Let’s take a look at the desirable list as to what has been proven to sell even in a down market.

Bedrooms: The hands-down number one deciding factor is and always will be the number of bedrooms. It is the first sorting option everyone looks at when trying to find their new home. 3 bedroom homes and upwards sell first.

Lot Size: Larger lots sell first. People want a yard. Two homes right in the same neighborhood, the larger lot always sells first, price regardless.

Storage: Not only does closet space count, but attic area, garage, and pantries all count. Buyers desire storage and if it isn't there, they likely aren't interested.

Location: Desirable neighborhoods include good schools, shopping areas, and hospitals. A nice neighborhood is far easier to resell than that in a questionable or rural one.

Age/Warranty: HVAC, roof, water heater, all appliances, and even the home itself. The older the home and appliances in it the greater the chance the new buyer will have to repair or replace and that can get expensive fast. For this reason, alone many buyers prefer newer homes that were built custom for the seller. No one wants to accidentally acquire a money pit.

Upgrades Count: Your home doesn't have to be a mansion to be sought after. Smaller homes with beautiful inclusions are what are known as jewel boxes. Upgraded tile, flooring, crown molding, granite countertops and baths, high-end lighting, dimmers, textiles on the walls, rich carpeting, it all counts towards the inner visual appeal and value so it can pay not to skimp and really enjoy your choices. 

Curb Appeal: A well-designed landscape can steal the show on any block. Initial investment and some upkeep can net you a big chunk of cash in the long run and in the meantime it sure doesn't hurt to have the prettiest yard on the block!

Considering building your new affordable custom home right here in Southwest Florida? The friendly associates at Harden Custom Homes would love to talk with you and lend our expertise of over 40 years to help guide you towards creating the home you have always wanted. 

Give us a call today at 239-205-5075 or text 239-900-0685. If you have the time we would love to talk with you in person. Our corporate showroom is located at 5782 Enterprise Pkwy Fort Myers, FL 33905. Additionally, you can view our gallery of homes at www.hardencustomhomes.com.

If you enjoy warm weather, balmy breezes, friendly people, and sunny skies choosing it as your home may just be ideal. Homes in these counties have a wide range of sizes and prices and can span from smaller 1 bedroom 1 bath beachy bungalow-style homes to sprawling multi-million dollar mansions. 

Properties can vary greatly in price depending on a number of factors including the size, age, style of the home.  Parcels of land can start anywhere from a low of $35,000 all the way up to $6,000,000. The only way to get exactly what envision as your dream home is to choose to build yourself.

What you include in your home may vary depending on the lot you choose. You may have a tear down to start out with or land to clear. If you are waterfront, is there a sea wall and is it structurally sound or does it need reinforcement? Are sewer and electrical already run or is that to be included? Details are vital and Harden Custom Homes has been building in the area of over 40 years. We are the experts and know-how to guide you every step of the way no matter where you build. 

With its beautiful green-blue waters, blue sky, and an endless assortment of vibrantly colored trees, flowers, and wildlife people flock from all around the world to bask in its beauty.

Home styles are not cookie-cutter in Florida. In fact, it is one of the only places in the United States where you can choose to paint your home virtually any color and neighbors do not bat an eye. There is no single predominant style of home on the gulf, clay Spanish tile roofing, stucco walls, and oversized windows are standard in because of the scenic nature of our surroundings. Natural light, vaulted ceilings, lanais, and lofts are apparent in today’s building choices.

If you are considering building on Marco Island or anywhere in Southwest Florida we, here at Harden Custom Homes, would love to talk with you and see just what we can offer you. Every home is built around the way you live. Give us a call today at 239-205-5075 or text 239-900-0685. If you have the time we would love to talk with you in person. Our corporate showroom is located at 5782 Enterprise Pkwy Fort Myers, FL 33905. Additionally, you can view our gallery of homes at www.hardencustomhomes.com.

For this reason, over the years, we have built and continue to build our custom homes up to top standards for hurricane toughness. We want our homes to stand the test of time and in Southwest Florida, that means using the best construction materials and adhering strictly to hurricane guideline building code.

Hurricanes in this area have proven themselves more than capable of inflicting devastating damage to our beautiful coastline. All new construction must follow certain building codes to reinforce homes against hurricane damage. Even still, there are some additional steps you can take during construction to help protect it.

Wind: Surprisingly most of the damage during a hurricane comes from wind, not flooding. In older conventionally built homes the continual pressure can weaken and then rip through unprotected homes.  One of the most at-risk target areas for destructive winds is the garage doors.  Most garage doors are constructed from lightweight material making them vulnerable to high-force winds, and any bend or crack will let the pressure build up until the doors breach and the wind gets inside.  If the doors are penetrated, upward pressure could rip off the roof. It’s important to prevent a breach by looking at the pressure rating of your garage doors and reinforcing them so that they can withstand hurricane force.  It’s also necessary to make sure they are rated for impact resistance.

Windows: Windows also can be a point of entry for gusts because of airborne debris.  In hurricane-prone regions, it’s highly recommended that you built with impact-resistant windows designed to withstand hits. Regular glass can shatter leaving residents and homes at risk. Hurricane shutters can also be installed to cover the windows during storms category 2 and higher. Any breach can leave the home open to water damage as well. 

Glue Down the Roof: Another way to maintain the structural integrity of the home so that the wind can’t get leverage to rip it apart is to glue down the roof.  Although roofs are generally well constructed, the glue acts as an added layer of protection to help hold things together when the wind gets really strong.

Which Zone Are You In? Although hurricanes striking a particular area are rare, overall hurricanes form every year, and you never know when one will strike your area.  Despite being a relative paradise, Southwest Florida is in the hurricane danger zone.  When you’re building your new custom home, be sure to consider steps to help protect it against the damage of a hurricane. 

If you have any questions about your options for preparing for a hurricane or about your new custom home in general Harden Custom Homes can help. We know the area well and can assist not only build the home of your dreams to your exact specifications at a price you will love but help you locate the perfect lot. Talk with us today!

Give us a call at 239-205-5075 or if you would rather text you may text messages to 239-900-0685 or visit www.hardencustomhomes.com or if you have the time we would love to talk with you in person. Our corporate showroom is located at 5782 Enterprise Pkwy Fort Myers, FL 33905.

The higher the quality, the better the value. Harden Custom Homes has prided itself on the highest value in a build for the most affordable price possible. We love working with the residents in Southwest Florida and creating homes around the way they live. No two are ever quite the same.

If you are in the market to build and have been holding off because of the COVID-19 Pandemic we understand. We would like to say though that investing in your own home is about as safe as an investment you can make. Choosing Harden Custom Homes is an equally safe route. We have been in business right here in the community for the past 40 years and we are here to stay no matter what type of economic turn we come to. This means your home will be built. It will be finished, and you will be happy with the result.

Southwest Florida is one of the most beautiful areas of the country. Tourists flock here every year to enjoy the warm weather and bask in the tropical sunshine. Choosing to build your home here means you get to enjoy this amazing local year-round if you so choose.

Here at Harden Custom Homes we know the area well and can help you not only build the home of your dreams to your exact specifications at a price you will love but help you locate the perfect lot. Talk with us today!

Give us a call at 239-205-5075 or if you would rather text you may text messages to 239-900-0685 or visit www.hardencustomhomes.com or if you have the time we would love to talk with you in person. Our corporate showroom is located at 5782 Enterprise Pkwy Fort Myers, FL 33905.

Pool homes are particularly desirable in Florida due to the hot humid tropical weather and extended summers where swimming is an integral activity. In 2020 pools aren't at all what they used to be. I think most of us can remember going swimming as kids in our, our friends, and neighbors pools, they were smaller, nearly always square, and as exotic as it got was to have a slide. Many pools of the past were pop up above ground temporary pools as well.

Pools these days have taken on the feel of a resort. Should you include an in-ground pool as part of the design of your new custom home, we wanted to offer you information on a few new design trends to consider. 

Vanishing Edge Pools:  When the level of the water in a pool meets the pool deck at the same level. This concept was originally referred to as a knifes edge pool, as it referred to the sharp edge line between the pool and deck where the water flowed over a small slot on the edge creating a mirror-like effect. These are beautiful anywhere but if you have a waterfront home they are very striking.

A Baja Ledge: A Baja ledge is a shallow lounging area that adjoins the pool as a built-in add on. 

The area in the Baja Ledge is usually shallow, only a foot or so in-depth. This allows you to place lounge chairs and even umbrella tables in the water for a truly lovely afternoon in the Florida sun. 

Water Features: Water features are eye-catching and make a statement. They are easily made the center focus of the outdoor space. Waterfalls, rock cascades, dancing fountains, they can even divide up a space into different relaxation areas, sealing off the hot tub or sauna from view. Waterfalls come in an array of styles - trickling, cascade, and sheer sheets, all have a different sound helping to add to the atmosphere. 

LED Lighting:  LED lighting is a huge lighting trend - they have become far more reasonably priced in recent years and are now being used for every room in the home and even the patio.  They use less energy than incandescent lighting, and they can come in many colors, even changeable colors from the same source.  Some of these lights are programmable and can be set up to change color over the course of the day or night to suit whatever effects you want to create. 

Creating your very own pool home, especially in southwest Florida, can be a wonderful experience leaving you with a beautiful uniquely ideal home.  Advancements in technology, once only found at high-end resorts can now be found right in your back yard. 

Here at Harden Custom Homes have been building in Southwest Florida for over 40 years now. We know the area well and can help you not only build the home of your dreams to your exact specifications at a price you will love but help you locate the perfect lot. Talk with us today!

Give us a call at 239-205-5075 or if you would rather text you may text messages to 239-900-0685 or visit www.hardencustomhomes.com or if you have the time we would love to talk with you in person. Our corporate showroom is located at 5782 Enterprise Pkwy Fort Myers, FL 33905.

TOP DESIGN TRENDS IN 2020 - What will you include in your new Harden Custom Home?

Green Home Building - Environmentally conscious designs also known as Eco-Homes area a low impact home designed including technology and materials that reduce the carbon footprint while lowering energy needs. These designs include:

1. A window to wall ratio of less than 30% 
2. Energy-efficient heating and cooling capabilities
3. Ventilation
4. Water efficiency appliances, lighting fixtures, low flow toilets, and showerheads
5. Maximum efficiency insulation
6. Tight construction, all openings are sealed

High Ceilings - High ceilings are wonderful for creating an optical illusion and a feeling of openness making space feel bigger than it even is. 

Open Floor Plans – Open floor plans eliminate that choppy feel where a large home feels like many small spaces. Open floor plans often mean that the living room or family room, dining area and kitchen space are all blended together creating one massive open space.

Versatility - This is also sometimes referred to as “flex space”. These rooms can be multipurpose depending on the changing needs of the homeowner. Extra space can be a child’s room and eventually be turned into a home office or even a gym or game room.

Relaxation Space - Only in recent years has this trend made a comeback. Homes of the past used to have parlors. A space to lounge, read, meditate, play music, and even entertain. Modern-day parlors have been called Zen Dens. It is simply a space to get away from it all. This space is often separated into the floor plan from the main area. Some people choose to actually soundproof their zen dens which are a particularly good idea if you have children or anyone in the family that plays a musical instrumenting as it can be the ideal space to practice while not bothering anyone else in the home.

The beauty of building custom is not just that everything in the house is new and under warranty, it’s that it becomes truly a reflection of you, your family, and how you live.

At Harden Custom Homes we aren't like every other builder. We sit down and talk to you about how you live, what you need, and your visual aesthetic.

Ready to visualize with us?

Here at Harden Custom Homes have been building in Southwest Florida for over 40 years now. We know the area well and can help you not only build the home of your dreams to your exact specifications at a price you will love but help you locate the perfect lot. Talk with us today!

Give us a call at 239-205-5075 or if you would rather text you may text messages to 239-900-0685 or visit www.hardencustomhomes.com or if you have the time we would love to talk with you in person. Our corporate showroom is located at 5782 Enterprise Pkwy Fort Myers, FL 33905.

Located in Collier County, Naples is considered a city, all be it a small one. It is home to just over 21,000 year-round residents as of 2019. The US Census Bureau lands the total acreage at just over 16 square miles. 

Naples is an often overlooked hidden gem of a city located on the west coast on the Gulf of Mexico. It is well-known worldwide for its tranquil beauty, miles of white sugar sand beaches, dolphin watching, and for its amazing restaurants, and shops.

What’s being built in Naples?

What you can expect to see are modern tropical, 1, 2, 3, 4, and even 5 and 6 bedroom homes. Raised ceilings, expansive lanais, pools encaged to keep the bugs out, pools with hot tubs and water features, double story homes, Spanish tile roofing, large garages, wide windows for light and view, raised townhomes with garages underneath, and slightly bigger lots than if you buy in some other areas of Florida where it feels more crowded. 

Living in Naples offers residents a relaxed lifestyle where the sun shines year-round, people are friendly, and your fellow homeowners care about the neighborhood and keeping up property values.

Looking for a tropical paradise that isn't overcrowded?

Naples should be a consideration. 

Here at Harden Custom Homes have been building in Southwest Florida for over 40 years now. We know the area well and can help you not only build the home of your dreams to your exact specifications at a price you will love but help you locate the perfect lot. Talk with us today!

Give us a call at 239-205-5075 or if you would rather text you may text messages to 239-900-0685 or visit www.hardencustomhomes.com or if you have the time we would love to talk with you in person. Our corporate showroom is located at 5782 Enterprise Pkwy Fort Myers, FL 33905.

Less Environmental Impact -  Building green means making as few alterations to the land as possible and instead of working with your natural environment. Green building puts importance on limiting waste and recycling. Not only will reusing materials save on your overall budget, but it can also give your home a more unique customized feel.

Lower Utility Bills -  This seems to be everyone’s favorite benefit when we ask. Green homes are designed to be more efficient. You will see that savings reflected each month on your electricity and water statements. Because green updates or appliance replacements can be expensive, at the inception of the home during new construction is the perfect time to decide on energy-saving appliances and/or a water-saving plumbing system.

Home Durability - When many of us consider recycled materials they may believe incorrectly that these reused items may be weaker. Many recycled materials can last up to five times longer than their originated counterparts. Green homes are built to last. They are adaptable well so the likelihood of needing to remodel or update your new green home anytime soon is small.

Resale Value -  Simply stated, Green homes are a small percentage of the market and they are up and coming as far as desirability. Having a home that falls into this category gives you an edge when deciding to sell!

You Just Feel Better! -  Shockingly, the air inside your home can be up to 100 times more polluted than the air outside of it. That is according to the Environmental Protection Agency.  Green homes are usually built with materials that contain Low VOCs or No VOCs (volatile organic compounds), so you can breathe easier and live healthier safe in the knowledge that the air inside of your home isn't causing you any harm. 

Not Just a Fad

Because of the many benefits, it's easy to see that green building is much more than just a fad. 

To discover even more ways that you can benefit and save from utilizing green building in your new construction home, contact the experts at Harden Custom Homes. Whether you are in the market for a custom or semi-custom home, or simply interested in installing a few green updates in your current home, Harden Custom Homes has the tools and experience to help you "go green" now.

If you are looking for a green home builder with both experience and passion for the industry, speak with the experts at Harden Custom Homes and start envisioning yourself living in the home of your dreams today. We have a furnished Model Home and Sales Center. Stop by today to take a look, no appointment is necessary! Our corporate showroom is located at 5782 Enterprise Parkway Fort Myers, FL 33905. For more information call Harden Custom Homes at 239-205-5075 to discuss your future custom home. Visit www.hardencustomhomes.com to browse our gallery of homes!

While moving into an existing home may seem like the simplest solution, a custom-built home comes with benefits which allow the homeowner to get involved many steps of the process ending up with their dream version of a home.

Harden Custom Homes is one such Southwest Florida home builder, based out of Fort Myers, Florida, that offers these benefits and more to future homeowners in Southwest Florida including the areas of Marco Island, Naples, Bonita Springs, Estero, Fort Myers, Punta Gorda, and Port Charlotte.

Why go for a custom home over a preowned model

One-of-a-kind Appeal. Custom homes are built around the way you and your family live. You won't drive by another on your block that is just the same. Layout, colors, textiles, fixtures, lighting, everything - can be customized.

Go Green. Modern homes can take into consideration current day concerns for the environment as well as energy costs. Many of the green energy-saving features can be costly or impossible to add on to existing homes. Harden Custom Homes allow these features to be incorporated as the home is being built. Getting them in there from the initial build saves time, energy, and money.

Modified to Accommodate Special Needs.  If someone in your family is disabled they may require a home without stairs or with wheelchair accessibility when getting around. Regardless of special needs or just wants, a custom home can be designed so that all residents are at their most comfortable at all times.

Warranties! When building a brand new home, everything from the drywall to the paint to the appliances is brand-new. While you can easily design your home with future upgrades and additions in mind, a custom-built home will never require you to touch a single tool or deal with contractors.

 All the Space YOU Need. No matter what the extra space is that you need, we can build it. Do you collect antique cars and need a garage large enough to house and display them? Or perhaps you'd like an additional apartment in your basement to rent out to tenants for extra income? A custom home can easily be planned to accommodate both existing and future needs required for any of your family's hobbies or businesses.

Resale Value. Many new custom-built homes are in developments that are controlled by homeowners associations. Because of this, your new home is nearly guaranteed to hold value more easily than an older home.

The Intangible. The most important benefit is not anything that you can place a price on. It's the feeling of knowing that you are living in the home that you imagined and dreamed of. 

If you are looking for a home builder with both experience in and passion for the industry, speak with the experts at Harden Custom Homes and start envisioning yourself living in the home of your dreams today. We have a furnished Model Home and Sales Center. Stop by today to take a look, no appointment is necessary! Our corporate showroom is located at 5782 Enterprise Parkway Fort Myers, FL 33905. 

For more information call Harden Custom Homes at 239-205-5075 to discuss your future custom home. Visit www.hardencustomhomes.com to browse our gallery of homes!

If you have never been to Southwest Florida, you need to go. Its a totally unique area of the country. Tropical breezes, blue skies, sunshine, and the humidity level is fantastic for your skin. Towns are laid out very well, everything is accessible within usually a 20 to 30 minute maximum drive - stores, groceries, amazing restaurants, clubs, bars, night life, zoo’s, destination hot spots, things to do, and even beaches!

Though not a small population the cities and towns in SWFL have a smaller town feel, making it easy to call this beautiful place home. From Naples and Marco Island northward to Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte, each place has its own unique vibe and feel.

Its important to explore a little before choosing your building location. We can also help. Harden Custom Homes has been in business in the area for over 40 years. We know Southwest FL! If you have questions, we are more than happy to give you any and all information we have to help you make the best decision for you. 

We thought we would share with you the top 5 reasons we believe living in Southwest Florida is an ideal life.

1. The world famous beaches and landscape. Living here is like residing full time in a post card. The beauty is unmatched anywhere in the continental USA.

2. SaltLife! - Florida dances to its own drummer. Relaxed, social, laid back, slower… that is Florida.

3. No Income Tax and Reasonable Sales Tax Rate - When compared to the cost of living elsewhere, Florida really is a good deal. 0% income tax saves you a fortune yearly and with a sales tax rate of 6% it comes in ahead of many other higher taxed states.

4. Sunshine - Seasonal Affective Disorder is a real issue for many. Lack of sun means your body cant produce Vitamin D naturally. With the gloom of grey skies lingering for months along with a winter chill, for many depression sets in. Florida is the Sunshine state… Allow those warm rays to melt your mood.

5. Fun and Friendship - Because it is such a year round warm weather state people do not have to hide in their warm cozy homes half the time. That means more socialization, lots of public events and activities, and room to make life long friends of your fellow Floridians. 

If you are considering building a new home in Cape Coral, Lehigh Acres, Bonita Springs, Estero, Alva, Naples, Marco Island, Punta Gorda or Port Charlotte we would love to be your builder.

 If you have any questions about a new custom home design, be sure to contact Harden Custom Homes. We have a furnished Model Home and Sales Center. Stop by today to take a look, no appointment is necessary! Our corporate showroom is located at 5782 Enterprise Parkway Fort Myers, FL 33905. 

For more information call Harden Custom Homes at 239-205-5075 to discuss your future custom home. Visit www.hardencustomhomes.com to browse our gallery of homes!

Trying to work in an extra bedroom that is designed as a guest room is often less than ideal. If you are working hours on end, even if you work on a laptop, sitting on a soft bed or chair is bad for your posture and for your back.

Having a well laid out workspace can help you be more comfortable, efficient, and even save you money come tax time as a write off for a home office.

When considering creating a home office space, here are some things to keep in mind:

How You Work

Sit at your current desk. Make note of what is and isn't ideal. Desk height, chair type, light, window placement, storage, space for additional office equipment including printer, fax, phone, second monitor, whatever you happen to need. Then design your new space around the way you work. No two offices need be the same.

Location

Where in the home will your office be? Do you work in the mornings or evenings? Do you want sunlight coming in your window when you begin work or do you need more natural light towards the end of the day? Is one side of the home going to be warmer than the other due to sun? Do you need quiet to work? - if so placing an office just off a kitchen or child’s room would be a bad design flaw. If you have to go out a lot during the day to make appointments, consider locating the office adjacent to the garage or driveway for easy access that doesn’t interrupt the rest of the household.

Light

Lighting is far more important than you may think. Simply adding a j-box and ceiling light isn't often enough though that is a what a standard room often comes with. The kind and amount of light you have can affect productivity and health. Natural light is always best, but you can also add dimmer switches and wall sconces as well as a directed reading lamp on the desk. Overhead fluorescent fixtures should be avoided.

The View

What will your office overlook? Make sure to take this into consideration when laying out the plans. No one wants to stare at their neighbors side house wall all day. A back or front yard view of grass, sky, trees and scenery are by far more preferred.

More and more often people are working from home in 2020, so if you need to incorporate a home office into the design of your new home, be sure to take all your needs into account for the design.  If you have any questions about a new custom home design, be sure to contact Harden Custom Homes. We have a furnished Model Home and Sales Center. Stop by today to take a look, no appointment is necessary! Our corporate showroom is located at 5782 Enterprise Parkway Fort Myers, FL 33905. 

For more information call Harden Custom Homes at 239-205-5075 to discuss your future custom home. Visit www.hardencustomhomes.com to browse our gallery of homes!

We would love to meet you!

We wanted to offer you a few ideas to stir your imagination - whether you choose to go that direction or not is totally up to you, but isn’t it lovely to have options?

Build a Game Room

By sanctioning the garage as the game room you can easily set up a computer system, consoles, a pool table, or a table for tabletop gaming, dartboard, an air hockey table, and even a mini-fridge for snacks and drinks without having to go to the kitchen.  Make sure there is plenty of storage for the various gaming pieces. A game room housed in the garage is ideal for separating the rambunctious crowd from the main house.

A Home Gym

Fact is if your gym is in your house you have no excuse for not going. By saving travel time you can make your day more productive and still get your workouts in. This space can be wonderful for the whole family.  Staying active boosts your health and your immune system.  This also keeps any exercise equipment out of the housekeeping it from feeling cluttered.

Man Cave/She Shed

A very popular trend in the past few years is what’s called a “man cave” or “she shed”. These are a dedicated space to hang out in, relax, and entertain. Include whatever elements make you happy. Many people choose to add movie seating, big screen TV’s, a bar, entertainment center, gym equipment, or hobby items. It’s a space devoted simply to relaxing and having a good time and doing what you enjoy doing.

Studio

A very traditional build is an arts and crafts studio. Be it fine art, painting, sculpting, or drawing to sewing, decoupage, or scrapbooking if it is your passion, make a space for it! Easels, tables, boxes of supplies and storage, you can even replace the garage door space with windows for all the beautiful natural light you would ever need.

Whatever your needs, with Harden Custom Homes you can use that space to its fullest potential. You can redesign the garage itself to help facilitate your alternate use, or you can convert part of the intended garage space into a new room of its own. 

We have a furnished Model Home and Sales Center. Stop by today to take a look, no appointment is necessary! Our corporate showroom is located at 5782 Enterprise Parkway Fort Myers, FL 33905. We would love to meet you!

For more information call Harden Custom Homes at 239-205-5075 to discuss your future custom home. Visit www.hardencustomhomes.com to browse our gallery of homes!

Why Choose Harden Custom Homes?

At Harden Custom Homes we build our homes with pride. We have spent years building the perfect team to bring your dream into reality. Your team is available to you at any time should you need something or have a question. With 45 years in the business right here in Southwest Florida, we have the knowledge of the area and the connections to get your home built right at the lowest cost to you. Our service record is impeccable and our happy customers reflect that.

Where Do You Build?

We build from Marco Island to North Port. Cities Include Alva, Bokeelia, Bonita Beach, Bonita Springs, Buckingham, Cape Coral, Estero, Fort Myers, Fort Myers Beach, Immokalee, Lehigh Acres, Marco Island, Naples, North Port, Pine Island, Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, and San Carlos Park.

Do I Need To Buy My Own Land?

We can build on a lot you already own or buy on your own or we are more than happy to help you find the perfect lot. We have fully licensed real estate professional in-house on staff.

What If There is an Existing Home On the Property?

We offer demolition services as well. We can tear down and build anew.

I Already Have Blueprints of My Own Design, Can You Work With Those?

Yes! We are more than happy to build a home you have designed on your own.

What If I Am Not A Florida Resident. How Can I Monitor My Build If I Am Not There Locally?

We work through a program called Buildertrend. You will have your own login and access to monitor every step of the project. It is very easy to use.

How Long Does it Take To Build a Home?

Every home is different. We are happy to schedule a consultation based on design, location, and customizations and at that point can give you an idea of timeframe. 

How Can I Get A Real Life Feel For Your Work?
We have a furnished Model Home and Sales Center. Stop by today to take a look, no appointment is necessary! Our corporate showroom is located at 5782 Enterprise Parkway Fort Myers, FL 33905. We would love to meet you!

Still have questions?

For more information call Harden Custom Homes at 239-205-5075 to discuss your future custom home. Visit www.hardencustomhomes.com to browse our gallery of homes!

Southwest Florida’s coast is pure beauty and relaxation. Ideally isn't that what we all want in life? Why save it just for vacation? 

You may be under the impression, as many are, that building your own custom home is ultra-expensive and out of reach. When you choose to build with Harden Custom Homes the truth is that a custom home is affordable.

Harden Custom Homes has been in business and building right here on the coast of Southwest Florida for 45 years. We have the skill, knowledge, and connections to get your home built for a price you are comfortable with.

Choosing to live on one of the west coast islands is a lifestyle choice. You have miles of beach, trails, bike paths, quaint shops, restaurants, and the wonderful serenity of nature. You are not surrounded by city life, traffic, light pollution, or noise. It’s a laid back culture where you feel safe in your home and your surroundings. 

Location on these islands can vary greatly in price from lot to lot. Currently, lots range on Sanibel and Captiva from the low end of $139,000 and on Marco Island from $27,000 upwards to the millions. If you happen to already have a plot of land, the home construction can be done without the additional cost of a lot.

Why buy an existing home when you could build for the same cost? With a new custom home everything is brand new and under warranty. 

Want to know more or see what we have to offer? We would be thrilled to show you what we can do for you. For more information call Harden Custom Homes at 239-205-5075 to discuss your future custom home. You may also stop by by our corporate showroom located at 5782 Enterprise Parkway Fort Myers, FL 33905. We would love to meet you! Visit www.hardencustomhomes.com to browse our gallery of homes!

The catch to this fantasy is that building a home takes time, money, and faith. Faith in the builder you choose to deliver as promised and come through with the realization of the concept you created together.

Choosing your home builder isn't a decision anyone should take lightly. 

Harden Custom Homes is a Southwest Florida custom home building company that is based in Fort Myers, Florida. We pride ourselves on having put together a dedicated team of individuals who are well versed in every step of the building process. In the end, most homeowners will go with the builder whom they feel the most comfortable with.

There are some qualities that need to be taken into consideration when making a final decision.

Experience in Architecture - An amazing custom home can only be created by a solid team that knows how to build from the ground up, not simply from existing layouts. The concept behind a custom home is that it is one-of-a-kind, so any quality home builder should be able to take your ideas and specifications and make them a reality.

Design Experience -  A custom home is much more than the foundation and structure. It encompasses all the beautiful details: paint, flooring, lighting, and appliances. A great custom builder possesses the skill to make your new home both aesthetically pleasing and functional.

Skilled Construction -  Your building team should have proven construction skills to back them up. Building a home from a blueprint is a complicated process. Should there be changes along the way your team needs to be able to adapt and come through still meeting deadlines.

