I think I’ve received so many questions because so many of you are either in the middle of building, about to start building or considering building…so I let you ask me the questions and I’m sharing how it all worked out for us.
We never thought we wanted to build until we gutted our master bath…and then we decided we were not fit for remodeling.
Andrew and I are very much long-term planners. We make long-term goals, we schedule everything out, we commit to a direction and we stick to it. We decided about four years ago that although we weren’t ready to build right then, we were ready to invest in property and start preparing to build in the future. We bought our land in November 2010. It looked like this…
That’s us…over an acre, wooded and with a little creek running behind it. It’s super to crazy for me to look at this picture because for three solid years, I would drive by and just see this piece of land…and right this second, I’m sitting in a house built on that land typing this post to you :).
My entire goal when designing this house was to make it super functional for my family. I knew what rooms we enjoyed the most (one big area for hanging out and watching TV, a big kitchen suitable for a food blogger, bookshelves for my books, a space for me to work that felt out of the way, and things like that). I didn’t try to get creative and unique because I really just wanted it functional. I found a lot of ideas off of Pinterest but most of my ideas came from walking through open houses and model homes…I found specific things that I liked and even more things that I didn’t like (which was really helpful!).
Thank you Lord for subs. Sub-contractors became my best friends. Phillip, Juan and Victor were my three favorites subs and let me tell you, they were genius. I think one of the most important lessons I learned during this building process is that your builder is only as good as his sub-contractors. Those subs are the ones who are experts in their fields and they had the BEST ideas! I knew I wanted spice cabinets and cabinets for my pots and pans and baking sheets and such…but I didn’t know how to maximize the space and make it all functional and perfect…but Phillip sure did! So many of the little details came from their experience…I totally listened and valued what they had to say.
I thought this question was unusual and yet perfect at the same time! Yes, I put outlets on the tops of my mantles for Christmas garland :).
We cried like babies. Totally. And we’re not emotional people!
We moved out of our home of 8 years back in February 2013 and then rented for 15 months while the new house was being built. We were totally emotional leaving our old house because that’s where we brought babies home, that’s where we really became a family. Yes, we were emotional. But just like most things, you move on and get over it.
This was a biggie for me. My color palette had always been gold tones but with the new house, I wanted to change it to greyish/blue tones instead. Again, I found a lot of inspiration on Pinterest…what did we do before Pinterest?!?!
I wrote everything down. When we would buy something for the new house (like a piece of furniture or bedding), I would take a picture of it and then also write it down. Whenever I would agree to a stone, carpet, wood or such, I would also keep a piece of that material too.
Some of you will think this is crazy and some of you will think this is genius…but it was something I always wanted and now that I have it, I’m thrilled to pieces…I put two dishwashers in my kitchen. My mom told me the other day that she runs her dishwasher like once a week (what???)…we run ours twice a day! So, having two dishwashers (although completely not necessary) has been something that I absolutely love!
The question before leads us to this question. I totally splurged on my kitchen. I would say that our house was built around the kitchen. Every family has their “most important room” and for our family, it’s the kitchen. We live in there, I work in there, we entertain in there…it’s the central part of our house and so, you could say it’s what we splurged on. I will be doing a Shade of Shay on my kitchen later this month :).
Hmmm…good question. We knew how big our current house was, we knew what rooms we needed to add and we knew our budget…the square footage number we had in our head matched what the architect drew and our budget, so it kind of all just came together.
Here’s the deal, as long as you let Andrew Shull put TVs where he wants them, he doesn’t care about the rest of the house. He’ll give you an honest opinion if you ask…but he really lets me do what I want (as long as I leave him alone about his TVs).
You make so many decisions when building that at the beginning I worried and really fretted over some of them and by the end, I was like “whatever, I don’t care”.
