Root Family in Their Happy Place, Surrounded by Their Dream House on a Lovely Lot

Constructing your dream home is a thrilling journey filled with endless possibilities. However, it’s natural to feel a mix of excitement and anxiety throughout the process. The Root family embraced every twist and turn, trusting in the journey’s unfolding while remaining dedicated to their vision. By allowing the experience to flow naturally and with patience, they discovered that every challenge and setback was ultimately worth it, culminating in the joy of finally living in their dream home.

Dan and Jenna Root are well-established members of the Preston community. Dan has served as the president of the board for the Preston Golf and Country Club and has dedicated 14 years to volunteering as a firefighter. Jenna holds the position of vice president at the Preston Area Community Foundation and has strong ties to the nearby community of Lanesboro. The couple aimed to stay in the area while seeking a quieter and safer environment for their daughters Palmer (9) and Parker (7), to play outside.

In the summer of 2021, the Roots made the decision to sell their home and, just two weeks later, purchased a plot of land on which to build their dream home, conveniently located near the golf course. Their selected lot, situated at the end of a cul-de-sac, initially posed challenges due to a lack of street access and electricity. For the first year, while their home was being designed and constructed, the family resided with Jenna’s parents.

Utilizing insights from the couple’s best friends who had recently built a home, Dan and Jenna aimed for an open modern farmhouse style but were initially uncertain about specific design elements. The process of building a house from the ground up proved to be stressful and overwhelming, a sentiment shared by Jenna. Hiring contractor Eric Mundfrom significantly eased the burden, as he coordinated the various vendors and specialists, enabling Dan and Jenna to focus primarily on their style choices.

Dan noted the importance of addressing often-overlooked details, such as the placement of electrical outlets. He said, “Yes what about electrical outlets? Where do they go? It was a lot to decide. And something I had never thought about before.”

The couple’s daughters have indicated that their favorite spaces in the home are their bedrooms, while Dan and Jenna particularly appreciate the open kitchen, living and dining areas.

In their kitchen, they opted for tile, quartz countertops, custom cabinets, and distinctive light fixtures. The flooring includes durable laminated vinyl plank, which incorporates in-floor heating. The design also features a screened-in porch offering scenic views of Preston. Additionally, the garage accommodates vehicles and includes a designated party area for entertaining family and friends.

The Root family enjoys observing local wildlife, such as deer, bunnies, turkeys and various bird species. They also enjoy evening golf cart rides as a family. They have created a serene seating area at the front of the house to take in their surroundings.

The lot measures 1.3 acres, and the home covers 3,914 square feet, including two family rooms, five bedrooms, and three bathrooms. A home office has also been included to facilitate remote work.

While certain aspects of their home, like the spacious upstairs, large closet, and organized mudroom, exceeded expectations, the Roots have identified areas they would reconsider. This includes their choice regarding the extra bathroom shower and the size of the children’s bathroom. Jenna humorously mentioned the numerous light switches, which sometimes require her to consult Dan for assistance.

For those considering a similar building project, Dan and Jenna recommend using neutral colors to allow for future personal style updates and encourage a creative approach to design choices. 

Dan also said, “Go to home shows – they have great ideas.” 

Jenna reflects on the process, wishing she had taken a more relaxed stance, while Dan expresses a desire to have focused more on details. Despite the challenges, they found the experience rewarding, especially the excitement of incorporating new features.

Jenna encourages future builders by stating, “Be bold; it is a house for you. Enjoy and create what you want.” 

The Root family is now enjoying their dream home and are pleased to witness the growth of their neighborhood, nurturing friendships, and fully embracing their best lives.