TIMELESS NEW CONSTRUCTION IN SHORT HILLS, NJ
A Collaborative Build Grounded in Trust, Expertise, and Vision.
At Moore Fine Homes, creating custom homes in Millburn, Short Hills, NJ, and surrounding areas isn’t just a construction project. It’s a deeply personal journey, from the first conversation to the final walkthrough. We work with clients to envision, design, and build distinctive homes tailored to their lives, aesthetics, and future goals.
Our design-build construction team ensures a seamless, creative, and guided experience delivered on time and beautifully done. It doesn’t matter if you’re still looking for the perfect lot or already have plans.
“Etai was incredibly generous with his time and knowledge from the beginning. I always felt like I had a partner, someone who cared about the outcome as much as I did. We never felt pushed or sold to, just supported and informed. That made all the difference.”
NEW CONSTRUCTION HOME PROJECT OVERVIEW
With two young kids and a growing desire for space and nature, this family was ready to leave city life behind. What started as a simple online search turned into a custom home journey defined by creativity, clarity, and a shared sense of purpose.
Through a seamless partnership with Etai Harel and The Saritte Harel Team, the clients benefited from Moore Fine Homes’ full-service Search → Design → Build mode that started with an initial lot evaluation to expert design and ultimately thoughtful construction management.
THE VISION
What began as a casual curiosity soon evolved into an exciting creative opportunity. The clients wanted a timeless home that felt rooted, architecturally elegant, surrounded by usable outdoor space, and designed for both daily living and gatherings with extended family. Their goal was to have a process grounded not only in expertise but also in mutual respect and collaboration.
Initially, they explored both existing homes and vacant lots. But after losing a property they dreamed of, they realized how emotionally and creatively invested they are in designing their ideal home. The couple recognized that to achieve the layout they truly wanted, they should opt for a full custom build.
THE PROCESS
SEARCH
Their journey began when they typed “Short Hills builder” into Google’s search bar, and they were led to Moore Fine Homes through Etai’s strong local SEO presence. Right from the very first conversation, Etai stood out for his willingness to share his time and knowledge freely. He offered thoughtful and practical insights without ever pressuring the couple to commit to working with his company.
Etai introduced the clients to the Saritte Harel Team, who offered a property search that’s more deeply personalized. Instead of banking on automated alerts, Saritte’s team listened closely and sent tailored listings based on their needs. This type of attention was significantly different from their other real estate experiences and helped the couple feel genuinely heard.
After exploring several properties, including one with charming features but challenging zoning, they landed on a flag lot with rare privacy. While its layout may have deterred some, Etai and a landscape architect helped the clients reimagine its long driveway and deep siting as assets that would provide a true sense of retreat.
DESIGN
The clients began the design process with an architect of their choosing but quickly realized they needed more hands-on support. As first-time home builders, they found it difficult to evaluate scale, layout, and functionality based solely on drawings. That’s when they re-engaged Etai, not yet as a contractor, but as a trusted planning consultant.
Etai became an invaluable design collaborator. He attended meetings regularly, communicated directly with clients, and reviewed architectural plans with a critical eye. He identified inefficiencies in plans, flagged potential issues, and proposed revisions to the layout. All of these improved the home’s light, flow, and overall livability. Etai’s support corrected what could have been an overwhelming design phase into a collaborative experience that delivered results.
BUILD
Once the plans were finalized, the build phase began in earnest, and Moore Fine Homes took the reins on construction. Early in the excavation, Etai discovered signs of poor site work from a previous demolition. There was concrete debris buried beneath the soil where the new covered patio was to be built. While others dismissed the concern, Etai insisted on structural reinforcements, including steel rebar and proper soil compaction, to ensure lasting integrity.
This proactive mindset defined the entire build. Etai’s responsiveness, attention to detail, and commitment to quality ensured that the clients felt fully supported throughout the project. Rather than a typical builder-client relationship, it felt like a shared mission, with everyone invested in delivering a beautiful, enduring result.
THE RESULT
The final home is an 8,500-square-foot, six-bedroom retreat that blends functionality, elegance, and timeless appeal. Heated radiant flooring runs throughout the home, providing year-round comfort. The exterior features a refined blend of stucco and brick, which was an aesthetic decision that added architectural interest & helped the home avoid the look of a trendy “new build.”
Outdoor living was a priority from day one, and it shows in the result. The property features a heated, covered patio, pool, spa, and landscaped garden paths. All these offer an immersive connection to nature that they can enjoy in every season.
The layout is designed to accommodate both daily life and large gatherings, making the space feel effortlessly livable and welcoming.
Every design decision, from materials to spatial planning, was guided by the client’s vision of timelessness. Their goal was to build a home that felt classic, not timestamped. When the home was recently featured on a local house tour, guests were surprised to learn it wasn’t a historic renovation but a brand-new build.
Imagine What’s Possible
With Moore Fine Homes, you don’t just build. You create something meaningful, enduring, and deeply aligned with how you want to live.