Business Management Skills -  When it comes to home building staying on schedule and at or under budget is vital. You are counting on them to produce the home of your dreams at the price you agreed on and you likely need to be able to move in on or around the set date laid out at the inception of the construction in order for your life to run smoothly. A beautiful home is no good if you can't actually move into it.

Before choosing your custom home building company it's smart to conduct a thorough interview with all potential builders, speak with their current or past clients, and, if possible, check out completed examples of their work. 

With over 45 years of experience in the custom home building field right here in Collier, Charlotte, and Lee Counties, Harden Custom Homes has provided many a resident of Southwest Florida with the home of their dreams, and we are confident that we can do the same for you.

For more information call Harden Custom Homes at 239-205-5075 to discuss your future custom home. You may also stop by by our corporate showroom located at 5782 Enterprise Parkway Fort Myers, FL 33905. We would love to meet you! www.hardencustomhomes.com. 

Let’s take a look at the top design plan trends for the new decade!

1. Spacious floor plans

Feeling closed in is out. Gone are the days of Victorian type homes with many small divided rooms. People want to feel free in their homes. Open floor plans are all the rage. With the kitchen as the heart of the home, many choose to plan their design around it encouraging interaction and availability to entertain friends. 

2. More than one master bedroom

In a typical design, the master bedroom has its own bath and is much larger than the other bedroom or bedrooms. It’s becoming more popular to create not one but 2 master level bedrooms. This works amazingly well if you have a relative stay for a while or multi-generational living where a parent in old age needs their child or a live-in nurse to stay with them. It is also just plain impressive when guests come!

3. Outdoor Areas amp up!

In Florida, the outdoor area is just as important as the interior space. In Southwest Florida, a backyard is an entertainment area that will allow residents and guests to enjoy the weather as much as possible. Pools, hot tubs, waterfall accents, grilling areas, bar areas, seating and relaxation settings, even a small pool guest house, you name it. It’s your back yard.

4. The Bathroom. Seating: Adding seating to the bath can make it feel more spa-like and make it more comfortable. in 2020 designers are incorporating built-in benches so there’s a place that’s not the toilet to sit and remove socks or slippers or even browse the internet. Vanities: Double floating vanities have become popular because they free up floor space and make the room look bigger. 

5.Smart homes.

Technology is improving every single day, and nowhere is it more noticeable than in custom home design. "Smart" technology is no longer just for phones, tablets, and computers, and it's now easier than ever to automate your entire home seamlessly. And because these fixtures are most efficiently installed during the construction process, many homeowners find it best to work in their automation desires during the design stages for their new custom home. Perfect for both practical and pleasurable purposes, a smart home can keep your family and home safe through state of the art security systems and video surveillance, while also improving your entertaining possibilities with home-integrated audio and media systems.

For more information on these and other custom home design trends, or to speak with an experienced contractor who specializes in custom and semi-custom home construction, call Harden Custom Homes at 239-205-5075 to discuss your future custom home. You may also swing by our corporate showroom which is located at 5782 Enterprise Parkway Fort Myers, FL 33905. We would love to meet you. www.hardencustomhomes.com. 

While most of the expenses that come into play when building a new home are not tax-deductible that doesn’t mean that you can’t get at least some type of tax break on your new home.

Similar to buying an existing home by way of a regular home mortgage, if you secured a construction loan the interest is tax-deductible during the first 24 months.

Additionally, if you secure a mortgage on your newly built house, you could also be able to deduct this interest going forward as well as any points that you paid to secure the mortgage.

Along with tax deductions, you may also fall under the qualifications on some tax credits. If you install energy-efficient heating, air-condition, and/or insulation, you may see some tax breaks here. Homebuilding expenses are considered a personal expense claimable on taxes as well.

Are you still wondering whether building a new home in the Southwest Florida area is right for you? We know Florida life. Talk with us and let us help you get the facts so you can make the best decision for you and your family.

At Harden Custom Homes, we focus on constructing quality homes that meet the tailored needs of our clients. If you are ready to move forward and build your new dream home, contact us for more information on how to get started.

Call Harden Custom Homes at 239-205-5075 to discuss your future custom home. You may also swing by our corporate showroom which is located at 5782 Enterprise Parkway Fort Myers, FL 33905. We would love to meet you. www.hardencustomhomes.com. 

Make 2020 the year your dream of building the home you have always wanted. 

Here are the top tips to help you avoid mistakes that could end up costing you a great deal of time, money, and frustration.

#1: Don’t automatically just accept the first bid. We know you are excited and raring to go but it's a good idea to get bids from more than one contractor. In doing this, you will very likely find that both the price and the time frame could differ quite a bit for the very same project.

#2: Choose your home location carefully. You may already have a lot or general local in mind but there are still several things you want to keep in mind before moving forward.
1st. How easy will it be to run services such as sewer, water, electric, and natural gas to the home? 

2nd. Will your lot require any pre-construction work in order to ensure that it is level for a permanent structure to be built? 

With these questions in mind, never settle for a space because it happens to be in the location that you want.

#3: Never make large changes during the construction phase. Make sure the design and plan is what you want before it starts to go up.  A few tweaks here and there happen. But large change usually equates to large chunks of change not initially quoted in the price.

If you’d like more information on how to move forward on the process of designing and building your dream home in the Southwest Florida area, give us a call today and we’ll be happy to answer any questions that you have.

Make 2020 the year your dream of building the home you have always wanted. Call Harden Custom Homes at 239-205-5075 to discuss your future custom home. You may also swing by our corporate showroom which is located at 5782 Enterprise Parkway Fort Myers, FL 33905. We would love to meet you. www.hardencustomhomes.com. 

When you own your own home you have a stable predictable payment every month. The landlord can't randomly decide upon renewal that the cost will go up. Add in tax benefits like building an energy-efficient home and you can save even more.

Harden Custom Homes builds homes right. We make sure your home is equipped with a great layout, energy-efficient construction, energy-efficient appliances, and the right-sized HVAC system to keep your home cool without hoisting your energy bill.

When you build you aren't just building a home, you are building equity. Renting, every dollar you pay is just simply gone. Its profit for your landlord or for them to pay on their mortgage building themselves equity. Why toss that money away when it could be yours?

Building a new home also makes you a better credit risk. Your credit score, once you establish regular on time monthly payments, should be boosted and help you with other future loan procurement.

You may even be able to write off moving expenses. Talk with your tax professional and make sure you get all the advantages homeownership offers!

Harden Custom Homes can also help you work out where to build. We work with clients from Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda all the way south to Naples and Marco Island, Florida. We have been in business for over 40 years and know the area like the back of our hands. If you have questions please use us as a resource.

Choosing a builder you can trust is crucial to the outcome and process of building your home. We have a stellar reputation and many ties to the community which enable us to work for you in your best interest sourcing contractors and supplies at the best prices and passing that savings along to you.

Make 2020 the year your dream of building the home you have always wanted. Call Harden Custom Homes at 239-205-5075 to discuss your future custom home. You may also swing by our corporate showroom which is located at 5782 Enterprise Parkway Fort Myers, FL 33905. We would love to meet you. www.hardencustomhomes.com. 

That is where Harden Custom Homes shines. We help you every step of the way to choose and achieve the very best possible desired outcome giving you the home you have always wanted.

You may not know where to start, but we do. With over 40 years of experience, we talk with you asking probing questions about how you live in your space and what your family life is like on a day to day basis along with questions on style preferences, colors, and more.

We know our stuff! We love helping craft custom homes for our clients. It’s fun and fascinating to see just how differently each home comes out. No two are ever just alike. Once we come up with a full panel of choices we sit down with you again to go over every detail - from sink faucets to cabinet pulls to flooring and color choices.

Have an interior designer you are working with? Great! Bring them along. That can help the process go even more smoothly as we integrate seamlessly your interior decor to match the choices in textiles.

Make your appointment to come on in and talk with us about building your new home here in Southwest Florida. We cover areas from Marco Island all the way up to Port Charlotte!

Make 2020 the year your dream of building the home you have always wanted. Call Harden Custom Homes at 239-205-5075 to discuss your future custom home. You may also swing by our corporate showroom which is located at 5782 Enterprise Parkway Fort Myers, FL 33905. We would love to meet you. www.hardencustomhomes.com. 

Efficient houses reduce energy costs. Harden Custom Homes builds Florida energy efficient custom homes. Having an elegant home doesn't mean your running costs have to be high.

Incorporating energy-saving features into your home can do wonders.

• Consistent interior temperatures
• Reduced heating and cooling costs
• Healthier indoor environment
• Protection from climate changes

Florida home builders consider several factors affecting the energy efficiency of your home.

• Energy efficient appliances 
• Shade lot or direct sun
• Insulation and air sealing methods
• Heating and cooling equipment
• Windows and doors
• Skylights

Each one has an impact on energy consumption. When they are combined in the construction of a new home, the energy savings can be substantial.

Location

It is essential to choose a building site offering natural protection from the elements. The location of the home on the site must take full advantage of protecting the structure from wind and sun by using the natural protection the site offers.

Insulation

Insulation is the protective barrier between the interior of your home and the hot sunny environment. Insulation in the walls and the ceiling help to keep you comfortable while avoiding fluctuation of inner temperatures caused by lack of heat flow. Warm in the winter cool in the summer.

HVAC

The HVAC system needs to match the square footage of the home. Systems are energy efficient as rated when used in a properly matched home. Too big or too small and it throws the unit off causing energy to be wasted.

The Best Home Builder

Choosing the right company from all the custom home builders Florida offers is the first step toward living in your dream home. Harden Custom Homes combines craftsmanship and attention to detail with technology.

Top-rated energy efficiency happens when a builder has the experience to incorporate the latest technology into the construction in a way that the design is not sacrificed. The design team and construction managers at Harden Custom Homes understand the importance of delivering a finished product that will provide a wonderful home to live in for years to come.

Make 2020 the year your dream of the perfect energy-efficient custom home comes true. Call Harden Custom Homes at 239-205-5075 to discuss your future custom home. You may also swing by our corporate showroom which is located at 5782 Enterprise Parkway Fort Myers, FL 33905. We would love to meet you.

This includes areas of Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Lehigh Acres, Sanibel Island, Captiva Island, Bonita Springs, Naples, Marco Island, North Fort Myers, Estero, Bokeelia, Matlacha, Saint James City, Pineland, Alva, San Carlos, Cypress Lake, Whiskey Creek, Fort Myers Shores, and Gateway.

While many custom home builders charge outlandishly high prices for the newly constructed homes, Harden Custom Homes offers reasonably priced customizable models starting in the $250,000 range! That’s right you can have a custom home for a price that fits your budget.

This amazing price range allows many who never thought they would be able to build their own home, let alone customize it, to do just that at the same prices you can buy an older previously lived in a home that may come with age and repairs coming due in short order.

What you can do in a custom home you cant do with a prefab cookie-cutter model

Customize your Kitchen:

Design window placement, shapes, and sizes, pantry, customized lighting, stone or granite counter tops, tile, backsplash, dimmers, breakfast nook areas, work islands, cabinetry, and much more.

Customize your pool area:

Include water features, hot tub, jacuzzi, fire pit, fireplace, conversation areas, pools, waterfalls, rock features, and so much more.

Customize your master bath: 

Choose double sinks, oversized tubs, storage space, separate shower, and tub areas, even add an enclosed private water closet.

When you put your mind to it combined with working with the right builder your new home can be amazing.

Interested in learning more? We would love to chat with you. To view some of our work, visit www.hardencustomhomes.com or call us at (239) 205-5075. Our corporate showroom is located at 5782 Enterprise Parkway Fort Myers, FL 33905. We would love to meet you.

People often hear the word custom and think “I can’t afford that” without ever checking the actual numbers. The fact is with Harden Custom Homes you can build the home of your dreams at nearly the same cost you can find an older pre lived in model. Why settle for someone else's dream?

Everything in your home should reflect your own unique style and who you are. From the color of the house outside to the bath doorknobs, the beauty is in the details. 

Our team at Harden Custom Homes is dedicated to creating and constructing a home with quality and value. We work with you every step of the way to turn your dream home into a reality. We are a full-service design/build company you can trust for building your luxury custom home right here in Southwest Florida.

Why Choose Custom?

-Choose the layout that will fit your family now and as it grows. Make sure to include room for guests and possible long term visitors.

-Location, location, location! - you choose where your new home will be built. You can choose how close you are to your work, schools, grocery stores, or other localities that are important to you.

-All materials and appliances are of your choosing.

-No redoing design work. All colors, textiles, and fabrics are of your choosing.

-You can design a home that reflects how you live. Enlarge the living area or add an extra patio for entertaining, build a bar out back, or even add a nursery or study. It is up to you!

-Everything in your home is brand new - and under warranty! There are no immediate breakdowns or unexpected repair or replacement bills coming your way any day soon.

Building custom may take a bit more time, but it is oh so worth it.

Why deal with the inconvenience, time and price of doing renovations when you can get the keys and just open the door to the home you dreamed up. Let us help you build your dream custom home today.

To view some of our work, visit www.hardencustomhomes.com or call us at (239) 205-5075. Our corporate showroom is located at 5782 Enterprise Parkway Fort Myers, FL 33905. We would love to meet you.

2020’s Top 5 Reasons to choose Southwest Florida to call home

#1 This is likely the most obvious: The weather
Our weather is second to none. We are a subtropical climate that boasts sunny skies (aptly naming us the Sunshine state) for a good 80% of the year. The annual average high temperature is 84.4F degrees with the low falling to only 65.4F. Of course, we do have balmy summer days that reach well into the high 90’s and chilly winter months where days dip down to freezing, but overall, its a very livable and comfortable life here.

#2 We have no income state income tax.

If you are still in your working years living and building in Florida is to your advantage. While most states have an income tax in place ranging anywhere from 1% all the way up to 13% Florida chimes in at a lovely round number - zero. That is more money in your pocket which can help not only with your build but with the sustainability of your home over the years.

#3 The Landscape!
Florida is picturesque and beautiful beyond words. You really have to experience it to believe it because pictures just don’t do it justice. Beaches like Sanibel, Captiva, Fort Myers Beach, Barefoot Beach, Vanderbilt Beach, all of them are world-renowned. We boast the best beaches in America. Tourists travel from all of the globe to bask in the sun in these beautiful places. By building right here in the Southwest Florida area you are making the choice to live in paradise. No travel needed.

#4 Amazing Restaurants, Stores, and Attractions

If you are a Foodie, restaurants are abundant! You will not be disappointed in the quality and selection. From big-box chains to small niche boutique shops we have it all. There is nothing you could want and not find right here locally. When you build your home here you have easy access to everything from groceries to a night out on the town. What could be better?

#5 Amazing in State Travel

We realize Florida geographically is a gigantic state. It can take you as much as 12 hours to get out of the state if you are driving tip to border. The beauty of living here though is that there is so much to do in Florida it can take you decades to get through it all. From Orlando which boasts multiple theme parks including Disney, Universal Studios, and Islands of Adventure to dinner theaters, Old Town, and much more to the historic St. Augustine which is a treasure chest of quaint stores, restaurants, and sights to see. Miami’s South Beach area has been featured in numerous TV shows and movies and with good reason, it is the place to be for the club scene. Tampa is no slouch either - featuring the famous old city of Ybor where cigars used to be made and are now home to some of the best bars, restaurants, and clubs in the world. They also are home to Busch Gardens!

You can't go wrong building in Southwest Florida. From the Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte area all the way south to Marco Island and Naples and everything in between. Harden Custom Homes has you covered. We are the number one builder for a reason and we would love to talk to you and help you make the right decision for you and your family. 

To view some of our work, visit www.hardencustomhomes.com or call us at (239) 205-5075. Our corporate showroom is located at 5782 Enterprise Parkway Fort Myers, FL 33905. We would love to meet you.

This includes areas of Charlotte Harbor, Manasota Key, Rotonda West, Harbour Heights, Punta Gorda, Port Charlotte, Grove City, Solana, Charlotte Park, and Cleveland. We, of course, are not limited to Charlotte county, spanning in builds all the way south through Marco Island. 

While many custom home builders charge exorbitant prices for the newly constructed homes, Harden Custom Homes offers reasonably priced customizable models starting in the $250,000 range! That’s right you can have a custom home for a price that fits your budget.

This amazing price range allows many who never thought they would be able to build their own home, let alone customize it, to do just that at the same prices you can buy an older previously lived in a home that may come with age and repairs coming due in short order.

Customize your pool area:

Include water features, hot tub, jacuzzi, fire pit, fireplace, conversation areas, pools, waterfalls, rock features, and so much more.

Customize your bedroom:

Design window placement, shapes, and sizes, closet layout, and space upgrade lighting and maximize layout.

Customize your master bath: 

Choose double sinks, oversized tubs, storage space, separate shower, and tub areas, even add an enclosed private water closet.

When you put your mind to it, use your imagination, and combine that with working with the right builder your new home can be amazing. Interested in learning more?

We would love to chat with you. To view some of our work, visit www.hardencustomhomes.com or call us at (239) 205-5075. Our corporate showroom is located at 5782 Enterprise Parkway Fort Myers, FL 33905. We would love to meet you.

Before you embark on this amazing journey we wanted to get your attention for a moment to give you the insider information on what considerations need to be made in the initial planning stages. It is vital for the outcome of the project to outline in detail all of the following items which relate to the ultimate project cost. This helps to ensure you get everything you dreamed of while still coming in under or at budget.

Planning and dreaming are the fun part. Budgeting? Eh, not so much. But understanding the basics help put that in perspective so that you can easily do both and have the home you desire.

Working with a well respected builder such as Harden Custom Homes of Fort Myers, Florida can benefit you tremendously as they are a learned wealth of knowledge. They have decades of experience in all of the needed areas to help you set a budget in the early stages before beginning your project. It is always ok to check in with your builder in regard to the budget and expenses throughout the entire construction process to ensure your budget is on track and adjusting spending if necessary.

INCLUSIONS TO CONSIDER:

Land Acquisition

Your first major purchase when building your dream home is going to be your dream location, not only will the location have a huge impact on the homes value but also your future lifestyle. It’s best to take into careful consideration the location of your future home. Is it close to your work and a decent school district? How is the neighborhood? Is it close to great amenities, such as a nice shopping/entertainment district? Location is one thing you will want to splurge a little more on as it will impact every aspect of your lifestyle.

Improvement Costs (Land)

You find the perfect location! But, just as you get excited you realize that the land itself may need some work. This is one of the most overlooked costs by first time home builders. Some lots may need some major work before it is ready to receive a build. Trees removed, ground resurfaced and landscaping. The best advice is to talk with your builder before you purchase.

The Actual Building Costs of the Home

The cost of building your home will be straight forward once you have chosen a design and drawn up the plan. It is important to give them all the must-have inclusions to ensure the most accurate estimate possible. 

Make Sure to Include Upgrades

The second biggest mistake made, next to not including land upgrades, is adding in the cost of the “little” extras.

Upgrades can encompass everything from custom cabinetry to energy efficient appliances.  Basic versions of these items are usually in the plan but the upgrade cost can be overlooked and you do not want that surprise at the end.

Make sure to discuss in detail what appliances, features, and custom extras you may wish to add to your home and account for them into the final tally.

Planning ahead and working with your builder is the best way to ensure your custom home build meets both your budget and needs. When deciding on a budget pay close attention to the details and never hesitate to ask your builder for advice; we at Harden Custom Homes are happy to help!

To view some of our work, visit www.hardencustomhomes.com or call us at (239) 205-5075. Our corporate showroom is located at 5782 Enterprise Parkway Fort Myers, FL 33905. We would love to meet you.

Idea 5: Use tall panels as space dividers to separate different parts of the area. It can create a dynamic effect.

Idea 6: Covered vs. uncovered areas. Why not have both? Weather permitting an open sky day or night is lovely.

Idea 7: Drapes. Adding drapes to a sitting area gives an air of elegance and privacy. Great for adult/child gatherings. You can talk and still keep an eye out.

Idea 8: Wood, metal, concrete washes, glass, rubber, mix media freely to give the area an eclectic feel.

Idea 9: Use the same furniture outside as you do indoors, to create an even flow to connect the house with the backyard.

Harden Custom Homes works with you from concept to build creating the ideal backyard that fits your needs and space.

We build custom luxury homes, outdoor living spaces, and offers home renovations in Naples, and other cities in Southwest Florida.  To view some of our work, visit www.hardencustomhomes.com or call us at (239) 205-5075. Our corporate showroom is located at 5782 Enterprise Parkway Fort Myers, FL 33905. We would love to meet you.

Give us a call today at 239-205-5075. Our corporate showroom is located at 5782 Enterprise Parkway Fort Myers, FL 33905. We would love to meet you.

The beauty of working with a custom builder who has been in the industry for decades is that sometimes, just sometimes, they have established the right set of connections that can make your dreams affordable and still within budgetary reach.

Harden Custom Homes has become well known for this over the years. That is why when you come in to begin planning out your new home before the ground is even broken, we like to sit down face to face with you and listen to how you live and what you ideally would like included.

We can start with the base of a pre-made design and modify it to fit your personal standards. This saves a ton of time and money right off the bat. Our architects are easily able to adapt any plan to be built your way rather than wasting time and funds beginning from scratch.

Some of the more popular requests we get include - a larger master bedroom, vaulted ceilings, bay windows, customized kitchen islands, upgraded pool, and lanai areas, extra landscaping, additional room add on’s - studies, dens, man caves (and these days She caves too), and even mother-in-law suites. We often change out the cabinetry, decide on lighting upgrades, as well as switching flooring and countertop materials to higher-end finishes.

We have even added in doggie doors, playrooms, game rooms, entertainment areas, back yard tiki bars, swings, and secret passageways… This is YOUR home after all. If it is within our capabilities to build it for you, we will.

Here in Florida, those who choose to build their own homes live in them on average from 13 to 15 years before selling to upgrade again or moving for another reason. That is a long time making it vital that you adore what you build.

We would love to talk to you while you are in the idea phase. Give Harden Custom Homes a call today at (239) 205-5075 or visit our online gallery of homes at www.hardencustomhomes.com. Please feel free to stop by our Corporate Showroom located at 5782 Enterprise Pkwy Fort Myers, FL 33905.

We look forward to being your builder!

Mudroom 

Mudrooms are perfect for families that are constantly on the go. Typically located at the garage entrance to the home, organize this area so the family can drop their things as they walk in the door. This will keep book bags, shoes, sports gear, and outerwear out of the main living area and out of sight.

Charging station 

We all have them. Electronic gadgets and phones that seemingly always need to be charged. Instead of using random places in the house to charge them, create a designated space. A charging station ideally will be out of the way and have space for all gadgets (and cords) to sit. This will eliminate the “where is my phone” while running to work or school.

Learning center 

As your child enters higher grade levels, they will be given more homework and projects to complete at home. By building a learning center in your home, this will create a space just for those activities. Having a designated area that they can focus on studies is important in making the grades at school. Make sure that you have plenty of lighting and the essentials such as paper, pencils, markers, and other school supplies. Build the learning center in an area of your new home that is not too active such as down a hallway or in a loft. This will keep distractions to a minimum.

Building your new home gives you the advantage of being able to add special rooms and areas that are functional for your entire family. Talk with the builder about your family's lifestyle and how you can incorporate features to make your life a bit easier during the school year. Harden Custom Homes will help you find the perfect lot in one of the many fabulous communities in southwest Florida such as Lehigh Acres, Marco Island, Fort Myers, and Cape Coral. Call us at (239) 205-5075 or contact us through our website at www.HardenCustomHomes.com.

Are there areas that you want to highlight or others you want to diminish?  This can help determine where you want to place lights and if there are any areas you want to leave less lighted.  For example, in a dining room, the light usually highlights the table, so planning the room and the lighting with a particular table location in mind is a good idea.  But perhaps there are other areas that will need highlights, such as serving areas or display cabinets.  Likewise, you can plan to leave certain areas of the room more dimly lit to help make the highlight more prominent. Many interior lighting designers suggest putting as many lights as possible on a dimmer switch.  This will not only give you many options for how the room is lit, but also offers opportunity for energy savings.  The flexibility that a dimmer provides can help you adjust the mood of the room whenever you want.  At dinner time, the dining table might be most appropriately highlighted, but maybe after dinner that light can be dimmed while another highlight can be brightened, offering a completely different feel for the space. Flexibility and variety are probably the most important aspects of a good lighting design.  Things like dimmer switches help give your lights a lot of flexibility, and installing lighting fixtures at different heights and of different styles helps with variety.  Overall, be sure to plan your lighting needs as early as possible so that it can be seamlessly incorporated into the construction of your new custom home.

If you have any questions or concerns about constructing your new custom home, be sure to contact Harden Custom Homes at (239) 205-2075.

Casement and Awning Windows These styles of windows are installed in a “case” or box, with one hinged side that allows the window to open by pivoting on that hinge. Casement windows are generally hinged on one side, while awning windows are hinged on the top so that the window can open out like an awning. 

Single- or Double-Hung Windows Hung windows are mobile panes that can slide up or down on tracks. Single-hung windows are when only one of the panes will slide, generally the bottom one, while double-hung windows are when both top and bottom panes can move. 

Gliding Windows Gliding windows also slide, but they do so horizontally rather than vertically. Often both sides can be moved, which gives great versatility to how the window can be opened. 

Picture Windows Unlike the previous window types, picture windows do not open, but only provide a clear view outside. Because they do not require hinges or rails, they can often be installed more cleanly, giving a clear, unobstructed view. Additionally, picture windows can have various shapes: for example, they could be curved or square, or what are called “Radius Windows,” where the bottom is square, but the top is arched. 

Bay or Bow Windows Bay Windows, also called Bow Windows, are a set of windows that thrust out of the side of the house. Generally they are made up of three windows (more for Bow Windows) that “bow” out from the side of the house, creating a box. On the inside, people will put a shelf or a bench in the created space, and generally the windows are large and allow quite a bit of light. This list of window types is by no means exhaustive. You may want to consult with an expert when selecting the windows for your new home. Be sure to call the experienced home builders at Harden Custom Homes at (239) 205-5075.

Shelves

Shelves are often overlooked when thinking about the closet, but remember that there are many things you will want to store that can’t be hung.  Shelves can be used for many different items, from shoes to folded sweaters to objects from your favorite hobby.  Be sure to plan ahead and design for differently sized shelves to accommodate different kinds of things.  Certain shoes might need higher shelves than other items.  Instead of shelves, also consider drawers, as these can sometimes look neater than shelves, depending on what is being stored.  Some people prefer see-through drawer fronts so that they can identify what is inside each drawer with a quick scan.

Bench and Mirror

The closet it generally the place where people select their outfits for the day, so be sure to design with this in mind.  Consider whether there should be a place for a mirror, and consider installing or making space for a bench where you can sit and put on your shoes.  The mirror will likely need to be full-length so that you can see your entire outfit when you put it on.

Place for Accessories

Getting dressed in the morning entails more than just clothes, so be sure to plan for storage and access to accessories that help complete an outfit.  Because these are often finishing touches, storing them close to the mirror can be handy, so consider where you might prefer them in your design.

Lighting

Getting dressed and checking the mirror also requires good lighting, so be sure to plan the closet design with good lighting in mind.  Make sure the light is centered and doesn’t leave any dark corners where it’s difficult to see the color of the thing you’re trying to retrieve.  Definitely be sure not to leave the mirror in a shadow.

Storage

Not every closet will be used for getting dressed in the morning, so be sure to consider the needs and use of closets in other rooms, such as in a home office or study, the pantry in the kitchen, and even an outdoor storage area for pool toys and equipment.  Consider what kinds of things will be kept in the closet and how they will be arranged.  Will shelves block tall objects from being stored?  Is a wider closet better for laying things out, or should they stand up? 

There are many questions to ask when thinking about the design of a storage closet. As you work through designing your closet and the rest of the floorplan of your new custom home, be sure to find a builder who is experienced with building new custom homes.  Harden Custom Homes is just such a builder.  Contact us today at (239) 205-5075.

You can see bald eagles soaring overhead and manatees floating by in the Gulf. Crescent beach is a gorgeous 5 mile stretch of white sand that is famously known for its shelling. Kids, families and couples can all enjoy the natural beauty of this gorgeous beach. If you are a water lover, then Marco Island is the place for you. It has several marinas, boat slips and docks to park your own boat. Sunset cruises are a delight whether on your own vessel or on a charter boat. For the athletic sort, there are many companies that are located beachside that offer activities such as kayaking, paddle boarding, and jet skiing. Restaurants are abundant here on the island with a little over one hundred available. Seafood is popular due to the location, but you can find all types of restaurants without leaving the island. You can opt to head out on one of the many fishing charters and cook your own catch! Both salt and fresh water fishing is available for fishing enthusiasts. In addition to the multitude of fun things to do on Marco Island, there are plenty of grocery stores, gas stations, and other places necessary for everyday living. Harden Custom Homes is a leader in building homes on the island. All of our floorplans are completely customizable to make your home dreams come true. Contact us today and we can get your started on owning your home on beautiful Marco Island, Florida. Call us at 239-205-5075 or contact us through our online form. We look forward to hearing from you!

