Elegant New Build in Short Hills, NJ
A Ground-Up Custom Home Crafted Through
Trust, Timing, and Builder-Led Vision
“Etai helped make one of the most complicated things you can do feel totally manageable. He was clear, honest, and hands-on from start to finish. We didn’t just build a beautiful home, we had a great experience doing it.”
Elegant New Home Build Project Overview
This 6,000+ square foot custom home in Short Hills, NJ, is a perfect example of what’s possible when the right process meets the right people. The client had been searching for a home when they came across a completed Moore Fine Homes project. Although that home had already sold, it sparked a new vision: to build their version with the same integrity, clarity, and timeless design.
From day one, they partnered with Etai Harel, who guided them through the entire journey.
What followed was a full Search → Design → Build collaboration that gave them a clear, confident path through every milestone, from teardown evaluation to final walkthrough.
The clients described the experience as “organic but structured.” They said it was a thoughtful blend of expert guidance and collaborative effort that made each step feel approachable and well-managed.
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
Etai introduced the clients to the Saritte Harel Team, his trusted real estate partner for identifying prime teardown properties in Millburn Township. Together, they toured several listings, carefully evaluating each property for zoning compatibility, design potential, and neighborhood fit.
Etai personally walked each site, offering clear insight into what could be realistically built, what might face permitting challenges, and what teardown costs might look like. His guidance helped the clients avoid overpaying for properties that wouldn’t align with their goals.
Eventually, they found a lot on a quiet street with outstanding potential. Etai then managed the entire acquisition-to-demolition phase. He removed friction, reduced risk, and accelerated the timeline.
The clients recalled being “incredibly grateful” that Etai attended every showing and flagged hidden risks they might have missed. His honesty gave them the confidence to walk away from the wrong properties and move quickly when the right one came along.
DESIGN
With the land secured, Etai brought in one of his preferred architects, known for thoughtful design and collaborative communication. The design process unfolded as a true partnership. Etai, the architect, and the clients worked closely together to turn ideas into plans, always mindful of buildability and budget.
They made layout decisions with long-term value in mind. Where appropriate, Etai helped value-engineer materials and systems, preserving visual impact while staying within budget. He also guided finish selections, helping strike a balance between aesthetics and practicality.
Throughout the design phase, Etai anticipated potential issues before they surfaced. From refining room layouts to improving flow and identifying potential permit hurdles early on, his foresight saved time and prevented costly revisions.
The clients said Etai “never left them guessing.” Every conversation came with clear context and practical insight. That level of clarity made it easier to trust the process, even when decisions became complex.
This kind of builder-led collaboration is central to Etai’s approach. It minimizes surprises, builds alignment, and turns creative ideas into practical, buildable solutions.
BUILD
Once permits were in hand, Etai transitioned seamlessly into builder mode. He managed all subcontractors, tracked expenses, and kept the schedule on track while keeping the clients informed through weekly updates and on-site involvement.
While many builders simply coordinated, Etai led with intention. He curated finish options, pre-vetted long-lead items, and proactively addressed challenges before they could become setbacks. His involvement extended from reviewing cabinetry shop drawings to identifying frame adjustments early, preventing expensive errors down the line.
Etai didn’t overwhelm the homeowners with endless catalogs or technical jargon. Instead, he clarified decisions into well-aligned options that allowed the clients to make confident choices, save time, and reduce stress.
The clients valued Etai’s responsiveness. He remained accessible, attentive, and committed to their peace of mind, whether it was a last-minute site visit or a quick decision about lighting.
THE RESULT
The final home exceeded the clients’ expectations in both look and feel. Custom cabinetry, crafted by Etai’s long-time millwork partner, combined classic profiles with modern practicality. The exterior featured refined architectural details and a timeless color palette, enhancing curb appeal without leaning into trends. Structural upgrades, such as steel beams in the basement, enabled wide-open living spaces free of bulky support columns, combining elegance and livability.
One standout detail: the staircase. Originally a complex framing challenge, it exemplifies great design and meticulous execution. Its flawless delivery was thanks to Etai’s early planning and hands-on coordination.
For the homeowner, the most memorable part of the project wasn’t the finished home but the experience. The journey was clear, empowering, and surprisingly low-stress from the first showing to move-in day.
Looking back, the clients shared that they “actually enjoyed” the process, which is a rare sentiment in custom home construction. They credit that to Etai’s calm demeanor, honest guidance, and a deep sense of ownership.
They didn’t just end up with a beautiful home. They got there with clarity, confidence, and trust.
Build the Right Way
Our clients don’t just hire a builder. They gain a strategic partner from day one. If you’re thinking about a teardown, a full custom home, or want to explore your land options, let’s talk.
