Sweebe Architecture

Spotting Warning Signs: 5 Red Flags During Your Architect Consultation

Mon, 08 Jan 2024 21:24:26 GMT

During an architect’s consultation, you have a chance to tell an architect about your needs, wants, and goals. It’s also the time to air your complaints about your property!

This is your time to decide if you can entrust the architect with your home improvement project.

But what should you look for during a consultation? How would you know if you are talking to a good architect or an unqualified one?

We’ve put together 5 red flags to look out for in your architect’s performance and ensure your final project is one that doesn’t just meet your expectations — it exceeds them!

You Sense They Aren’t Listening to You

First and foremost, one of the biggest red flags during a consultation is if you feel like the architect isn’t listening to you.

Here are 3 key clues that your architect isn’t listening to what you have to say.

They provide design solutions during the consultation

A telltale sign that your architect isn’t as professional as you think is when they rush into presenting design solutions during the initial consultation.

This impulsive approach usually indicates a lack of the capacity to inquire and fully understand your needs before crafting design recommendations.

They don’t supply you with three critical documents

During the consultation stages for your home project, an experienced architect should be able to provide you with three important documents.

A comprehensive list of requested improvements , usually in the form of an inventory of spaces that will be part of the project.
A ‘ballpark’ construction cost estimate , normally provided through line-item cost breakdown for each of the improvements/spaces you are requesting. (Note: this is not the cost of the architect’s services, it is the cost of the materials and labor to build your project.)
A detailed written description of the architect's services, fees, and rough project timeline . This is normally provided as a Proposal Agreement, Contract Agreement, or a Proposal Contract Agreement.

Not receiving any of these documents through the consultation process should be a red flag for you. Together, these three documents ensure transparency and set clear expectations for the start of the design process.

They aren’t effective communicators

Open and effective communication is a key component of any successful residential project.

If at any point before, during, or after the initial meeting, you are left feeling confused or not in charge of your own project, take that as a big red flag!

Even before you hire one, a good architect should be clear and consistent with their communication. If they aren’t keeping you in the loop now, that might not change once you start paying them money.

The Project Brief Isn’t Detailed Enough

A carefully crafted project brief is essential for determining the success of your architectural project. From concept to completion, the brief will serve as a vision statement. You and your architect will rely on the brief, as your north star, to ensure clarity on your desired design solutions.

Additionally, the project brief will be an integral part of helping you keep applications such as planning permission and zoning approvals on track.

This is why as part of a detailed project brief, the following information should be present:

The desired features or improvements requested
The specific areas included in the project
The functional goals and requirements (including lifestyle considerations)
Project budget and constraints
Timeline expectations

Tip: As part of the construction permit phase, your architect should be able to prepare drawings and amend them upon request. If you notice that your architect isn’t adding enough detail to your project brief, it’s likely that their final project drawings will also lack detail.

The Architect is Focused on Advancing Their Own Profile

A meaningful relationship with your architect is one that should always extend beyond creative suggestions and involve seeking out a better understanding of you and your property's distinct needs.

While it can be good for an architect to want to showcase the highest levels of innovation and create designs that pave the way for the evolution of the architecture field, these design decisions should always be in keeping with your property’s needs.

To ensure your architect isn’t just using your project to expand their portfolio, look for an architect with:

Experience : Seek out architects with a proven track record of projects that match your needs. To do this, be sure to carefully review their portfolio and references.
A client-centric approach : Prioritize architects who listen to you, incorporate your input, and align with your preferences.
Value collaboration : Opt for architects who view the building process as a partnership, embracing your feedback and adjusting designs accordingly.
Can provide design rationale : Choose architects who can explain how their choices align with your goals.
Uphold ethical standards : Look for architects who uphold industry standards and progressive values across their services.
Are detail-oriented : Architects committed to the finer details are more committed to delivering a final design that caters to your needs.

Your Budget Isn’t Being Respected

Even though custom building projects and remodels can be unpredictable at the best of times, it’s still important for your budget to be respected throughout your build.

To ensure this is the case, an architect should be open to answering questions during all project development stages regarding:

The projected cost of labor
Materials costs (and justification for certain types of materials being used)
Contingency planning
Value engineering (i.e. discussing potential ways to optimize costs without compromising on quality)
Cost-effective alternatives (on request)

The Architect Steers the Bulk of the Conversation toward Aesthetics

The consultation should be all about understanding your needs and challenges with your current house.