View

A house built on stilts will naturally stand taller than other houses around it, and can even rise above the trees in certain areas. This will give you a wide and distant view of the surrounding area. Although Florida doesn’t really have many high, lookout-style areas, a stilt house can get the family off the ground and offer a nice view of the beautiful Florida scenery.

Stability

Stilt houses are a great way to construct a home on unstable ground. Since the house is built up, off the ground, it’s up to the stilts themselves to give stability rather than the ground underneath. This allows houses to be built in otherwise unstable places. You’ll see stilt houses built on cliffs, or on steep, sloping mountainsides, and even in sand or over water. The relatively flat terrain of Florida doesn’t usually require stilts for cliffs or mountainsides, but building on sand or over water with stilts can both increase the home’s stability as well as offer a unique location for the home.

Protection

Building a home on stilts lifts the house off the ground and out of the danger of things like flooding. Because living in Florida offers a higher risk of hurricanes and the storm surge that goes with it, many coastal homes are built on stilts to try to help mitigate the danger. Another feature of the stilt home is that there are no ground-level windows where an intruder might gain entry, which can help protect the family living in such a house.

Ventilation

Because stilt houses are off the ground, cool air is allowed to circulate beneath the house, which can help in keeping the house cooler overall. Especially in Florida’s summers, this can be a great boon for your comfort and energy spending.

Stilts houses have been popular in subtropical and coastal regions like Florida for thousands of years, and over that time the technology to make stunning and exciting homes built on stilts has improved dramatically.

If you want to live near the coast, you may want to consider a stilt home. Be sure to call Harden Custom Homes at (239) 205.5075 to discuss your options.

Focal Point

A focal point is something that holds a room together and brings people into it. One of the classic living room focal points is a fireplace, the modern version of the campfire and hearth. As you can see in the photo above, this home features a small and modern fireplace on the feature wall making it the focal point of this living room. People have been gathering around the fire for conversation and community for thousands of years, so it makes a lot of sense to have something in your living room that will bring people together. Other options are a big window with a really nice view of the landscape or yard, or the common contemporary choice of a media center. The custom home pictured above also features 10 x 32 feet sliding glass doors to see the outdoor landscape and lanai area. A nice cabinet with a TV or other media gives the room focus and draws people in. However, it’s important to consider the needs of technology when designing the space: consider that the commonplace of big, flat-screen televisions didn’t exist 15 or 20 years ago, and that the desktop computer is becoming more and more integrated with the television. Give your living room a focus that can accommodate changing technology.

Public Space

Contrasted with the bedrooms, the living room is the public center of the home. This is where guests will gather, where you will invite people to sit. For this reason, the living room should offer the most welcoming space in the home. Often living rooms are the most finished space in the home, with decorative trim, finished walls and ceilings, and architectural detail. These small details work together to give the living room an aesthetic appeal and style the expresses something about the home and about you. So it’s important to consider these details in your design.

Conversation

Because of the communal, gathering-place nature of the living room, the design should help foster conversation. Often this is done through the arrangement of furniture, but it’s important to consider the kind of furniture and arrangement the living room can accommodate as you design the space itself. Make sure that the design doesn’t hamper furniture arrangements that are conducive to conversation. Develop a space around the focal point in which people can gather, and remember the community of the campfire. The large sliding glass doors in the photo shown above also create a nice flow to keep the conversation both inside and outside at the same time.

Lighting

Lighting in the living room should be inviting. This often means low lighting that highlights the furniture, rather than high lighting that highlights the walls. Think about the way a campfire draws people to sit in a circle around it: if the light highlights the sofa, then people are more likely to sit, while if the lighting highlights the walls, they may be more likely to stand. Distribute light sources so that the lighting is even and there are no lurking shadows.

As the communal heart of the home, the living room is a very important space to make friendly and welcoming. It can represent your home to guests and can be the central gathering area for your family. When you’re designing your own custom home, be sure to spend enough time to get the living room just right. It may wind up being the most-used space in your new house. As you work toward your new custom home, be sure to contact Harden Custom Homes– we have years of experience constructing custom homes. Call today at (239) 205.5075.

Generally, a patio is a paved or hard surface on the exterior of the home without a roof, while a porch or veranda is a wood-floored area attached to the house with a roof over it. A Lanai combines both of these. Generally a lanai has a roof over it and is incorporated into the floorplan because of the roof, but it has a solid floor, often concrete, and is usually enclosed with screening or even glass. Often a lanai is furnished as if it were another room in the home that happens to be more or less outdoors and giving a nice view on the landscape. Most Floridians opt to have a screened lanai, as pictured above just to keep any debris, bugs, or anthing else from entering their outdoor space or pool.

A lanai might even be a large space big enough to house an in-ground pool. Because it’s entirely screened in, the pool deck is almost like another room in the house. People will often set up lounging chairs and tables, and the pool will connect to the rest of the house with sliding glass doors. Like other lanais, this becomes another living space in the home, even though it is more exposed to the environment.

So when you’re designing your own new custom home, be sure to consider whether you want a lanai. With Florida’s amazing year-round weather and outdoor culture, a lanai is a great addition to a Florida home. Be sure to contact Harden Custom Homes to discuss your options. Call us today at (239) 205-5075.

Vaulted Ceilings

Vaulted ceilings are a very common ceiling option. For the most part, a vaulted ceiling is made to follow the slope of the roof, instead of being flat. These ceilings give a great impression of space. Depending on the roof and the positioning of the room, the ceiling may have two slopes that meet in the middle, or only one, or may be slightly uneven.

Exposed Beams

Exposed beams often accompany vaulted ceilings or other kinds of ceilings that aren’t flat. Normally a flat ceiling is built beneath the beams that hold the roof up, but with a raised ceiling, the beams can be left exposed. This will often give a rustic or country feeling, although the beams can also be finished or decorated for a more modern look.

Tray Ceilings

Tray ceilings are cutouts in an otherwise flat ceiling that are raised above the surrounding ceiling. Often lighting will be mounted within these trays. These recessed areas can help create focal points in the home layout and might be visually appealing above beds or living rooms.

Coffered Ceilings

Coffered ceilings are a repeated pattern of square recesses. This is the ultimate in textured ceilings. Often the central square will feature an elaborate lighting fixture or ceiling fan, while the others may or may not have individual, smaller lighting fixtures.

Besides these architectural designs, a ceilings can be textured, papered, or painted in a style that reflects the kind of look you want for your house. Whatever your desires are for your new home, be sure to consider how the ceiling will best reflect and augment the design of the rest of your house. Whatever you do, don’t neglect the ceiling, and be sure to contact Harden Custom Homes for all your needs in constructing your new custom home. Call us today at (239) 205.5075.

The Bed

The bed is what the bedroom is named after and usually requires a certain prominence in a bedroom design and layout.  It’s probably a good idea to decide where the bed will be first and design the rest of the layout based on that.  Consider how the bed will be used: will you sit in bed and drink a bit of coffee before getting up?  Will you read in bed before going to sleep?  Questions about how the bed will be used can help you determine what kinds of things you want around the bed and access to from the bed.

Also, consider the ambiance for the bed.  You may want to position the bed near a window or away from the window depending on your preference.  Because the layout of the bedroom will mostly determine where the bed will go, it will be hard to change your mind and put the bed somewhere else after the house is built.  You may want the bed under a big window that looks out on the landscape, or you might want it across from glass doors leading onto the pool deck.

Entertainment

Because bedroom retreats are often a place for personal media and entertainment, it’s important to consider what kinds of media you will want in the bedroom and how you will consume it.  Do you prefer to watch TV in bed, or would you want to make space for a recliner or loveseat?  What arrangement and sight-lines will you need to make your viewing most comfortable?

Some people insist on keeping media out of the bedroom so that it remains a peaceful “retreat” from such intrusions.  If you want to keep your bedroom free of media and distractions, this is something to consider in your design and layout.  What elements can you introduce into your bedroom to make it more restful?  Big windows that allow in more natural light, and even carefully placed mirrors to open up the space and reflect the natural light can help make you feel at peace.  If you have a good view into the yard or surrounding landscape, these bigger windows can help you relax once you move in.

Other Furniture

Be sure to consider how nightstands, vanities, dressers, and additional seating will fit into your layout.  If you enjoy reading before bed, but not in bed, consider adding a corner where you can put a reading chair.  You may want to plan where the vanity will go and how you will access it.  Consider your traffic pattern: how will you move between the bed, the bathroom, and the closet or dresser?  Some people will include a desk or an extra couch or loveseat in the bedroom for further relaxation.  It’s important to consider the function any of this furniture will serve and to carefully reserve the bedroom for relaxation rather than work.  It’s also important if you share the bedroom to consider both partners’ needs and interests.

Bathroom

One very interesting development in designing the bedroom retreat is the incorporation of the bathroom.  Bathrooms used to be separate rooms from the bedroom, but those walls are beginning to go away.  Tubs and showers are getting a more prominent position, letting people relax in the bath with open views of the yard or landscape.  As the bedroom becomes more of a retreat, the bathroom is being more and more incorporated into that retreat.  So when you’re designing the layout of your bedroom, be sure to consider how the bath and shower will fit in with it.

The bedroom is the most private room of the house, and should be the most comfortable.  It should be relaxing and give you space to unwind and release the cares of the day.  To this end, it’s very important to consider the design and layout of the bedroom when you’re building a new custom house.  At Harden Custom Homes, we can help you with all aspects of design and building your new custom home, so be sure to call us today at (239) 205.5075.

Accents

One important function of landscaping is to complement the house. Be sure to consider what the house looks like and work at highlighting some aspect of it with landscaping.  Be sure not to obscure the entire house with overgrown foliage, but design the landscaping to carefully frame the yard and house.

Lines and Curves

Curving edges for planting beds and edging can give visual interest and help highlight certain portions of the yard, but don’t overdo the curves.  Too many curving edges can create a visual mess, so be sure to balance the curves with straight lines.  Give your eyes a chance to rest in certain places, and use the curves and lines to smoothly guide the viewer from accent to accent throughout the yard.  It’s also a good idea to reflect the shapes you make in the specific plants you choose for the yard.  So if you have a long, narrow planting bed, then long, narrow plants might visually complement the beds.  Likewise, short, round bushes can complement wide, round planting areas.

Focal Points

Focal points are things that demand focus in the arrangement.  These are often the first thing someone will notice about the yard and the area where they will look the longest.  It’s important to establish what these focal points will be and to maintain them as focal points throughout the design.  Don’t let other design elements overwhelm the focal points, but work at using other elements to highlight and complement the most interesting aspects of the landscaping.

Overall, landscaping is very important for the visual interest of a house, and you want to think carefully about the design of your yard and landscaping for your new custom home.  On the other hand, you probably don’t want to get too intricate or try to make it too formal, as upkeep on symmetric or other formal designs can be very expensive or a lot of hard work.  Keep the landscape relatively simple while also adding just enough visual interest to complement the home.

Be sure to stop by Harden Custom Homes or call us at (239) 205.5075 if you have any questions about building your own custom home.

Pool Pros

• Easier to stay active. It's easy to get outside and stay active when you've got the perfect excuse in your own backyard. In addition to providing leisurely activities, a home pool is the perfect environment for swimming laps on a daily basis, or for doing other low-impact exercises that are perfect for seniors with sensitive joints or for athletes recovering from injury.
• Keep the family entertained. No longer does the family have to wonder about what to do next time you're all bored on a Saturday afternoon. With a pool in your backyard, you've got the perfect opportunity to entertain groups of all sizes, any day of the week.
• Attract visitors and guests. If you spent your childhood in a home without a pool, chances are good you knew the locations of all the homes in your neighborhood that did. Everyone knows which families have pools and people of all ages, though small children especially, tend to gravitate towards them. With a pool of your very own you no longer have to envy those families, you are one of them.
• Increase your home's resale value. While most homeowners aren't necessarily thinking about their home's resale value before construction has even been completed, this can be an important consideration if a future relocation is a possibility. The addition of a pool instantly increases the value of a home, and while they do create additional costs in the beginning, homeowners will usually find that these investments are well worth it later on.

Pool Cons

• Expensive initially. Depending on the location and the complexity of the construction, a pool can cost you tens of thousands of dollars and leave you without a functional backyard for many months at a time. The great thing about a custom or semi-custom home with a pool, however, is that all the dirty work is done for you prior to move-in, and your pool is ready for you the moment you move in.
• Additional costs over time. While having a pool at home will save you money on public pool memberships and fees, unfortunately, a backyard pool does come with some ongoing costs if you plan to make the most of it. These costs can be on items as small as toys and floating rafts for the kids, to items as large as pool covers, cages, and patio furniture.
• Accident liability. Being the "cool house" in the neighborhood comes with its own set of risks, especially when you consider that drowning is the leading cause of death for children between the ages of 1 and 4. Having such an attraction for small children in your own backyard requires that you take extra safety precautions to ensure that your outdoor space is equipped with the right safety features. And you may want to consider adjusting your homeowner's insurance to cover accidents on your property just in case.
• Required maintenance. Swimming pools contain a delicate balance of chemicals in order to keep them clean, and must be checked and maintained on a daily basis whenever in regular use. If money isn't a concern, outside pool services are readily available throughout Southwest Florida, for those looking for a more hands-free approach. If money is a concern, or if you prefer to handle home projects and care yourself, consider whether or not you truly have the time to invest in keeping your pool clean and usable year round.

If you are unsure whether or not a backyard pool is the right decision for your custom home design, speak with the professionals at Harden Custom Homes by calling us today at (239) 205.5075. Many of our current standard home models come equipped with pools and other outdoor spaces, but as always, we are generally more than happy to accommodate any special needs or personal tastes.

With 45 years of experience and over 1,000 homes built, you won't want to look anywhere else to get a quality custom home. We have the experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities that you won't find anywhere else. We make things easy by offering the ability to stop by our custom showroom, see our model home, or speak to someone about building a custom home.

Our custom showroom is located at 5782 Enterprise Pkwy, Fort Myers, FL 33905. We are open Monday - Friday: 9:00am - 5:00pm. Or call us at 239.230.9831.

Bold Black Bathrooms

Create a sultry space that evokes an indulgent high-end luxury feel. Create your own personal spa to wind down in and relax. Additionally, creating a combination bathtub and shower wet room is an aesthetically pleasing trend.

Natural Serene Textures

The light colors and textures create a spa-like feeling in this bathroom. The large windows with dark features add a nice contrasting color to the mix. The brass hardware and the contrasting grey flooring and countertops also showcase contemporary design.

Making Statements

Adding high-contract statement tile will give the space an artful and fun vibe. Using neutral colors throughout the rest of the bathroom will add balance.

Pewter and Gunmetal Hardware

Add eye-catching features to your bathroom by sticking with this trend. The rainwater shower head hanging from the ceiling also adds a modern and relaxing touch to this gorgeous shower.

Modern bathrooms are becoming more and more elegant and spacious, and there are many features that people want. When you're considering the design of your new custom home, don’t forget to consider the bathroom and bathing areas. But whatever your needs and desires, be sure to talk with Harden Custom Homes and our experienced custom home contractors. Call us at 239.205.5075.

Quality of the Home

The quality of a new construction home is why many people opt for building new. Being a custom home builder for over 40 years, we have perfected quality. With new building techniques and building standards implemented throughout the years, getting a new home is the best way to ensure you will have a quality home that you can be happy and safe in.

Pick Your Floor Plan

No matter how many pre-built homes you look at, there will never be one that aligns exactly with your needs and wants. With a custom home, every last detail can be chosen by you from the floorplan to the flooring, countertops, paint color, you name it! Don't settle for a home that was someone else's perfect home. Get a custom home that you can shape exactly for what you need. Does that sound overwhelming? Harden Custom Homes also offers the ability to choose from some of our most common floor plans and we also offer a designer to work with you to help make decisions along the way.

Owning a home is always a good investment, but building your own home offers a few advantages to buying a used house.  House values can depreciate as they get older and the need for renovations increases, so a newly constructed home will maintain its value as-is much longer and more robustly than an older home.  Building new will also help to improve a neighborhood, and if the value of the neighborhood improves, so too does the value of the home.

Financial Advantages

A custom-built home can be built with cost-saving features in mind, such as better energy efficiency so that in the years to come the house itself does not cost as much to live in as older houses might cost.  You can also work with your builders to save in construction costs.  It’s even possible to put some of the savings that you make in construction cost into a slightly larger home than the money might have bought if you had found something used.

Low Maintenance

New houses have new parts, while older houses have old parts which will require more immediate maintenance.  When you buy a used house, you can’t always guarantee how well-maintained the house has been over the years, and you’re almost assured of being surprised by some large maintenance cost.  In a newly built house, you will know how old all the pieces are and it will be several years before you incur any serious maintenance costs.

There are many advantages to building a new home rather than trying to fit your family into a used home with a mysterious past.   If you are looking for a new home and would like to discuss options for a custom-built house, be sure to contact Harden Custom Homes at 239.205.5075, or stop in our office in Fort Myers to speak with our team about your needs.

Concrete

Concrete is a long-lasting option that now comes in a selection of colors.  Concrete is installed in large slabs, leaving expansion joints between the slabs to mitigate damage due to thermal expansion and contraction.  There are many options with concrete for color or patterns to be stamped on the surface.  Some people like exposed aggregate concrete, which incorporates a decorative gravel (aggregate) into the surface.  Concrete must be sealed, but generally lasts a few decades.

Pavers

Stone paving for a driveway is rare because of the expense, but there are other options such as concrete pavers or brick.  This option can be a bit more expensive, but it gives a great historical look to the surface.  Sometimes pavers can be made into geometric or natural patterns that give the driveway added beauty.

Asphalt

Asphalt is less expensive than concrete, and it does not require expansion joints.  Although it doesn’t last quite as long, it is a great option for a smooth, flat surface.  Like concrete, there are now options for coloring the asphalt, often in various earth tones.  Asphalt does require sealing and some upkeep, but it’s a great option for a driveway.

Gravel/Crushed Stone

Gravel is the least expensive driveway surface, but it also requires the most upkeep, as the stones are loose and need to be adjusted or replaced if they wander off.  Crushed stone is generally smaller than rough gravel, offering a smoother surface because of the size of the pebbles, and it comes in a variety of colors.

Of course, a driveway can be designed that incorporates more than one of these options: for example, a concrete driveway might use brick or other pavers in its expansion joints as a decorative addition.  If using pavers on the entire driveway is not feasible, they can be great for the front walkway.  If you have any questions about the driveway, or about building your own custom home, be sure to contact Harden Custom Homes. Call 239.205.5075 today.

While it's entirely possible to design your home before choosing the land, it is highly recommended that you choose the land first. While a home design can often be changed in order to accommodate a certain location and landscape, it is much more expensive to alter a piece of land in order to accommodate a specific home's design. Because a piece of land's location can often help you determine things like placement of windows and configuration of rooms, as well as help determine other design elements such as the location of your garage or driveway, the land you end up choosing can have a very large impact on the final outcome of your custom home, including the final cost of your custom home.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing your new piece of land:

1. Location - First consider whether the piece of land is in your desired location. Is it close to your work or your children's schools? Is it close to convenient amenities such as grocery stores, parks, and public transportation? Also consider whether the location fits in with your aesthetic ideals. Does it provide for excellent views of the water or have plenty of trees nearby to offer seclusion and privacy? It is also important to consider the future resale value of a home on your chosen piece of land. Is the land featured in a popular area of expansion or is it part of a larger community? It is always a good idea to try and picture your home ten years in the future and determine the extent to which the area will be in high demand.
2. Size and Shape - The size and shape of a piece of land is extremely important, and any future homeowner would be wrong in making the assumption that "bigger is better." You should always ask yourself how much space you need for the size of the home that you want, and more importantly, how much are you willing to pay for it? The quality of the land and the type of vegetation on it can also play a huge role in this decision, as a larger piece of land with more trees and grass will obviously require more time and effort spent on maintenance. Also, ask yourself whether the land you are looking at fulfills all your necessities as well as any additional extras you are looking for. Can it accommodate the number of bedrooms you require? Does it have the space for important exterior areas such as a back deck or porch, and can the soil accommodate a garden or large lawn?
3. Ownership Rights - It's always wise to consider the title that your piece of land comes with, and specifically what rights your title grants you as an owner. While some titles grant complete ownership of the land and everything within it, others require you to share a specific part of your land, such as the driveway or part of the lawn, with your neighbors. If you are purchasing land that is part of a larger community, your ownership rights may be even further restricted, or require a monthly fee. If your land does require a monthly ownership fee, make sure that you are factoring this price into your construction budget and monthly mortgage.
4. Local Guidelines - If your home is going to be part of a planned or gated community, then it is highly likely that certain restrictions come along with the territory. For instance, many communities have specific guidelines regarding the distance from the road at which your house can be constructed. Some communities get even more specific than that, and require homes built in their communities to fit within a certain architectural style, even going so far as to limit the colors with which your home can be painted. If you have a specific home style or size in mind for your desired land, it's highly recommended that you check as to whether this land has any specific rules or guidelines that might prevent or inhibit any of your plans from taking shape.
5. Foundation - When considering your future home's foundation, the best thing that you can do is consult a professional builder. There are several types of ground and soil, and not all of them are ideal for building a home on. You may set your heart on a specific piece of land based on the previously listed criteria, only to find that the land's lack of constructability and viability make it impossible to build a home on. The surface, form, slope, and positioning of the ground of your desired land should always be examined and approved before any final decisions for purchase are made.

Always ask your builder FIRST before selecting your land and always work with a licensed Realtor in procuring your land, as they have been professionally trained to identify and mitigate for problems in advance. Harden Custom Homes has both the building licensure and experience, AS WELL AS a licensed Realtor on their staff who is specifically trained in land purchases. Once your land is chosen, there is no better Southwest Florida custom home building company than Harden Custom Homes, experts in custom home building for Naples, Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Estero, and Bonita Springs. Simply tell us your vision and we will make it happen!

Whether you're looking for a custom home or would like us to provide you with a floor plan to work with, Harden Custom Homes can help you make your dream home a reality. Don't spend another holiday in a home that doesn't fit your needs, contact Harden Custom Homes today to get started! Call 239.205.5075 or visit our Corporate Showroom at 5782 Enterprise Pkwy Fort Myers, FL 33905.

Contact UsView Photo Gallery

Harden Custom Homes is one such Bonita Springs home builder, based out of Fort Myers, Florida, that offers these benefits and more to future homeowners in Southwest Florida:
 

• A custom-built home is a one-of-a-kind home. For as long as you live and no matter where you go, you'll never come across a home quite like yours. That's because your home was built with both your tastes and your needs in mind, and is completely unique to your personality.
  
   
• A custom-built home is a "green" home. Modern homes usually take into consideration modern concerns for the environment as well as energy costs, however, green energy-saving features can be costly, or, at times, impossible to add onto existing homes. Custom homes allow these features to be added as the home is being built, features that oftentimes save the homeowner a great deal of money in the long run.
  
   
• A custom-built home accommodates special needs. Is someone in your family disabled or handicapped, and, as a result, they require a home without stairs or with wheelchair accessibility when getting around or caring for themselves? Regardless of your special needs, a custom home can be designed so that all residents are at their most comfortable at all times.
  
   
• A custom home allows for extra space and expansion. Do you collect antique cars and need a garage large enough to house and display them? Or perhaps you'd like an additional apartment in your basement to rent out to tenants for extra income? A custom home can easily be planned to accommodate both existing and future needs required for any of your family's hobbies or businesses.
  
   
• A custom-built home requires no initial maintenance. With a custom-built home, everything in your home, from the drywall to the paint to the appliances, is brand-new and in perfect condition. While you can easily design your home with future upgrades and additions in mind, a custom-built home will never require you to touch a single tool until you want to.
  
   
• A custom-built home maintains its resale value. Many new custom-built homes are in areas controlled by homeowners associations, so your new home is nearly guaranteed to hold onto its current value when new, at the very least.
  
  The most important benefit that comes with a custom-built home is not anything that you can place a number or exact value on - it's the feeling of knowing that you are living in the exact home that you imagined, your dream home. If you are looking for Bonita Springs home builders with both experience in and passion for the industry, speak with the experts at Harden Custom Homes and start envisioning yourself living in the home of your dreams today. Call us today at 239.230.9831.

  
  

Building a new home requires a lot of input and many decisions from the homeowners, but with kids, jobs, and other responsibilities, the homeowners don't always have the time or resources to constantly meet up with their builder or contractor every time a decision has to be made. Harden Custom Homes has found the solution by teaming up with Builder Trend, a software company dedicated to homebuilders and their customers, to provide homeowners with direct access to their project at any moment and in real time, allowing homeowners to keep current with the construction of their home and make any necessary changes or decisions right from their computer, tablet, or smartphone.

When homeowners choose Harden Custom Homes for their building project, they are automatically signed up with Builder Trend, where a customized webpage is created for them to log in to 24/7 and check on the status of their home. The homeowner web portal allows customers to track photos of the construction process, view the building schedule, view and approve change orders and selections, and access important documentation. The best part is that all homeowner information is accessed through a secure online system, making all the details of any project both convenient to access and completely confidential.

Harden Custom Homes and Builder Trend also make it incredibly easy to access support 24/7 and from any location or time zone. As long as you have internet access, you can file online warranty claims and submit other forms from anywhere on the planet - even from your vacation home in Aruba - and any questions or concerns you have can be immediately addressed by speaking with a representative of our online messaging system. With Harden Custom Homes and Builder Trend, you can keep an eye on your home's construction at any time, whenever the need or curiosity strikes.

While some new construction companies take control over the project as soon as the papers are signed, Harden Custom Homes believes that to truly give their customers a home that they can be happy with, those same customers must be involved in the building process. Speak with the experts at Harden Custom Homes today, and you'll find a Cape Coral custom home builder that you can trust to both listen to your expectations and successfully carry out your vision.

This is often a difficult time, especially if you simply do not have space for another person in your house. Options become limited to hiring an in-home nurse or sending your loved ones off to an assisted living facility or nursing home. These are both expensive and impersonal options. When thought of ahead of time, there is a much more personal and cost-effective choice. Building a “mother in law suite” as part of your home.

In law suites are multi-functional extra rooms that are often placed and build off the regular home. They are often used in courtyard style homes where the space is almost like a small apartment in and of itself. They can also be attached via a breezeway/walkway or simply an extra additional guest room if so chosen.

Having the space to do this can save you and or your parents hundreds if not thousands of dollars a month all while keeping them close and allowing them to feel safe in the comfort of your/their own home.

This space is in no way wasted in the meantime. These suites are ideal for visiting guests as well as for use as home offices, reading rooms, or hobby areas. If you have kids they are a great mini getaway where you can relax in peace and quiet, if only for a brief reprieve.

By having a separate suite both the family and the in-laws retain their own privacy while making things more convenient.

If you are interested in building a new home in the Southwest Florida area including Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Naples, Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda and more,  we would love to talk with you. Give us a call today at 239-205-5075. www.hardencustomhomes.com.

The possibilities are endless. A great way to start is to make a list of the things you would like to be a part of the plan, bring them to the meeting with your builder and they will help you incorporate them.

Clients sometimes need a little bit of a starting point in the idea realm, so we put together the top inclusions we love to help you get started.

A Sand Room

(Up north they are called Mud Rooms, but well, it’s Florida).

If you have pets or kids a sand room is a great idea to keep the rest of your home clean and encumbering less wear and tear. This area is often placed at a side entrance or by the pool area. It keeps down the dust and dirt from being tracked all of the home. If you have a very outdoorsy dog you could even include a small spray down station (also great for dog bathing!) or rinsing off sandy feet. Hooks to hang wet bathing suits, umbrellas, and raincoats, and cubbies for shoes and more.

Under Cabinet Mounted Outlets

If you are going to take the time to create a beautiful tile backsplash the last thing you want is the flow interrupted by wall outlets. If they are mounted under cabinet they are still easily accessible but give a far cleaner look. Additionally, outdoor outlets and media connections should be thought of ahead of time as well. Outdoor appliances, power tool use, and more need to be considered. No one likes tripping over ugly cords. Built-in speakers are a lovely add in.

A No Cabinet Kitchen

I know the first thought is… “No cabinets? Where will everything go?” The answer is ultra-deep drawers. It is far easier to see and reach everything when they are mounted below. Installing deep drawers keeps the kitchen organized and the space tidy.

