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!

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Allow the mixture to remain on the surface for 5 minutes.
4. Immediately dry the surface with a soft towel to avoid spotting.
5. 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.
6. 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:

1. 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.
2. Wear gloves to protect yourself from harmful chemicals and make sure to keep the area ventilated.
3. 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.
4. 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.

1. 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.
2. 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.