New construction process with Drees…mid way check in!

I’m so excited for this blog post because it’s time for a mid construction check in to show you all the things!

The new construction process with Drees homes has been so so fun, but also involves a lot of moving parts! Let’s do a mid way check in!

New construction process with Drees Homes

If you don’t know by now, my family and I are building our dream home with Drees homes just south of Nashville, TN! You can get all caught up by reading my first blog post about this here, which also shows a lot of our interior and exterior selections.

New construction process

I have to say, now that we are a few months past the selection appointments- I am even MORE glad that Drees does this process how they do it. It has been truly wonderful to have those big decisions behind us and be able to sit back and watch our dream come to life!

Read more about the Drees Home Custom+Construct approach to building here!

You know how I’ve said “from dirt to a dream,” well that’s truly what is happening here! I’ll never forget the day we drove over and saw that they were grading our lot!

New construction process

Once the lot was prepped and ready to go and the foundation was done, it was time for framing. Seeing all that wood go up in the shape of a house was truly incredible. The first time I got to walk “into” our house…I cried! Surreal!

One thing we knew from the start was that when it got fully framed, we wanted to go over to the house as a family and “bless the walls.”

New construction process

We did this by grabbing some sharpies and each writing different quotes, scriptures, signing our names, etc. This was probably one of the most special times we have had over there as a family so far- and I love having these memories and pictures!

New construction process

Before we knew it they were putting on the roof, installing windows, bricking and just rocking and rolling! Here’s a sneak peek picture of our beautiful brick called Alpine. We love it!

New construction process
New construction process

Next up came the drywall. It’s funny how with each little step I get more and more excited. Seeing those walls just really helped me visualize all the things!

It was crazy to us how much bigger everything looked once the drywall was hung too!

Here are a few spaces I want to show you from various phases that we are super excited about:

  • Our living room- this is where the tv will go above the fireplace, we will of course have couches, chairs, etc. To the left will be some built in bookshelves and to the right are these 3 gorgeous big windows with the best view that we are totally in love with!
  • The hearth room- many people have asked me during this process what a hearth room is! Here in the south, it’s kind of like an extra sitting area. For ours, this is where our kitchen table will be. That fireplace will be mine oh mine for decorating (cant’ wait) and we will have a couch, couple chairs, etc. Perfect spot to sit and visit, drink coffee, etc.
New construction process
Hearth room
  • The kitchen and working pantry- One thing Drees is kind of known for in a lot of their floor plans is their working pantries! This is basically an extension of the kitchen and where you can put appliances such as coffee maker, toaster, crock pot, etc. Of course lots of extra cabinet storage too. So between that and the rest of the kitchen, it’s safe to say I am THRILLED about these spaces!
New construction process
View of kitchen, door opening leads to working pantry and pantry
New construction process
Working pantry area
  • Primary bedroom- This is our bedroom, which also faces the back of the house and those views! We will be doing a fun feature wall behind the bed that I’m very excited about also.
New construction process
Primary bedroom
  • Family ready room- Another signature space in a lot of the Drees homes that made us fall in LOVE! Their over the top laundry rooms are what dreams are made of. Ours will not only include the washer and dryer, but lots of cabinets for storage, a fridge, closet, island and a cute mud bench with hooks!
New construction process
Family ready room with washer/dryer, sink, island, mud bench
New construction process
Mud bench in Family Ready Room

Every time I post on social media showing updates, I get comment and comment again about how quick and smooth things are going. And you are exactly right! We have been blown away at how efficient and seamless this process has been so far with Drees homes.

Jake (our project manger) has been amazing to work with and is staying on top of scheduling and checking on all the things. He does a weekly call in every week to update us on what’s going on, what’s coming up, etc. Let’s just say I get so excited for those calls every week!

One last thing I want to note is how accomadating and responsive they’ve been. As with ANY new construction home, there are going to be little things that come up along the way. We have only had a handful of those things, but when we have noticed little things that were off – we let them know and they were quick to fix with no questions asked. I have truly been impressed by that!

I’ll leave ya with a couple more sneak peek pics of 2 things I’m VERY excited about!