A Smart Thermostat

Save yourself money from the get-go. A programmable thermostat helps keep you comfortable year-round without constantly messing with the buttons.

Chutes
If you build a home with a second story two ideas clients love are trash and laundry chutes. Why walk up and down the stairs with bags and baskets? Especially as you age it can become a tripping hazard. Just dump the laundry and trash down the chute to its respective location and you are all set!

These are just a few of the space-saving convenient ideas we have to offer. Give Harden Custom Homes a call today to get started building your new home. 239-205-5075 or visit us online at www.hardencustomhomes.com. Now serving areas including Punta Gorda, Port Charlotte, North Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Lehigh Acres, Bonita Springs, Estero, Naples, Marco Island and more!

Here are some ideas to get your imagination going and make more use of the space you have.

Media Room

Creating a media room makes for an interesting way to keep electronics out of the living room, hidden away, much neater, and allows for a conversation and relaxation area to be the counterpoint of the home rather than TV’s and Stereo systems. If the media room is tucked away the viewers experience fewer interruptions as well which makes for a better viewing and listening experience.

Massage room/Gym

Add a treadmill or other machines, yoga mats, exercise balls, weights, and even a massage table. This can be your health-oriented home oasis.

A Reading Room

Despite the digital age many people still love good old fashioned paper books. A quiet place for reading, especially if you don’t have a dedicated media room, is wonderful and relaxing to have.
If you have an extensive collection of books the neatly organized storage is helpful as well. Toss in a nice coffee table and a few overstuffed comfortable chairs or chaise lounges and voila! It can also double as a homework studio.

Game Room/At Home Bar

Is the room large enough to install a pool table? Having a space dedicated to fun and entertainment is every adult child’s dream. Invite your friends on over, there is no need to go out and spend extra money. You can have just as good of a time right at home.

Dedicated Home Office

If you work at home and dedicate a space to it you can write it off on your tax return. This is a financially smart use of space plus elements the distraction and need to drive to an office.

Guest Room

This is by far the most traditional option. It’s a great one to have. Out of town friends and relatives no longer need to find a close by hotel in order to visit you. It also makes the visit more personal by having everyone under the same roof, eliminating wasted driving time.

If you have any questions about building a new custom home, or if you want to discuss your design options with a contractor experienced in custom home construction, be sure to contact Harden Custom Homes at (239) 205-5075 today. We are now proudly building homes in Punta Gorda, Charlotte, Estero, Fort Myers, Naples, Bonita Springs, Marco Island, Lehigh Acres, and surrounding areas!

The answer is a resounding “easier”. Why? Because your home stands out on the market of many prefabricated homes that are pretty much all alike. Home buyers want that difference. Something to make their home really feel like theirs, really feel like - well, home!

Here are some top tips to make your custom home stand out on the market.

• Hire a real estate agent with a great track record who you feel comfortable with. While selling it yourself may seem appealing it makes it much more difficult and time-consuming.
• Price your home correctly from day one. Starting out way over value only wastes your time.
• Have your home professionally cleaned and staged. The first impression is everything.
• If you have some wacky colors on the walls, repaint. Though repainting is easy and inexpensive it's amazing the effect color has on potential buyers.
• Upgrade your “curb appeal” if your landscaping is lacking, add some colorful flower bushes and shrubs.
• Make simple changes such as replacement of hardware on cabinetry if yours is outdated or scratched.
• Make sure to highlight customizations in the listing so people readily know what stands out about your home.
• You can even list the builder. Having a reputable builder such as Harden Custom Homes can boost a buyers confidence that the home was built right and quality materials were used in the construction.
• If there are still warranties on the home itself, the AC Unit, or other appliances let the applicants know, it adds value.

If you are considering building a home here in Southwest, Florida Harden Custom Homes has been building from Punta Gorda all the way to Marco Island for the past 40 years. We know the area, the land, the climate, and have the best connections in order to get your home built by the most talented in the business at the very best price. Talk with us today. 239-205-5075 | www.hardencustomhomes.com

We look forward to hearing your vision!

The Master bedroom needs to be comfortable and designed around the way you live. Consider first the space you may need and why. 

• Do you need lots of closet space? Two closets (his and hers) perhaps? Or would you be ok with just one and sharing? 
• Do you need a reading area or a desk area for work? 
• If you choose to have a TV in the bedroom will it need a stand or be wall mounted to save room?
• Take a good look at your furniture or the pieces you are considering buying. Lay them out and figure out how much room they take up and how much walking space and extra area you would like to have. 
• Would there be a setting area - to put on makeup and get ready or will that be in the master bath section of the house?
• Windows are a huge consideration. How many, what size, and of course placement - make sure to take into account your view and other homes surrounding.
• Flooring selection is important as well. Hardwood, tile, carpet, padding, throw rugs, so many choices.
• Lighting in a bedroom is tricky. You, of course, need overhead lighting which is to be your omnidirectional general lighting, but what about reading and night time and mood? - Bedside lamps are a great choice as are wall sconces. If you have a reading area specified, a reading lamp is a great addition. Make sure to decide where these go ahead of time so the electric can be wired properly and you don’t need to pull wires that are visible all over the room just to reach a plug. 

If you would like to build a home here in the Southwest Florida area you have landed on the right blog. Our experts have well over 40 years in the business and a great reputation for a reason - happy homeowners. We take every detail into consideration when working with you.

Give us a call today or come visit our sales center and chat with us in person. We would love to meet you. 239-205-5075. Or visit us online at www.hardencustomhomes.com. 

No one loves “stuff” laying out all over the place, even in the kitchen area. Having ample drawers for silverware, snacks, a junk drawer or two, as well as cabinets for glasses, dishware, mugs, coffee cups, pots, pans, cookware, and of course appliances – mixers, beaters, rice cookers, air fryers, gone are the simple days of a few pots and pans, cooks know that gadgets are where its at. They save time and are convenient – but only if you have someplace to store them.

Choosing cabinetry is one of the most important internal home choices. We can customize the layout according to your square footage. There are some options to look at…

Will your cabinets go all the way up to the ceiling, and do you have extremely high ceilings? – if so you may even consider a rolling library ladder so you don’t have to keep a step stool around.

Do you have issues bending or back problems, if so ask about ergonomic cabinetry which keeps you from having to bend over and dig around underneath to find what you are looking for? they can pull out and up, or be arranged at knee hight rather than floor level.

Choice of material and finish are important for the look and resilience of the kitchen. Do you want a darker or lighter finish? It needs to be functional as well as stylish so a harder wood is more durable. It can always be stained. Countertops are a hot topic, not only are they right out in the open visually but they also need to be durable. Marble, Granite, and other stone tops are the most durable and attractive but there are of course other less extravagant options that are man-made such as Formica and laminate.

Your kitchen is totally your own, so feel free to mix, match and blend. Backsplashes can be made of stone, tile, glass, or just painted. We will help you achieve the kitchen of your dreams and a home you can live comfortably in and be proud of. Call us today at 239-205-5075 or visit www.hardencustomhomes.com.

That answer isn’t the same for everyone, but there are many reasons why building your own home is far superior to choosing one that has already been constructed and lived in previously.

When you choose to design and build a brand new home from the ground up it affords you the opportunity to create the home you have always dreamed of. It will all be a direct reflection of who you are and how you live. Like a bird builds a nest, your home will fit you like a glove.

With a custom design, there is no having to settle. Many homes you view via listings you may love say the great room, but then you get to the Master Bedroom and there is virtually zero closet space, or you love the kitchen, but ugh, those bathrooms sure need a remodel.

From tile choice to drawer pulls, to doorknocker… this custom home is chosen by you and for you.

Working for over 40 years as a custom home builder, our team at Harden Custom Homes is dedicated to creating your dream home at a price you can afford without breaking the bank.

We work with you every step of the way turning your vision into a concrete reality. Harden Custom Homes is a full-service design/build company with a stellar reputation and homes all over the area filled with satisfied happy families to back it up.

The Pros of Choosing to Build Custom

• You can build to your exact specifications

• You choose the location. Make sure to consider area and how close you are in relation to your job and convenience of places you often shop or go.

• Because you pick all of the appliances, light fixtures, and so on, you know their quality.

• You choose the textures, paint colors, flooring, everything. It will feel like your creation.

• We design around the way you live. Be it home gym, expanded entertainment areas, larger lanais, you just name it.

• All appliances, AC units, heaters, and more are all new and under warranty.

• The cost difference really is nominal. You choose your own budget.

• Installing energy efficient items will cut your electric bill over the life of your home saving you thousands.

• New homes are built to adhere to the newer stricter building codes and keep your home safer during hurricanes.

The Cons of Choosing to Build Custom

• It isn’t instant gratification, you do have to wait for the build to finish – but oh is it ever worth the wait.

Why go through the hassle of living in a home while trying to renovate when you can have it completely done your way the day you get the keys?

Harden Custom Homes is a Fort Myers Custom Home Builder that creates custom affordable and luxury homes, outdoor living spaces in Naples, Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, Marco Island, Punta Gorda, Estero, Bonita Springs, Lehigh Acres, and other cities in Southwest Florida.   Call us at (239) 205-5075 or visit us online at www.hardencustomhomes.com.

Times have changed. It’s now 2018 and it is purely fantastical what has been created for us to install and use right in our own homes. Gone are the old clunky television sets with tubes in the back that took up so much space, stereo systems the size of moving boxes no longer clutter our shelves, and computers are so thin they could be mistaken for a school folder.

What this does in the realm of home design is give us more free space and less clutter. It is a beautiful thing. Minimalism is in. Gone are the days of cluttered counter tops and junk drawers. If you don’t need it – ditch it. If you do need it, fit it in a pleasing way into the layout of the home.

Here are some ideas to get you started on your new home plan.

1. Add a drawer in your kitchen which will act as a charging station so all of your devices can plug in and charge while out of sight. This eliminates pesky wires everywhere.

2.   If you have more than one TV, computer, speaker, and more, let us help you find ways to creatively hide and store these pieces so they don’t clash with the innate beauty of your new home. Our design professionals will work with you from concept to finish to incorporate your gadgetry.

3.   Hide wires by running them through decorative boxes or books on shelves.

4.  Hide printers in drawers of a bureau or desk.

5. Install motorized panels to cover a TV, speakers or gaming system.

6. Install a Lutron whole home automation system so you can control everything, lights included, from one box or remote.

7. Install a TV inside of your kitchen island. It can drop down when not in use giving you ample workspace.

8. Remember the old James Bond movies where there was always a safe behind a painting? You could install a remote move painting in front of a tv – no one would even know its there unless you are watching.

9. Speakers now can be installed in the ceilings and walls at the best angles for sound so there are no cords.

10. Computers can be secured to a flip-up desk much like the old school secretary desks. Simply fold up and it’s in the wall.

It really is amazing what a little ingenuity can do for the look and feel of your home. For more ideas or to discuss your new home build chat with us here at Harden Custom Homes. 239-205-5075 or visit us online www.hardencustomhomes.com.

The biggest initial decision is - do you want to buy an existing home or build your own?

There are a great number of advantages to building custom. 

 1 You can build a home that fits your finances

Building custom allows you to account for exactly where your money goes. You don’t need inclusions that come standard if they don’t fit your ideal image of what a home should be. Builders such as Harden Custom Homes will keep track of spending as the project progresses, making sure that your whole vision fits the budget.

2 Less confusion in communication

You only need to work with your project manager.  You won’t have to juggle numerous vendors, orders, contractors and so on, which will spare you a lot of time and aggravation. A single point of contact makes the process much more fluid.

3  Time Saved

While it may seem initially that building might take longer that isn’t necessarily true. The process of searching out viable homes, having them inspected, working with sometimes trying sellers, and much more can hold up the process and waste your time.

When you build, you are in control. 

There is no need to stress over managing the offering procedure which can take numerous weeks. The process with Harden Custom Homes is streamlined and made enjoyable. Once finalized, you don’t need to stress over redesigns or repairing previous issues like on a pre-existing home. 

5  The end result is the home you really want

Your custom home builder will have years of building experience, so they’ll recognize what they’re doing and have their practices perfected. They have a notoriety to maintain and will work productively and breathe life into your vision, dependably and with the best quality workmanship.

Building your own custom home holds great advantage. There is no more wonderful feeling than having the ability to welcome your friends and family into a home that reflects your own style. A home that you construct yourself will be a home that you take more pride in, you have invested so much time and energy in developing your vision why not show it off?

When you’re searching for a custom home builder in Southwest Florida, look no further than Harden Custom Homes. We’ve been building custom homes for more than 40 years, so you can sit back and relax knowing we have the experience and devotion to build you a wonderful, custom home. We are a custom home builder you can trust.

We have built many homes in Naples, Marco Island, Sanibel, Bonita Springs, and Fort Myers, and even as far north as Punta Gorda. Call 239-205-5075 to get started with our design team today! www.hardencustomhomes.com. 

1. Navy Blue is the new black! - It seems many are over the stark darkness of the contrast that black offers and are merging toward a slightly softer though just as dramatic Navy shade of blue. This is especially true of kitchen design. “Navy Blue Kitchens” increased a whopping 80% on Pinterest in just 2018 alone.

2. Islands - yes we said it with an “s” on purpose. People are choosing to build kitchen areas with not just one but two islands. The more open style floor plan allows multiple heights to cater to not only at home chefs and bakers but the company that follows for entertainment and gathered chats. Everyone knows the kitchen is where everyone always gravitates towards!

3. Baths with free standing non-shower tubs are all the rage.  A good soak has come back in style bringing luxury and serenity with it. Gone are the days of the straight back short in shower tubs, at least in the master bath. Grand, comfortable, and relaxing are in and unlikely to leave any time soon.

4. Larger tiles on not only the floors but also on the walls offer a cleaner look and honestly the less grout the easier it is to keep them looking new year after year.

5. Deeper, richer colors are becoming more popular especially for kitchens. Genres of blue, white, and combination tile can make a kitchen feel comfortable and cozy. Why Blue? Blue shows better than most other dark colors as it shows off well against natural wood cabinetry.

Come visit us at our model home and let us show you some of the newest hottest design features you may choose to include in your new Harden Custom Home. We are located at 2818 Tropicana Pkwy W, Cape Coral, FL 33993. You may also visit our gallery of homes online at www.hardencustomhomes.com or call 239-205-5075.

Your lot of land is your blank slate. Your building blocks are held by the construction crew. You hold the creative power that is siphoned through the architect and building contractor. You choose everything. Square footage, layout, number of rooms, type of rooms, inclusions, textiles, colors, and more.

Why buy someone else’s creation when you can make your own right in the same price range? When many people hear the word custom they automatically translate that into expensive. When in reality, that isn’t always the case. Customization can get expensive, sure. It is totally dependent on what you decide you want to include. The price can’t get out of hand because you are in control.

When you work with an experienced professional builder who specializes in custom homes you get the best of everything. You may start with a pre-made design plan and just need to tweak a few areas to your liking or you may even start from the drawing board. Choice is key and the beauty of homes lies in the details.

If you are considering building your new home we cordially invite you to come visit us at our model home center so you can get a better feel for our craftsmanship, our company, and what we can do for you. 

Our model home center is conveniently located right here in Southwest Florida - 2818 Tropicana Pkwy W, Cape Coral, FL 33993. You may also visit our gallery online which encompasses homes in Marco Island, Naples, Estero, Bonita Springs, Fort Myers, Lehigh, and even up to Punta Gorda by going to www.hardencustomhomes.com and if you have questions or are ready to proceed give us a call 239-205-5075. 

 We look forward to building your new home! Sincerely, The staff at Harden Custom Homes

The two most common tile types used in modern homes today are porcelain and ceramic. While these two materials are similar in that they are both manufactured from baked clay, there are a few key differences. 

Durability - Especially in such a corrosive salt air environment as Florida. When gauged by durability, ceramic tiles are best used in low traffic areas that don't receive much wear and tear. They can become weaker over time. Ceramic tiles should never be used outside, as they are sensitive to temperature changes as well as natural elements, and are best used for walls, backsplashes, and countertops. Porcelain, on the other hand, is the more durable and stain resistant choice which can easily be used for flooring and in outdoor areas. 

Appearance

As far as appearance goes, ceramic tiles tend to be darker and more red-brown in color, while porcelain is much lighter. This is largely because porcelain is made almost exclusively from white clay that has been refined and purified. Due to the extra purification, porcelain tiles are much less susceptible to impurities than ceramic, which is produced from a much more porous type of clay. Although both types can be dyed to any desired color or pattern, with ceramic tiles, the design is merely printed on the very top layer and can be much more easily damaged than porcelain tile, in which the design runs through all layers.

Porcelain can be difficult to work with because of its density. It is best left to the professionals for installation. Ceramic is less expensive than porcelain, however, it's important to note that neither material is actually very costly when compared to others in the market such as marble, quartz, granite or Corian. While porcelain is more expensive than ceramic, the higher price does not necessarily make it the better option in all instances. The right question to ask is perhaps not, "Which is better?" but instead, "Which is the best option for my particular needs and situation?"

Need To Consult a Southwest Florida Custom Home Building Expert?

If you are unsure which material might be better suited for your new custom home or remodel, then the experts at Harden Custom Homes would be happy to guide you, as well as share their knowledge of other materials that might be even more suitable for you. Designing and planning for a new home from the ground-up can be overwhelming, but Mark Harden and his experienced team are always here for you to ensure that the process not only goes smoothly but that you are nothing short of satisfied and happy with the final results.

Ready to start your journey to new home ownership? Call us at 239-205-5075 or visit us online at www.hardencustomhomes.com. 

Why We Come (and Stay)

The answers are numerous and almost self-explanatory to anyone who has spent any time at all in Southwest Florida. Beautiful sunsets, clear blue sky, warm breezes, tropical atmosphere, trees that bloom yellow, red, and purple, pools with nearly every home or complex, endless miles of beaches, camping, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, nature preserves to explore, great restaurants and a beautiful downtown area in both Naples and Fort Myers. 

As if all of that wasn't enough the location is perfect. We are located a hop skip and a jump from both Miami and Tampa - two of the United States top cities. It is a little over 2 hours to each from this area.

If you have a love of being near the water, Florida may be the right place for you to settle and build a home. Though a bit humid during the summer months, the winters cant be beaten - especially when watching the news from back home and seeing cars sliding off the icy snow filled roads and former neighbors shoveling drives.

Southwest Florida, Punta Gorda all the way down to Marco Island is, to put it simply, beautiful and welcoming. Most find it easy to adapt to life here and enjoy the slower pace from other places in the country. 

Once the decision is made, its time to work on deciding on a location and a builder. We would love to be considered in your process. Harden Custom Homes has been building here locally for over 40 years and has a stellar reputation. Why? Because we do things the right way, designed with quality materials, proven craftsmen, and around really listening to our clients on their likes and dislikes and how they live in their homes day to day.

If you would like to take a look at our gallery that is a great place to start. Just visit www.Hardencustomhomes.com and click away. Then give us a call to get started at 239-205-5075.

Family growth needs to be considered. How many bedrooms will you need in your layout? Will there be a guest room? An in-home office? Will the master bedroom be separated from the others on one side of the home vs. the other? Have you considered a courtyard style home with a built-in mother-in-law suite?

The options are virtually endless. Both need and budget should be factored in. Another consideration is resale value. Single bedroom homes are almost unheard of here in SW Florida. They are harder to resell as there just isn’t as much demand.

With Harden Custom Homes, we offer a large assortment of models which you can customize to fit. Or, if you are so inclined, you can also start from scratch, coming up with your own completely unique design. We are only limited by physics!

Along with the number of bedrooms, the next question becomes the number of baths. Will there be a bathroom for every bedroom or will some share? Will you need a powder bath for guests and if there will be a pool out back will you be wanting a pool bath - with the tile floors we tend to choose here in Florida a pool bath is a great idea not only for convenience but when tile gets wet, it gets slippery. Falls happen as do injuries and lawsuits. It's easiest to avoid them all together by doing the pool bath floor with something more grippy as a floor cover.

Moving on down the line of questioning, do you entertain? Do you love to cook? No matter what size or style of home, we all know where people tend to congregate… in the kitchen. If you have a smaller galley style kitchen, guests can get in the way. If you do cook and you do entertain think about doing an open format kitchen with a large island and sink, even the cooktop range can be installed there. Bar seating can be set on one side length of the countertop to allow for socializing as well as it just simply frees up your own personal space so you can cook, happily.

Single or multi-floor is also another important factor to consider. With lots being limited in size if you would like a larger home sometimes it can be helpful to build upwards adding an additional floor or even two. Age is a consideration as well as health. Stairs are fantastic exercise and great when you are young, but as we age sometimes stairs can become a hurdle.

There is so much to think about if you have never built a home before it can become overwhelming. The best way to make the process flow smoothly and easily is not to go it alone. Let the professionals here at Harden Custom Homes work with you to bring your idea of what a home should be to life. www.hardencustomhomes.com has a model home center located at 2818 Tropicana Pkwy W, Cape Coral, FL 33993. You can also reach us by phone, just dial 239-205-5075

Ask yourself what do you want in a home? What inclusions, how many rooms, what square footage, where do you want to build? Do you already have a lot or do you need to find one? 

Establish a budget. That is a great way to keep your fantasy and reality in balance. Once you know what you want and how much you have to spend - secure financing and find your Architect, general contractor, design-builder, or home builder. 

It is also a good idea to plan out and budget in where you will reside during the build as it can take several months depending on the scale of the project. Make sure not to get stuck in any long leases and read the fine print on everything you sign so that you make sure when your home is ready, you are as well.

One of the main reasons future homeowners seek out designers and architects is that they don’t want the same old same old when it comes to design. That is the beauty of working with a custom builder like Harden Custom Homes rather than a standard cookie cutter “pick your model” type of standard. 

Additionally, it can help you to cut down on costs. Rather than starting completely from scratch you can browse our online gallery of model homes and already constructed custom homes and pick and choose features, putting together your own style and layout. 

Harden has been in business for over 40 years and has worked in every style imaginable from modern Bauhaus clean designs to  Colonial to Traditional, to Transitional, Cottage, Tommy Bahama, you name it, we build it for you. With contacts to get the best materials at the best prices, our custom homes start at just $250,000. 

We would love to talk with you in person if you have a moment feel free to stop by our model home center located at 2818 Tropicana Pkwy W, Cape Coral, FL 33993. Give us a call at 239-205-5075 or text us at 239-900-0685.

Located in Lee County, Estero is considered a village. It is home to just over 18,000 year-round residents as of 2018. The US Census Bureau lands the total acreage at just over 20 square miles. 

Historically, Estero is fascinating. It was incorporated by Cyrus Teed and his followers of the Koreshan Unity. The believed that the earth was hollow and we lived on the outer crust, the inside containing celestial bodies. Along with the foundation of the Village now known as Estero, they also created the Progressive Liberty Party - both became legalized officially on September 1st, of 1904. While the Koreshans are no longer an active group the Koreshan State historic site and their original tract of land still stands and is open to the public as a beautiful park.

Today Estero remains mainly suburbs with beautiful homes and complexes surrounded by native Florida wildlife and horticulture. Fishing, kayaking, camping, canoeing, and many outdoor activities are readily available. Lovers Key Beach remains a popular spot to enjoy our amazing gulf view. With over 80 restaurants, great shopping, landmarks to visit, and events always happening year round. Estero has become a hot spot to build.

What’s being built in Estero?

What you can expect to see are modern, 1, 2, 3, 4, and even 5 and 6 bedroom homes. Raised ceilings, expansive lanais, pools encaged to keep the bugs out, pools with hot tubs and water features, double story homes, Spanish tile roofing, large garages, wide windows for light and view, raised townhomes with garages underneath, and slightly bigger lots than if you buy in some other areas of Florida where it feels more crowded. 

Estero offers a laid-back lifestyle where the sun shines most of the time, people are friendly, and your neighbors care about the neighborhood and keeping up property values.

Overall if you would like to live in a tropical Paradise that isn’t overcrowded, Estero should be a consideration. We here at Harden Custom Homes have been building in Southwest Florida for over 40 years now. We know the area well and can help you not only build the home of your dreams to your exact specifications at a price you will love but help you locate the perfect lot. Talk with us today! Give us a call at 239-205-5075 or if you would rather text you may text messages to 239-900-0685 or visit www.hardencustomhomes.com or if you have the time we would love to talk with you in person. Our model home center is located at 2818 Tropicana Pkwy W, Cape Coral, FL 33993.

Property prices can vary greatly depending on the age of the home, size, and many other factors. Lots of land can go anywhere from $35,000 all the way up to $5,000,000. The only true way to get exactly what you dreamed of is to go ahead and build it yourself.

The inclusions in building can vary depending on if you have a waterfront lot. If it requires pilings if the lot is empty or you are tearing down an older home to make way for the new… If you are waterfront how sturdy is your current seawall? Does it need to be replaced? If you need new sewer lines you may also need to consider the assessment.

All of these details are why choosing your builder is vital. With Harden Custom Homes we have been building on Marco Island for over 40 years and know the ins and outs to get your home built expediently and with ease sliding through any red tape.

With its beautiful blue-green waters, sunny sky, and an endless array of colorful flowers, trees, and wildlife it’s the stuff movies are made of. Accessible only by bridge, Marco Island is exclusive and has its own little sub-economy going. Its a hide away from the rest of the world. A hideaway you can buy a piece of and make your own. 

While there is no single style of home here, Spanish tile roofing, stucco walls, and big windows are prevalent in order to bring the scenic outdoors in. Natural light, lanais, vaulted ceilings, and lofts are abundant in today’s builds.

Kayaking, tennis, fishing, biking, walking, swimming, sunbathing, Marco has it all. Friendly people, great restaurants and nightlife, a calm Florida atmosphere and low crime rate. Its a little piece of heaven.

If you are considering building on Marco Island or anywhere in Southwest Florida we, here at Harden Custom Homes, would love to talk with you and see just what we can offer you. Every home is built around the way you live. Give us a call today at 239-205-5075 or text 239-900-0685. Additionally, you can see our gallery of homes at www.hardencustomhomes.com.

The choice is all up to you. Back in the 1950’s, it was one of the originators of where the phrase “Would you like to buy some swamp land in Florida” came from, but boy has it come a long way from there.

The Cape, as it is called, is filled with beautiful canals that are partially man-made. It has been built up and developed a lot. Water access is plentiful and you can easily find lots to build on that are right on the water or have water access. So if you own a boat, this might be the place for you to settle.

Why you may want to consider Building Your New Home Cape Coral

1. Land prices. The price of lots in Cape Coral make building affordable. Depending on location they can go as low as $7,000 or $8,000 making their way all the way up to hundreds of thousands depending on location. As of 2018, the average median home value in Cape Coral is $206,800.
2. Location - Location - Location. Cape Coral is a halfway marker between Miami and Tampa, FL. You can have the relaxed atmosphere of the country with widely spread out homes and quiet streets while still being only 2 hours away, in either direction, from 2 of the worlds most fun major cities. It's right across 3 different bridge options from the smaller city of Fort Myers, Florida as well, only a hop, skip, and a jump of about 10-30 minutes depending on where in the Cape you live.
3. Enjoying the Outdoors - Surprisingly Cape Coral has a lot to offer when it comes to outdoor activities. Sun Splash Water Park, Coral Oaks Golf Club, and the Cape Coral Yacht and Racquet Club, just to name a few. You can go hiking, camping, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, swimming, paddle boarding, or just lay by the pool. Its sunny year round and the Cape is a tropical paradise just waiting to be explored.
4.  Restaurants Galore! No matter what you are in the mood for Cape Coral has it. Rum Runners on the bay offers a wonderful upscale environment and a great steak and seafood selection. Ciao’s Wood Fired Pizza & Trattoria offers old-school wood-fired pizza and homemade cuisine, while places like Fords Garage offer more family style dining. If you are up for a night out on the town and feel like some music is in order you can head out to the Monkey Bar or the Tiki Bar as well as Dixie Roadhouse if you are a country music fan. 
5. Events Nearly Every Weekend - There is no shortage of things to do here. Art festivals close down the streets for local, national, and international artists and vendors to show off their wears, farmers markets, Music festivals, animal-centered events where you can bring your pets, even health and wellness events right along with spirituality centered outings. The Cape really has it all.

If you are considering a place in Florida to put down roots and build the home you have always wanted, consider building in Cape Coral, Florida with Harden Custom Homes. You can swing by our model center. The Harden Custom Homes Model Center is located at 2818 Tropicana Pkwy W, Cape Coral, FL 33993. Or just give us a call at 239-205-5075.

When building a home it is important before you even find the right builder, to have a vision in mind. 

