By Channing Spano

Photography by echo cinematics

Naples is no longer the sleepy town it once was which means there is less room to build your dream home. Lots are increasingly expensive, tearing down an existing structure can be frustrating, and new home communities are popping up farther away from the central areas where most people work as the country becomes more saturated. “This is why we are seeing such a heightened interest in remodeling,” says John Sweet of Sweet Sheldon Construction. “Many people are making the choice to consider location first and design second. Whether they want to be closer to work or school or in a neighborhood with other family members, people are purchasing homes that need updating so they can be in the perfect neighborhood. A home with good bones can always be updated—a commute can’t be shortened!” 
Sweet found this to be true in his own life. He and his family really loved the North Naples community they now live in, but the homes were older and needed updating. As a remodeler, he also knew he wanted to create a home that showcased what was possible in a remodel. Most people are familiar with a kitchen or bath remodel but after years in the business, he wanted a better way to show potential clients what they could do with good bones and a good lot. From changing the floor plan to adding a new garage with room for a fun features like a man cave, Sweet is now able to illustrate what’s possible in a remodel, while creating a space that he and his family can enjoy. 
The home’s new layout is a total change from the original plan. Sweet tore down walls and the now open concept living areas have room for both casual and formal seating areas, a large kitchen that’s perfect for entertaining, and a wine room. The new addition features a hang out area for his children and their friends, a guest bath, and is now where the guest bedrooms are located. He is also in the process of creating the ultimate man cave with a safe room for his family. “Space for the man of the house, the ‘man cave’, and its counterpart, the ‘she shed’, have become extremely popular over the past few years,” says Sweet. Especially in Southwest Florida, where many people are empty nesters, their homes are a place where they can now focus on themselves after raising a family, so an area for hobbies that both partners can utilize is an important addition to the home. 

Before Photos

For more information on remodeling and more projects from Sweet Sheldon Construction, visit www.sweetsheldon.com