#1- Painted interior doors! This is a closet door here, but all interior doors will be this medium gray color and I’m OBSESSED! I’ve wanted this look for years! (Paint Color is Porter Paint Dover Gray)

New construction drees

#2- Our entry way trim! This was something we saw in one of the models we went in and we knew right then and there it was something we wanted. Again OBSESSED with what a statement this makes!

New Construction drees

Pretty soon I’ll be filling this home with pillows, furniture, decor and all the things and I can’t wait to make this place our home and put our stamp on it! (This is me in our future bedroom…yes with a pillow lol)

New construction process

The next time I blog about this journey, we will be IN OUR HOUSE and I’ll be able to show you alllll the things! Woo hoo!

Hope this gave you some good insight into the new construction process. We have really enjoyed each and every step so far watching dirt turn to a dream. Thanks for being here for the ride and for all of your encouragement and kind words!

Until next time…

Stacey

68 Comments

  1. Sandra L Smith

    It is going to be a lovely home filled with love, and beauty.
    I especially love the scriptures and sayings on the wood.
    Thank you for sharing this experience.

    • Stacey Collins

      You’re so welcome and thank you!!

      • Alisha Schultze

        Stacey,

        We are so happy going on this journey with you & your beautiful family.

        Thank you for making part of your Wilshire Famiky!??

        Alisha S.

    • Marybeth

      I’m so Excited for you and your family!! You can just feel the excitement in your words,
      I can hardly wait for you all to get settled in, just to see how Gorgeous you make it.
      By the way, I’m Loving your pantry!! Just Sayin..?

  2. Valerie Arnett

    Love your entryway wall ! Your new home will be exactly what you dreamed of! It will be beautiful! So happy for you and your family!

    • Stacey Collins

      You’re the sweetest! Thank you!!

      • Janice Heyman

        I can’t put into words how excited I am for you & your family Stacey. Your dreams are coming true with the help & expertise of Drees. Your new home will be amazing & I can’t pick one single favorite thing~there are soo many favorites! The hearth room, the working pantry & let’s not forget painting the inside of your doors! Many blessings for you & thank you for sharing this experience.

        • Stacey Collins

          You are too kind and I appreciate you so much!!

        • Teresa Holder

          Oh my goodness your new home is gorgeous! I am so happy for you and your family! Thank you for sharing all of the beauty and sentiment’s of building your spectacular new home! It is such a joy to follow along and watch your dreams come true!

    • Joni Rainey

      What a gorgeous home. I can’t wait to see the decor that you have picked out. I love the grey doors.

    • Cheryl Moore

      I know you will be so excited to be in your beautiful home and doing all the things decorating! I am happy the process has been easy along the way with Drees because I know for a fact it isn’t that way with all home builders!

    • Cheryl Moore

      I know you will be so excited to be in your beautiful home and doing all the things decorating!

  3. Mary Jane Fast

    We built a house in 2000. Still live there. It is so fun to check progress every day…I swept up after the builders every day due to my sons asthma. and It never rained on it before it was under roof. Have fun. HOW tall are those doors and ceilings… I just can’t with TALL TEXANS?? joking… of course. LOVE it all.

  4. Mary Ann Mueller

    Your kitchen cabinets are exactly like mine. Are you doing black handles? My counter is granite in black, white and grey! I downsized about a year ago after my husband passed. Went from a 5 bedroom colonial to a 3 bedroom condo. Really 2 bedrooms because one is a craft room, of course!!! Blessings to you and your family in your new abode!!! Love it!

    • Stacey Collins

      yes, the handles will be black. And thanks!

  5. carole coffman

    What a beautiful home wishing you lots of luck and love in your new home can’t wait to see it finished

  6. Lisa Giles

    Stacey I have so enjoyed this wonderful journey with you & your beautiful family! The experience has truly been a blessing! I’m so excited for y’all!!

  7. Patti

    Everything is looking beautiful. I know how excited you must be. When did they break ground to start your build? It is moving fast.

    • Stacey Collins

      Late August and thank you!

