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

Update 6: Windows incoming, partial darkness, and Black Friday detective work

Moira Rose remains deeply, spiritually offended by the noise. She’s getting through life on calming treats and bacon. Annie continues to be mostly unbothered, but still requires occasional chauffeur service so she doesn’t walk straight into a barricade.

Our entire front porch is now one giant window delivery. Installation has begun, the roof is going on, framing is wrapping up final details, and the fireplace is being installed. Half the house is without power at the moment, so we’re operating in a sort of medieval candlelit ambiance… and the doorbell doesn’t work for the many, many deliveries showing up daily.

I took advantage of Black Friday sales and ordered the longer lead-time furnishings now. (Side note: several retailers quietly raised prices before putting things “on sale.” I see you. I have a spreadsheet. I know.)

Adorable tan Chihuahua puppy with big, expressive eyes resting on a person's arm in a cozy indoor setting.
New home construction materials including windows, doors, and framing supplies stacked at the entrance of a house under construction in a sunny outdoor setting.
Newly built house with construction materials and plants at the entrance, showcasing modern architecture and landscaping details.
Merrill Renovation Update 6-01
New construction house under renovation with a pool in backyard, construction workers working on house extension, blue sky with clouds, trees surrounding property, and outdoor patio with lounge furniture.
Green house under construction with scaffolding and ladders, part of a residential building project.

Through all of this, the Christmas wall is doing its job: bringing big joy. Every guest adds a paper ornament, and the hunt for the elusive “67” continues.

Colorful decorated Christmas tree on wall with ornaments and stars during holiday season, featuring festive-themed designs and personalized messages.
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@JohnMerrillHomes

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

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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
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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

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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
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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

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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
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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

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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
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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

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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
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Our Home Addition Diaries – Week 1 & 2

We thought about moving… but we love our neighborhood, schools, and house too much. So we’re expanding instead!

The plan:

🛠️ Dedicated office with natural light
🛠️ Guest room + private bath
🛠️ Redesigned living spaces for better flow
🛠️ Fireplace wall & cozy zones

Here are the latest updates:

Trees gone, pavers stacked, furniture moved, first temporary fence went up.
Rainstorm = muddy pool river.
Fireplace wall started.
Temp fence upgraded, pool pavers cleaned, furniture shuffled (pray for the kids).
Cold showers for everyone.
Dining table refinished, chairs consigned, and Christmas decor snuck in.

Dogs? Surprisingly chill.

Follow weekly for behind-the-scenes updates, messy moments, and the journey of turning our house into the perfect family home.

#OurHomeAdditionDiaries #HomeRenovation #FamilyHome #WeeklyUpdate #BeforeAndAfter #RenovationJourney #CustomHomeAddition

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Our Home Addition Diaries – Week 1 & 2 We thought about moving… but we love our neighborhood, schools, and house too much. So we’re expanding instead! The plan: 🛠️ Dedicated office with natural light 🛠️ Guest room + private bath 🛠️ Redesigned living spaces for better flow 🛠️ Fireplace wall & cozy zones Here are the latest updates: Trees gone, pavers stacked, furniture moved, first temporary fence went up. Rainstorm = muddy pool river. Fireplace wall started. Temp fence upgraded, pool pavers cleaned, furniture shuffled (pray for the kids). Cold showers for everyone. Dining table refinished, chairs consigned, and Christmas decor snuck in. Dogs? Surprisingly chill. Follow weekly for behind-the-scenes updates, messy moments, and the journey of turning our house into the perfect family home. #OurHomeAdditionDiaries #HomeRenovation #FamilyHome #WeeklyUpdate #BeforeAndAfter #RenovationJourney #CustomHomeAddition
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Even builders outgrow their homes.

When we realized our family needed more space, we asked ourselves the same question many of our clients face:

➡️ Do we move… or improve?

We looked at the market.
We explored new land.
But we kept coming back to one thing: we love where we live.

So we’re doing what we help our clients do—creating a home addition that lets us stay in the place that feels like us, with a design that works for the way we live now.

Follow along as the walls go up, ideas take shape, and this space becomes part of our story.

💛 The Merrills

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Open post by johnmerrillhomes with ID 18542874805004299
Even builders outgrow their homes. When we realized our family needed more space, we asked ourselves the same question many of our clients face: ➡️ Do we move… or improve? We looked at the market. We explored new land. But we kept coming back to one thing: we love where we live. So we’re doing what we help our clients do—creating a home addition that lets us stay in the place that feels like us, with a design that works for the way we live now. Follow along as the walls go up, ideas take shape, and this space becomes part of our story. 💛 The Merrills
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Wake up to waterfront views...

Imagine coffee on your deck, kayaking at sunrise, or walking straight onto the sand from your backyard. That’s the lifestyle of Northeast Florida’s waterfront homes.

Thinking of building, renovating, or investing? We can help you make it happen.

#JohnMerrillHomes #WaterfrontLiving #PonteVedra #JacksonvilleBeach #VilanoBeach #WatermanBluff #CustomHomes #DreamHome #FloridaLifestyle

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Open post by johnmerrillhomes with ID 18087664373507982
Wake up to waterfront views... Imagine coffee on your deck, kayaking at sunrise, or walking straight onto the sand from your backyard. That’s the lifestyle of Northeast Florida’s waterfront homes. Thinking of building, renovating, or investing? We can help you make it happen. #JohnMerrillHomes #WaterfrontLiving #PonteVedra #JacksonvilleBeach #VilanoBeach #WatermanBluff #CustomHomes #DreamHome #FloridaLifestyle
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Where small-town charm meets big-city convenience:

Welcome to St. Johns, one of Northeast Florida’s most desirable places to live — and one of its fastest-growing.

From top-rated schools and family-friendly neighborhoods to river trails, beaches, and boutique shopping, St. Johns truly has it all.

Dreaming of your forever home here?

Whether you’re building new or renovating, John Merrill Homes can help you create your ideal space in the heart of St. Johns.

#JohnMerrillHomes #StJohnsFL #FloridaLiving #CustomHomeBuilder #JacksonvilleHomes #PonteVedra #NortheastFlorida #HomeDesign #DreamHome #DesignBuild

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Open post by johnmerrillhomes with ID 18080798081084985
Where small-town charm meets big-city convenience: Welcome to St. Johns, one of Northeast Florida’s most desirable places to live — and one of its fastest-growing. From top-rated schools and family-friendly neighborhoods to river trails, beaches, and boutique shopping, St. Johns truly has it all. Dreaming of your forever home here? Whether you’re building new or renovating, John Merrill Homes can help you create your ideal space in the heart of St. Johns. #JohnMerrillHomes #StJohnsFL #FloridaLiving #CustomHomeBuilder #JacksonvilleHomes #PonteVedra #NortheastFlorida #HomeDesign #DreamHome #DesignBuild
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