Overcoming Site Challenges with Expertise

The couple’s journey began with a bold decision: purchasing a six-acre lot from an estate without a feasibility study. The sellers, eager to move quickly, didn’t allow time for such assessments, leaving Whitney and Johnny to take a calculated risk. “We knew we would have some challenges, but we didn’t expect the level of difficulty with permitting,” Whitney admits. Shortly before their purchase, Montgomery County tightened regulations on septic systems, making approvals a significant hurdle. Once permits were secured, site work revealed another obstacle: a rocky subsurface that complicated driveway construction and foundation digging.

Mueller Homes’ proved instrumental in navigating these challenges with valuable resources that could tackle the site conditions. “Their team identified the issues with the rock beneath the soil quickly,” Whitney says. “They had the sub-contractors, equipment, expertise, and crew to handle it.” While the site work took longer and cost more than anticipated, Mueller’s proactive approach turned a challenging lot into a “fantastic place.” Reflecting on the experience, Whitney notes the value of a feasibility study: “It may have given us a better idea of potential risks and helped manage expectations but Mueller guided us through the process, which made all the difference.”

A Collaborative Architectural Design and Construction Process

The heart of Whitney and Johnny’s home was the kitchen, a space Whitney envisioned as the centerpiece for her love of baking, cooking, and entertaining. Working with architect Jonathan Rivera, she provided a loose sketch of the kitchen and prep area, giving him creative freedom to design the rest of the home around it. “Jonathan took my basic sketch and modified it, adding other areas of the home,” Whitney says. “He understood that the kitchen was the focal point, and everything was designed to complement it.”

The collaboration between Mueller Homes and Rivera was seamless, with both parties communicating proactively behind the scenes. “By the time I checked in, everything was already handled,” Whitney recalls. “They understood each other’s processes, and everything was addressed without me having to follow up.” This level of coordination ensured that the architectural plans aligned perfectly with Mueller’s construction requirements, creating a smooth and efficient process.

The Power of Integrated Design with Ella Lee Interiors

Whitney’s vision for the home was clear: a traditional English cottage with farmhouse elements, infused with warm colors that provided a cozy, welcoming feel. To bring this vision to life, she turned to Ella Lee Interiors, Mueller Homes’ sister company. Whitney worked closely with designer Hannah Wunder, who transformed her ideas into a cohesive reality.

Before their first in-person meeting, Whitney provided Hannah with photos and a written description of her vision. “Hannah came to that meeting with a full kitchen design that was literally 95% of the way there,” Whitney says. “We made a few adjustments to colors and layout, but she truly understood what I was looking for.” Hannah’s expertise extended beyond the kitchen, guiding selections for lighting, paint, tile, hardware, fixtures, and countertops throughout the home. “I felt confident in my design sense, but I was concerned about making the home cohesive,” Whitney explains. “Hannah ensured that every selection worked together, from the quality of the build to the hardware on the cabinetry.”

The pre-established relationship between Ella Lee Interiors and Mueller Homes streamlined the process, eliminating delays that can happen with a 3^rd party – sometimes resulting in missing selection deadlines, coordinating schedules, or communication gaps. “Hannah and Kalyn had a great understanding of when selections needed to be made to maintain the construction timeline,” Whitney says. “They attended on-site meetings and ensured finish items were ready for installation.” This integration was a stark contrast to other builders Whitney considered, who relied on clients to coordinate with showrooms or vendors. “One builder gave me a list of selections and an address to visit,” she recalls. “With Hannah and Kalyn, I had a team that understood inventory and budget, narrowing down options to make the process even smoother.”

Whitney benefited from Ella Lee’s hands-on approach. The design team brought fabric, wood, and rug samples to Mueller’s Sykesville office, sparing Whitney the hassle of running around town. “It was worth the investment,” she says. “Hannah helped me have confidence in my selections, steering me clear of choices that didn’t fit. The result was a home that looked intentional and cohesive.”

Another big bonus of Ella Lee’s resources was the culmination of Johnny’s office.  “We wanted a statement piece of furniture that was functional and a backdrop that would be interesting for zoom meetings,”  Johnny reflects.  “Hannah designed the desk and built-in bookcases from scratch.  Her drawings and designs were then utilized by the team at Charles Henry to craft a one-of-a-kind solid walnut desk with really interesting bookshelves as my background.  I get a lot of comments on zoom about the items I display there too!”

