenient Laundry Room

When you have kids, it seems like the dirty laundry never ends. The best layout for your family should include a well-placed laundry room. In two-story homes, a downstairs laundry room makes it easier for parents to multi-task. You can reload the washer in-between preparing dinner in the kitchen. On the other hand, some families prefer to have the laundry room upstairs by the bedrooms to shuttle clothes back and forth. However, precautions should be put in place in case the washing machine floods upstairs, which could potentially wreak havoc.

Laundry rooms in the garage can be less than ideal too, especially in a two-story house. It can be nearly impossible to hear the dryer signal upstairs. Plus, lugging your laundry downstairs and then out to the garage grows tiresome.

5. Have Adequate Storage Space

Even if you try to live a minimalist life, your family is going to have personal belongings, especially if you have young children. To provide the best house layout for your family, you should minimize clutter by having adequate storage in these rooms:

Mudrooms – They are the perfect drop zones for backpacks, muddy shoes and coats. To reign in these items, place cubbies in the room.

Kitchen – Storage space is a must in the kitchen, especially if it’s an open-plan kitchen. Make sure there is enough space for all your small appliances (e.g. blenders), cookware, spices and food.

HovHubs – These are the perfect desk space to use for sending quick emails, doing homework or looking up recipes.

Garage – Make sure the garage has enough room to store the family car, golf clubs and kids’ bicycles. You can also create an additional, mini mudroom here to house tools, holiday decorations and other personal items.

6. Designate a Playroom

Having a designated space for all of your kids’ toys will also make your house less cluttered. You’ll save time shuttling toys from the bedroom to the main living area. Choose a playroom that has a door. This way you can close the door when the room is messy or if the kids are playing with loud toys. Offices, basements and sunrooms can all be used as playrooms.

7. Consider Your Outdoor Space

Don’t forget the great outdoors when looking at house layouts. Is there space for a swing set or a playhouse? Families that love to play corn hole, football and other activities may need a fenced in yard. Older kids may get more use out of having a basketball hoop outdoors.

For families, that love to entertain make sure you have enough room to grill during the warmer months. Covered lanais are great for those that like to wind down after a hectic day.

Ultimately, the best house layout for your family is one that aligns with your lifestyle. Do you host Sunday dinners with your extended family? Look for layouts with large dining rooms to fit all your guests in. Are you a multi-generational household? Make sure the layout is suitable for older adults. At the end of the day, choose a house layout that can adapt to your family’s needs.