 This doesn’t mean that you need to suddenly turn into super designer and know exactly what the home will look like right down to the flooring before you ever break ground on it (though amazingly some are actually that visual).

What it does mean is that in order to reach any goal (a finished dream home included) you need a plan. You need a collection of ideas and things that you truly love and resonate with. The more fully you can show and explain these concepts to your Harden Custom Homes consultant the easier and more satisfying your build will be.

If you are building a home as a couple you will need to check in with one another before even meeting with the builder to make sure you can get your styles merged and on the same page. If you go into a meeting with him wanting a Cape Cod Style 1800 square foot home and her expecting a modern Bauhaus inspired 5,000 sq. ft. Home there is going to be a clash and its one the builder has no way of working out for you. Those two styles, though not impossible, would be very difficult to combine. 

Deciding on basics such as size, budget, location, and general style are vital before the first meeting. Everything else is details and they can be worked out as you move forward. Choosing paint colors, textures, flooring, windows, and so on. Every home is unique and every project is as well. That is where the beauty of custom building lies.

You aren't a cookie cutter person. Don’t accept a cookie cutter home. It's your money. You have worked hard for it. Build the home and the life YOU want. Harden Custom Homes right here in Southwest Florida serving, Naples, Estero, Bonita Springs, Alva, Fort Myers, Punta Gorda, St. James City, and even Marco Island will get you the results and the quality you strive for. Talk with an agent today. 239-205-5075. www.hardencustomhomes.com. 

 Considering moving to Florida but haven’t yet decided where? Don’t count out Punta Gorda! This hidden gem was hit hard during hurricane Charley way back in 2004. Since then it has recovered beautifully with new lush landscape and empty land to build on.

Punta Gorda is a hot spot here on the west coast. Located in the heart of Charlotte County it is home to only just over 16,000 residents. All the beauty of the bigger cities without all of the traffic and overcrowding. 

Located right on the coast if you are a sea lover who likes to boat, beach or fish, this is a great place to settle. Visit Gilchrist Park, Ponce De Leon Park, Punta Gorda History Park, The Blanchard House Museum, The Muscle Car Museum, The Military Heritage Museum, The Octagon Wildlife Sanctuary and Rehabilitation Center, Punta Gorda History Park, and any number of amazing restaurants and beaches.

Harden Custom Homes is building right in Punta Gorda. You can choose your lot - on or off the water, and build the home of your dreams in paradise. 

Florida used to be thought of just as a place to retire, but the median age is now actually only 42. Young and old alike are flocking here because of the tropical scenery, beautiful weather, and endless list of things to do and see. Punta Gorda is only one hour and a half from Tampa and just under three hours to Miami. It is very centrally located.

If you travel regularly it is located right off of major interstate 75 and has it’s very own airport which goes by the call letters PGD. 

If you are interested in the many possibilities open to those looking to relocate and build in Punta Gorda, Florida we here at Harden Custom Homes would love to talk with you. Give us a call today at 239-205-5075. www.hardencustomhomes.com. 

How many members do you have in your family who will be living there? (determines how many bedrooms you will need) as well as asking yourself, would you like to have a guest room? Do you often get visitors from out of town?

Do you entertain? If the answer is yes, it may be best to choose a home style where the kitchen is open with a bar space attached to the great room or living area, that way food and drink can be passed through and set up easily as well as not disconnecting party guests in both rooms, forcing them to decide where to be but rather creating one open space for all to gather together.

How many bathrooms do you need? The master bath is a must, but what about the other bedrooms? Will they use a shared space or have their own? Will there be a powder bath for guests or a pool bath?

Will you be spending time on your new lanai? Do you love to BBQ, have outdoor gatherings? Sit and read, listen to music? Square footage is important to consider. Patios look much bigger empty. You need to consider the furniture layout you would like before settling for a space that isn’t quite what you ideally would like.

The majority of builders in Southwest Florida sell cookie-cutter homes, meaning they have preplanned designs and they don’t veer off of that plan. What you see is what you get. That's lovely if that design happens to be exactly what you want and need. But what if it isn’t? 

That’s where Harden Custom Homes comes in. Though we do offer standard plans, we are proud to say that we can build anything (allowable within the laws of physics). Give us a call today at (239) 205-5075 or visit our model home center located at 2818 Tropicana Pkwy W, Cape Coral, FL 33993. Additionally, we have many of our homes viewable at the click of a button in our online gallery of homes. Just visit www.hardencustomhomes.com. *Home pictured can be viewed here.

 Visiting home after home can be exhausting and time-consuming - not with Harden Custom Homes. We are taking advantage of technological advances that allow for a virtual visit, simply by clicking http://www.hardencustomhomes.com/virtual-home-tours/.

Virtual home tours allow for a 3D movable navigatable showcase.  You can get a far better feel for the home than you can with a standard layout sheet or photo images. It can help you choose aspects of your home you would like to include in your own build.

Inside of the virtual tour you can walk through the home as if you were actually there giving you the never before seen ability to check out details you find interesting or important without having to drive to and physically tour the home. This saves time and effort.

You can also browse through our gallery of homes and check out what our construction crews have been up to in the area. Clients find that seeing previously built homes gives them a good solid foundational jumping off point to start from in the creation of their own dream home. Though Harden Custom Homes offers standard home packages, every home can be upgraded or customized to fit you and the way you live personally. Once you visit us virtually we hope to see you for a visit live and in person - come on down to our model home center conveniently located at 2818 Tropicana Pkwy W, Cape Coral, FL 33993 or give us a call by dialing 239-205-5075. If you see a home virtual or photo that you like make note of it and we can discuss your options!

Southwest Florida is a semi-tropical location exploding with natural beauty, scenic destinations, ease of travel, kind residents, abundant social life for those of all ages, and a laid-back lifestyle. If you are tired of the hustle and bustle of city life or bored with living out in the country and just want a change, we highly recommend you check out this area. 

Even if you have been to other areas of Florida, don’t allow that to make your decision for you. The inner lands of Florida, though beautiful in their own way are desolate, and the eastern seaboard has a completely different feel than the gulf coast. Life is more serene than it is over in Miami, West Palm, South Beach, and Fort Lauderdale. 

We have all of the beauty without all of the massive traffic and stress. The average annual temperatures are an average of 85 with hotter summer months and a few cold months during our winter if you can even really call it that.

We are centrally located. Halfway between Tampa and Miami so if you are up for a faster-paced weekend it's only a hop skip and a jump away straight up I-75 or across Alligator Ally. The infrastructure of our roads, even in season, will get you there pretty quickly.

Beaches galore, up and down the entire west coast are a draw from all over the world, Sanibel, Captiva, Venice Beach, and Marco Island just to name a few. Balmy breezes, palm trees swaying in the wind, warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico and sandy warm beaches to lay on and absorb some Vitamin D creating rays. 

If you are a boater, you have even more religion to explore. Restaurants that can only be reached by boat, islands to park and socialize, and beautiful blue-green waters filled with dolphins and other wildlife to observe. 

Building a home here means you have made it. You will now be living in paradise. Are you ready?

If your answer is yes, we would love to talk to you and go over your options. 

If you are looking to build your new home here in the Southwest Florida area with a builder you know you can trust, whose reputation speaks for itself as does the quality of their homes, stop by and talk with us. We are available at the model home center located at 2818 Tropicana Pkwy W, Cape Coral, FL 33993. You can feel free to text us at 239-900-0685 or call 239-205-5075 as well. We look forward to working with you on your dream home.

 Harden Custom Homes was founded in 1974 by Thomas Harden. Here we are in 2018, 44 years later and the business is still family owned and operated is headed up by Mark Harden.

Family owned and run means old-fashioned values. We believe in integrity, solid construction and keeping true to our word. The traditions of accountability, accessibility, and integrity hold true to this day.

We believe in listening to our customers. Every home is as unique as they are and we know that. Harden Custom Homes are built around the lifestyle, needs, and personality of you, our client. We realize that building a home is one of the largest decisions most of us make in life. We pour our heart and soul into every home we build and take pride in the outcome as well as your joy in its completion.

If you can dream it? We can build it. We build as budget-friendly as it can be and with our over 40 years of connections in the industry Harden Custom Homes is able to make that possible. About Us:

Mark Harden - Who is he and what are his qualifications? Mark is the successor to his father Tom Harden, is the Owner and Qualifier of Harden Homes. He has a bachelor of science degree in Construction Management from the College of Engineering and applied sciences at Florida International University. He as held a Class “A” Certified General Contractor’s license in the State of Florida for over 20 years and has constructed over 1,000 single family units and counting. Mark started working for his father at the age of 10 learning the finer skills of digging ditches and pouring concrete. Mark apprenticed under his father and select employees over the years to master the skills of carpentry, masonry, fine trim work, cabinetry, ceramic tile work, painting, roofing, and many more. Mark truly is an expert in the home building business from the ground up. His experience in the field coupled with is higher education and management experience allow him to guide his customers through the project in a uniquely seamless fashion. His experience over the years provides you with the absolute best home building experience available today.

Tom Harden - 

How Harden Custom Homes got their start.

Tom Harden, Founder of the Harden Legacy of builders, started the business over 40 years ago. Tom originally hailed from the mountains of West Virginia where he played college football for the WVA Mountaineers. Tom also served in the United States Marine Corps where he played football and also was a boxer. Tom relocated to Miami in the late 1950’s to pursue a career as a semi-professional football player. As a young man, Tom spent many hours as an apprentice learning the masonry and carpentry trades. Later in life, he would use these skills to start his home building business which is now known as Harden Homes. Tom used his skills as a mason and his unbridled determination gleaned from his days as a Marine to set the standard for building homes which applied to anyone that worked for him. He demanded the absolute best for his customers! That legacy of un-compromised quality has been passed down throughout the years and is what separates Harden Homes from any other builder.

If you are looking to build your new home here in the Southwest Florida area with a builder you know you can trust, whose reputation speaks for itself as does the quality of their homes, stop by and talk with us. We are available at the model home center located at 2818 Tropicana Pkwy W, Cape Coral, FL 33993. You can feel free to text us at 239-900-0685 or call 239-205-5075 as well. We look forward to working with you on your dream home!

There are some definite advantages of building a new home. You get to be the first owner, everything is new, shiny, under warranty, offers modern custom chosen finishes and colors, you know you won't have repairs to do any time soon, and newer homes tend to be much more energy cost-efficient. 

Older homes you take chances on leaky or needing to be replaced roofing, HVAC systems may fail, and all homes need upkeep especially as they age. When choosing to build or buy, you are often really choosing between convenience (being move-in ready) or customization (getting what you really desire in a home.) It boils down to - are you willing to wait? AND Do you have the time and resources to wait (stay somewhere else while it's being built)?

One of the most asked questions is of time. How long will my new home take to be move-in ready? That depends on a number of factors. If special order items such as cabinetry, lighting, flooring or any other installed pieces end up on back order it can cause delays in installations.

Generally speaking, depending on if you already know where you are building and have the land under contract or are buying a lot from us as well as how busy our schedule is at the time of purchase. Things like weather and customer requested changes from the agreed plans can also cause time delays. It can range anywhere from three to six months.

If you are ready to begin your custom home plans we would love to speak with you. Give us a call or stop in our model home center design showroom. The model home center is located at 2818 Tropicana Pkwy W, Cape Coral, FL 33993 and our phone number is 239-205-5075.

Real estate is a great investment. 

The right builder will help you to create the home of your dreams and make you aware of factors which will increase or deter resale value during the initial planning. Doing your due diligence up front can save you time, headache, heartache, and hassle down the road. Here is your guide map on how to find out if you have a reputable builder or someone who may not prove to be quite so above board in the end.

The first and easiest step you can search to make sure they are a licensed home builder in the state of Florida by going to https://www.myfloridalicense.com/. Once you make sure they are indeed a state-approved builder you can go from there.

Word of mouth - This is the top way that any business gets new business. People buy from and work with people. If you had a great experience, especially in buying such a big ticket item, you know you are going to talk with people about it. This advice can be first hand from friends, acquaintances, friends of friends, and even online reviews. If they happen to get a bad review, how did they handle it? Did they respond or simply ignore the disgruntled client?

Do they have a portfolio? Check out the homes online and if possible in person do a drive by.

Builder Reputation - Ask for references. Good builders always have happy clients who are more than willing to talk with potential new homeowners. 

Make sure to get everything in writing and make sure both you and the builder are happy with the contract before signing. There is never anything wrong with having your attorney look it over first. If your builder is not ok with that or pressures you to sign straight away, it could be a warning sign. Contracts are for everyone’s protection. That way nothing is left up in the air or up for discussion. 

What is your gut telling you? - We are born with an innate internal guidance system. If something feels wrong, it usually is. Listen to it. Working with a builder and building your dream home should be an enjoyable experience. 

If you are in the Southwest Florida area and looking for a builder with years of experience translating your ideas into concrete reality who you can trust, talk with Harden Custom Homes. Visit the model center today by going to 2818 Tropicana Pkwy W, Cape Coral, FL 33993 or online by visiting www.hardencustomhomes.com or, by calling 239-205-5075.

 If you have never built a house before you likely never had to consider window options. You may be surprised to learn just exactly how many different types of windows are available to you to choose from for installation in your new custom home.

Let’s take a look!

Windows allow you to view the world. They keep you safe, and they keep the cold out, the heat out, and hopefully regulate your energy bill from the inside as well. They help to add ambiance to a room by allowing natural light or closing it off for a more secluded feel.

Ask yourself - What types of windows do I really need? Really look at the space. Does a window need to cover an entire wall from floor to ceiling or just a section?

Single Hung  - Single hung windows only open from the bottom. The top is stationary. 

Double Hung - These are the traditional first thought of window. It has two sets of sashes that slide vertically. They can open either on top or up from the bottom.

Casement  - Crank operated, they hinge on a right or left corner and open outwards.

Awning - Awnings hinge at the top and angle outwards. They are often grouped with stationary windows that do not open at all and are stationary.

Picture  - Picture windows are window walls. They don’t open. They act like walls, only made of glass for viewing.

Transom  - These are decorative and ornate additions that go above other windows. Made of glass they are not operational and do not open. They are just meant for light and for show.

Slider  - Sliders slide along a track. They are two-sided and only one side can open at a time.

Stationary In Wall  - Much like a Picture window they are part of the wall and only there as a peek hole for viewing. There are no moving parts. 

Bay  - Bay windows add depth and area to a room, generally a master bedroom or reading room. They create a bump out in the ceiling and protrude on the exterior of the home. stationary windows are usually included.

Stained Glass - Handcrafted these are original art pieces that can be set into any of the frameworks above.

Work with your Harden Custom Homes Professional to get the right windows for your home today. www.hardencustomhomes.com 239-205-5075. Building in Southwest Florida - Cape Coral, Estero, Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, Marco Island, and Naples for over 40 years.

Gone are the days of cookie-cutter preplanned homes with standard eight-foot ceilings in every room. Our clients want areas of interest, focal points, conversation pieces and ways to make their living space, well, more livable.

Option 1 - Raise the roof! One option is to actually raise the height of the roof in a room. This can be straight across flat, on a slant, on a grade, or even as an A-frame. 

Option 2 - Molding accents & beams. Adding design elements by using cross beams or crown or other variations of molding can provide stunning effects. Add recessed hidden lighting and your ceiling features will appear to glow when switched on.

Option 3 - Tray Ceilings - A recessed area that is sunken up into the ceiling itself, raised.

Option 4 - Texture - adding wood or other texture to a ceiling draws the eye upward. It makes the space appear larger.

Option 5 - Medallions and light fixtures - adding ceiling medallions to lighting fixtures ads an air of grandiosity. Medallions range from a small 6” all the way up to 60” and up for hotel and ballroom applications.

Option 6 - Murals - though these days generally painted on walls, originally murals were often painted on chapel ceilings. Murals can brighten up a room and beautify a space. Who doesn't love art?

Option 7 - Sky Lights - Natural light does a wonder for any room. Here in Florida watching thunderstorms through skylights can be a real dramatic treat. This type of light is great for houseplants.

Ceiling features can add drama and impact to a room without taking away any of your square footage. Talk with your Harden Custom Homes Representative and see what you can come up with for your custom home! www.hardencustomhomes.com building in Fort Myers, Estero, Bonita Springs, Cape Coral, Marco Island, Naples, Lehigh, and Surrounding areas for over 40 years. Give us a call today at 239-205-5075.

This is why when designing a new home it is an area that is important to really give some thought too rather than dismiss as “just the lanai”.

How will you live in the space? Will you entertain? Will you lounge, and listen to music or read? Will your kids or pets be joining you? Will you incorporate a pool or hot tub or other water features? Will you cook outdoors? How many people will you need to comfortably seat?

These are just a few of the things that need to be considered when drawing up plans.

Gone are the days of the lanai just simply being a flat encased or open space where homeowners popped up a few foldable lawn chairs. Comfort, convenience, and style reign here.

Let’s take a look at some of the amazing ways you can make the most of your backyard space turning it into your own private oasis and escape from the world. 

Figuring out what you want to include will also help you gauge the square footage you want to build on. Once the size is chosen, you can then begin to map out your lanai.

Here is a list of considerations and possible inclusions:

1. Cooking- If you plan on BBQing outdoors installing a cook center with a grill and even a range hood can serve you and your guests well for years to come.
2. Time of day- Will you be out there at night - Lighting is very important. Wall sconces are a great choice for lanai areas, they add eye-level light and can cast beautiful light striations on the walls for an artistic look. Overhead lights are great for general lighting and if you can set them on a dimmer, even better to be able to control the ambiance.
3. Water features - Many love a pool installation, but if you are not in the market for a full pool you may also want to consider a lap pool or a jacuzzi - they are great for your health and make for a beautiful addition. In pool or spa lighting should be given thought to as well.
4. Fireplace - Even here in SW Florida it is cool enough many nights to get a fire going. 
5. Sitting areas - dining and lounging, as well as TV viewing, may be considerations.
6. Textures - what texture flooring will you use? - non-slip, heat resistant, smooth - its very much personal choice.
7. A Bar - if you entertain building in a bar area can prove priceless. A mini fridge or wine cooler, as well as a sink area, can save many trips in and out of the house during a party or gathering.
8. Reading area - If you plan on reading make sure to get a good reading lamp and draw in a socket for the plug near where you think the chairs will be. This can eliminate unsightly and dangerous cords. 
9. Kids play area or space for pet beds or crates - this may seem insignificant until you are hosting a party and tripping over kids or dogs.

If you are considering building here in Southwest Florida, consider Harden Custom Homes, in business for over 40 years, we create your home the right way - around the way you live. Stop in and see us today at the model home center located at 2818 Tropicana Pkwy W, Cape Coral, FL 33993, call 239-205-5075, text 239-900-0685 or visit us online at www.hardencustomhomes.com 

Investing in a home is one of the largest investments you will likely make in your lifetime. This is true not just in terms of money, but also in love and time devoted to the project. If you have never before built a home it is a wise idea to work with a custom builder.

Hiring a Custom Builder - The Advantages

Custom builders often work from a set of plans that can be tailored to fit your needs and desires.  It is a faster process than designing completely from scratch and doing what are considered upgrades are often less budget heavy than completely new additions. 

Custom builders have well established gathered teams of construction professionals, Architects, Lighting Designers, Auto Cad Technicians, and subcontractors. These are companies and individuals they have worked with on projects before and gotten outstanding results. They are known and trusted. 

Custom builders work on a smaller scale than production home builders who purchase large tracts of land and build out developments. They can help you find the right parcel of land for your home or build on your already existing lot.

Custom home builders like Harden Custom Homes allow you to build your own unique home in the most efficient, least costly manner. 

Choosing to build entirely from the ground up with an Architect

If you are in the market for a completely unique home that looks like nothing else around or you particularly love the style of an individual architect who has already produced homes you adore then that may be your route. You will then need to contract out the materials and workers yourself. Project management can be highly time consuming. 

Things to Consider

1. How much time do you want to spend in the initial design phase?
2. Look for someone you will enjoy working through the process with.
3. Look at their portfolio of previous work as well as client testimonials, has the builder stood the test of time and maintained a good reputation within the community?
4. Make sure you have a budget in mind and be realistic in inclusions based on that number.
5. Cut out pictures and save images of what you have in mind. Visually is the best and easiest way to communicate what it is you are looking for to any designer or builder.

If you are in the Southwest Florida area and looking for a builder who has a stellar reputation and has built thousands of homes here over the past 40 years, you are looking for Harden Custom Homes. Visit us online at www.hardencustomhomes.com, call 239-205-5075 or even text us at 239-900-0685. Our model home center is located at 2818 Tropicana Pkwy W, Cape Coral, FL 33993.

 Choosing one, or two if you are going with an accent color, can be mind-boggling. What looks fantastic on a small paper square when applied to a wall or a full house can be overpowering or look just plain weird. People, on average, repaint their homes here in Florida only once every five years. So once a color is chosen, it will be there for some time.

In most parts of the country home colors are fairly standard - browns, deep reds, white, blue, golds, even deep greens, but here in Florida because we are so tropical it opens up a whole new color palette to play in.

What color choices say about you: 

White/Off-White  - classic, simple, clean, white gives a feeling of safety as well as being uncluttered or weighed down.

Reds - stimulating and passionate. Red is a wonderful color, just know that too much red can also make people feel excitable or even agitated. If you are high strung already, red may not be the ideal color for your home. 

Blues - blues can give a sense of tranquility and calm strife. They can be healing and calming.

Greens - Green is a fresh bright color no matter the saturation level. It can increase wealth, encourage growth and be healing.

Gold/Yellow - brings increased focus and mental clarity. Bright and cheery it can raise the mood. Note: if your kitchen is yellow it tends to make people more hungry than usual, this is why so many fast food chains incorporate yellow in their advertising. 

Pinks- can help open the heart and promote feelings of love and comfort. A pink house can literally symbolize that your home is where the heart is. 

Terracotta | Orange - Helps brighten things up while still remaining neutral. 

Neutrals - Tan | Gray - Stability, and structure are the impression these colors exude. 

Purples - Can enhance spirituality and bring a fresh perspective to emotional issues. Purple is a color associated with royalty and all that is regal. Done correctly a purple home can be a show stopper. 

Slight off tone matching accents lend a classic feel while the juxtaposition of 2 bright or jewel tones can take your home to a bold next level Key West feel. It’s all up to you. Designing your own home can be one of the most fun and rewarding experiences you have in life. We would love to guide you.

Give Harden Custom Homes a call today or come on by our model center which is located at 2818 Tropicana Pkwy W, Cape Coral, FL 33993.

239-205-5075 www.hardencustomhomes.com.

1. A Humidity Controlled Exhaust Fan - We live in a high humidity environment. Taking a hot shower on a summery Florida day can produce your own little rainforest. These fans have options like multiple speeds, night lights and manual timers. They only use power when needed and do a great job at keeping mold and mildew at bay.

1. A Dual Flush Toilet - While bidets never seemed to really catch on here in America, the dual flush high-efficiency toilet sure seems to be. With buttons on the tank for #1 or #2 respectively, you can choose to conserve water when you don’t really need that full force. 

1. Pocket Doors - Regular swinging doors are simply in the way the majority of the time, especially in smaller baths. Pocket doors slide and recess right into the wall.

1. Curbless Showers - Tired of stubbing your toes on that metal divider rail? Now you don't have to. Take it out completely with this new innovative minimalistic design. This curbless design is wonderful for the elderly.

1. Electric Radiant Matts (Heated Floor Tile) - never step on icy cold floor tile again. These amazing heated tiles are easy to install and easy on your electric bill. 

1. One extra large sink - While the majority opt for dual his and hers sinks one of the newest themes is to have one very long/large sink. You still have your space but save on the area mounting is needed.

7. Great Lighting Design - Don’t go with the bare minimum of overhead can lighting. We promise you, once moved in, you will regret it. The master bath is often also your dressing and makeup area. You need to be able to clearly see how you look. Consider wall sconces as well as a lit magnifying mirror. Overall even light coverage with dimmer capabilities is ideal.

For more ideas or to start your new home design today call Harden Custom Homes at 239-205-5075 or visit us online at www.hardencustomhomes.com. 

Perhaps the classic movie The Wizard of Oz said it best, “There’s no place like home.” Owning your own home offers you the feeling of safety, security, and a feeling of belonging to a community in which you plan to stay and become an intricate part of.

Your home is your safe haven from the world after a hard day. Its where you and your family make memories and where your kids grow up. When you own your own home you do not have to ask permission from nor answer to anyone if you choose to remodel or add on or even do something minor like paint a room.

There is no asking permission if you want to add a pet to the family or breed restrictions to worry about. It's your home and things can be done your way. This is true right from the start if you are building custom with Harden Custom Homes in Southwest Florida.

We sit down with you and brainstorm - we help you visualize what it is you would ideally like in your dream home and then match that with your budget so that you get the house you want while still living comfortably and not feeling pressured month to month.

Renting is a great choice if you have just moved to an area and really want to get a feel as to where you may or may not eventually want to build and put down roots. Once you know the area and have an idea we can help you find the right plot of land so that your money is put towards an investment in your future rather than just tossed at a landlord or corporation to keep you at status quo for that current month.

Think you can’t afford to build? Think again.

Harden Custom Homes start right at $250,000. According to the National Association of Realtors 2017 in the Fort Myers, Florida area the average income combined for a couple who builds their own home is $75,000. Single males came in at $59,600 and single females building came in at $54,000. 

Run some numbers with us here at Harden Custom Homes and see how much you can comfortably afford. You might just be surprised!

Designing your home falls right in line with the project of building your new home. For many, it can be difficult to visualize what a space that doesn’t even exist in the physical yet will look like, let alone choose colors for paint, drapes, fabrics, and furniture to put inside of it. Whether you choose to go it alone or hire a professional interior designer color choices, textiles and hardware will need to be picked out before the build.

Tile floors, cabinetry, handles, sink hardware, wall coverings, moldings and more all need to be pre-decided on and ordered. 

Let's take a look at different color palettes and how those colors can make the living spaces feel.

Neutral Tones - Warm or cool neutral tones set a very even consistent feel in a homemaking one room flow easily into the next. They give a classic feel and can be warm and inviting or stark depending on the use. 

Bright Colors - Bright colors can liven up a home. They add interest, a focal point, and even can be a topic of conversation. When selecting bright colors make sure that everyone agrees with them who will be living there. People tend to have strong opinions on these. 

Muted Dark Colors - Dark colors can be done very elegantly. Just be careful not to overdo it. Dark colors can also make spaces feel smaller and more closed in. What seems like a great idea on a 2” paint swatch may not seem the same when applied to a whole room. Use with caution. Pastels - Pastel colors lighten up a room. They take the light and seem to amplify it. Pastels are great for kids rooms and other areas like reading nooks and even kitchens. 

The role colors play in mood

• Reds - vibrancy, passion, and liveliness 

• Blues - Relaxation, healing, calmness

• Yellows - Bright and cheery. Note: in several studies kitchens done in yellow made people hungrier than any other color. If you are looking to lose weight yellow may not be ideal.

• Greens - tranquility and zen. Note: Green painted in hospitals has been shown to help lower anxiety and blood pressure.

• White - white is beautiful. Clean, crisp and untouched. Note: Be careful not to use too much white. If you do have tons or all white walls, make sure to hang some colorful artwork to contrast the starkness. It has been shown in hospitals that overexposure to bright white can contribute to anemia.

For more interesting pre-building and pre-decorating home tips - talk with the consultants at Harden Custom Homes. www.hardencustomhomes.com 239-205-5075.

We thought it would be fun to ring in the new year of 2018 by sharing the top 5 most common requests that home buyers are looking for.

#1 - Storage space - Conventional home design has a severe lack of space to store belongings, especially here in Florida. We have no attics that are accessible for storage, just crawl spaces for ventilation. We also are without basements due to the fact that we are only a dozen feet above sea level. You would be surprised just how much-wasted space can be made into storage in a custom home. Under staircases, slide out shelving where a solid wall might normally be, custom in wall cabinetry and shelving, the ideas just keep on coming.

#2 - Enlarged Master Bath - Many layouts give you a larger master bedroom, yet still a rather piddly master bathroom. Enlarging the main bath can give your home a luxurious feel and allow you to pamper yourself after a long hard day at the office. More space means the ability to add in dual sinks, showers, jacuzzi tubs, separated water closets and other features that won't fit into a standard bath.

#3 - Electric Outlets and J-Boxes where you actually need them - This may seem trivial but once you go to move into your new home, placement of electricity suddenly seems way more important than it had in the design phase. No one wants cords running down walls or across floors or worse right in the path of high traffic areas. Lighting your home properly ads to the feel and ambiance. Having cords running to your floor lamp does not. Outlets can be installed even in the floor during the build phase so you can have a reading lamp right by your favorite lounge chair, cord hidden. This is also important for surround sound systems and much more.