Craftsmanship That Elevates: Charles Henry Woodworking

The quality of Mueller Homes’ craftsmanship could be clearly seen in the trim work and cabinetry, executed by their sister company, Charles Henry Woodworking. From the kitchen to the bathrooms, office, and mudroom, the cabinetry was a standout feature. “Many of our friends, with very nice homes, comment on the craftsmanship,” Whitney says. “The trim and cabinetry are the most commented-on elements. They’re classy, intentional, and not overdone.”

Charles Henry’s work elevated the home’s aesthetic, blending functionality with artistry. The green cabinetry and mushroom-colored countertops in the kitchen, paired with natural stone, created a warm and inviting space that perfectly suited Whitney’s vision. “The quality is over the top,” she says. “Their vision and ideas were incredible, and it feels so finished and well done.”

A Home Tailored to Their Unique Lifestyle

Whitney and Johnny’s home was designed to reflect their lifestyle, with thoughtful elements for every family member. Johnny, an avid nature enthusiast, prioritized outdoor spaces. The home features a large wrap-around porch leading to a screened porch with a wood-burning fireplace, perfect for dining and relaxing amidst the six-acre farmland setting. “He wanted to enjoy nature,” Whitney says. “The outdoor spaces make that possible.”

For their three children, personalization was key. Each child worked with Hannah to select paint colors for their rooms, fostering pride and ownership. “They love their spaces and don’t have to share bathrooms,” Whitney says. Their youngest son, initially reluctant about the move, was won over by a custom space designed just for him. “Mueller held design meetings with my eight-year-old, letting him choose lighting, shelving, and paint colors. They even built him a loft for his sister to hang out sometimes. He’s thrilled with his private Lego space and felt like he was part of the process.”

A Partnership, Not Just a Project

Living just three miles from the construction site, Whitney and Johnny were deeply involved in the process, visiting frequently and participating in on-site meetings. Unlike friends who faced restricted access with other builders, they felt welcomed by Mueller Homes. “We never felt unwelcome,” Whitney says. “We were part of the team, and the meetings were informative and solutions-oriented. It felt like a partnership, not just a client relationship.”

This collaborative spirit extended to budget discussions. Mueller’s transparency helped Whitney and Johnny make informed decisions without sacrificing quality. “They explained costs clearly, so we felt in charge of each decision,” Whitney says. While some items, like carpet, were chosen for durability and replaceability, they invested in long-term elements like tile. “We didn’t want to scale back on quality,” she says. “Mueller helped us prioritize, and it was well worth it.”

Lessons Learned and Advice for Anyone Considering Building a Custom Home

Reflecting on their journey, Whitney emphasizes the importance of realistic expectations. “Things cost a lot, and we had unrealistic ideas about what we could get for our budget,” she admits. Mueller’s guidance helped them navigate these realities, ensuring they built the home they needed without compromising their vision.

As a biotech consultant familiar with construction, Whitney offers advice rooted in her professional experience: “When we visited the job site, we took an interest in every worker’s talent and focus.  We treated everyone on the job site with respect. These craftspeople take great pride in their work, and showing interest in their craft brings out the best in them. The more kindness you show, the higher the quality you’ll get.” This approach, combined with Mueller’s expertise, resulted in a home that exceeded expectations.

A Vision Realized

Whitney and Johnny’s home is a testament to the power of collaboration, craftsmanship, and integrated resources. The harmony that was created with the ‘all-in-one approach’ helped make the entire process a very pleasant and memorable experience.  Mueller Homes, Ella Lee Interiors, and Charles Henry Woodworking worked seamlessly to create a home that is both functional and beautiful, tailored to the family’s lifestyle. From the warm, colorful kitchen to the meticulously crafted cabinetry and trim, every detail reflects their vision of an English cottage with farmhouse charm. The outdoor spaces, personalized children’s rooms, and cohesive design elements make the home a true sanctuary.

For Whitney, the experience was uniquely pleasant because of Mueller’s full-service approach and the expertise of its sister companies. “Leveraging Hannah and Ella Lee made the process so enjoyable,” she says. “The quality of Charles Henry’s craftsmanship and Mueller’s transparency and partnership made this home everything we dreamed of.” For anyone considering a custom home, Whitney and Johnny’s story is a compelling case for choosing a builder who offers this full-service approach – not just construction, but a holistic, collaborative experience.