A quality architect really can’t (and shouldn’t) state what the finished design will look like at this point. That will come when you hire the architect and design begins.

If during your first meeting with an architect, they spe nd more time describing what the project might look like instead of understanding your needs and problems, it could indicate a lack of focus on your specific requirements.

This is worth repeating: the consultation is NOT the time to define the design or style of your project. Design development occurs after you hire the architect. Fight the urge during the consultation to tell the architect what your project should look like when construction is completed. Your task during the consultation is to make sure the architect understands what you need in order to improve your property, so you can live better!

As for ensuring the architect with whom you are consulting can deliver a final design that is satisfying to you, you should have a general idea of the types of projects an architect has worked on from their portfolio and from contacting their references. Most architects will have their portfolio of past projects on their website.

5 Green Flags to Help You Feel Confident Starting Your Project

A comprehensive project brief, a deep understanding of your property's needs, transparency, likely funding requirements for your build or remodel, and a focus on your needs are all critical elements of a successful project.

Any architect who doesn’t take those things seriously during the consultation and throughout the whole project process risks your dream home.

We hope this article has helped you be more prepared for any consultation you book with architects to discuss your potential project.

Apply for your discovery consultation with us and kick start a journey with the professionals who value your vision. You can view our portfolio to learn more about our past projects.

When Designing a Custom Home, Novelty is Key

Wed, 06 Dec 2023 21:55:27 GMT

When designing a custom home in New Jersey, the finer details really can make a difference. By adding unexpected design elements, your architect can create an exceptional end product that not only surprises you — it takes your design to the next level!

While the initial design phase often revolves around major decisions like square footage and architectural style, an experienced architect understands the importance of novelty.

Beyond the initial "wow" factor, novelty in home design aims to create a lasting impact that also keeps your family's needs in mind.

Sound like something you’d like to learn more about? In this blog we’ll be discussing:

What we mean when we say “novelty in design”
How an experienced architect should approach novelty in home design
Why novelty in home design matters
How the right approach to novelty in home design can enhance your design journey
Sweebe Architecture’s approach to novelty in home design

The True Meaning of Novelty in Home Design

When you hear us talking about ‘novelty,’ you might assume we mean ‘out there’ design additions such as glass staircases, infrared saunas, or even home elevators.

While this is one definition of the word (and we can certainly make those design elements a reality!) our definition of ‘novelty’ is a little different.

For us, novelty in home design offers an opportunity to deliver designs that are unexpected, but still align with the homeowner’s wishes. We’re talking about design features you didn’t necessarily ask for, but when we run them by you, they just... make sense .

By communicating and showcasing a deep understanding of your need s, a pro architect will consistently exceed expectations by reading between the lines and delivering a design that goes above and beyond.

From integrated storage solutions to adding a balcony that gets the perfect evening sun, your architect should see the bigger picture of your design throughout your custom build.

Novelty: A Testament to You and Your Vision

Novelty in home design aims to nurture joy, individuality, and harmony between functionality, aesthetics, and quality. Sound like a mouthful? Don’t worry — an experienced architect will have this all under control!

Your architect should always deliver what was agreed upon in the brief and also try to fulfill any hidden desires that might need to be discovered.

For a reputable architecture firm in New Jersey this will mean:

Knowing when to push the boundaries of creativity (and when to remain restrained!)
Never settling for the ordinary
Delivering an experience where surpassing expectations is part of the design journey
Remaining within the boundaries of the type of home you want, need, and that fits the aesthetic you’ve dreamt of while still offering surprising elements

Without novelty in your final design, the true joy of designing your own custom home in New Jersey will be difficult to achieve.

Constructing or renovating a house in newly developed or settled residential zones provides a chance to deviate from conventional ideas of residential architecture and design a living space that embodies your preferred lifestyle.

In What Ways Can Homeowners Benefit From Novelty In Custom Home Design?

To really connect with your dream home, your design will need to include elements that make spending time in your home extra special.

For example, we catered to the needs of an Italian client living in the US who longed for home. To achieve this, we focused on European window solutions that could not only be strategically placed, they could also be strategically maneuvered.

