This building debrief is about a home built by Jubilee Homes during an interview with the owner of Jubilee Homes, Lyndi. Learn more about the ownership of Jubilee Homes and their mission for well-built affordable housing.
- What was the goal or vision for this home when you started?
Truthfully, I wanted to build a house that managed water and prevented mold and mildew from the get go. Water management shaped every decision in this build.
- Who was the home built for, did you have an ideal family in mind?
I did! Since we live in this area I knew exactly who would be a good fit for the neighborhood. I knew it would be a great fit for a young family who valued the kid friendly area. I could picture kids riding their bikes on the sidewalks and running from house to house playing with friends.
- What made this project special or different?
This was the first project I had the opportunity to start after my dad passed away, so that made it super special to me. We honored him throughout the build and used the tile that he had bought and the tub he had saved just for this house. He was super happy and excited to be building this home and he passed away the week before we started to break ground.
Timeline and process
- What was the original timeline and how did it actually turn out?
The original timeline was to build and finish within 6 months, as always when we break ground in the winter, you never know how the weather will treat you. In this home, we had some wild weather, but nothing that caused an issue getting used dried in and it allowed us to rock and roll and build this house in 4 months. It really helps a project move fast when I can walk out the back door and go to the job site!
- Were there any weather delays or scheduling hurdles worth noting?
Si, Si. What a year of weather we had! It snowed in January for a solid 2 weeks during the planning phase of this build, just as soon as the land thawed out we were able to get some sunshine and break ground.
It was great until May when Tennessee had rain for 897 days. Luckily, we had almost finished the house at this point and the drainage system was installed. We did have to delay taking videos and pictures 3 times because the red clay mud pit just didnt do the yard justice!
- What part of the build went the smoothest?
The smoothest? Framing, roofing, and siding for sure! It was like a dream, sunshiny days and great weather, a team that wanted to work daylight to dark and one of the farmer’s wives came everyday and she cleaned up after everyone. I could not have asked for any better of a build!
Budget and materials
- Did the cost stay on target or were there adjustments?
Adjustments, lol. Yes there were adjustments. But not many! It was close to being on budget. We ended up installing a gas range and gas HVAC system, that was an additional $3k in rough in that I didn’t plan for ahead of time.
When I look back at the budget, I underestimated the electrical and cabinets. But when I had a vision for the built-ins in each bedroom, it was an obvious YES! And you know, there are a few places that I will not cut corners and electrical and cabinets are going to be the top 2. Which is why we rolled with it.
This was also the house we decided to add Cafe Appliances. Going from standard builder grade stainless steel to matte white and rose gold Cafe was not planned, but wow, what a statement this kitchen is! Worth it.
- What upgrades or finishes did you choose for this home without explanation.
Heated toilet. Cafe Brand Appliances. Ventilation in the pantry. Small appliance outlets in the pantry. Built-ins in bedrooms 2 and 3. Soaking tub in the master. Extra pantry in the master cabinetry. Walk in tiled showers in the master andthe guest bathrooms. Accent wall in the living room. French drains around the foundation. Gutter drains tied into the gutters. On slab to prevent water intrusion. Insulated garage for future gym. The Kitchen.
- What features are you the most proud of?
The entire build. The integrity behind each choice. There is nothing in the house that I would change if given the opportunity right now, I feel that every choice was made with care and trust and prayer, based on knowledge and skill and wisdom from past builds. I think that is what makes me so proud, knowing that it was built with so much heart and skill and integrity.
Wins and highlights
- What was the best decision made during this build?
To build on a slab, hands down. Learn more about building on a slab here.
- What moment made you think “yes this is why I do this”?
Seeing the new family after moving in, it was like a magical moment for me.
- Did any subcontractor absolutely shine on this one?
If I say yes, I will be leaving out like 14 other people who killed it. This team has been hand curated over the last few years and it’s truly everyone working together that makes it happen.
Challenges or lessons learned
- What was the biggest challenge?
I will have to think about this one for a minute. Looking back, I do really feel like this was a very smooth build. There were no crazy issues or delays. The biggest challenge was probably making it though May and all the rain. All I wanted to do was clean the house and take pretty pictures and videos, but we were covered in mud without a proper yard or driveway for a hot minute.
- How did you solve it?
When it comes to rain and weather, we are all at the mercy of mother nature. But Garrett was on top of pictures and video production and the moment he saw sunshine, he called and said “LETS GOOOO” and we got the yard cleaned up and pictures and video that day. It took a lot of team work, all hands on deck, and a whole lot of seed and straw, a load of dirt, a ton of sand, and even a visit from the city to help with the water meter, and we got it all done.
- What would you do differently next time for a smoother process?
That is a trick question! I would love to say start the yard process sooner and have the driveway poured when the weather is optimal, but it doesn’t really work out that way. There is a process and the yard and driveway can not be completed until the process (water lines, septic, drainage, conduit/power, gas) is complete.
Storytelling details
- Were there any sweet moments that happened on site?
I will never forget sitting on top of the block the night after my dad died, watching the sunset over the mountains and tears just slowly falling down my face. I didn’t really know what the next day would hold, but God had a plan in that exact moment.
- Did you write scripture inside the studs?
YES! Johna and Kailyn and I did that together.
- Is there a legacy or meaning tied to this home or lot?
I can look at this home and see the legacy of JR everywhere. From the tile that he had been saving to the soaking tub to the lighting in the hallway- his special touches are there. His legacy will forever live on through Jubilee and all that Johna and I do- but this house- was a special one for sure.
Final touches and reveal
- What design choice really made this house feel like Jubilee Homes?
It was the scripture on the studs, that’s not really a design choice I guess lol. As far as the design choice goes, I would say the kitchen and pantry. Every single detail was designed with purpose and its simply beautiful.
- What part of the final walkthrough made you the happiest?
There was a moment when I looked at Jarred and said “this house is literally perfect.” and I meant it with every fiber in my body. That was a joy filled moment for me.
- What detail do you hope people notice first?
The moody color pallet and thoughtfully crafted exterior. For sure.
Wrap up
- Would you build this plan again?
Heck yes. In fact we increased the square footage, added a basement to meet the slope of the homesite, and rearranged the laundry room and it is being built as we speak on Village drive now!
- What did this home teach you?
That I can do it. This one taught me that everything I have learned from the last 6 years in this business was worth it- and every lesson The Lord has allowed me to learn was for a reason- and everything my dad ever taught me was noteworthy. I did it. And I did it well. God gets the glory for every moment. And I am so thankful and humbled.