One day toward the end, Erika was over at the house with me and they were asking me a question about the concrete work for our driveway and I was like “sure, whatever” and walked off. Erika stopped me and was like “this concrete will be there forever, shouldn’t you think about it?”. Ha! Yes, I should (and I went back and did)…but that’s the problem…when you have people asking you questions all day long and you’re constantly making decisions, at the end, you just want everyone to shut up and finish…and you’re over making decisions!
At the beginning I was probably worried about leaving something out but by the end, I realized that it was going to all work out and I didn’t fret.
I wanted a commercial range for my kitchen. I picked out my range before I picked out anything else and when we first sat down with our builder and architect, we asked them to pretty much build a house around our range :).
I typically don’t do complete house tours until the fall and again at Christmas (when I’m showing my fall decor and Christmas stuff). I am going to make my kitchen a Shade of Shay, I am going to show you my pantry and I am going to show you Smith’s room (I had a major “yes mom” moment with that child and his room) this summer. You can click here to see my laundry room/office area and here to see my closet.
Oh I’m sure I would change a thing or two…but honestly, it turned out just how we wanted it to.
We had the huge luxury of living one mile from our construction site. At the beginning, we would go check on the process once a day but by the end, we were over there 6 or 8 times a day. Being so close to the construction allowed us to see things as they were happening and tweak things along the way.
There were only two times that I walked in and really disliked something and had them stop what they were doing and do it differently (once was a support column that I just hated and we ended up taking out and the other time was my kitchen back splash…I hated everything about it, so that was fixed too). Being able to see the process daily helped us make more solid decisions.
Whew. So there you have it. Thank you for all of your questions! We’re very excited to close this chapter in our lives and open another.
And listen, a fabulous reader named Missy emailed me yesterday to let me know that this jacket I love so much…
…is now 40% off! Woohoo! All 3 colors are on sale!
And one more thing…
…I have my yummy Avocado and Shrimp Salad on the foodie blog today!
It’s the perfect little lunch or light supper!
XOXO
Tab & Erika says
Such an informational post!! Hahaha! You're SO glad I was there that day OR there would be wood showing through your concrete!! 🙂
Kimm Atwood says
This post was great !!! Thanks for sharing!!! Happy Wednesday
Blue-Eyed Bride says
Love this post!! Was shaking my head yes to so much of it!
Anonymous says
GREAT post! I only wish you had shown a picture of the house. You KNOW how much your readers want to see the house, yet you keep dragging us along. Never going to show it? That's FINE but at least care enough about your readers to tell us that. You've been such an open book over the years it's kind of a bummer to not get to see your beautiful new home. Regardless, I'll always be a fan. 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
I love this comment because it's kind of rude but kind of sweet at the same time :). Right now, I'm not sure if I'm going to show the front or not…for the security and safety of my family, I haven't decided. I'm pretty sure I can care about my readers while maintaining a little privacy at the same time.
Anonymous says
Good response! I've been wondering the same thing but haven't really expected you to show the front, just because of privacy issues.
Kimm Atwood says
Girl your response was perfect! You let everyone into your life and that I your family's….nothing wrong with keeping some things private!!! Happy Wednesday!!!!
Anonymous says
I would love to see your house as well, but at the same time it really isn't anyone's business. 🙂 Congratulations on the new house.
Sheaffer {Pinterest Told Me To} says
Such a fun post to read! I really think the pantry might be my favorite room in the house. A PANTRY. MY FAVORITE ROOM. Crazy, but true. But I have a feeling that in the next couple of weeks the backyard is going to edge out the pantry as my favorite part of your house. Other favorite parts? The kitchen (OF COURSE!), Kensington's room, and the master bathroom. It's been so fun to get to see bits of pieces of it along the way. Love you, and LOVE your new home! The one thing you left out? A small little office space for me. 😉
Anonymous says
I consider our home, that I was the GC on ( why did I think that was a good idea) to be my " 1st child"!
Rebecca
Narci says
Love you!! This is such great information for the building process! Good job, mama!!