#4 Lighting Design and Audio Video Control - these all can be controlled with just the touch of a button. Access music in any room of the house and control individually your light settings as well as pre-programmed settings, timed and ready for any mood or occasion. Building these into the initial design phase can make the install seamless.

#5 Adding the laundry room on the same floor as the bedrooms - If you happen to build a two or multi-story home, keeping the laundry room on the same floor as the bedrooms can save you time and hassle. No one enjoys carrying heavy baskets up and down flights of stairs, especially as we age. 

For more ideas for your new home build, come see us at Harden Custom Homes - you can visit our model center located at 2818 Tropicana Pkwy W, Cape Coral, FL 33993. Visit us online by going to www.hardencustomhomes.com or call us at 239-205-5075. 

From the 18th to late 19th century there were porcelain coated cast iron cast claw foot tubs. Though wonderful to bathe in, the updated newer models were more shallow, saving on both water and electricity as well as space. The more modern design tubs were also lighter and easier to maneuver for installation purposes. They also began to be made in colors besides just standard porcelain white which seemed to appeal to buyers greatly. 

In past recent decades, the master bathtub has generally been up against a wall and mostly worked into a corner fitted against 2 walls. With the advent of garden and jacuzzi tubs, they have also been surrounded by raised areas and tiled. This model concept has worked since the early 1920’s in home building and design. 

The new trend that seems to be emerging is a totally new concept. A freestanding tub that is elegant and simple almost like an eye-catching piece of furniture.

Whats behind this change?

Standard tubs, garden tubs, and jacuzzis often sit unused. These monstrously sized and encased tubs take up a lot of square footage making your bathroom feel smaller. They also can take too long to fill and use up a ton of water and power.  Because of this, the more time efficient, water efficient shower stall has become the daily go to. 

Additionally, as the baby boomer generation has gotten older many are forgoing tubs all together as climbing in and out can be cumbersome for elderly homeowners. This has lead to less shower/tub combinations installed in non-master baths as many are opting for a simple shower you don't have to step over a barrier to get in.

As for these new free standing tubs…

When form meets function - wow can it be stunning. Take a look at just a few of the trending 2018 master bath concepts.

If you are looking to build in Southwest Florida we would love to talk with you and see how we can help you achieve the home of your dreams. Visit us online at www.hardencustomhomes.com, stop by our model home center located at 2818 Tropicana Pkwy W, Cape Coral, FL 33993 or give us a call at 239-205-5075.  

The options are limitless!

Though there isn’t much one can do in regard to storm surge and flooding being as we live, on average here in SW Florida, at 13 feet above sea level there are many plan modifications that can be made in the design process which could save you hassle, grief, raised insurance premiums due to claim and replacement cost in the future should another major hurricane make landfall as a direct hit. 

What’s different in a modified hurricane resistant home?

Hurricane Resistant Windows - The big one is hurricane windows. Normal glass, when faced with wind speeds of 100+ miles per hour having projectiles hurdled at can break and shatter leaving your home open to water and wind damage, trashing your belongings.

Garage Doors - Wind Load Requirements must be met by Florida law. This area of Florida must be able to hold up against a wind load force equal to 180mph.

Roofing - Roofs are specially designed as well to withstand excessive wind force. Bracing, clips and internal tie downs may be used. 

Doors - Hurricane proof doors with the best seals available to keep water and wind out are installed keeping your home sealed up tight during a storm.

While there is no guarantee on any home being 100% hurricane proof taking the right steps, especially when starting from scratch in a design of a new home can drastically reduce the risk of any damage or loss should the worst occur.

Another interesting design idea is that of a nonconventional rounded home. With a home that does not have squared sides and angles wind cannot build up enough pressure to cause stress failure. When combined with an optimum roof pitch, the wind is deflected instead of merely weathered.

For other interesting design tips and ideas for your new home talk to us. Harden Custom Homes has been building in Southwest Florida for over 40 years and has earned a stellar reputation. 

Visit us online at www.hardencustomhomes.com or call us today by dialing 239-205-5075.

If you are building a new home, chances are you plan to live in it for a while. Though not inexpensive at the inception, over time solar power can save you enough money to more than pay for itself.  On average it takes a little over 9 years in a home for the system to pay itself off. The average lifetime savings (after paying off the initial investment) is just under $50,000. 

To give you a little perspective on savings the forecast for the average utility company over the next 25 years is shown at $.24 cents/kWh. With a solar home, you can expect to pay just $.07 cents/kWh. That is a dramatic difference. These numbers are based on the installation of a 10.63kW system. It could offset an electric bill of $150/mo. by 100%.

Additionally, The state of Florida offers solar incentives. The Federal Solar Tax Credit is 30%. Florida is helping to lead the nation into going solar.

Solar panels are very thin and non-disruptive to the design of your home. They lay flat on the roof and are a fairly easy installation that can be done right during your initial build with Harden Custom Homes. You can choose your own company or we are happy to contract one for you.

Homes that rely either partly or fully on solar energy are less of a drain on non-renewable resources such as coal, oil or natural gas. We will never run out of sun, especially here in Southwest, Florida. 

If you are interested in learning more about building a new home that harnesses the power of the sun, talk with Harden Custom Homes. 239-205-5075. www.hardencustomhomes.com.

The experts at Harden Custom Homes can help guide you, but in the meantime, let's take a look at the top flooring ideas for this upcoming year of 2018.

This is going to be an exciting year for flooring options. Never before have so many looks and styles been on the market and available to the average home buyer/builder. 

Hardwood - Hardwood flooring is elegant and timeless. It can be cut into strips, squares, parquet flooring, or intricate designs. The harder the wood, the more durable the floor. Oak, Maple, Cherry, Bamboo, Walnut, Ash and Mahogany are all excellent choices. 

Marble & Granite - The options in color and texture available for marble and granite flooring are virtually endless. Every slab is unique in vein color and texture. It is important to buy enough from the same supply that you can easily do the area that is wanted, trying to find pieces to match later is very difficult if not impossible. These natural stone options when finished add beauty and luxury to any space. Floors can be done in single sheets, small or large squares, or even custom cut shapes fit together.

Stone - Though when most people hear “stone flooring” they think marble, it is far from the only option. Slate, Travertine, Limestone, Sandstone, even flagstone all can be cut and polished into highly desirable flooring components. 

Tile - Tile is by far the most common and popular hard floor covering here in Southwest Florida. Second only to carpeting. Tiles can be constructed of ceramic, porcelain, or any of the natural stones mentioned above. They fit together very well and give the home elegance and durability as well as an easy cleaning option.

Laminate - This may be the newest and most interesting as well as the most cost-effective option. Laminate can be made of vinyl or composite materials. They are faux finished to look like a myriad of many other things - woods, patterns, marbles, granites, faux finishes, they can mimic a bunch of other looks at a fraction of the cost.

Concrete Staining - Reactive acid stains are designed to react with the concerts surface, chemically. They result in a watercolor-like transparency staining effect that is very attractive. They make the floor look finished even in reality when it is just the bare concrete. The results can be stunning and add a look like no other.

Carpeting - Carpet is still king. As much as we all love the look of the harder flooring, places like bedrooms, studies, reading rooms, bonus rooms, man caves, and places you spend a great deal of time, perhaps walking shoeless, carpet is still desired. Padding is added underneath the installation giving your body a break from the constant pounding you feel when walking on hard surfaces all day. 

No matter what your style or preference - we would love to work with you to choose the perfect combination of surfaces for your new home. Give us a call today 239-205-5075 or visit us online www.hardencustomhomes.com.

  Thank you to www.armstrongflooring.com for the image.

You would be surprised as to what a difference you can make in the appeal of your home by replacing the generic door with something of interest.

Types of doors you may not have thought of:

Pocket doors - These charming additions are fantastic space savers. Wonderful for areas where a wide swinging door would be prohibitive. Bath areas, hallways, even studies and kids rooms where there is shelving behind where a door would sway. Pocket doors are recessed to slide directly into the wall so that the door simply disappears when opened.

French Doors - French doors have multiple panes of clear glass separated by wooden or composite dividing lines. They give a feeling of openness even when the room is closed off. French doors add a touch of elegance to any room. They come in single or double.

Barn doors - Again this style comes in single or double. They slide along an installed piece of track mounted above the door opening. The metal is often incorporated into the look of the overall door itself. These can range from rustic to polished and modern.

Sliding glass doors - Florida style homes generally will have a lanai space. Adding a sliding glass door doesn't have to be boring. Glass can be customized, stained, even wooden framed and folding along the track. Get creative.

Vault Style doors - These steampunk | Panic room inspired inner doors look amazing. They are a focal point and a conversation piece. They are great for office areas, studies, studios, man caves and more!

Front Door - the front door of your home IS the show stopper. You cannot go to anyone's home and not notice the front door. Its the first impression, the entryway and the threshold to the rest of your dream home. Options for a jaw-dropping front door are virtually endless. Wood, metal, standard, windowed, mail slot options, sculptural forms, rectangular, curved, ornate knockers, and peepholes for safety. There is no right or wrong choice, only your personal taste and style brought to life.

If you are interested in learning what you could build with Harden Custom Homes we would love to chat with you! Give us a call or shoot us a text at 239-205-5075 or visit our gallery online at www.hardencustomhomes.com.

*Door pictured courtesy of Victor Klassen

Staircases, lofts, and landings may all seem swell when you are 30 but what happens when you reach 70 or even 80? Uneven surfaces can become difficult to navigate, as can slick surfaces like non-matte tile. 

We know it is sometimes tough to think that far ahead, so consider the possibility closer in the future, of your parents or in-laws coming to stay with you. Would they be able to easily make it up to the guest room? Enter and exit the home easily?

Ways to make your new home build aging-friendly

• If your home is multi-floor consider adding an elevator. 

• Create a no-step entry that is flush with the sidewalk.

• No step thresholds are also a great way to eliminate tripping hazards, young or old.

• Installing a shower with multiple shower heads. This gives you a spa-like experience and makes bathing by far easier for the elderly. It can also be fantastic for washing pets!

• Walk-in tubs are also a very popular addition. Soaking in a hot tub is incredibly therapeutic, slipping and falling trying to get in and out is not. These tubs have hinged watertight doors that open to allow easy access.

• Make sure the lighting is even throughout the home and that it can be well lit. Dimmers are an amazing addition allowing you full control over your light levels. Products such as Lutron Maestro dimmers will also allow preset settings and single tap button remote controls for ease and convenience. 

Here in Florida, we have a large senior population. Many retirees look for homes that include features such as these. It could make eventual resale of your home easier as it would stand out on the market without needing to be remodeled before move in.

Looking to build? We would love to talk to you about your ideas and see what we can do for you. Give us a call today at (239) 205-5075 or visit our gallery of homes online at www.hardencustomhomes.com and learn more about what we have to offer!

While it may seem that a driveway is a driveway, these days that could not be further from the truth. Driveways have come a long way since your grandparents bought their house.   Driveways can be as unique as the home itself and are an integral part of the landscaping. They can be formed from crushed stone, small loose rocks, gravel, cement, concrete, imprinted concrete, aggregate, pebble, asphalt, brick, or even pavers. They can be straight, curved, angled or even pattern designed. There is no single set right or wrong. Because of this the creativity can flow even blending of sources to pull from so that multi or mixed media drives are created.

The property address can be embedded at the end of the driveway rather than using the traditional on house markings, geometrical patterns can be laid out, even spaces can be left open to accommodate current or planned trees, plants or shrubberies. Patterns can be embedded in concrete with colored washes added creating very interesting looks such as faux wood, or different color rock which would not be available at a reasonable cost to form such a large driveway out of otherwise.     Driveways are now being laid out to visually complement the home design as well as the landscaping, adding to the overall curb appeal and property value, especially in the event of eventual possible resale.   The theme of the driveway – texture, and color can be wrapped around or carried through to the back-yard patio or swimming pool area or other areas of the property for continuity. Matte finish or glossy, textured or smooth, options abound. What will your new driveway look like? Work with Harden Custom Homes to create your dream home today. Visit online by going to www.hardencustomhomes.com or calling 239-205-5075.

While lofts have been primarily thought of for bedroom use, in-home loft offices as well as lofted entertainment spaces, theater rooms, greenhouse areas, kids play areas and reading nooks are quickly becoming all the rage. 

Size and style can vary widely from a small lofted area above a desk in a kids room to a fully lofted room above a room. You are only limited by the size of the actual built structure. Raise the ceiling during the initial design phase and you have more than ample space to construct the loft of your dreams.

You can add interest to the areas by using spiral staircases, ladders, or more traditional steps depending on the location and expected age group to utilize the area. Skylights are also a wonderful addition, as well as nontraditional lighting choices such as low voltage cable lights which can become creative and decorative in their own right. Lofts often feature items that might not be added in other rooms such as swings, Murphy beds, in-wall desk units. 

The beauty in lofts is that no one expects the traditional. You can easily customize and make this space literally anything your heart can dream up. Do you love to draw or paint? Why not make it an art studio? Do you sew, but hate the mess of all of your fabrics strewn throughout the house - create a sewing room. It’s your house, make it truly yours.

Talk with the staff at Harden Custom Homes. They have been sculpting homes customized to the individual clients for over 40 years now. They have the best construction crews, the best designers, the best architects, and the ingenuity to pull it all together to create the most cohesive well built one of a kind living space possible.

Give them a call today by dialing 239-205-5075 or visiting www.hardencustomhomes.com to browse our galleries to get even more ideas on what to include in your new Harden Custom Home.

Landscaping is an art form. That doesn't change just because you are switching from the outside to inside of the property. If you love plants, but not weathering the elements to take care of them, consider adding a garden area to the plans. Additions to the entry foyer, halls, master bath areas, even great rooms can be decorated with plants and trees.

Adding an actual greenhouse as a feature bonus room is an option. Grow your own vegetables year round and be in control of the produce your family eats. No pesticides, fertile healthy soil, and organic carrots, lettuce, peas, beets, herbs, flowers and much more. It is totally up to you what you decide to plant.

Indoor greenhouses require suitable temperature and humidity control as well as proper ventilation. It is important to work with your builder to make sure that what you are wanting to build is suitable for our climate here in Southwest Florida. Harden Custom Homes works with only the most knowledgeable experts in the field. 

Benefits of indoor plants

• Beauty and visual appeal
• Oxygenation of the air you breathe
• Helps reduce airborne dust
• Reduces pollutants in the air
• Sharper focus (studies have shown that adding plants to a space helps people to maintain focus)
• Improved health (according to researchers at Kansas State University, patients with plants in the room healed more quickly and experienced less anxiety and fatigue.)
• Add moisture to the air - helps to decrease the likelihood of dry throat and cough
• Plant Aloe Vera plants (their stalks can be trimmed and split open for use of the contained gel for burns, cuts, and scrapes in the household.)
• Use fragrant plant choices and do away with chemical air fresheners.

For more intriguing design ideas visit Harden Custom Homes by going to www.hardencustomhomes.com or call 239-205-5075.

Feature photo courtesy of Gardenista.com

One thing that remains constant despite chosen style, theme, colors, textiles is that the most beautiful homes are not simply uniform boxes with windows tossed in for light. There are moldings, cabinet faces, carpeting, wall textures and coverings, tile choices, and much more… what sets individual homes apart are the details.

The beauty is in the details.

The little things you don’t think most would notice, and they may not consciously and actively, they will notice as an overall impact when in a room. The difference small touches make is amazing.

Here are a few small ideas that make a huge impact.

• Toss out the old plain white dull switch plate covers that have one screw on top and one on the bottom. They are tacky and ill-fitting half the time. Instead, opt for a product with a snap on screwless face like Lutron makes. They come in a huge array of colors to match your home and even stainless steel to match kitchen appliances.
• Add crown molding. Not just to the living room, but to any or every room. It draws the eye upwards visually making the space larger.
• Use interesting textured carpeting - plain tan pile carpet has been used in virtually every home in Florida for years, so mix it up a little at least in some featured rooms.
• Window coverings add interest as well as function. Being able to dim natural light is a wonderful asset, especially if sleeping in late! Match them to your overall decor using layers, sheer curtain over a thicker blind with a decorative valance or go for wooden slats that open with a lever or even install electric remote controlled coverings for convenience.
• Replace typical old style vents with decorative metal ones.
• Build in wall shelving rather than buying shelves. 
• Chandeliers and wall sconces make any room more grand and inviting.
• Stay away from hard corners. Rounded archways are far more interesting than rectangular doors. 
• Add ceiling details - medallions around light fixtures, cross beams, murals, fabric draping, get creative.
• Divide the height of a room with a chair rail changing up the wall color or covering about 3’ up from the floor.

It will amaze you how adding small interesting touches around your home will make the space feel more personalized and far more interesting visually. Custom truly is the way to go when building a home.

If you are interested to see just how wonderful your new home could be, give Harden Custom Homes a call today 239-205-5075 or visit www.hardencustomhomes.com to view the gallery and get even more ideas. 

The factors that need to be considered include the length of time you think you may own the home, if your family may expand over time, if you will need at home workspace, or think for any reason you may at some time feel the need to do an addition as it is more cost effective to build fully from the beginning rather than piecemeal add-ons over the years.

Let’s take a look at both options:

Single Story Houses - Advantages:

• Single story layouts generally offer more living space for the dollar because with a 2 story home funds are spent on staircases, landings, and railings.
• One story homes are safer if you have small children as stairs can be a hazard.
• Single story homes are more easily handicap accessible.
• Evacuation in the event of a fire is far easier with just one floor.
• A single story may be the only option in some height restricted communities.

Dual and Multi-Story Houses - Advantages:

• 2 Story homes cost less per square foot because there are no additional excavation or foundation costs for the extra room.
• They are usually more energy efficient because there is less outdoor wall to try and insulate and weatherproof.
• Two stories can make plumbing needs less expensive as well because the pipes need to travel a shorter distance.
• Two stories may be difficult to navigate for the elderly homeowner. 

All of this, of course, is conjecture and subject to the specifications of the individual plans. Sitting down with your Harden Custom Homes consultant allows you to pick and choose options creating the very best possible home for you, your family and your life. Talk with us today. Give us a call at 239-205-5075 or visit us online at www.hardencustomhomes.com. 

There are actually some pretty amazing indoor pool homes in Florida, you just can't tell by simply driving by. They are hidden treasures only to be fully appreciated by owners and invited guests.

How do you decide?

The bottom line - Everyone’s biggest deciding factor is usually the cost. According to Quicken Loans, an outdoor in-ground pool can start in the ballpark of around $8,000 and work its way up based on inclusions and add-on’s. An indoor version begins at around $20,000 and can jump significantly higher depending on style, structure cover, ventilation and more.

It is important to factor in higher electrical bills as they use power not just for the pool itself but for the building around it (ventilation, AC, humidity control).

Don’t let cost be your only contributing and deciding factor

People choose indoor pools for a multitude of reasons. Aesthetics and preference being only one. 

Sun - The ability to monitor, limit and control sun exposure while still getting pool time in is a big one. Overexposure to the sun has been linked to skin cancer as well as eye issues and accelerated aging. An indoor pool would limit these dangers. For versatility, a retractable roof could also be added.

Privacy - Indoor pools most certainly do offer more the more private swimming area. If you are building on a lot with neighbors right next door, this may be the less intrusive option.

Year Round Swimming - Even though we are technically a tropical climate it doesn't guarantee year-round swimming weather. In fact, a few months out of the year it can get downright cold even occasionally hitting the freezing mark. If you swim for exercise or like to entertain and indoor pool can be incredibly helpful.

Maintaining your pool - Indoor is the hands-down winner. The environment is enclosed, therefore it is easier to control. There will be no leaves or debris or pollen to clear out on a regular basis, only chemical balance to monitor. 

What to watch out for - Chlorine overexposure. 

Outdoors chemical vapors waft away in the wind naturally. Indoors you need to have good ventilation or it can lead to breathing problems including COPD and bronchitis as well as migraine headaches and lung related issues.

When building the pool of your dreams with Harden Custom Homes, indoor or out, it is guaranteed to be done right. Let your imagination run wild. Give us a call to start formulating your dream home today! Give us a call at 239-205-5075 or text 239-900-0685. Visit us on the web by going to www.hardencustomhomes.com.

So are people still building dens? The answer is that the old style den has taken on a new title “ManCave” or in some cases “SheCave”, which are the updated versions for today. 

What’s the difference:

Old style Dens - had all of the basics, sofa, tables, desk, conversation area, lamps, shelves for books and trinkets and likely a television.

Man Cave of Today - Much more elaborate… lazy boy recliners, comfy couches, bar inclusions, game tables, flat screen wall mounted TV’s, computer areas, collectibles, art on the walls that may not be appropriate for other areas of the home, sports memorabilia, dart board, hobby use and storage areas, extra refrigerator, the design is generally aimed at being fun and function over going with and staying in the structure of the design of the rest of the home. Mancaves are used as a place to play, unwind and escape.

These areas can double as guest rooms for overnight visitors and relatives as well as work areas for projects and work taken home from the office. Man caves are a great investment not only in your own life but for future resale - they allow your home to stand out in a sea of listings drawing potential buyers and getting them in the door to view your home possibly over another of the same size and price because it has more appeal.

If you are thinking about building a new home, Harden Custom Homes would love to talk with you. Our staff is experienced, with over 40 years in the business right here in Southwest Florida, knowledgeable, customer service oriented and creative. Visit us online by going to www.hardencustomhomes.com or calling 239-205-5075.

When you build a custom home the main luxury you are given is the luxury of choice. Freedom to let your imagination run wild. Close your eyes for a moment (once you have finished reading this article) and envision what your ideal master bathroom would have in it. 

What would it look like? 

Would there be a single sink or double? 

Hung framed mirrors or wall mounted wall mirror? 

Dark wood? Painted? Wallpaper? 

Raised ceilings? 

Chandelier included? 

Will there be natural light from windows? 

Maybe a skylight? 

What moods do you want to be able to set? (dimmer switches on all lights is ideal)

Will there be a lit magnifying mirror installed for beauty purposes?

What kind of shower would you like? Traditional? Multi-head? Rain shower? Glass doors or open tub combo? Stand alone tub?

What will the floors feel and look like - Tile, stone, marble? Will you have throw rugs?

Will you add plants for ambiance and extra oxygenation?

Really get into the details… feel and see the space in your mind.

How much storage will there be? Cabinets, bins, drawers - what do you need?

Will the toilet be in a separate water closet or in the main area?

Will you install speakers into the walls or ceiling to play music?

Will there be a bidet?

Will you include a dressing area for makeup and primping?

What kind of art will go on the walls?

What type of window coverings will there be?

Do you prefer overhead lighting or wall mounted sconces? (TIP: the combination of both give you the best lighting)

Modern, Transitional, Traditional, Beachy, Classic, or eclectic in style?

The choices are totally your own.

It is important for it to be both functional and ascetically pleasing. Working with designers though Harden Custom Homes can help you get the bath of your dreams. Give them a call today 239-205-5075 or visit www.HardenCustomHomes.com to see more in our gallery.

Here are the top 5 things those who have already built which they could go back and change. Let’s take a look!

#1 Coming in at number one on the list is lack of storage.

While you may think “Eh, just toss it in the garage!” if you plan to park in that garage the majority of the space is already claimed. If building a two car garage, if you do indeed have two cars parked regularly, you will need additional storage space. Sporting goods, packed boxes, hurricane supplies, heirlooms, hobbies, and crafts - your “stuff” adds up!

#2 Upgrade to be efficient 

Many new homeowners think “I’ll just do the upgrades later” to cut down on the upfront bill. The problem is that for most, that day gets pushed off time and time again. Rolling the costs into the initial build almost always end up being more cost and time effective.

#3 Wasted Space

Planning out your living space based on what you use, not what is standard is vital. Where do you spend your time? Do you really need a large foyer or formal dining area? Do you think you will actually use that extra large space consuming garden tub? Maybe you would be better off making a larger living room and a stand-up shower? It all depends on the new owners. Your home should be based on how you live.

#4 Consider family growth over time

Think about how long you will own this home. In that timeframe, will you be having kids? Will you be needing to take care of an elderly parent? Will you often have guests? Cookie cutter plans may not be functional for the way your life unfolds.

#5 Last but most definitely not least - consider carefully your builder of choice! 

Make sure you work with a reputable builder with a great track record. Hiring the wrong builder can be a budget-breaking devastating mistake. Harden Custom Homes has an amazing track record and has been building right here in SW Florida for over 40 years.

If you are looking to build, talk with us first. www.hardencustomhomes.com 239-205-5075 we are your source for custom builds in SW Florida!

1. Raise the ceiling height - lower ceilings make rooms feel smaller and more closed it. Even just a single foot raise can open up the feeling of an area.

1. Add a second garage - while you may not have a second or third car, almost everyone at some point or another could use extra storage space and wouldn't it be lovely for guests to be able to park covered as well?

1. Add a window in the master closet - This may seem like a strange idea but nothing keeps clothes fresher than actual access to fresh air.

1. Include granite or marble counter tops - Wrapping this expense into the original home loan is often the best way to get this upgrade accomplished. These days buyers are looking for real stone in the kitchen and it can be a major selling point if you do choose to sell the home at any point in the future.

1. Build on the best lot you can afford. Land over time can appreciate in value. Choosing the right lot is important. 

1. Extend wood or tile flooring into the high traffic areas. Carpet may be soft and plush, but it does show wear and tear. Hard flooring is far more durable and more easily cleaned.

1. Build a jacuzzi tub in the master bath. After a long day, there is nothing like a hot relaxing jet bath to relax muscles and take the edge off.

1. Ditch the typical closet set up - build your own custom closet by design. Your belongings will fit better and be more easily organizable.

1. Extend kitchen cabinet height - Never once has anyone complained that they had too much storage space.

1. Add solar panels - they are a great way to lower your electric bill and be environmentally conscious.

No matter what your inclusions Harden Custom Homes is the perfect home builder to create the home of your dreams or rebuild your home after Hurricane Irma. Located in SW Florida we have been in business for over 40 years. Browse our online gallery of homes to get more amazing ideas. Visit www.HardenCustomHomes.com or call 239-205-5075.

It seems like the words are used interchangeably here in Florida, but there actually are some distinct yet subtle differences. 

Porch - The term porch is a fresh air area unenclosed and at the main floor height - an extension of the home living area outside. Porches are usually constructed of wood and in Florida sometimes covered with tile. The word porch is often thought of as a Northern terminology. 

Patio - A patio is always just one level that is even with the ground. Construction is generally pavers, brick, stone or concrete.

Deck - Decks can be one, two or even more levels. 

Veranda - A Veranda is the same as a deck although usually larger and more expansive. It may wrap around the house and often has a railing. Veranda tends to be used as a term more in the south. Verandas are often thought of as being used for entertaining guests. 

Lanai - The term Lana’i is Hawaiian. It is actually an island. When spelled with a lower case L, it means porch. This term is used typically in tropical climates as we have here in Florida. It may be screened in or have sliding glass panels. Wood, finished cement, or tile is frequently used for floor covering. 

Pergola - is an attached structure that provides shade. It can be used on walk ways, or on all of the attachments listed above as well as simply extending off of the side of a home over a patio in order to create a more livable space, especially in our hot Southwest Florida summer sun.

Though intermixing these terms in everyday conversation won’t make much difference, people generally understand what you are referring to, when you are working to design your dream home it is important to be able to convey what it is you are picturing in your mind’s eye to the architect. 

Hopefully, this article has given you a little clarification. When you are ready to build come talk with us at Harden Custom Homes, SW Florida’s Premier builder for over 40 years. Give us a call by dialing 239-205-5075 or visit us on line and check out our galleries of previously built dream homes by going to www.hardencustomhomes.com

Landscape design can begin right at the same time as the blueprint for the house is being laid out. Working with a good reputable landscape crew and architect can make life easier and give you an amazing overall result right from the day you take possession of the keys to your new home. 

Adding shade trees, accent bushes, shrubs, and trees, choosing stone areas, fountains, play areas for kids, swimming pool landscaping (if you are installing a pool within the design) with rock features as well as plant can add atmosphere and serenity to any yard. Climbing vines, yard plants, and flowers can beautify as well. Your consultant will help you to choose climate appropriate choice plants so that they flourish in our tropical climate with minimum upkeep.

Adding lighting for both safety and beauty are important as well. Outdoor lighting outside of the home itself, yard lighting is generally low voltage and small trenches must be dug in order to bury the lines. It is important as a fore thought as you do not want to be digging up a newly planted lawn. 

