Modern Custom Home
in Short Hills, NJ
A Tailored Build with Comfort, Clarity, and Confidence
“I was expecting a lot more bumps, but the process with Etai was
surprisingly smooth. He’s not just your builder, he’s your advocate.
He’s clear, transparent, and always on your side, even when
navigating decisions with his own team.”
NEW CONSTRUCTION HOME PROJECT OVERVIEW
After two decades of life in New York City, this young family was ready to trade cramped quarters for more space and a lifestyle centered around comfort and intentional design. What began as casual online browsing quickly evolved into a full-scale custom home build in Short Hills, NJ, with Etai Harel and Moore Fine Homes leading the way.
The family had a clear vision. They wanted a sleek, modern home that prioritized comfort, especially in winter and a process they could trust. Moore Fine Homes brought that concept to life through their search, design, and build approach.
THE VISION
From the start, this family knew they wanted something distinctive. The traditional colonials common in New Jersey didn’t reflect their taste or lifestyle needs.
They envisioned a home with a clean, modern aesthetic that could handle Northeast winters while offering flexibility for multigenerational living.
Comfort was key for them. After years of living in drafty New York apartments, they wanted to feel warm and relaxed all year round. Above all, they needed a partner they could trust to manage the complex details of a custom build.
THE PROCESS
SEARCH
They found Etai by chance. While browsing homes online, they came across one of his wife Saritte Harel’s listings, which turned out to be a home he had built. Intrigued by the modern design, they reached out. What followed was an introduction to Etai and the Saritte Harel Team, who quickly got involved in the project.
Saritte, a top-producing agent in the area, helped the couple identify and tour teardown opportunities while Etai joined the walk-throughs. He provided instant, expert feedback on zoning, feasibility, and build potential. His insights saved the couple time and helped them move forward confidently with their goals. Within only two outings, they found the perfect lot.
DESIGN
Once they secured the land, Etai brought in a trusted architect and an interior designer he’d worked with on several successful projects. Together, the team worked brilliantly to bring the family’s ideas to life.
The resulting design featured a flat-roofed modern home tailored to the local climate and code requirements. The layout maximized every usable space without triggering costly variances.
Through boards and collaborative sessions, they shared reference projects and visual inspiration, creating a unified design direction. The synergy among the builder, architect, and designer made for a friction-free planning process.
BUILD
Construction began just as the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Despite global disruptions, Etai remained a steady hand who was transparent, proactive, and always focused on the client’s best interest.
He made strategic decisions early on, including demolishing the old home the day after closing to ensure a favorable tax assessment. Throughout the build, he navigated pandemic-era delays with calm professionalism. He maintained the progress while ensuring that he or the team did not sacrifice the build’s quality.
Etai was a constant presence during the construction. He was always available to answer questions, walk through options, and offer the home owners reassurance. Everyone felt that his role was not just that of a builder but also as an advocate at every stage. He ensured that the family’s priorities were at the forefront.
THE RESULT
The outcome was a standout modern residence with a clean visual identity and thoughtful, comfort-forward design choices. Every floor, including the basement, had radiant heating installed, eliminating the chill the family had endured in their New York City apartments. The custom HVAC and water systems optimized both air quality & comfort.
The home includes six bedrooms, with one converted into a functional office space. They planned it with future flexibility in mind, as it’s ideal for extended family or lifestyle changes.
More than anything, the family emphasized infrastructure, including systems and comforts that enhance daily living, rather than flashy or superficial design features.
They moved into their home in 2022, concluding a process that spanned two years and included the unique challenges of building during a pandemic. Still, the experience remained steady, rewarding, and unexpectedly smooth.
Etai and the Moore Fine Homes team didn’t just deliver a home. They delivered peace of mind, clarity, and the confidence that comes from being in capable, trustworthy hands.
Build the Right Way
Moore Fine Homes brings clarity, creativity, and care to every stage of your journey, from finding the perfect lot to finishing your dream home.