By installing fully tiltable European-style windows with operable shutters , we were able to deliver a final window design that allowed the client to bask in the sunshine and fully embrace the beauty of light in the way she wanted.

Did the client include this request in her initial brief? No. But once she heard our ideas, she trusted us to move forward with our plan — resulting in one of her favorite additions to the house!

We’ve also adapted a design to suit a young client's love for the sky and allow them to go to bed looking at the stars. Our architects designed tall windows on the second floor of the building, providing a perfect view from the bedroom without the need for skylights.

Similar to our Italian client, this client also didn’t include this request in their brief. Instead, our team was able to make this design suggestion based on what we knew they would enjoy and after that, sign-off for the concept was easy!

How Can I Tell If My Architect Understands The Importance Of Novelty In Home Design?

Often, project owners hire architects who promise outstanding designs, but only have enough experience to fulfill minimum standards.

As some homeowners have learned the hard way, architectural qualifications and certifications alone are not enough to build a custom home that works for you — experience and design approach are just as important.

This is why it’s vital to thoroughly research your architect and ensure their previous experience is at the level you’re seeking.

To do this, we suggest:

Finding someone who shows that they are really interested in and listening to your wants and needs.
Analyzing your potential architect’s portfolio and ensuring they can talk you through their design decisions for each property — if they’ve added unique novelty elements, what was their reasoning?
Choosing an architect who is passionate about architectural design in general, not just specific styles (after all, custom home building should be unique to you!)
Only speaking with architects that offer a discovery phase (aka an introductory call) as standard — a great architect is one who works to understand your specific vision from day one!

If you are lucky enough to find an architect with a proven track record in exceptional design, here are some additional things to keep in mind:

Ensure the projects they have delivered for previous clients were within scope, i.e. do they know how to surpass expectations while still respecting the boundaries of your brief?
Only hire architects who understand that “novelty” doesn’t mean adding in extravagant features for the sake of it — all design additions should be logical and beneficial for the client
Make sure your architect isn’t one to compromise on quality or cut corners in other areas of their design to allow for luxurious details

Assess (during a free consultation or discovery call) whether your architect is known for delivering custom homes tailored to you , or tailored to their own style/personal interests.

The Importance of Novelty in Home Design

It's important to recognize that architecture is not just about technical design; it's a human exchange. Novelty has the power to transform boring spaces into extraordinary ones, creating an emotional connection between the homeowner and their home.

While most architects can meet a basic brief, it takes years of experience, effective communication, and strategic thinking to deliver designs that really resonate with homeowners and their families.

To have a successful design, your architect must understand human connection. Sweebe Architecture has a process dedicated to this.

Turning the ordinary into the extraordinary

The right architect will have the ability to turn the ordinary into the extraordinary through their creative vision and expertise. Not only should they be able to capture design details that inexperienced architects will likely overlook, they should be able to transform unassuming environments into spaces you long to spend time in.

By carefully considering every detail, from the layout and materials to the lighting and aesthetics, a high-level architect will have the power to take a simple structure and balance functionality, beauty, and innovation — without adding any stress or complexity to your design journey.

Whether it's a residential home, a commercial building, or a public space, experienced architects have the skills to seamlessly transform ordinary concepts into extraordinary realities.

The Sweebe Architecture approach: nurturing novelty in your custom home design

At Sweebe Architecture, we believe homes can become more than just structures; they can be a source of personal expression and even daily inspiration.

Following a m eticulous process to incorporate a sense of novelty into every aspect of our client’s journey, we want our clients to feel connected to their home’s design throughout each stage of the building process.

How do we achieve this? For us, it’s simple.

Step 1. Listen to and understand the homeowner

To appreciate the true value of novelty in home design, we must first understand the homeowner's perspective. Even though meeting basic requirements is essential, overlooking the potential for novelty can lead to missed opportunities.

This is why our personalized approach is based on:

A project discovery phase that centers around active listening and asking questions based on our experience as custom home builders
Investigating your personal experiences and pain points as a client
Exploring concepts that address both your current needs and future aspirations
Positioning ourselves at your level and engaging with you on an emotional and practical level
Ensuring we work closely as a team to align our design vision during the design and building process

Step 2. Meet expectations first, then allow creativity to flow

At Sweebe Architecture, designing a custom home in New Jersey always means meeting the homeowner’s expectations first and then focusing on the finer details.