Uplighting large palm trees, having lights sheer the side of a home as an accent wall, accent path lighting, varied colored filters, bulbs and even gobos (gobos cast designs in light) for holidays and events can be used to achieve different effects.

Thinking in a big picture mindset from the get-go of creating your dream home ultimately gives you the very best outcome and the home you have always dreamt of. Here at Harden Custom Homes we have over 40 years of experience and are experts at taking your ideas and bringing them into reality.

Give us a call today to get started on your dream home right here in Southwest Florida! www.hardencustomhomes.com | 239-205-5075

*Track Irma http://www.myfoxhurricane.com/ As kids, we were read the story of The Three Little Pigs. One built their house out of straw, one of sticks and one of bricks. Building material choice is important, though there may be no big bad wolf we sure do have some big bad storms and the very last thing you want is to have your house blown down.

After Hurricane Andrew packed a punch with sustainable 165 mph winds back in 2002 Florida’s building codes were amended statewide. All of Harden Custom Homes are built to meet or exceed standards using concrete piling and all of the latest hurricane reinforcements available.

Builders, like Harden Custom Homes,  now use straps reinforcing the connection between the roof and the walls thought out the home along with reinforced concrete. These newly built structures are incredibly solid.

Things to remember when building and designing your new hurricane proof dream home:

During the storm, it is vital to cover your opening (windows and doors) even if you have installed impact-resistant glass. Flying debris is a huge danger, the more protected your home is, the better! The garage door is the weakest spot in most homes - adding additional bracing in the design can help significantly during a storm. Without doors and windows secured properly the roof can be more easily torn off due to suction from high winds entering the home.

It isn't JUST wind that's an issue - Flooding can be a problem as well. Having a drainage pump handy even though we do not have basements here in Florida can be helpful. If water gets in your home, you want it out as fast as possible to minimize damage.

The power could be out for a while! - Having a generator handy could make your post storm experience a far better one. After all, if your home is flooded, how are you going to power that sump pump?

In short, proper building structure from the start is key and with Harden Custom Homes designers you are protected, following the above tips along with being well insured should the worst happen allows you peace of mind as well as financial security in your investment.

If you are considering building in SW Florida talk with us. www.hardencustomhomes.com 239-205-5075. We are Florida’s premier custom builder keeping your family safe for over 40 years.

One would think that step one would be to find the perfect location and purchase the land. Once you have the land, the builder is the easy part… right?

Wrong.

There is always the possibility that due to zoning, a lack of clear access, septic issues, incorrect lot size, land use regulations, or even the actual makeup of the the parcel of land you choose just might be unbuildable. Ever heard the term “I have some swamp land in Florida to sell you?”

Without a builder in place to advise you, you may just end up being sold a bad and unusable parcel of land.

Once your builder is chosen and hired, a lot is picked, soil tests are done, a budget is determined, a bank loan (if needed) is procured, the home itself is designed, permits are pulled and construction may begin. If these steps are not followed it can bring construction to a screeching halt at any step along the way. Set backs can destroy a budget, quickly. Sometimes making the dream home unaffordable and back to the realm of just a dream.

Nothing compares to the freedom and creativity of designing and building your dream home. Hiring a knowledgeable experienced, custom home builder to give you that initial land buying guidance is well worth it. Additionally, having your builder pre-selected allows you to concentrate on the more fun aspects of your custom home build while they settle the technical details for you.

Harden Custom Homes is currently building homes throughout Southwest Florida and has been or over 40 years. We have built custom homes in some of the most beautiful, yet challenging, landscapes Florida has to offer.  

If you are in need of a custom home builder in Southwest Florida please give us a call at 239-205-5075 or visit our Contact Us page.  We would love to talk with you about creating your dream home the right way.

1. Pull an accent color from a vase, rug, couch or any other focal item that will be in that room.
2. Using lighter colors toward the top of a room and anchoring with dark at the bottom extends the space upwards visually, giving the area a larger more open feel.
3. For super bright or dark colors, try an accent wall rather than painting the entire room. Whole rooms done in overly powerful colors can feel overwhelming to be in and make the room actually seem smaller than it is.
4. Ensure proper balance. Use the 60-30-10 rule. 60% dominant color, 30% secondary color, and 10% use of an accent color by way of accessories.
5. Personal style counts! – Think of where you may hang your paintings and artwork. This is a great way to plan space. Pull colors from the art itself to use in that room.

  Color is a very personal choice. What one person may love the next may hate. When it’s your home, your opinion is what counts. If you are ready to build Harden Custom Homes would love to talk with you about the endless array of options we can offer. Give us a call today 239-205-5075 or visit www.hardencustomhomes.com and view our numerous galleries to get ideas!

Many people, upon move in, wish they had given it more consideration as they start to live in the home with afterthought ideas of what they could have, would have, should have done.   The washer and dryer have to go somewhere and here in Florida we do not have the luxury of sticking them in a basement. Small garage entry hallways are generally where they end up in most homes these days, which is fine, but doesn’t leave a lot of room to pull clothes out the machines, stack, fold, hang or maneuver with more than one person at a time.   Considering the utility area before you build can be a tremendous help for boosting the livability of your home for years to come.   How much space will you need? – How big are your washer/dryer? Are the stackable or side by side? – counter space, shelving, hanging area, bins, etc.  

Get creative! This is your space.

 Do you have pets or little kids who just love to run around outside and get dirty? How about a half shower wash area?   

Need to iron but don’t want that bulky stand up ironing board looming in a corner always threatening to fall on the next passerby? Try a built in slide out ironing board.  

Love everyone to take their shoes off before walking through the main house living areas, but hate the jumbled mess they create or worried about a possible tripping hazard? No problem, add a low lying coat rack bar and simply hang them near ground level out of the way. This also can help if you have just come in from a rainy day, allowing them to dry more quickly!   

Storage is always important no matter what your family size – single to full house, there needs to be a spot for detergent, fabric softener, an iron, and varied other sundries. Adding built in compartments, shelving and hanging space can give what you need without having to buy and find places for bulky unattractive plastic bins.   Considering all of these needs ahead of time allows them to be worked into the original blueprint, saving time and added expense down the road. If you are ready to build give Harden Custom Homes a call today 239-205-5075 or visit www.hardencustomhomes.com.

• A game room?
• A theater room?
• A Bonus room?
• Kid’s rooms?
• Nursery?
• Playroom?
• Extra Powder Bath for guests?
• Pool?

The options are endless When deciding on square footage as well as other inclusions it is necessary to ask yourself: How long do I think I will stay in this home? Do I intend to keep it or flip it within a few years? Will there be children in the future? Is there a possibility of caring, in-house, for an elderly parent? Many things could affect the need for space in your future. Planning now can save you a lot of headache down the road and possibly some money. A home office could be a significant tax write-off and a mother in law suite or guest room could save you thousands on an assisted living facility.   The beauty of building custom is that you can cut what you don’t need and add in what you do. This makes building as budgetarily friendly as possible. Generally making the overall decision to build an easy natural choice over endlessly seeking out just the right house to buy and hope for a good deal on.   Harden Custom Homes start at just $225k. Come chat with a Harden Homes Representative and let them work out a customized plan and quote for you. Visit www.hardencustomhomes.com or call 239-205-5075.

The majority of Florida home design layouts come with a lanai of some type standard. This can range from a 3’ x 6’ screen enclosure to a combination of enclosed and open-air areas and encompass an endless number of upgrades and additions.

This is one area of the home where creativity is fully allowed to soar. Creating your own retreat, your own back yard sabbatical, your escape from the hectic everyday world. 

What would yours look like?

Lanai, patio, veranda, porch - whatever you call it, make it your own. 

Ask yourself:

How much space will you need - Consider if you entertain guests often or mostly just enjoy the space with your own family. How much and what types of seating  - couches, chairs, loungers for catching some rays - all a consideration.

Do you want to include water features? - swimming pool, fountains, hot tub, grottos, koi ponds, waterfalls, and waterways are all options.

Will you include a built-in bar serving area? - a place to tuck away cold beverages keeps wet feet from tromping through the house after jumping out of the pool. Here in Florida with tile floors that can help keep accidents from occurring. This also makes entertaining a breeze.

Will the screen be fixed or automated? - Screen sections can be remotely controlled to lift up giving fresh air access without the net view. This can also be helpful in hurricane force winds which sometimes tear screening.

Fire Pit or Fire Place? - The allure of fire has dazzled humans since the days of the cave man. We all love to gather around a nice bright warm fire, even here in Florida many months do allow the temperature to drop enough to make this a wonderful evening option.

Outdoor Shower Area - It’s nice to rinse off before swimming and even better to be able to get the chlorine off of you and out of your bathing suit before calling it a day after a swim.

Privacy - Fences, trellised areas, solid or slat walls, plant barriers, there are several ways to enclose the area while still allowing it to have an open feel.

Whatever your vision, we would love to help you take it from idea to reality. Come chat with us. www.hardencustomhomes.com or give us a call at 239-205-5075. 

The planning state is the best time to decide and move forward, that way your space can be laid out exactly the way you want it - around your workflow.

Will your area be a craft workshop for woodworking or metal work? An art studio for painting and crafts? or something different completely?

Cabinets, benches, wall racks, all can be designed in so that the area stays well organized and easy to work in.

Having a designated area for personal, work and even family projects can help to keep your house clutter to a minimum. Making sure to add into the design ample area for scrap and debris as well as open floor workspace, lighting should be even throughout the room with specialty lamps if needed for areas of focus. Choosing a light color of paint or wall covering allows you to make the most of natural light and for the atmosphere to feel as roomy as possible no matter the square footage.

It may be helpful to add a separate circuit breaker/panel so you have enough electricity for any and all tools to be used in the shop. On bare cement, it is a wise idea to use a clear sealer or two-part epoxy floor coating. It will improve traction, make spill clean-up easier and improve light reflection.

When building custom your home can be whatever you want it to be. Talk to a Harden Custom Homes Representative today and get started on your future home!

 www.hardencustomhomes.com (239) 205-5075.

  Our homes are not only where we live, they are also a gathering place for family and friends. When custom building a home it offers you the freedom to really make it your own.   Traditionally, people tend to gather in the kitchen. It’s the center of activity, but what if your home had a separate bar/lounge/entertainment area? This would free up the kitchen simply for food preparation and allow the guests to mix and mingle without being underfoot.   The area does not need to be an entire room, it can be a portion of a kitchen, a dining area, or even part of a bonus room, theater room or game room. Living in Florida where the weather is lovely pretty much year round it opens up the home to expand the space to include outdoor living. Building a Tiki type bar area is fairly common practice.   What to include: -Built in wall module or free standing bar (or both) -Add an island – Adding an island gives you more room to work when preparing drinks and Hors d'oeuvre as well as an area to congregate -Bar stools may be added around the island -Individual comfortable seating areas for relaxed conversation -Built in sink for prep and clean up -Refrigerator for beverage storage -Shelving for bottle display -Cabinets for storage - A bar cart is a lovely functional vintage touch and enables you to serve many drinks at once gracefully -Stereo system for musical ambiance -Great mood lighting with dimmers, of course   Your Bar, Your Style.   From kick back relaxed Florida Jimmy Buffet Tommy Bahama Tiki style to Swank Vintage James Bond Classic your entertainment area can be dressed up or down to match the personality of the home and those who live there. Chat with Harden Custom Homes today and work with them to create the home of your dreams. www.hardencustomhomes.com 239-205-5075. Photo credit: www.hgtv.com

When guests come, especially when staying for extended periods more than just a weekend, wouldn’t it be nice to have a space totally separate for them to stay in? Finding a hotel close by is always an option, but it is far less personal and often expensive, even detrimental to visitors being able to make the trip.

When building your new home if you have chosen a lot large enough to accommodate it, consider adding a mother in law suite or guest house. They can be custom designed to fit your needs. Guest homes can vary from the small size of a 500 sq. foot studio apartment design to 1,000 sq. Feet or more.

Guest houses have all the amenities of the main house with fully installed heat/air, plumbing, electric, and more.

Though intended for short-term sporadic use, they could easily be used year round for welcome relatives, hence the name “Mother In Law Suite”.

With “Tiny Homes” being all the rage these days, more than ever guest houses are quickly rising in popularity as well among new home building clients.

If you have an interest in adding on a guest house to your current or upcoming home design, talk with us. Let our team at Harden Custom Homes make your home the very best it can be. To get started on building your home complete with an in-home gym, visit: www.hardencustomhomes.com or call (239) 205-5075.

The average American spends a minimum of 15 minutes in the car going to the gym and another 15 coming home. That is 30 minutes a day x oh, say just 4 days a week. That is 2 hours a week just in the car, not even counting your actual work out. 2 hours a week may not sound like a lot but over the course of a year that adds up to 104 hours of driving. 

The solution? Unless you happen to live right near a great gym, the solution is to build your own home gym. If you are just now planning out the blueprints to your new home, it is the ideal time.

Here are some amazing in home gym ideas to consider when drawing up the plans.

The square footage and design will depend on your workouts and your fitness style and goals.

Treadmills require approximately 30 sq. Ft. and free weights can go in anywhere from 20 to 50 square feet to use properly. Working with our architects can help you to narrow down and specify how much room is needed.

Other items to consider installing:

Mirrors/Mirrored wall: Not only do they make the space look visually larger, when working with weights it is important to remain body aware and make sure your movements are correct in order to gain the most benefit as well as to help ensure non-injury.

Install Flat Screen TV’s: Add multiple or situate on a movable wall mounted pedestal so you can see the screen from any angle in the space.

Surround sound music: Unlike the public gym, you aren’t required to wear earphones and keep your tunes to yourself. 

Install Seating: a place to relax after a workout and catch your breath, or chat with a friend who has joined you as a workout partner. 

Add a fridge: Keep beverages cold, perfect for during or after workouts.

Keep down the clutter: Install wall build storage units. They save space as well!

Ceiling fans are a must: Aim for high flow, energy efficient and make sure the blade pitch is angled enough to really push the air.

The more your love your environment, the more time you will spend in it and in turn, the better physical shape you will be in. Let our team at Harden Custom Homes make your home the very best it can be. To get started on building your home complete with an in-home gym, visit: www.hardencustomhomes.com or call (239) 205-5075.

There is a lot to think about when choosing the land to build you home. No pun intended. 

Make sure to check out the area thoroughly. Here are some things that should be on your checklist of important considerations:

• Is it an established residential area or up and coming?
• Are there good schools?
• How are the sewage treatment and land fill?
• Are there parks?
• Are there any planned assessments?
• How high are the real estate taxes in that area?
• Once you have it narrowed to a general area, it becomes a matter of personal preference. 
• Corner lot, cul-de-sac, entry to a subdivision? 
• Water front? Water access?
• Do you want space from your neighbor’s lot?
• How much land and landscaping do you want to care for?
• How far are you from work or places you run regular errands?

Is there enough shade /or sunlight?

Things to watch out for: 

• Embankments
• swampy areas
• Rock outcroppings
• Proper property lines
• Setback lines
• Easements

Taking your time and choosing your lot wisely can mean a lifetime of happiness, living out your life in the best spot for your family. 

If you are looking to build in the SW Florida area, talk with Harden Custom Homes. We know the area and are the best in the business. www.hardencustomhomes.com 239-205-5075. 

It may seem decadent, but in reality, saunas are a practical way to keep yourself healthy. They provide a range of benefits including:

• Detoxification
• Weight Loss
• Pain Relief
• Anti-Aging benefits
• Improvement of skin issues
• Improvement of breathing issues
• Immunity boosting
• Promotes better overall circulation

If a sauna is to be installed as part of your home it is best to decide on this at the get go as it needs to be included in the plumbing design as well as the electrical.

Even if you don’t want the sauna inside the house, the pool area can be another place to make your home stand out. It is important to note that if you are building an outdoor sauna, it will require more insulation than the indoor variety to maintain optimum heating.

Saunas are more than just a hot box. They can be customized to fit the desired user experience:

Questions to ask yourself: 

What wood do you prefer? - Cedar, hemlock, pine, spruce? Each has their own benefit.

Flooring? - Concrete or wood?

Heat Source: Infrared? or traditional? - Dry or wet with stones?

Ceiling height should be no more than 7 feet to prevent heat escape.

Do you want to be able to rinse off after? - is the sauna by your shower? If it isn't you may want to opt for a sauna/shower combination out by the pool.

Not like enclosed spaces? - Add windows.

Add built-in speakers for music.

Rather than light switches add waterproof sensors to go on and off automatically.

Make sure whatever type of bench you choose it is comfortable for you. Straight is traditional, but curved benches are also an option and can be ergonomic for those with back problems or other health issues.

The options really are endless. When drawing out the plans for your new customized Harden Home, a sauna can add that special something. Give Harden Custom Homes a call at 239-205-5075 or visit www.hardencustomhomes.com to make your dream home a reality.

The questions become - is a tiny home really right for my lifestyle and does it financially make sense?

At first glance, it would seem that tiny home building would be significantly less expensive than a tradition home. Unless you are planning on doing the work yourself that isn’t necessarily always the case. Tiny homes come in a hugely varying price range. Most go from a minimum of $5,000 to $40,000 and on up. Customizations quickly add up. 

The national average for building a regular house per square foot in 2016 was $125. The per square foot average for tiny homes came in at $266, more than double. This means that your $40,000 tiny home is likely only 150 square feet of living space. That is smaller than most bedrooms.

Customization is a huge draw to the tiny home world. 

Many are under the impression that they could never afford a custom home otherwise. This simply isn’t the case. With Harden Custom Homes, our customized homes start at just $225,000. That is a full-size layout, no downsizing needed.

Being able to build a custom home means that if you saw a feature on a tiny home that you happened to love you can work with the designer, builder, and architect to incorporate it. 

The decision to build your own home, no matter the size is a big one. It is important to take into consideration where you feel you may be in a few years family wise, work wise and in life. Take inventory of your belongings and see where you are willing and able to cut back and pair down. If you decide on a full sized home talk to us and see what we can create for you.

www.hardencustomhomes.com

• Do you need a pool?
• An in home office?
• A designated guest room?
• Mother in law suite?
• Wine cellar?
• Large great room?
• Extra large master bedroom?
• Dual walk in showers?

The beauty is in the details. Once the rooms and lay out have been decided, you can move into deciding on the details such as color, textures, accents, lighting, fixtures, floor coverings and more. This is where style really comes into play. Advice: Try and collect pictures and images of what you ideally would love to have in your home. Both you and your spouse separately. Then take all of the images with you to see the builder and designer. They can help you to successfully create your own merged style you will both ultimately be happy with. Compromise not working? - How about building a Man Cave in the home or a She Cave. Having your own space to do with as you please could be a solution. Working with a custom builder you have a lot more leeway than the standard preboxed home. Chat with Harden Custom Homes today and see what we can do for you. Our custom homes start at just $225,000. www.hardencustomhomes.com

What's hot in bonus rooms

#1 The Man Cave - It is no secret that guys love their toys. Women often do not love them all throughout the house. Creating a specified Man Cave is a great way to compromise.  Man Caves can be as simple or as elaborate as you like. Big screen TV’s, bars, theater seating, sports or music memorabilia, rich dark colors, great lighting, pool tables or other gaming tables, work areas can be incorporated and even merged with garages for car or motorcycle collectors, grilling areas, computer stations, musical instrument setups, gun safes, you name it. The man cave can be as unique as the man.

#2 The Kid Cave - Have more than one child? A playroom is a great way to give them a place space that won't wreak havoc on the rest of your home. Kid caves range from basic to elaborate depending on the amount of space and investment. Built in wall cubbies can help to keep things neat and off the floor. Day beds and smaller sized furniture, lots of windows for natural light, TV’s securely fastened to walls, trampolines, ropes, swings, even rock walls have been installed before. Game tables, chalkboard walls, bookcases, nap areas, and additional storage for toys and clothes all can be incorporated.

#3 Theater Room - Who doesn’t love going to the movies? - Now you can have the movie theater experience without ever leaving the comfort of your own home. Stadium seating in oversized stuffed reclining chairs with built-in cup holders, Built in wall candy vending machines or soda machines, old style popcorn poppers, and the beauty of an oversized movie screen complete with classic velvet rope pull curtains - or step it up and add it to the home automation, curtains can retract via remote control. 

#4 Art Studio / Creative Space - Do you love to draw, paint, sing, dance or otherwise be creative? Most homes really do not have a space incorporated for such things. Creating a bonus room around what you love to do makes for a unique space. Build an art bar, frame and display your art on the walls, get creative with the lighting, install recording equipment and instruments, add computer stations, mirror a wall and add a dance bar.. the sky is the limit.

The options really are endless. When drawing out the plans for your new customized Harden Home, a bonus/specialty room can add that special something. Give Harden Custom Homes a call at 239-205-5075 or visit www.hardencustomhomes.com to make your dream home a reality.

Image Credit: Image Via epicmancave.net

What is a solarium and how is it different from a traditional lanai?

A solarium is essentially a grand glass enclosure from which you can enjoy breathtaking views not just of the landscape but also of the sun, moon, planets and stars - no matter what the weather. The main difference is that solariums have glass roofs as well as walls/windows. 

This type of enclosure brings nature indoors. Plants flourish because of the natural sunlight available. They make wonderful green houses. 

Solariums can be utilized as reading rooms, relaxation spaces, yoga and meditation studios, art studios, dining areas, entertainment spaces, greenhouses, and much more. These spaces are incredibly versatile.

Frame and glass choice can be customized. Metal, painted, faux wood finishes, clear glass or tinted - hurricane proof is recommended here in Florida. You can add screening to minimize glare, and every solarium is customized to your specifications and your lifestyle.

Dramatic weather is what Florida is known for. Bright beautiful beaming sunlit days and stormy rainy nights. Whether you are sitting back taking in the sun with a glass of homemade lemonade or cuddled on a chaise lounge, wrapped in a blanket drinking a glass of wine watching lightning shoot across the blackened sky, a solarium is the room to do it in.

If you are looking to build, talk with Harden Custom Homes and be sure to let them know you are considering adding a solarium to the plan. Custom homes start at just $225,000, so your dream home can be yours. www.hardencustomhomes.com

Photo credit: http://www.patioenclosures.com/

These days spaciousness and luxury are the name of the game. The spa experience at home is what people are aiming for. Baths with dual vanities and sinks, separate shower and bath areas, multiple shower heads - waterfall and rain heads, colored lights, music, jacuzzi tubs, aromatherapy misters, fog-less magnifying mirrors, sitting areas, you name it - we can build it.

Creating your dream bath consists of deciding what you want, planning the space, picking the fixtures and designing the lighting.

Sounds easy, but it is a lot of work, planning, and steps.

Find pictures of hardware, tubs, mirrors, lighting fixtures, tile, shower doors, or any other add-ons you may like as that is a great place to start when working with the designer, architect or builder. Once you have an idea of the visual you are going for they can guide you in functionality and sourcing.

Your bath should be a sanctuary, an oasis from your daily stress. It should be a place where you can relax and get away from your day. If you are considering building your home talk with us. We would love to show you what we have to offer. New home customized builds start at just $225,000. 

If you can dream it, Harden Custom Homes can help you create it. We can be reached by calling 239-205-5075 or contacted through our website at HardenCustomHomes.com.

We thought it would be fun to ring in the new year of 2018 by sharing the top 5 most common requests that home buyers are looking for.

#1 - Storage space - Conventional home design has a severe lack of space to store belongings, especially here in Florida. We have no attics that are accessible for storage, just crawl spaces for ventilation. We also are without basements due to the fact that we are only a dozen feet above sea level. You would be surprised just how much wasted space can be made into storage in a custom home. Under staircases, slide out shelving where a solid wall might normally be, custom in wall cabinetry and shelving, the ideas just keep on coming.

#2 - Enlarged Master Bath - Many layouts give you a larger master bedroom, yet still a rather piddly master bathroom. Enlarging the main bath can give your home a luxurious feel and allow you to pamper yourself after a long hard day at the office. More space means the ability to add in dual sinks, showers, jacuzzi tubs, separated water closets and other features that won't fit into a standard bath.

#3 - Electric Outlets and J-Boxes where you actually need them - This may seem trivial but once you go to move into your new home, placement of electricity suddenly seems way more important than it had in the design phase. No one wants cords running down walls or across floors or worse right in the path of high traffic areas. Lighting your home properly ads to the feel and ambiance. Having cords running to your floor lamp does not. Outlets can be installed even in the floor during the build phase so you can have a reading lamp right by your favorite lounge chair, cord hidden. This is also important for surround sound systems and much more.

#4 Lighting Design and Audio Video Control - these all can be controlled with just the touch of a button. Access music in any room of the house and control individually your light settings as well with pre-programmed settings, timed and ready for any mood or occasion. Building these into the initial design phase can make the install seamless.

#5 Adding the laundry room on the same floor as the bedrooms - If you happen to build a two or multi-story home, keeping the laundry room on the same floor as the bedrooms can save you time and hassle. No one enjoys carrying heavy baskets up and down flights of stairs, especially as we age. 

For more ideas for your new home build, come see us at Harden Custom Homes - you can visit our model center located at 2818 Tropicana Pkwy W, Cape Coral, FL 33993. Visit us online by going to www.hardencustomhomes.com or call us at 239-205-5075. 

Here are some innovative ideas to help stir the imagination

• Bookcases – Built in wall unit bookcases are an ideal and classic way to disguise an unseen room. Elaborate multi panel wall unit or small standalone corner bookcase, craftsmanship is key. Smooth hinging and well-fitting carpentry make a seamless transition from actual shelving to door.
• Cabinets – Though “The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe” may come to mind, armoires are not the only kind of cabinet which can be made into a hidden passageway.

             Hallway Laundry Cabinets give way to hidden stairs or a back room              Pool cue built in wall holders push in and become a door to another room              Shoe Racks in a closet can be built like a door to open within

• Dressers – These amazing dressers work just like a normal piece of furniture. The drawers pull out for storage, only there is a hinge on the wall, the back of the unit is attached and all drawers are contained inside of a box which opens like a door, revealing the hidden area.
• Fireplace Hideaways – these come in two styles, push to rotate the back panel or slide sideways to open. Both look and function as real fireplaces.
• Hidden wall features – Accent walls are a great place to conceal a secret door. Stone, wood, fabric all mask with texture.
• Mirrors – Regular mirror doors, two way mirrors so you can see out of the secret room without being spotted, and even vault style security doors that have electromagnetic locking systems in place. All cleverly disguised as full length wall mirrors.
• Wall Paneling – Multiple paneled walls are in detectable as to which panel would give way and lead somewhere else.
• Stair Cases – Can lift, revealing rooms beneath/behind.
• Floor Panels – Can be raised to reveal wine cellars, man caves or other hidden treasures.
• Slides, Poles and Ladders – Installed to lead from one floor to another.
• Art as Camouflage – Giant wall art or Posters can also cover a door and look to the naked eye as a simple wall adornment.

If you can dream it, Harden Custom Homes can help you create it. They can be reached by calling 239-205-5075 or contacted through the website at HardenCustomHomes.com.Picture Credit

Located in South West Florida Marco Island is off the beaten path. It takes a little bit of effort to get there. The beauty of that it is that is has the feel of a remote tropical island without requiring travel. Essentially by living on Marco, you have created a life where you feel like you are on vacation all the time.   Marco Island is self-contained. Everything you could possibly need is within a small radius. Dining, shopping, and miles of gorgeous beaches which are designated for Marco home owners with the exception of a couple small public access areas. Because of this traffic, unlike neighboring Naples, FL, does not get backed up too badly even during season.   Marco’s lifestyle is relaxed, upscale, and active – offering beautiful weather, picturesque shorelines, vivid sunset skies, and activities galore including tennis, kayaking, boating, fishing, paddle boarding, sun bathing, picnicking, sailboarding, comedy clubs, fine dining, and boutique level shopping. According to AreaVibes.com in livability Marco Island scores an 82 landing them at an exceptional value. They get high scores in employment, weather, low crime rates, and amenities.   Its mellow culture extends over into the people who live here.  Marco isn’t just for retirees. Its inhabitants are of all age groups, from all over the world. Though the number of school age children remains low Marco has great schools and wonderful outside activities to enjoy.   If you are considering Marco Island as a future home site, Consider Harden Custom Home Builders. We offer over a dozen standard home designs and can customize and upgrade as much or as little as you wish. Give us a call us today by dialing 239-205-5075 or contact us through our website at HardenCustomHomes.com

You have visited and checked out all kinds of standard set layout homes and are now sure of one thing. You want your home custom designed to suit you. The question now becomes, what "IS" your style?Are you more modern, transitional, country, do you lean towards traditional? The vast majority when asked that question have no idea how to put what they like into words that an architect and designer will understand. It’s a whole foreign language. Here are some easy tips that can make defining and narrowing down what it is you want to create far more simple for everyone involved.

