I started building lots for myself back in Sims2. Now, I don't claim to be as good as so many others, but I'm pleased when I get the layout I want. That said, I was intrigued by the promises of the new way to build in Sims 4. I have to say, at first, I was totally daunted by it. It seemed almost as hard as World Building in Sims3, of which I could never wrap my brain around. In the end I failed to even create a world, let alone play it. So I uninstalled the device. With practice, I finally got the hang of building in Sims 4. Now I love it. Kudos to you for keeping at it. I, too, am bothered by that little detail that just failed to be what I was hoping it would be. I've been known to noodle with a lot, even when playing in it, in the game. Sometimes I just get a bug in my shorts and I have to do a quick remodel. IE change out the wall treatments. Nothing like a fresh coat of paint or new wallpaper to make a well-used (and growing tired of looking at the same thing) to stave off a move. Then they gave us those fantastic stair dynamics. I think I went through all of my two/three storied lots and changed the stairs. LOL
Best of luck to you on the contest. And don't count yourself out. Tell yourself you have as much of a chance to win, despite how experienced some of the other contestants may be. I managed to land the lead female role in the last play of my Senior year. Yes, two of the Best actresses we had on campus were trying out for the same part. I almost allowed self-doubt, of which I have always suffered, to grab a hold on me. I quickly changed my thinking, and voila. The part was mine. :) I'm here to say that just being Nominated for Best Actress in truly an HONOR.