As clients, if your basic needs aren’t met, the additional elements we add won’t matter as much. This is why part of our process involves:

Always designing for you, not our egos or desire to expand our portfolios in a certain way
Maintaining consistent communication with you to ensure your personal preferences and style remain visible
Adhering to building codes , regulations, and budget constraints without compromising on design quality

Step 3. Focus on balancing expectations and surprise

One of the challenges of incorporating novelty into home design is striking the right balance between client expectations and surprise. While clients often have specific preferences and expectations, a dream home is one that still manages to surprise clients.

That said, it’s important to remember that due to the nature of building codes and permits, as architects, surprising our clients doesn’t mean adding design elements without their consent.

Instead, before the construction phase begins, we’ll provide you with a final set of architectural drawings and other comprehensive documentation to keep you informed at every step.

The surprise? Finally getting to experience design elements in your own home that look great on paper, but in person, add something truly special to your life.

How to Unlock Your Dream Vision With Sweebe Architecture

As this article highlights, building a custom home in New Jersey shouldn’t just be about fulfilling your basic requirements; it should be an opportunity to create something beyond what standard home design can offer.

As experts in full-service architectural and interior design services for major home remodels and residential new builds, we’ve come to the realization that a “dream” home is one you feel happy in.

This is why we encourage our clients to never accept mediocrity. Instead, we want to guide you towards a custom home that meets requirements only an experienced architect focused on the ‘bigger picture’ can see.

To experience this realization for yourself, book a discovery call with Sweebe Architecture today and start your journey toward a custom home that captures the essence of the life you should be living.

The Top 5 Expenses When Building A Home In New Jersey

Wed, 06 Dec 2023 21:46:51 GMT

Building your dream home in New Jersey is an exciting journey, but also expensive. For many, building a home will be the most money they have ever spent.

This can be scary. And sometimes the costs can be unexpected, which makes it scarier.

It's best to understand the costs involved in the project before starting, to avoid any surprises along the way. After all, you want your custom home in New Jersey to reflect your unique style and cater to your specific needs.

If you’ve ever found yourself asking: “What is the most expensive part of building a home?” — our team is here to offer our insights!

Cost 1: Quality and Quantity

When building your dream home, quality and quantity can play the biggest role in determining your expenses.

So, what do we mean by this? There are two main categories that fall under this.

Size and scope:

The size and scope of your project is one of the baselines in determining the cost of your New Jersey home build or addition.

From framing and roofing to plumbing and HVAC systems — the bigger the home, the more materials and labor you'll need.

But don’t worry, once you’re aware of the costs to look out for—and with a good architect at your side—it’ll be easier to keep them in check.

Tip: Let's not forget that whether you’re building up or out can also impact your final costs. Building upward can save you money compared to digging out a foundation to build outward, horizontally, especially if you already have an existing home — but it’s also important not to compromise on the type of home you really need for the sake of budget. This is why having an experienced architect on hand will help provide clarity on what you truly need, for a fair price!

Construction type:

The type of construction you choose can also have an impact on your budget.

Stick framing is often considered ‘budget-friendly,’ while masonry and steel can cost a bit more due to their skilled labor and heavy equipment requirements.

However, it’s important to always discuss with your architect the best construction type for your custom home build before setting your sights on one option. Delivering the type of home you want is where the true value of your home will come in, and an expert architect in New Jersey will be happy to discuss this further.

Cost 2: Foundation and Excavation

Ready to dig a little deeper into your budget?

Your home's foundation and excavation work are the backbone of a project. That said, there’s a lot to consider with foundation and excavation costs.

When you are calculating foundation and excavation costs, you need to consider two main things: where you are building and the foundation type you select.

Where you build/soil typ e

Hilly Areas, which indicate underlying rock formations, such as Cedar Grove, NJ, can make excavation expensive due to terrain and soil type.

In areas with shallow topsoil you will need to dig through bedrock, which is way slower and more expensive than digging through softer types of soil.

Really soft soil types, like sand, will also make things more difficult and expensive. Typically softer soils will need specific foundations, which increases the cost. We’ll go over the foundation types in the next section.

