Don’t Skip the Last Step: Finish Your Home Right

At ESD Homes, we believe that how a project finishes is just as important as how it begins. In fact, the final stretch may be the most critical phase of all.

"Keeping it real at the end of a project is as important as keeping it real at the beginning," says Liz Davies, founder of ESD Homes. "When clients get excited about the finish line, they sometimes forget that the final steps matter just as much as the first ones."

The early phases of a project are full of energy. The plans are finalized, the foundation is poured, and visible progress happens quickly. But as the finish nears—when floors are in, cabinetry is delivered, and light fixtures are going up—clients start to see themselves in the space. That’s when excitement can turn into impatience.

"It’s completely normal," Liz says. "By that point, you’ve made hundreds of decisions, lived through dust, delays, and budget updates. You’re tired. You want it done. But rushing the finish can undo months of great work."

Here’s why this matters:

1. The Finish Line is Full of Details
   Final inspections, punch list walk-throughs, appliance installations, paint touch-ups, hardware alignment—these aren’t just minor things. They are the difference between an almost-finished home and one that’s truly complete.

2. Your Timeline Might Not Be Linear
   The end of a construction project doesn’t always follow a perfectly predictable schedule. Subcontractor coordination, product delays, and sequencing all play a part. "Construction is not like other industries where you can reshuffle things last minute," Liz explains. "We have a process. And it works best when we’re trusted to follow it."

3. Living in the Space Too Soon Causes Problems
   One of the most common mistakes we see is clients trying to move in early. Bringing in furniture before final clean or before inspections can cause damage, missed steps, and rework. We get the excitement—but it can cost time and money in the long run.

4. The Relationship Matters Most at the End
   Contractors want happy clients. But when the relationship shifts into pressure mode—"can we just skip that step?" or "how soon can we be done?"—there’s a risk of shortcuts. ESD is committed to the full process, even when the final mile feels long. "We’re still on your side," Liz says. "Even when you’re ready to be done, we’re focused on getting it done right."

5. Communication Has Its Own Roller Coaster
   Just like construction has highs and lows, so does communication. Early on, everyone’s excited. In the middle, there’s progress to keep people engaged. But at the end? That’s when communication can fray. That’s when the doubts creep in. We know this phase well—and we’re ready to guide our clients through it with clarity and care.

At ESD, we walk you through every step of the finish process. Not to slow things down—but to make sure every piece is in place, every expectation is met, and nothing is left to chance.

Because we’re not just building houses. We’re building homes. And the final 10%? That’s where the quality shows.