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Our Home Addition Diaries
A behind-the-scenes look at the professionals doing their own reno.

Update 15: One step before the reveal

New home construction interior with floor protection, tools, and large windows providing natural light.
Spacious living room featuring two beige sofas, large windows with greenery outside, and artwork on the walls, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere.
Bright kitchen with white cabinetry, a window providing natural light, and a clean, minimalist style.
Bright and spacious living room featuring three large windows that allow ample natural light, white walls, and light wood flooring, creating a clean and airy atmosphere perfect for relaxation and ente.

We’re calling this our final update before the big reveal. We’re still waiting for the floors (yes, still). Otherwise, all the furniture (except one final piece) has arrived and is currently sitting on moving blankets over concrete. Not exactly the vision, but we’re using the spaces anyway. And they feel amazing!

Even in this in-between state, the layout works, the light is right, and we’re starting to experience what this home was always meant to be.

Ready just in time

The upstairs bedroom came together just in time for guests. Their long-planned visit turned into one of those deadlines that forces things to happen. The bed is made, a few pieces of art are up, and the room feels welcoming.

A few moving pieces

There are, of course, still a few things in progress:

  1. Wallpaper is going into the guest bathroom this week
  2. The office should follow shortly after
  3. And for now… Dana is still working from the hallway since the internet hasn’t been wired to her new desk yet

What comes next

Once the floors finally arrive and are installed, we’ll move into the true final stretch: finishing details, styling the spaces, and pulling everything together.

Then, the photo shoot! And the party!

Elegant bathroom featuring a double sink vanity with a large mirror and stylish pendant lights.
Bright white window with four panes and decorative trim, set against a light-colored wall. The window offers a view of a ceiling fan and light fixture inside the room.
Bright dining room featuring large windows, a round table with six chairs, and a stylish chandelier, creating a welcoming space for family meals and gatherings.
A man working on a kitchen countertop renovation, measuring and preparing the surface with tools, in a modern, well-lit kitchen with white cabinets and decorative wall art.
Follow Us for the Latest Updates

@JohnMerrillHomes

Found the perfect lot?
Now, what can you actually build on it?

We can build your custom home on land you already own or help you find the right property in Northeast Florida.

Our process includes a complete site analysis to understand what’s possible before plans take shape. We review constructability, establish footprint maximums, and create a draft home plan based on your property.

Schedule a no-charge consultation with our team.

#BuildOnYourLot #CustomHomeBuilder #NortheastFloridaHomes #FloridaCustomHomes #BuildAHome #JohnMerrillHomes

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Open post by johnmerrillhomes with ID 18206622736316832
Found the perfect lot? Now, what can you actually build on it? We can build your custom home on land you already own or help you find the right property in Northeast Florida. Our process includes a complete site analysis to understand what’s possible before plans take shape. We review constructability, establish footprint maximums, and create a draft home plan based on your property. Schedule a no-charge consultation with our team. #BuildOnYourLot #CustomHomeBuilder #NortheastFloridaHomes #FloridaCustomHomes #BuildAHome #JohnMerrillHomes
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The hardest part of a home renovation?
Knowing what you don’t know.

There are dozens of decisions to make before the first wall comes down, and even more once work begins.

What should you budget for?
When should you choose your renovation team?
How do you prepare to live through construction?
What should you check before you consider the project complete?

A little preparation can save you a lot of stress later.

That’s why we created our FREE Printable Home Renovation Checklist, covering what to think about before, during, and after your renovation.

Comment "RENO" to get your free checklist.

2 0
Open post by johnmerrillhomes with ID 18339381916284770
The hardest part of a home renovation? Knowing what you don’t know. There are dozens of decisions to make before the first wall comes down, and even more once work begins. What should you budget for? When should you choose your renovation team? How do you prepare to live through construction? What should you check before you consider the project complete? A little preparation can save you a lot of stress later. That’s why we created our FREE Printable Home Renovation Checklist, covering what to think about before, during, and after your renovation. Comment "RENO" to get your free checklist.
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You saw the months of dust, decisions, construction, and anticipation...

Now COME INSIDE. 👀

Every space was designed around how our family lives now, and how we expect life to change as our kids grow up.

And yes, there are a LOT of details we’ve been waiting to show you.

Check out the full interior reveal!

28 8
Open post by johnmerrillhomes with ID 18075644624704490
You saw the months of dust, decisions, construction, and anticipation... Now COME INSIDE. 👀 Every space was designed around how our family lives now, and how we expect life to change as our kids grow up. And yes, there are a LOT of details we’ve been waiting to show you. Check out the full interior reveal!
28 8

Our home addition added 1,024 square feet AND gave the exterior a whole new look.

Now it`s time to see the result!

#JohnMerrillHomes #OurHomeAdditionDiaries #HomeAddition #ExteriorDesign #BeforeAndAfter #HomeRenovation #DreamHome #DesignBuild

14 1
Open post by johnmerrillhomes with ID 18114633958952033
Our home addition added 1,024 square feet AND gave the exterior a whole new look. Now it's time to see the result! #JohnMerrillHomes #OurHomeAdditionDiaries #HomeAddition #ExteriorDesign #BeforeAndAfter #HomeRenovation #DreamHome #DesignBuild
14 1

T’S FINALLY HERE: THE BIG REVEAL!

Our home addition is DONE, and we love our home more than ever.

Now, after taking you behind the scenes through all the mess, decisions, surprises, and progress…

Come inside. 👀

The full before + after reveal is live at the link in our bio!

#JohnMerrillHomes #OurHomeAdditionDiaries #HomeAddition #HomeRenovation #BeforeAndAfter #DreamHome #InteriorDesign #DesignBuild #JacksonvilleHomes

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Open post by johnmerrillhomes with ID 17891691228577235
T’S FINALLY HERE: THE BIG REVEAL! Our home addition is DONE, and we love our home more than ever. Now, after taking you behind the scenes through all the mess, decisions, surprises, and progress… Come inside. 👀 The full before + after reveal is live at the link in our bio! #JohnMerrillHomes #OurHomeAdditionDiaries #HomeAddition #HomeRenovation #BeforeAndAfter #DreamHome #InteriorDesign #DesignBuild #JacksonvilleHomes
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Are you building a custom home?

A few smart decisions early on can keep your project running much more smoothly.

Our biggest tip:

👉 Make as many decisions as possible before construction begins.

Changing layouts, finishes or fixtures halfway through a build might seem like a small adjustment, but it can affect engineering, trades, inspections and timelines.

1 0
Open post by johnmerrillhomes with ID 18171981073439133
Are you building a custom home? A few smart decisions early on can keep your project running much more smoothly. Our biggest tip: 👉 Make as many decisions as possible before construction begins. Changing layouts, finishes or fixtures halfway through a build might seem like a small adjustment, but it can affect engineering, trades, inspections and timelines.
1 0