Tara G. says
I'd totally build a house around a fantastic range. Priorities. 🙂
Kim R says
Shay – thanks for sharing your experience! When I was 10 years old, my parents did the same thing! Purchased a piece of land and hired an architect and builder to design their dream home. It was such an exciting experience for the entire family and its still their home today!
I think it had such a last impression on me that subconsciously, it inspired me to work in the architecture industry myself (even if I don't crank out floorplans myself). I just love the entire process of designing buildings that leave a lasting impression – even if my job entails marketing for the architect themselves.
Stacy P. says
Love that you built your home around the range! We are currently in the "looking for land" stage, so your post was perfect for us!
Thanks for sharing the answers to many if my questions….and I love your closet!
melissabunny100 says
What a great post..I don't think you should show it…people are crazy…you have to keep somethings PRIVATE. You have beautiful kids, you never know.
Anonymous says
She did show us her house already, the office is awesome! Pretty sure I wouldn't want people driving by my house or knowing what it looks like!!
Sarah E @ theteacherswife.com says
Such a great post! We did an unplanned gut job on the downstairs of our house {before we moved in} about 2 years ago and it was the most stressful thing ever. There were so many decisions that I was not prepared to make and money was so tight. If I ever decided to build, you better believe there would be a plan and I'd know what I wanted before we even started. I'm so glad that it worked out for you – from what I've seen so far, it looks beautiful!
Tracy says
Love the rude/sweet comment & your response. 🙂 I would love to see the whole house(but I'm nosy that way – and love to see how other people live) but totally get why you might not show us everything. Love your blog and today's post was very interesting. We've never built and probably never will.
Alison @ Get Your Pretty On says
Wow, this is an awesome post! So helpful for anyone going through this process. We built our home seven years ago and my biggest item on the wish list was a wrap around front porch, hard to come by in Texas! Now we're getting the itch to build again. You have amazing taste and I'm so impressed with how thoughtful you were in this process. Two things made me laugh – I also had an outlet installed in the mantel for the Christmas garland and we are in the process of switching from gold tones to grays, just got the family room and kitchen painted yesterday and the new furniture arrives tomorrow! I can NOT wait for the home tour!
Amie says
You have confirmed that I don't have any interest in ever building a house! haha Actually, I have always known that would not be my thing, there are way too many decisions to be made and it makes my head hurt just thinking about it.
Lora G says
You are so deliberate about everything. I love that!!! Love both of your blogs. THANK YOU for sharing so much with us 🙂
TorontoSAM says
You are much braver than I would be about building a house.
I have a question for you: I see that Andrew was in Turkey doing missionary work, is that right? What does that mean? And why does he go on these? I understand that being a Christian is about spreading the word of Jesus, but since Turkey is mostly a Muslim country, why did he go there? I've always been curious about this. If you don't mind sharing, let me know. Thanks.
vanillafrog says
Your house gives a whole new meaning to the song Home On the Range! I love your leopard staircase!
Anonymous says
Love reading your blog and any wait to see more of the house. One more question, did you buy new furniture for the new house? We are buying a new house and will need new furniture. I'm looking for different places to shop for furniture. Thanks!!
Darcy says
Thanks so much for sharing! It sounds like you love your home – and that is truly what it's all about, right?
PS – Your response to the Anonymous comment was perfect. It's your blog, and you shouldn't feel pressure by anyone to share something you're not comfortable with. And if you don't want to post this comment – I understand. I'm not trying to stir up a heated debate, but wanted to let you know that I think you're completely justified in your response. 🙂
dresselfamily.blogspot.com says
loved all of this… we built a home from scratch a few years ago, and acted as our own contractors.. fun experience!!!
I can't wait fir your kitchen post!..can you do one on Kensingtons room, i'm wanting to re do my daughters soon!
as much add I want to see the exteriori totally get it.. but I hope there are no creepers on here..if there are shame on you!!!!!
Jen @ Love, the Arthurs says
We built our home almost two years ago (can't believe it's already been that long!) and I totally agree with everything you said! You make SO many decisions that you really do just get to the point where you're just like, "just finish it already!" And we didn't build a custom home either, so I'm SURE you had a million more decisions to make! Im sure your new house is just beautiful, the little peeks we've seen here and there sure are!