  8. Lisa Brooks

    Absolutely Love the brick! The accent wall in Master, oh and the pantry/ mud room! Who am I kidding , girl I Love it all but the best part is blessing the walls of your home! I’m so Happy for you and your family! You deserve it Beautiful Lady! ❤️❤️❤️

  9. Kathy

    It’s going to be beautiful. Take us along as you decorate your new home!

    • Debbie Vernor

      Your home is just beautiful. Can’t wait to see it all finished. Can’t decide which room I’m more jelly over the pantry or family ready room. ? LOVE THEM BOTH.

  10. Lou Roberg

    It’s do beautiful Stacy! Love the wall by the stairs! And the painted doors. It really does make a statement! So beautiful!!!❤️

  11. Becca Hill

    I love your six panel doors!

  12. Cathie Miller

    Oh so beautiful so happy you are getting your dream home❤️

  13. Anne Babb

    I’m loving all these new “places”—hearth room and family ready room! The hearth room reminds me of living rooms people used to have in the South…just not as “stuffy”! Looking forward to more updates. ?

    • Stacey Collins

      yes! Like a formal living room, but not formal!

  14. Beverly Douglas

    Oh Stacey I am so in LOVE with your new home!! I will be checking out Drees main website. I too have a dream to build and live looking at floor plans. I can’t wait to see all you do with in once y’all move in. God Bless y’all!!

    • Stacey Collins

      Oh awesome! They have been amazing for sure!

  15. Penny Fitzpatrick

    I love the concept of the family ready laundry room and the hearth room. The storage possibilities in the family ready room! Will need more pillows to fill them. It’s amazing how fast the process of building of your dream home has been.

    • Stacey Collins

      lol I like your thinking! And thank you!!

  16. Jane

    Oh girl I’m so happy for you and your family. It is so beautiful, can’t wait to see more!!

  17. Robin

    I absolutely love the door color and the accent wall in your bedroom. It will be a beautiful home for your family. I can’t wait to see all of the extraordinary “Stacey” touches when it’s all done. Thanks for sharing this very special and personal journey with us.

  18. Lou Ann Carol

    I absolutely love everything I can’t wait to see it done with all your touches. Congratulations

  19. Sally England

    Oh my goodness!! Where should I start? What a gorgeous home! If we ever build again, there is no doubt we will use Drees! Stacey your house has good bones. The basic bare house is already beautiful with nothing in it! That’s saying alot for Drees! I just love everything. The hearth room reminds me of an upscale smoking den like they had in the old days where the men drank brandy and smoked their pipes!! I just adore that space!! I can’t wait to see you work your magic and decorate this dream home of yours. The choices that you and Anthony have made so far, are stunning. I’m so happy for you and your family. Thank you for letting us go along on this journey with you. I’m loving every second of it!

    • Stacey Collins

      you are so so sweet, thank you!!

  20. Carol Starkie

    Stacey, your home is going to be beautiful! You will make so many wonderful memories in your home. And I love that you put God first in it, may God bless each and everyone of you. I can’t wait to see how you decorate your beautiful home.

  21. Gail Armata

    Love it. Wish I was young and planning my dream home. How high are your ceilings? They look so spacious in the pictures.

    • Stacey Collins

      10 ft downstairs in most places, 11 in some (entry I’m not sure)

  22. MaryLynn VB Bushnell

    Wishing you & your family many happy years of making memories in your new home !

  23. Shirley Helm

    So excited for you Stacey! Can’t wait to see it decorated!!

  24. Kathy Gasser

    Your new home is coming along nicely! It looks so pretty! Thank-you for taking us along! I am excited to see the finished product as I am sure you are as well!

  25. Angela Hoover

    Hey Stacey!! I am totally in love with your house! I can’t wait to see all the things you will do to make it a beautiful home for you and your family. I love the tall ceilings and doors! This is so unique. I am so happy for you all! Best wishes and happiness always ..

  26. Julie

    This is going yo be a beautiful home. I love the wall detail going up the staircase.

  27. Melissa Kelley

    Stacey ,
    What a dream come true. Truly so happy for all of you!

