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

Update 4: A Very Merry Temp Wall

The hot water is holding strong, which feels like a luxury reserved for royalty.

The slab is poured, and framing is underway, which means we can officially walk the footprint of the new first floor!

This week was all about prep for the house opening up:

  • Temp walls went up downstairs to seal off the demo zone from living space
  • Floors were protected (as best as one can protect in a construction site)
  • Upstairs, we installed a tarp-style zip wall to give the kids a safe walkway
  • A zipper door is coming next so trades can get access to the new area

And then… A Very Merry Temp Wall was born

I painted a Christmas mural and created a communal space where anyone visiting can add an ornament or sign the wall. A few early ornaments have already appeared—including a “6-7,” which we have chosen not to question.

The dogs, once again, had opinions.

  • Annie: fine.
  • Moira Rose: dramatic. She ended up on an emergency field trip to Grandma’s for emotional support and lunch.
1. Small dog resting on a beige rug inside a sunlit home near glass doors, with a backyard and trees visible outside.
Bright living room with large windows, a ceiling fan, hanging chair, and indoor plants during home renovation at John Merrill Homes.
Festive holiday door decoration featuring seasonal ornaments, red bows, stockings, and personalized touches for Christmas cheer.
Colorful Christmas tree wall decoration with ornaments, surrounded by reindeer and a gift box, enhanced with tinsel and festive decor for holiday cheer.
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@JohnMerrillHomes

Ten years ago, John Merrill Homes started in a home office behind glass doors. Dana was holding everything together while Adam tried to build a business from that little office.

A decade later, a lot has changed. The business has grown, our family has grown up, and even the area we live in has changed.

But the core values we started with haven’t changed. We still believe:

🔑 Do things the right way
🔑 Sweat the small details
🔑 Remember that building a home is really about building trust

If you’ve followed our journey or are thinking about building in the next season of life, thank you for being part of the story.

Here’s to the next chapter.

#JohnMerrillHomes #10YearAnniversary #FamilyBusiness #CustomHomes

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Open post by johnmerrillhomes with ID 17979543708004477
Ten years ago, John Merrill Homes started in a home office behind glass doors. Dana was holding everything together while Adam tried to build a business from that little office. A decade later, a lot has changed. The business has grown, our family has grown up, and even the area we live in has changed. But the core values we started with haven’t changed. We still believe: 🔑 Do things the right way 🔑 Sweat the small details 🔑 Remember that building a home is really about building trust If you’ve followed our journey or are thinking about building in the next season of life, thank you for being part of the story. Here’s to the next chapter. #JohnMerrillHomes #10YearAnniversary #FamilyBusiness #CustomHomes
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From custom homes to a two-story rotating stage set!

When Adam Merrill’s son performed in `Noises Off` at Ponte Vedra High School, Adam designed and built the set.

With two stories and a rotating stage, it was a huge technical challenge for a school production.

But it came off beautifully and helped make the magic possible.

Bravo to the entire cast and crew 👏!

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Open post by johnmerrillhomes with ID 18096503185820758
From custom homes to a two-story rotating stage set! When Adam Merrill’s son performed in 'Noises Off' at Ponte Vedra High School, Adam designed and built the set. With two stories and a rotating stage, it was a huge technical challenge for a school production. But it came off beautifully and helped make the magic possible. Bravo to the entire cast and crew 👏!
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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

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Open post by johnmerrillhomes with ID 17955380220080155
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
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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

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Open post by johnmerrillhomes with ID 18063866528303795
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
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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

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Open post by johnmerrillhomes with ID 18085119629134771
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
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