Lana says
This was so much fun – loved to read about your process. Thanks for the shout out to sub-contractors! Our business is sub-contracting door and bath hardware, and we never get the love :). It sounds like you will enjoy your house for a long time!
kristine says
Love this post! We are in the process of trying to get our house on the market, but it's so hard with a 2 and 4 yo.
Mary Woods says
I've been using MAC's Haute and Naughty mascara since you suggested it and I love it! But this week I just found out this week that I can apply with a think or thin brush! How did I not know this??? Thanks for suggesting this!
SarahN says
I was going to comment and ask for a front pic of your new house and then I noticed someone already asked – and I totally respect your answer about privacy and safety. Even though we would all love to see it, there are crazies out there! Love the house posts though! 🙂
Anonymous says
I don't think you should show the front of your house for privacy reasons but I think people are so curious to see how you decorated each room. Can you maybe each week do a tour of the rooms? Or maybe even the backyard! Thanks!
Sara Laverty says
Ha ha ha to that anonymous (of course!) comment! I'm about to buy my first home (eeek! no more renting) and your post has helped me think through some stuff! 🙂
Ashley says
Thanks for answering my totally random "extra outlet" question! I wasn't sure if you would, but I do appreciate that you did. 🙂 We are putting an outlet on our mantle as well (for the same reason you did–for Christmas garland and other decor throughout the year) and are putting extra outlets outside (for Christmas lights!). Can you tell I'm all about Christmas?! 🙂 We have our meeting in two weeks to put the #s on our floorplan for outlets, extra can lights, ceiling fan pre-wires, etc. It seems like silly stuff, but anyone who builds knows you have to think about that stuff from the beginning. Thanks again, Shay! So happy for you that you're settled into your new house!
I TOTALLY understand, respect, and agree with about not wanting to share an exterior pic of your house. I would do the same thing (not share it!) because this is such a public forum. You have to protect your family! Follow your gut!
Anonymous says
Loved this post! We are planning to build in about 7 to 8 years so for now just have a "love it" page for pinterest to store ideas. Wish you could show more inside pictures. I wouldn't show the outside either. Always a fan, Teresa
Anonymous says
I am sad you're not going to post the house. I loved the pictures of your rent house and your style is so amazing I'd love to see it. I understand being safe though. Could you maybe block out the numbers on your house? Or not post all of it? Anyway it does sound amazing! I love your blog and that you share so much with us! 🙂 You are an inspiration!
xoxo
Anonymous says
Love this post! I've only been married a year and a half, but my husband and I already talk about building one day in the future. Though for us, we're realistically looking to build in like 25 years haha. This post makes me excited for the prospect someday though! I work in real estate and just love seeing people make a house into a home, and am looking forward to the craziness of building someday with my crazy-loveable structural engineer husband (who is undoubtedly going to design everything himself)! Good luck in the new house!
Hilary says
Oh Shay! I loved this post! My husband & I purchased 29 acres 3 years go, spent the last year designing custom plans, and just interviewed 4 local builders. This post was perfect timing for me. It makes me see there is a light at the end of the tunnel. We are just starting the process!!! Thank you! 4 years ago my husband built a custom office so I am praying that helps us along this journey! I appreciate your openness to share! Hilary
Anonymous says
I understand not posting exterior pictures of your house to protect your family, but it wasn't an issue before, so why is it suddenly an issue? Readers know where you shop, your gym, your city and church. I believe that if you were so interested in privacy then you wouldn't have dtold readers so much about yourself in the past.
Thank you,
Lauren
Mix and Match Mama says
Hi Lauren! Thanks for your questions!
First, of all, I never said I wouldn't publish exterior pictures, I just said I wasn't sure as of today. Maybe I will later but right this second, I'm not sure, so I'm holding off.