1. Collect Images that intrigue you Grab some design magazines, catalogs or search online. Don’t over think it. Cut out anything that visually grabs your attention.
2. Organize and Categorize Once you have amassed a good collection go back through all your images and sort them into categories of items. (Islands, lighting, sinks, flooring, wall coverings, moldings, granite, etc.)From there you can decide what you like “better than” and “less than” and go through a process of elimination until you are left with just one concept for each.
3. Collect with intent Now that you have things narrowed down you can see which pieces you may be missing. You can now look specifically for those items.
4. Take these final images with you when you have a consultation with your home builder and or designer. Being able to show visually what you love and are looking for will save you time, money, energy and stress.

The beauty of the image collection process is that by eliminating what you don’t like it helps narrow down what it is you do like and would be happy incorporating into your new space.Here are a few great resources for image ideas:

• http://www.floridadesign.com/
• http://www.homeanddesign.net/
• http://floridahomesmag.com/
• http://www.gulfshorelife.com/Publications/Gulfshore-Life-At-Home/
• http://www.traditionalhome.com/kitchens/
• http://www.housebeautiful.com/room-decorating/kitchens/g623/beautiful-designer-kitchens/

If you are interested in building a custom home in the Southwest Florida area, Harden Custom Homes has over 40 years of experience and a reputation of unmatched quality and impeccable service. Give us a call and let us guide you. We can be reached by calling 239-205-5075 or texting 239-900-0685.

• A new soft, modern look is hot right now. Clean, simple lines is sought after in cabinetry and countertops.

• Cabinetry that is two-tone is the way to go. Many people are opting for two neutral colors that complement each other such as warm greys and whites.

• Kitchen appliances have moved away from the cold, sterile grey color. In its place, warm metal colors are dominating the scene. You can now find soft, warm stainless steel colors in refrigerators, cooktops, dishwashers, and more. Another look for appliances is to incorporate them seamlessly into the cabinetry by using cabinet panels to “hide” them.

• Earthy tones such as warm, dark grey, brown, greens, dark blues, and black are all trending colors for 2017. By mixing natural elements such as a grey concrete floor or countertop with a soft, off-white, you can achieve the kitchen interior feel that has a clean line yet a warmth to it.

• Quartz kitchen countertops are popular due to their durability and color selection. But, you will also find glass, stainless steel, and concrete countertops trending due to their ability to invoke a modern kitchen design.

• Large drawers and lots of storage are key to keeping clutter to a minimum. Modern designs are clutter-free and clean, so having proper cabinetry features to “hide” small appliances and essentials needed for cooking, etc.

  Kitchen remodeling can be an exciting adventure for any homeowner. If you are in the beginning stages, grab some home design magazines and tear out the pictures that resonate with your style. Or do some searches online to see what other homeowners have done. These are great places to start your journey towards your dream kitchen. Bring your ideas to a kitchen remodeling company such as us here at Harden Custom Homes. We will collaborate with you on your ideas and bring new ones to the table that maybe you hadn’t thought of. We are well educated in the design for kitchen remodeling and are always on the forefront of home fashion trends. Call us today 239-205-5075 or contact us through our website at HardenCustomHomes.com.

• Hardwood flooring is a popular option. Homeowners tend to love the look and feel of wood on the floor. You can select different types of woods that will range in color, graining, and durability.

• Ceramic or porcelain tile is a favorite here in southwest Florida. Tile is durable and can be placed in all areas of the home, even the bathrooms. It is easy to clean and is offered in many different patterns and colors. You can even find tile that looks like wood.

• Laminate flooring is another popular flooring type in Florida. It’s durability far outlasts many natural materials and it is available in thousands of colors, patterns, widths, and lengths. If you have animals in the home, this is a great choice.

• Stone tile floors are a gorgeous choice. The natural stone look and feel is warm and inviting. The variation in graining and color is decided on the stone slab that they literally cut from a mountain.

• Carpet flooring has always been a staple in bedrooms and closets. It is nice to get out of bed and step onto a soft material and not a cold, hard floor. Also, carpet mutes sound, so the room is a bit quieter than if you had wood, tile, stone, or laminate installed.

The type of flooring that you choose for your new home is strictly a personal preference. There are pros and cons to all the types, but once you weigh your options, you will find what is right for you. Harden Custom Homes is proud to be one of the top custom builders in southwest Florida. We listen to our clients and work with them to build the house of their dreams. Call us at 239-205-5075 or contact us through our website at HardenCustomHomes.com.

• Most people know in advance when they have guests coming for the holidays. This is great for the hosts since it can give them time to prep for the visit. The one key ingredient in prepping is making sure that the accommodations are comfortable since most guests will not complain. Ensure that there are enough towels, blankets, clean sheets, and toiletries. These small touches will make anyone feel at home.

• The little things matter when it comes to guest comforts. In the guest room, maybe have a robe for each guest and slippers. In the bathroom, maybe put together a basket of necessities that they might have forgotten at home. If you think of what you would want when traveling, then you will be more conscious of their needs.

• Feeling welcome in someone’s home is very important to guests. Give them a quick run-down of the household. Where the coffee is, where you keep the soda or bottled water, snacks in case they get hungry in between meals, and so on. You can even add enjoyable touches such as a pretty vase of fresh cut flowers on the nightstand. Or give them access to magazines and books that you think they might enjoy.

Having separate guest rooms in your home is something that should be planned prior to buying your new home. If the basic floor plan does not offer the option, speak to the builder about adding guest rooms that you need. At Harden Custom Homes, we work hand in hand with our clients in the planning stages. We listen to the needs and wants of our homeowners and bring it to fruition. If you are looking to build a new home in the southwest Florida region, please call us at 239-205-5075 or contact us through our website at HardenCustomHomes.com.

• Black and bronze stainless steel appliances are hot right now! The “normal” shiny chrome look is still acceptable and desired over white or black appliances. But, the new colors of stainless steel appliances will have you swooning!
• The color white is the “it” color of the year. Which makes decorating an absolute breeze!
• A new and fabulous trend is using outdoor fabrics inside of the home! Outdoor pillows and fabric colored stools and cushions are on point. They are very durable since they are made to handle outdoor elements. You can get colors that pop such as oranges, bright pinks, or vibrant blues or stay with the basics of beige, cream, and brown. The variety here is key!
• Bidets! Yes, we said it! Bidets are on trend. Builders are making room for these in their floor plans, especially on full custom built homes.
• A functional design feature is the use of barn doors on closets, pantries, and bedrooms. Painted white or stained a beautiful coordinating color, these large doors make quite the impact.
• Repurposed or reclaimed wood is hot right now. By introducing this wood to the new “all white” trend, it warms rooms up tremendously. Used as cabinets, flooring, walls, accents and even wood beams overhead.
• Freestanding tubs are everywhere in the design world right now. Especially the copper type.
• Kitchen islands have enlarged into two islands. One usually has a small sink in it for food preparation, while the second island is used more for entertaining. Many homeowners place stools up to the second island for a perfect gathering space for friends and family.

These are some of the many trends that we find to be exciting in the world of custom home builder design. Our many floorplans have features that we know that you will love. Please contact Harden Custom Homes at 239-205-5075 or contact us through our website at HardenCustomHomes.com.

• Lot location and Neighborhood: take a look around the neighborhood. Is it clean? Do the surroundings have a good feel? Placing your home on a pie shaped lot is ideal. Having the back of the house placed on the back, larger area of the lot is considered classic feng shui positioning.
• Front Door: your front door and the walkway leading to the door are very important parts of the feng shui design principle. The door itself should be strong and large in proportion to the house. Use your landscaping to create a large beautiful pathway to the front door. The color of your front door should be based on the direction the new home design faces.
• Avoid Disrupting Good Qi Flow: the entranceway to your home should not face anything disruptive of a good energy flow. Anything that is distracting such as looking into a messy closet, a bathroom, or directly up a flight of stairs is discouraged. Your new home build should be mindful of the first impression by using the entranceway to create a good energy flow into your home. Avoid aligning your front and back door. This encourages the good e nergy to flow out the back door.
• Avoid Grouping Doors: in regards to interior doors, try not to group them all into one area. This grouping is referred to as “arguing doors”, meaning that the energy in that area tends to be angry and unstructured.

Try to keep these principles in mind when creating or modifying your new home build floor plan. Here at Harden Custom Homes, we have several floorplans that you can select. We also offer full custom home building for those who want to start from scratch. Call us today at 239-205-5075 or contact us through our website at HardenCustomHomes.com.

• Go with your gut When you talk to the salesperson, what is your impression? Do you have a good feeling about them? Do you like their vision and approach to your new home? If, after spending some time meeting with the builder, it feels right then that is a good sign.
• Can you get ahold of them? How accessible is the salesperson of the company? Are you getting a response within 24 hours of contact? If not, consider that if you aren’t getting attention prior to the sale, what happens during the build? Accessibility and attentiveness to your questions and concerns should be high on your list of “must have’s”.
• Do they build their houses to your liking? If the quality of the home build is important to you, then walk through some houses under construction and take mental notes of what you see. Is the area tidy? Are you noticing any flaws that stand out? Find homes that are in different stages of the build process to inspect. Then, go back to the builder with your questions. A solid builder that stands behind their work will fully answer your questions.
• Ask for referrals – and call them A reputable custom home builder will provide you with a list of previous clients that you can contact. Once you have this list, contact them. Many people receive these lists and fail to contact the homeowners. You can gather much information in regards to their experience before, during, and after the build process.

Here at Harden Custom Homes, customer service and quality workmanship are priority. Our extensive experience as a custom home builder in southwest Florida has helped to build a reputation that we are proud of. Please call us today to discuss how we can build you the home of your dreams at 239-205-5075, contact us through our website at HardenCustomHomes.com, or visit us at one of our model homes. We look forward to hearing from you!

1. Retirement. Even if you are not ready to retire, chances are that you are planning that phase of your life. Many Americans make Florida their place to retire. Since there is an abundance of people 55+, it makes for the perfect social scene for retirees. In southwest Florida, you can find many groups that are over the age of 50 that frequently get together. Florida is a great place for older Americans to socialize and make new friends.

2. Better climate. In Florida, you will not have to deal with the cold temperatures of the northern states. As we age, mobility is a bit more difficult. Eliminating walking and driving in the slippery, cold snow is an advantage to living in Florida. With some exceptions, you are guaranteed sunny days down here.

3. It’s the perfect location. Since Florida is a peninsula, you can head in any direction (aside from North) and find a beach. Within hours you can be beachside, which is desirable. The state capital is in the north, the vibrant cities of Miami and Key West are in the south, and you have many popular cities up and down the east and west coast. The beautiful sunsets over the Gulf in southwest Florida is a sight you will not tire of seeing.

4. Fun things to do. There are many activities in Florida to experience. The majority happen to include the waterways, the Gulf, and the Atlantic Ocean. Activities such as snorkeling, kite boarding, boating, fishing, parasailing, walking trails, bike trails, and skiing are all popular. The National Park of the Everglades is an attraction for many homeowners. The beauty and serenity of the park can be seen through guided airboat tours.

As you can see, living in southwest Florida has many benefits. Building your new home with a trusted custom home builder such as Harden Custom Homes is of utmost importance. We know the area and can guide you on where it will be the best location to build your home and settle down for your retirement. Call us at 239-205-5075 or contact us through our website at HardenCustomHomes.com.

• Protect your windows and sliding glass doors. If you do not have hurricane impact glass installed, then you will need to install window shutters. The winds can become fierce, forcing their way into your home which can cause uplift, tearing your roof off. Also, anything outside becomes a dangerous projectile, which can shatter your windows and glass doors. If you need to install shutters, make sure that you begin the process of installation well before the storm arrives. This process takes time. Impact glass is the ideal material.
• Make sure that your gutters and downspouts are clear of leaves and debris. This will allow them to do their job of routing rain water away from your home, decreasing the chance of flood and water damage.
• Clear the areas around your new home of kids toys, any loose objects such as garbage cans and patio furniture. Either bring them indoors or secure them before the storm arrives. Cut tree branches that are loose or could be a possible projectile during the storm.
• Your garage door is a large opening in your new home, so this is a weak spot. To secure a garage door, add vertical braces to the inside. Horizontal beams will not work well due to the wide span of the door.
• Consider buying a generator in the likely event that the power shuts off. Sometimes, the power can be out for weeks, so to keep the lights on and your air conditioner cranking, you will want to have a generator.

The key to protecting your new home from a hurricane is preparedness. If you wait until the last minute, most of the supplies you need will be gone from the stores. So, when you hear that a potential tropical storm or hurricane is on the way to southwest Florida, we suggest that you begin the process of protecting your home. For custom floor plan information or to inquire on the areas that we build such as Naples, Fort Myers, and Lehigh Acres, give us a call at 239-205-5075 or contact us through our website at HardenCustomHomes.

1. Spruce up the front of the house to improve curb appeal. Paint your front door, cut the hedges, tidy up the flower beds, and make sure your kids toys aren’t laying around the yard. The appearance of your home from the road is the first impression that the home buyers will have – make it a good one!

2. Update finishes inside your house. By replacing that worn out kitchen sink with a new one or installing a more appealing floor in the bathroom, you might just swing a sale in your direction. Take a good look around and, if you can invest just a tiny bit towards strategic upgrades, make a list of what you should update. Doing this makes the house more appealing since the buyers will not have to make any changes upon moving in. Plus, it looks better.

3. Declutter the house. Put a lot of items in storage. Remove anything that personalizes the house with your life, i.e. do not leave family pictures on tables and walls. The potential home buyers cannot picture their family living there if you have your entire life in every nook and cranny. Also, by decluttering, they will feel like it will be an easier transition to moving in.

4. Price your house competitively. Take a look at the comps from your neighborhood, then price slightly below the average than the comparable homes.

5. Take your pets with you when you know that buyers are visiting the house. Hide or remove litter boxes completely. Not everyone loves animals and some are afraid of them, so be courteous in not having Fido running around the house when they arrive. If you can’t take your pets with you, then make sure they are either caged or removed from the home by a friend or neighbor.

If you would like to talk with us about building your new home here in southwest Florida, please call us at 239-205-5075 or contact us through our website at HardenCustomHomes.com. We look forward to hearing from you!

• Granite: the beauty of granite comes from its natural properties. The striations, movement and color range make this natural product a very popular choice. Due to it being a natural substance, the slabs can vary greatly, so going to the granite yard to make your selection is important. If granite is properly sealed, it can last a long time.
• Quartz: this countertop is a man-made mixture of natural quartz, pigments, resins and polymers. The combination of these materials creates a very durable substance making them heat, scratch and stain resistant. Since quartz is not a porous material like granite, it perfect for those who like to cook since the surface will not absorb bacteria. Since this countertop is engineered, the color is consistent across the board. You can find many color varieties with quartz countertop offerings, making it easy to coordinate it to your kitchen theme.
• Laminate: these kitchen countertops offer many colors and patterns, but they can scratch and damage easily. This option is used for those who are searching for a low cost alternative.
• Solid Surface: the solid surface countertop is a man-made material that is very durable. Homeowners like the seamlessness and sink integration that solid surface offers. It is not porous, so this is perfect for the cook due to its anti-bacterial properties. The color selection is very consistent for solid surface countertops.
• Wood: everyone loves the warmth that wood portrays in a home. Wood kitchen countertops invoke a cozy feeling to the room, making this a timeless choice. Unlike the other options, the color of wood rarely goes out of style. If sealed, it can be a sanitary place to prepare your food – even meats. As with any natural material, wood can scratch and dent.

Now that you are aware of the top five most popular kitchen countertops, which one would you pick? What is your style? Do you cook a lot? These are questions that you need to ask yourself before signing off on your selection with your new home build. Call Harden Custom Homes today to discuss your new home plans. We are experts in custom home builds and can help you in selecting the best finishes for your new home, including the kitchen countertops. Call us today at 239-205-5075 or contact us online at HardenCustomHomes.com. We look forward to speaking with you!

1. Building a new custom home takes all of your preferences and matches it to the perfect home plan for you and your family. There are countless floor plans out there, but a good home builder will know how to listen to your needs and plan your home according to your lifestyle and aesthetic desires. You will need to compromise your “wants” list in an existing home’s layout.

2. Owning a home that is energy efficient is crucial to reducing your future energy bills. New custom homes are built with the latest methods on how to make your house as energy efficient as possible. Supplies are always being upgraded to providing the end consumer with a better product. Windows, insulation, and roofing are just a few of the many products that can contribute to your home’s efficiency. An older, existing home will not have the industry’s latest and greatest materials.

3. Buying a new custom home will give you the opportunity to incorporate the latest and greatest technology such as smart systems. From the house alarm, monitoring, remote thermostat adjustments, and remote home lighting, a new home build can integrate these into the project. An existing home will most likely require replacing and adding electrical lines and adjustments to make these features available to you.

4. Everything in the new home is new! You get to select all of the finishes, colors and appliances to make your dream home come true. It is personalized just for you and your family. An existing home would have to be re-hauled just to get to the level of “newness” that a new home build would give you.

5. In building a new home, you will rest assured that the building codes are current. For example, new homes are now required to have their smoke alarms hard wired into the electrical system. An older home would not have the current safety features such as this.

If you are searching for a new custom home builder in the southwest Florida area, call us today. We have the experience and knowledge to build the best custom home for you in the Cape Coral, Lehigh Acres, Marco Island, Fort Myers and surrounding area. Call us at 239-205-5075 or contact us through our online form. We look forward to hearing from you!

• Hit the links on one of the many golf courses.
• Children can join youth athletic clubs to hone their skills and learn a new sport.
• For those who love to swim, you can take advantage of the community pool to swim laps or just float your cares away.
• Lehigh Acres has miles of walking trails for hikers, walkers and joggers
• Rollerbladers and skateboarders can enjoy the skate park at the Veteran’s Park facility.
• Horseback riders will just love the Greenbriar Equestrian Center.

For the water lovers of the family:

• Kayak or canoe at Hickory Mitigation Park for a day on the water in the Florida sunshine
• Boat and fish on the many freshwater lakes and canals in Lehigh Acres. The drive to the Gulf of Mexico is not far if you are wanting a large fishing excursion.
• Tennis players will love the un-crowded courts. You can get a game in any time of the day with a friend.

For family-friendly activities:

• Have a ball at the bowling alley. Young kids and teenagers can enjoy this fun sport with their parents.
• Challenge family members to a game of mini golf.
• Walk the downtown shopping area for sales and great deals
• Attend the many festivals in Lehigh Acres such as the Latin Music Festival in April and the Jazz Festival in May.
• Take some time for a quiet outing with the little ones and go bird watching at Harns Marsh Nature Preserve.
• Plan a weekend picnic with the family in one of the many parks in Lehigh Acres.

As you can see, there are plenty of family-friendly activities to do in Lehigh Acres. Building your new home here is desirable due to the community aspect of this city. Harden Custom Homes is very knowledgeable about Lehigh Acres. Contact us for more information on building your own custom home. Call us at 239-205-5075 or visit our website for home plans and information on building with us.

• Take into account the “non-changeable”, or not easily changeable, items on the exterior such as the roof tile and driveway pavers. Take a close look at these materials and pull colors from them to create a cohesive color palette. For example: if your roof has orange, red and brown in it, then lean toward a warm color on your home in the beiges and browns.
• Take a look around at the neighbors’ homes. Try to compliment, not duplicate or clash, with the neighbors around you. Many developments’ homeowner’s associations will not allow the exact same color home to be built next to each other. This maintains variation and interest in the neighborhood.
• Drive around neighborhoods to get an idea of what color schemes you prefer. Take notes. Do you like the trim to be lighter or darker than the siding? Do you prefer a lighter house color or a darker one?
• Once you find a range of colors that you like, get some samples of them. Since your home will be in natural light, take the samples outside at different times of the day. This will give you more of a true view of what your color choices will look like.
• Consider highlighting interesting details with a complementary color to the siding color. This will show off the uniqueness of your custom home and its features.

Selecting the color of the exterior of your new home does not have to be a struggle as long as you plan and think through your choices. Have fun with color! Harden Custom Homes creates unique homes here in the Southwest Florida area. please contact Harden Custom Homes at (239) 205-5075 or stop by our model home at 2818 Tropicana Pkwy W., Cape Coral, FL 33993. We would love to help you find your perfect home here in sunny Florida!

• Single hung windows open by sliding the bottom panel up. The top window is stationary and does not slide.
• Double hung windows are a very common type. You can open this window by either sliding the top down or the bottom up.
• Stationary windows are great if you would like very large windows, picture windows, that do not open. These are perfect for allowing a lot of natural light into a room and maximizes the view to the outside.
• Transom windows are the smaller windows above other windows or doors. Normally, these are positioned high on the wall and are used to allow in extra light, so window coverings are not necessarily needed. Transoms can be built in many different shapes such as half round, elliptical, triangle and eyebrow, to add interest to the room. The majority of transoms are stationary, but they can be built to open if you desire.
• Casement windows are opened with the turn of a crank handle. They can open either to the left or right and normally open outwards.
• Bay windows add a design element to a room. They also create more living space. These are placed in dining areas of a kitchen to accommodate a table or a bedroom to create a sitting area. Single hung, double hung, stationary, and casement type functions can be applied.
• Awning windows are hinged on the top and open outwards from the bottom. Most of these are a louvered style, which adds the charm of a cottage or beach house.
• Slider windows slide to either the right or left within the sash of the window frame. They do not protrude out or inside of the home.

Selecting the type of window style is a personal preference and also can be determined by the room in which you are designing. Careful planning of the use of the room will help tremendously in your decision. If you have any questions about the custom home building process and when window choices need to be made, please contact Harden Custom Homes at (239) 205-5075 or stop by our model home at 2818 Tropicana Pkwy W., Cape Coral, FL 33993

• Color is the feature of the cabinets that will create the most impact upon entering the kitchen. This sets the tone of your kitchen design. You can opt to have your cabinets stained or painted. Stain colors range from a clear coat to the darkest cherry stain. The lighter the stain, the more you will see the graining of the wood. Painted cabinets tend to be in the white range. Some are stark white, while others are a softer “antique white”. White cabinets can evoke a cottage or contemporary feel. This all depends on the style combined with the color. Other painted cabinets that are popular are in the taupe and grey color range. Most cabinet manufacturers will offer a glaze that can be hand applied to each cabinet. The glaze can change the color slightly of either a stain or painted cabinet and give it more depth. Essentially, the glaze is brushed onto the entire cabinet, then wiped off, leaving residual glazing in the edges and crevices of the cabinet. If you know the color of your flooring or countertop, this will help you tremendously in selecting the right color. Tip: if your kitchen has little natural light, try to select lighter cabinets. It will open up the space, keeping it light and bright.
• Styles of cabinets vary from traditional to contemporary to shaker. Second to color, the style that you select is a very important decision. The more basic and streamlined the lines and detail is, the more contemporary. If you choose a cabinet door that has a lot of detail, then you will be leaning to the more traditional style. Cabinet doors can have either a flat center panel of a raised center panel. The raised tends to be the desired since it usually is a solid center when it is raised, whereas a flat panel could be particle board.
• The type of wood selected is a personal preference. Oak cabinets will have a lot of graining, whereas a maple or cherry cabinet graining will be smoother. Pecan, hickory, birch and walnut are other types of woods used for cabinetry. Each type of wood has its own undertone and will display the same stain in different ways.
• In designing your kitchen cabinets, you will have many choices of customizing the cabinetry for either aesthetic or functional uses. For aesthetic purposes, you can add a glass insert in wall cabinets and decorative inserts at the top such as dentil molding or a rope design. For practical purposes, you might choose to add a roll out trash bin, roll out trays and lazy Susan cabinets. When it comes to options, there are many offered by cabinet manufacturers.
• Hardware is like the jewelry of your cabinetry. There are many styles and finishes for cabinet hardware. Choose from handles or knobs in a traditional, contemporary, or whimsical design. This helps to personalize your cabinets even more by adding this finishing touch.

As you can see, selecting your kitchen cabinets takes some thought and planning. In designing your new home, the kitchen is a very important area. Be sure to set aside plenty of time to make these decisions. If you have any questions about the home building process and when kitchen decisions need to be made, please contact Harden Custom Homes at (239) 205-5075 or stop by our model home at 2818 Tropicana Pkwy W., Cape Coral, FL 33993.

People are often very attracted to corner lots.  The idea of fewer immediate neighbors and a slightly larger yard can be very attractive.  However, not all corner lots are equal.  If the corner is on two busy roads, you’ll probably spend more time watching traffic than enjoying the yard.  Also, with four-way stops, you might find a higher amount of trash thrown in your yard than in places people don’t stop, depending on the area.  On the other hand, less busy corners can be pleasant, though many times these lots are subdivided to squeeze in more houses.Be aware of what could be built around the lot.  This is especially true if there is an adjacent empty lot.  Look into how these lots are zoned and whether it will someday accommodate a new home or an industrial warehouse.  This is also important for considerations of traffic.  Although the street might seem calm and little-used now, if someone builds a popular restaurant or store nearby, roads might become more and more busy with traffic.  County or city plans for development should be available online so you can find out if any roads are going to be widened or developed.Another thing to consider is the orientation of the lot.  In Florida, it’s important to consider the direction of the sun as it beats down on various parts of the house.  Depending on the layout of the house, you may want to consider which rooms will get the most sun in the early morning or late afternoon and consider the orientation of the house on the lot.   Lot selection is very important to help maximize the potential of the design of your new custom home.  It’s important to consider your new lot carefully before you choose one.  If you want to discuss your options, be sure to contact Harden Custom Homes, who has had many years of experience building new custom homes in Southwest Florida.  Call (239) 205-5075 or stop by our model home at 2818 Tropicana Pkwy W., Cape Coral, FL 33993.

If you’re designing a home with more traditional, formal separations between rooms, rather than the open floorplan, then your home is more likely to require hallways between the spaces.  However, even when you embrace hallways, you don’t want to devote too much space to them.  Hallways are generally single-purpose, and that purpose is circulation.  These are the spaces where people move from one place to another and don’t usually stop and spend extra time in the passageway.  Although there are things you can do to help in hallway design, as discussed below, you will still want to reduce the circulation space so that it doesn’t dominate the home.  If there’s no place to rest, then the home will feel like a crawling maze.  Try to connect spaces in such a way that a single hallway can serve several spaces.  Ultimately, minimizing circulation space is what led to the open floorplan design, where circulation space became part of the individual rooms.Wherever you do wind up including a hallway, there are things you can do to help make it feel like more than simply a passageway between more interesting spaces.  Give the hallway some function of its own and make it its own space.  Incorporating features like desks or counter space, or even cabinets and closets can help give the hallway its own function.  Windows can help make the space one in which people will want to pause, and work spaces obviously give it added functionality.  In order to incorporate these functions in the hallway, you may have to devote a few extra feet in the design, but this is necessary if you want to truly embrace the hallway in your design.It’s up to you and the design aesthetic of your new custom home whether or not you want to embrace the hallway or try to reduce it to nothing with as open a floorplan as you can get.  However, hallways can be much more than mere passageways, and if you do embrace them as part of your design, it’s important that they have more than one function.  If you’re interested in designing your own new custom home and want expert advice from home builders with years of experience with custom house design, be sure to contact Harden Custom Homes today.  Call (239) 205-5075 or stop by our model home at 2818 Tropicana Pkwy W., Cape Coral, FL 33993.

On the other hand, a bathtub offers the relaxing meditation of a hot bath.  It’s also much easier to bathe children and pets in a bathtub than a shower stall.  For many years, built-in tubs have been the main trend in tubs, but more and more people are moving back to freestanding tubs that can be the dominant piece in the bathroom, a central focus that ties the space together. Under normal circumstances, taking a bath in a bathtub will use more water than a shower in a shower stall.  However, because many modern shower stalls have options for various water features, including multiple shower heads and spraying options, shower stalls can sometimes wind up using just as much water as a bath. In the end, some people simply don’t make a decision between the two and install both a statement free-standing bathtub and a lavish shower stall together in the same bathroom.  This allows for the option of a quick and comfortable shower in the morning, or a hot, relaxing bath in the afternoon.  Since most homes have more than one bathroom anyway, it’s also possible to install a tub in one bathroom and a shower stall in the other. Whatever you decide for your own new custom home, be sure to consider both the look and feel of the tub or shower as well as how you will most likely use it.  Depending on what you install, you might have to consider how big of a water heater you need.  If you have any questions about the bathroom of your new home, or any concerns about building your own new custom home, be sure to contact Harden Custom Homes today at (239) 205-5075 or stop by our model home at 2818 Tropicana Pkwy W., Cape Coral, FL 33993.