Frank Wickstead Frank Wickstead

What a 17th-Century Shipwreck Can Teach Us About Designing Better Homes

Standing beneath the towering hull of the Vasa Museum in Stockholm, it’s impossible not to feel a sense of awe. The Vasa is a masterpiece of craftsmanship.

And yet, it sank just minutes into its maiden voyage in 1628.

That contrast—extraordinary beauty paired with fundamental failure—offers a powerful lesson for modern homebuilding.

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Frank Wickstead Frank Wickstead

How Long Does It Take to Build or Renovate a Custom Home in Atlanta?

Whether you're planning a whole-home renovation, building a custom home, or expanding a home, understanding the timeline is critical for planning your family life, finances, and expectations. The truth is that great homes take thoughtful planning. The timeline depends on many factors—design complexity, permitting, existing conditions, and construction scope.

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Lauren Wickstead Lauren Wickstead

2026 Custom Home & Renovation Trends in Atlanta

In 2026, custom homes and renovations across Atlanta are defined by thoughtful planning, long-term value, and respect for neighborhood character. From Buckhead to Virginia-Highlands, we share the trends shaping how homeowners build and renovate today.

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Frank Wickstead Frank Wickstead

Why Builder-Architect-Designer Collaboration Matters

The best projects happen when builders, architects, and designers work together from the very start. At Nest, we lead with this collaborative approach because it brings clarity, respect, and trust to the process. When everyone’s expertise is aligned early on, clients enjoy fewer surprises, more creativity, and a smoother experience from concept through completion.

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Frank Wickstead Frank Wickstead

Should You Renovate or Build New?

Wondering whether to renovate your Atlanta home or build new? Nest guides homeowners through the pros and cons of each path — with clarity, planning, and craftsmanship.

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FAQs

  • When you build a custom home with Nest, the process begins long before construction starts. We guide you through early conversations, detailed pre-construction planning, architectural coordination, material selections, and permitting. From first vision to final walkthrough, the experience is grounded in clarity, craftsmanship, and a shared commitment to thoughtful design.

  • The timeline for a custom home or major renovation depends on design complexity, permitting, site considerations, and material selections.

    Most thoughtfully crafted custom homes take 12–24+ months from early planning through completion.

    For large-scale renovations, especially those involving structural changes, full interior reconfiguration, or taking a home down to the studs, the process typically spans 8–18 months, depending on scope, permitting, and existing site conditions.

    Beginning with a robust pre-construction phase helps clarify the schedule, align expectations, and create a smoother path from vision to finished home.

  • The overall investment is shaped by architectural detail, material quality, site conditions, engineering, and specialty craftsmanship.
    Through detailed pre-construction planning, Nest provides transparent estimates, thoughtful value options, and a financial framework grounded in both design goals and long-term durability.

  • While Nest works across greater Atlanta, much of our work is in the following neighborhoods: Ansley Park, Brookhaven, Buckhead, Candler Park, Druid Hills, Dunwoody, Inman Park, Morningside, Sandy Springs, Virginia Highland and more.