We kicked things off by clearing the front corner—trees and landscaping out, paver path carefully pulled up and stacked like giant Legos for later.
Like many families, we hit that familiar crossroads: move or improve?
After walking through the exact process we take our customers through—checking the market, comparing build vs. buy, looking at available land—we landed right back where we started: home.
We love our neighborhood. We love our schools. We love the bones, quirks, and charms of our house. And with a smart plan, we found an affordable way to stay here longer and get the space we need. Rather than relocating, we decided to expand and reconfigure our current space, including:
So, here we are: inviting you along for the dust, the design decisions, the muddy mishaps, and the dog drama.
Our Home Addition Diaries Update:
Swipe through the latest from our Home Addition Diaries. Every trim piece, every mock-up, and every paint touch brings us one step closer to finished spaces.
Dusty floors + tarps everywhere = progress!
Tap the link in our bio to read the full update.
#HomeRenovation #CustomBuild #HomeAdditionDiaries #ConstructionProgress #RenoLife
Our Home Addition Diaries Update:
Trades are everywhere, but it finally feels like a turning point.
Cabinets are in, tile is underway, trim details are taking shape, and suddenly the house looks less like a job site and more like a home.
We survived a full (very cold) day without power for a major electrical upgrade, and the payoff was worth it: the lights are ON in the new spaces.
Finishes are landing, comfort is returning, and momentum is real.
#OurHomeAdditionDiaries #HomeRenoProgress #HomeAddition #RenovationLife
Our Home Addition Diaries Update:
Painting has officially begun, which means meticulous prep: windows fully tarped, everything masked, and the house temporarily feeling darker and a little upside down.
Drywall is finished, floors have been reset with fresh protection, and trades are starting to move back through the interior.
Furniture is arriving, landscape planning is underway, and the dogs have officially decided this is all very normal now.
Catch the full update (link in our bio).
A lakeside legacy in the making!
This incredible home is taking shape in St Augustine—a horse ranch with a private lake.
From the scale of the rooflines to the setting itself, this one is going to be something truly special.
It`s our biggest build to date, and we`re delighted to be working with @esposito_design for architectural design and @lgidcollective for interior design.
We can’t wait to share the finished home… watch this space 👀
#LuxuryHome #LakefrontLiving #CustomBuild #StAugustine #DreamHome #HomeInProgress
Our Home Addition Diaries: Update 9
We`re deep in the messy middle.
There`s dust on everything, cords everywhere, and we`re sneezing constantly. It sure ain`t glamorous!
The win this week was that insulation and siding are in, and it’s already making a difference. The outside is finally starting to look like something.
Swipe through the chaos →
🔗 Full Update 9 on the blog (link in bio)
#HomeAdditionDiaries #RenovationReality #CustomHomeAddition #RenovationLife
Our Home Addition Diaries: Update 8
The phase where nothing looks done… but everything is happening.
It’s messy. It’s loud. It’s uncomfortable.
And it means progress.
Update 8 is live: link in bio.
#HomeAdditionDiaries #CustomHomeBuild #Renovation #RenovationLife #BehindTheBuild
Our Home Addition Diaries: Update 7
Windows in.
Cold nights.
Open walls.
Dogs confused but coping.
But seeing the backyard views framed for the first time, was worth every heated blanket.
This was a big week, with windows installed, fireplace framed, and all the behind-the-scenes work that makes a house actually work quietly underway.
🔗 Full Update 7 on the blog (link in bio)
#HomeAdditionDiaries #CustomHomeBuild #RenovationReality #BehindTheBuild
Our Home Addition Diaries: Update 6
Windows have officially taken over the entire front porch.
Framing is wrapping up, the roof is going on, the fireplace is being installed, and half the house is living in moody darkness thanks to the power being partially shut off.
Moira is living on calming treats and bacon. Annie is doing just fine.
#OurHomeAdditionDiaries #JohnMerrillHomes #RenoLife
Our Home Addition Diaries: Update 5
Framing is flying, materials are stacking up, and we’ve temporarily taken over the entire cul-de-sac.
Hot water is back, thankfully—but the noise has the dogs in full meltdown mode, and we`re carrying them outside like royalty.
The new rooms are already taking shape and blending in beautifully.
#OurHomeAdditionDiaries #JohnMerrillHomes #RenoLife
Our Home Addition Diaries: Update 4
The slab is poured, framing is underway, and our temporary construction wall turned into a full-blown Christmas mural. 🎄✨
We sealed off the demo zone, laid down floor protection, created an upstairs walkway for the kids, and watched our dog Moira have a dramatic reaction while Annie stayed completely unfazed.
#OurHomeAdditionDiaries #JohnMerrillHomes #RenoLife
Our Home Addition Diaries: Update 3
The temporary wall went up… so naturally, we wrapped it in Christmas paper. 🎁
Slab prep continued outside while we created a festive-but-chaotic temporary living zone inside.
Even Figgingsworth, the fiddle leaf fig, expressed his displeasure with a single dramatic leaf drop
.
#OurHomeAdditionDiaries #JohnMerrillHomes #RenoLife
Our Home Addition Diaries: Update 2
Cold showers, cozy chaos, and the official move into “Temporary Living Zone 1.”
The columns came off outside, the fireplace wall grew inside, and we’re now living out of the dining room.
Bonus: Christmas décor has already arrived because… we needed joy. Survival mode, but make it festive.
#OurHomeAdditionDiaries #JohnMerrillHomes #RenoLife
