From New Build Construction to New Beginnings
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Lessons from a Major Home Construction Project
We all love an impactful before-and-after in the interior design world! We recently completed our largest MMDH residential new build project to date. In this post, we’re sharing progress photos and key tips we gained throughout the construction process of this incredible home.
Construction projects are not for the faint of heart, and a custom home is no exception. I’ve worked on major construction projects for 20 years, diving in headfirst after design school. Even now, I’m still learning with every new project. Through this journey, we’ve gathered invaluable insights that I’m excited to share—insights that will help you navigate your own construction projects with confidence and clarity.
Whether it’s your first or fourteenth construction project, give yourself grace. It will all come together in the end.
The Right Mindset for New Build Construction Projects
No matter what the scope is of your project, there is going to be a point of overwhelm for everyone involved. It doesn’t matter how many times you have dug a hole or torn down a wall, you very quickly hit a potentially daunting point of no return on your project. At that point, your one choice is to keep moving forward.
The end result of any project is what keeps so many of us coming back for more. It is the “after” that makes the entire process so worth it.
Maintaining the right mindset throughout the process is crucial to navigating these moments. For more tips on cultivating a strong mindset during home projects, check out our detailed blog post here.
Managing Timing in New Build Construction Projects
Nothing happens overnight in a construction project. The 12 to 18 months between the framing photos and the current status photos of this project felt like a lifetime, especially when the property is uninhabitable.
I vividly remember renovating the first floor of my own home. My husband and I moved into my sister’s basement with a toddler and an infant for the entire 13-week duration of construction. Within the first few days, the first floor of our home was completely torn out, and panic set in – What on earth happens if they can’t put this all back together?!
But rest assured, it always comes back together. To ensure a smooth process, it’s crucial to keep your team aligned on timing through weekly check-ins and status updates. This approach is key to managing everyone’s expectations and maintaining momentum.
The Importance of Progress Photos
It is great to look back at photos to see all of the decisions being made and lessons being learned in each phase of a construction project. Seeing the progress of how far you have come completely validates why you have taken any project on.
Milestone photos from the same angles can be the most rewarding. You can see the layers being added [and decisions being made] between each phase and trade so clearly.
Having progress photos of what is inside your walls once everything is closed up is a bonus. Post construction status photos confirm what items still need to be added and adjusted.
Currently, we’re wrapping up artwork, accessories, and filler furnishings for this home. Dissecting status photos throughout the construction and furnishing process is a critical step that’s easy to overlook amid the overwhelm. However, focusing on one angle at a time, rather than the entire project, can reveal so much more as you walk around the site.
Mastering the Details
The trim details were one of my major learning curves on this project. They were a new animal for me.
Typically, you might select a standard profile option from a millwork vendor for wall base, door and window casings, and crown molding. However, on this project, we decided to go beyond the basics. We added wall and ceiling paneling in select areas that required more thoughtful attention.
Finding inspiration is never the difficult part—the real challenge lies in the details, the installation methods, and the specific conditions unique to each home. Each surface requires teamwork and troubleshooting. But rest assured, the time and effort put into these details will always pay off in the final product.
You can see through progress photos how every piece of trim creates a more inviting and established feeling in the end result.
Keeping Your Vision Alive in a New Build Construction Project
The key to success in any new build construction project is to never give up on your vision. Work through the challenges, troubleshoot issues, and keep brainstorming solutions for every detail you want to include. Where there’s a will, there’s always a way.
Even when the process becomes overwhelming, staying true to your original vision will guide you through the toughest moments. Remember to give yourself grace throughout the process. Planning ahead and adding layers will help you stay focused on your ultimate goal: transforming your house into a wildly inspired home, one project at a time.
The MMDH Furnishing Method is the perfect resource for homeowners dedicated to bringing their vision to life and completing those endless home design projects to their fullest potential. If you’re ready to turn your ideas into a beautifully furnished reality, explore the Furnishing Method and see how we can help you achieve your dream home.
xo,
If you‘re looking for more tips for your home design projects, check out these posts:
