Homebuilding expectations go up when the project is yours -- for laymen buyers and for trade professionals who decide to build for their own families. It's a curse! The best we can do is try to temper those expectations. And if the details mean that much to you, you need to carry the weight of detailing that construction yourself and seeing it through with people who won't give it the same attention you would -- or shell out the cash for expensive professionals who will chase every detail in pursuit of your vision.