Delwick Lane
A Ground-Up Custom Home Crafted Through Trust, Timing, and Builder-Led Vision
This 7,500-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 dream home with the same integrity, clarity, and timeless design.
From day one, they partnered with Moore Fine Homes, 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,” a thoughtful blend of expert guidance and collaborative effort that made each step feel approachable and well managed.
Elegant New Home Build Project Overview
The Vision
Inspired by the warmth and quality of a Moore Fine Homes spec build they admired, the clients wanted a home that felt elegant yet inviting, with an open and functional layout that didn’t feel oversized or impersonal. Their goal was to blend high-end finishes that would remain beautiful and relevant for years to come.
Equally important, they wanted a builder who would listen carefully and clearly explain the trade-offs behind every decision, someone who would provide honest guidance rather than simply presenting a list of choices.
Because they lead busy lives, they appreciated Etai’s ability to filter information and focus their attention on what truly mattered. He didn’t just provide transparency; he helped them feel grounded and in control throughout the process.
The Process
Search
Etai introduced the clients to the Saritte Harel Team, his trusted real estate partner for identifying prime teardown opportunities in Millburn and Short Hills. 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 realistically be 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, removing friction, reducing risk, and accelerating 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 appeared.
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 between Etai, the architect, and the clients.
Layout decisions were made 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 to strike the right 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 permit hurdles early, 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, making it easier to trust the process even when decisions became complex.
Build
Once permits were secured, Etai transitioned seamlessly into construction. He managed subcontractors, tracked expenses, and kept the schedule on track while providing regular updates and maintaining close involvement on site.
Rather than simply coordinating, Etai led with intention. He curated finish options, pre-vetted long-lead materials, and proactively addressed challenges before they could become setbacks. His involvement ranged from reviewing cabinetry shop drawings to identifying framing adjustments early, preventing costly errors.
Instead of overwhelming the homeowners with endless catalogs or technical jargon, he clarified decisions into well-aligned options that allowed the clients to make confident choices and reduce stress.
The Result
The finished home exceeded expectations in both design and livability. Custom cabinetry crafted by Etai’s long-time millwork partner blended classic profiles with modern practicality. The exterior featured refined architectural details and a timeless color palette that enhanced curb appeal without leaning into trends.
Structural upgrades, such as steel beams in the basement, allowed for wide-open living spaces free of bulky support columns, creating an elegant yet highly functional layout.
One standout feature is the staircase, originally a complex framing challenge that became a defining architectural moment thanks to Etai’s early planning and hands-on coordination.
For the homeowners, the most memorable aspect of the project wasn’t just the finished home but the experience itself. The journey felt clear, empowering, and surprisingly low-stress from the first showing to move-in day.
They didn’t just end up with a beautiful home; they arrived there with clarity, confidence, and trust.