  28. Kay Wall

    It definitely is a dream home for sure. I love every room and can’t wait to see how you decorate it all

  29. Martha Wilkerson

    Stacey love all the things!!! Your laundry room will be awesome! Washer and dryer on a platform for easier access! The island! Mud bench and all the storage!! Makes the laundry chore not such a chore!! Love going on this journey with you!!! Thanks for taking all of us along with you!!❤️❤️

    • Stacey Collins

      Yes! Thank you!!

  30. Paulette Hathcock

    I absolutely love your floor plan and the colors you have chosen. Thank you for taking us on your journey . I get to dream !

  31. TANYA SASAKI

    Looks amazing can’t wait to see the finished product. Many blessings in your new home.

  32. Darcy Ingham

    It’s looking gorgeous! You have my taste so can I move in with you? Lol just kidding God is good to get you where you are and you have worked hard to achieve it! So happy for you and your family!❤️❤️

    • Stacey Collins

      Thank you!

  33. Jany Grove

    You cannot wait. We cannot wait. I am so excited for you. When are you moving? You are going to love your new house. Everything is going to be absolutely beautiful. Thank you for sharing with us.

    • Stacey Collins

      Should be moving in a couple months. Thanks!

  34. Sharon Perry

    Can’t wait to see the finished product. You have such an I for decorating. I just love those gray doors.

    • Joyce.Mashinsku@yahoo.com

      Stacey, I love it all especially the working pantry! I can’t wait to see you decorate for Christmas in your new home! 11 months today is Christmas Eve & in 10 months the Christmas Trees go up! So very exciting! Thank you for sharing the process with us & I just KNOW your imagination is going crazy for ALL the things you want to do & you WILL! Wishing you all good things in your new home you deserve it all & your family is so lucky to have YOU!! ???

  35. Louise

    I love the words you are writing on the beams.

  36. Mary L

    Wish we had a Drees in my area. Lovely home, lovely family. I want that working pantry!!!! Lol.

  37. Aletta Hennessee

    So excited for you, it will be beautiful! We have been in our “new home” 23 years now and I still feel like it is my new home! So congratulations to y’all I hope in 23 years you will still feel like it is your new home!

  38. Paula Webb

    Stacey everything is so beautiful. Im sure it will be stunning. I look forward to seeing your journey.

  39. Stacey Faulk

    Everything is amazing. Y’all home will be beautiful & fill with lots of love, laughter, & blessing. Thanks for taking us on you journeys

  40. Sandy Penny

    Stacey, I can not wait until your house is finished. I know it will be gorgeous. With your touches why wouldn’t it be?

  41. Sandy Penny

    Stacey, I can not wait until your house is finished. I know it will be gorgeous. With your touches why wouldn’t it be? How tall are your ceilings?

  42. Brenda Weaver

    We had our house built 26 years ago, so I remember the excitement you’re going through. Now, we’re updating everything! I’m excited and happy as it’s really fun..some new plumbing tomorrow. So I love seeing your creative ideas. Love your scripture choices. God bless!

  43. Joyce Mashinski

    Stacey, I love it all especially the working pantry! I can’t wait to see you decorate for Christmas in your new home! 11 months today is Christmas Eve & in 10 months the Christmas Trees go up! So very exciting! Thank you for sharing the process with us & I just KNOW your imagination is going crazy for ALL the things you want to do & you WILL! Wishing you all good things in your new home you deserve it all & your family is so lucky to have YOU!! ???

  44. Melinda Goodwin

    I love it all!! I’m insanely jealous of the working pantry. I’ve always called it the butler’s pantry; I like the updated name. I don’t know anyone with a butler.

    I also love, love, love the laundry room. I keep trying to figure out how to make mine bigger.

    You teach us so much! I love how sweet you are, and how you interact with everyone!
    My goal is to grow my business, so I can build my dream home too!!

  45. Darcy

    It is beautiful! I’m so happy for your family. I love the wood on the walls going up the stairs and n your bedroom. So sharp! You have beautiful taste. Congrats!

  46. Lisa Lambert

    I love hearing about your journey with building your home. I love all of your selections and it’s going to be beautiful!! So excited for you and can’t wait til you move in and show us all your decorating ideas ♥️♥️♥️