Also, when I posted pictures of our first home, I was a very new blogger and didn't put as much thought into what I was putting out there on the internet (probably because no one was reading). I also didn't post pictures of our rental house while we lived there to protect our privacy (so this isn't a new concept to our family). I'm just a little more careful now.
I'm very aware of blogging being a public thing and I know that I am putting our family out there in a lot of ways. That being said, I'm just being thoughtful about this. I'm not sure that on this day, I feel comfortable with a picture of the front of my house out there for everyone to see. I don't take these things lightly, if I feel later that it's okay to put it out there, I absolutely will. I'd rather be a little safe and think it over than hasty and not thoughtful.
Thanks so much!
Anonymous says
I'm sorry you thought the comment I left this morning sounded rude. That's the problem with reading something – you don't know the "tone" in which it was meant. I LIKE your blog and choose to read here every day. I would never talk to you rudely here or in real life (if I ever got the chance to speak to you in real life). I was just disappointed that you hadn't shared a picture and I've seen numerous requests for pictures (I guess that's what happens when you're a popular blogger and people feel as if they know you and have shared in so much of your life – they/we just want to be included in it all. Ha!). I simply felt like if would be nice for you to let your readers know if you didn't intend on showing a picture. I'm sorry if I offended you.
Jaren says
Great post! I couldn't agree more on this! I kept a binder with every detail/picture example I wanted, colors I picked, etc. and still have it 3 years later. My husband also made sure he wired all his entertainment/tv stuff before we put the sheet rock up.
Kim Taylor says
Loved this post and hearing all about the ideas and how your home came to be! Cant wait for a tour of the kitchen! That is my favorite part of any house!
Marty says
Love your blog, but PLEASE don't show the world the front of your house. Too many weirdos out there. 🙂
Kim Preston says
Shay!!! The mantle outlets are GENIOUS!!!! It's on my list for my dream house.
Alexandra says
I'm guessing your "Yes Mom" moment was Yankee decor.:) Thanks for sharing, Shay! You're great.
Lauren says
Great post, great insight on building. I'm calling our builder today and making sure we have a plug on the mantel…brilliant!! Not sure I would have thought of that one for Christmas decorations! THANK YOU!
Girl, I think you're smart for maintaining some privacy when it comes to your house. You have a ton of followers and like some have said, there are crazies out there. Let them cry about no pictures all they want, keep your family safe! Just my ten cents. 😉 Happy 4th weekend!
Anonymous says
All of this discussion about the exterior of your house had me thinking you should do what the Kardashians do, which is have an exterior shot of their home that is not their real home 🙂
Anonymous says
Love your idea about putting an outlet on the mantle! If i ever build again that will be on the list. Another great place to put outlets are on the top of the roof for Xmas lights and top of cabinets if you do a lighted garland. Our builder was charging so much for extra outlets, so we stayed with just the required amount needed. As for showing the front of your house I wouldn't. Like you said a lot more people read your blogs and you are keeping your family safe. Looking forward to seeing the inside of your home if and when you decide to!
Erin Navarro says
I am surprised you didn't mention houzz as a resource for ideas for building your home! We are about five weeks from move in and this has been my biggest help besides Pinterest!
Paula says
I love how detailed you are!
Super excited to see your kitchen! Frankly, it is my favorite room of any home!
I think you are extremely kind to feel the need to explain yourself because at some point…..
REALLY? would be my response!
Aubrey says
I used to think I wanted to build a house, but I am seriously rethinking it lately. Maybe you'll convince me to build after I come visit your house. 🙂
Ann says
😉
Veronica Marks says
Thanks for sharing so many details about how the home building process went for you! I love how you talked about choosing your contractor. That seems like one of the biggest factors to any home build, because if you don't get along well or don't share the same vision, nothing else really is going to matter!
http://montgomeryacres.com/
Jessica Guinn says
I would LOVE to know what color your trim paint is on your exterior! I am currently in the building process and have used a lot of pics of your home to help me build my home! 🙂 THANK YOU!