To manage your excavation and foundation costs, we recommend you:

Conduct a thorough site analysis before building commences
Understand the geographical characteristics of the land your team will be working on
Work with a local architect who is familiar with the challenges of your terrain

Flooding can also be a concern in some parts of New Jersey, which is why some homeowners opt for lowering costs through installation of a crawl space instead of a full basement.

Foundation type

There are many different types of foundations and they all have different benefits and drawbacks. They all also have different price points.

Sometimes you aren’t able to choose one of the cheaper options.

Full basement foundations (especially in New Jersey) may also demand additional materials and labor costs — but if a homeowner knows that a full basement would add to their quality of life, that’s a cost they’ll need to be willing to accept.

Tip: From understanding soil types to optimizing every square foot, partnering with a local and experienced architect will help keep your home and construction costs within budget!

Cost 3: Plumbing

Hiring skilled professionals is crucial to ensuring everything in your new home flows, especially when it comes to plumbing.

In some parts of New Jersey, plumbers may also double as heating specialists or experts with steam or hydronic heating systems, as both require extensive pipe work.

However, even without these additional skills, it’s important to remember that plumbing costs include more than just fitting pipes and installing bathrooms.

Your plumbing budget will also need to account for:

Equipment purchasing
Fixtures
Radiators
Labor costs
Unforeseen challenges / project amendments

Tip: An experienced architect might be familiar with the basics of contract work, such as plumbing, ventilation, or even your new electrical system. However, they must work closely with your other contractors as early as possible to anticipate potential challenges and save money later. From discussing the pros and cons of cheaper HVAC systems to ensuring electrical hook ups are in the right place, collaboration at the design stage is essential.

Cost 4: Finishes

Choosing what finishes you want for your custom home can be an exciting part of the design phase, but it can also be overwhelming.

With so much choice and variation, it’s vital to have a professional eye on board to help you select the right finishes for your home…and for your budget!

What are finishes? In the interior of a home, this includes flooring, trim work, tile, built-in millwork / cabinets, counter tops, wallpaper, hardware, plumbing fixtures, and lighting fixtures. On the exterior of a home, finishes would include roofing, trim, and siding.

Roofing:

Of all the costs associated with your home, roofing might seem like a pretty set cost. But when we talk about roof materials such as asphalt, metal, or natural slate — this choice alone can significantly impact your costs.

And let's not forget the size and design of your roof. A more complex roofline or unique features can affect the overall expenses too.

Flooring:

Whether you choose hardwood, tile, carpet, or laminate — each option will come with its pros and cons …including cost!

To ensure your flooring costs don’t overrun, we recommend:

Speaking with your architect about the size of your space and the intricacy of installation before talking to a flooring specialist
Ensuring your design team is making all the right provisions in terms of preparing the ground for your ideal flooring
Discussing which types of flooring might suit your needs both functionally and aesthetically
Asking if your architect also offers interior design services to help streamline/integrate your costs more effectively

Custom interior finishes and additions:

Custom finishes can add a lot to your home, but they might also add to your bill.

Work with your architect and other contractors to choose finishes that align with your vision and budget from the start — they should know how far you’re willing to stretch your budget and where the line needs to be drawn.

Some interior finishes and additions that commonly cause budgets to expand include:

Custom cabinetry
Luxury interior finishing details, e.g. a kitchen countertop
Lighting design
Built-in features, e.g. storage and alcoves

Cost 5: Windows

Windows are more than just glass; they're a vital architectural feature that enhances your home's appearance and functionality — or at least they should be!

While low-quality windows and doors can be a tempting option for those on a budget, long-lasting durability and top-tier functionality are always the best option for your custom home build.

For example, vinyl windows might be tempting for their low maintenance and cost. However, they may lose their charm over time due to expanding and contracting with temperature changes. Wood windows, on the other hand, offer durability and insulation — but may also incur additional costs in the future for maintenance.

Which option you choose will come down to your needs as a homeowner, but for those looking for better quality and the possibility of custom shapes and sizes, wood is definitely the way to go!

Tip: For many of our New Jersey clients, custom windows have made all the difference to their enjoyment of their final design. View our portfolio here to gain a better understanding of the type of residential projects we work on.

Ensure your custom build or addition in New Jersey aligns with your budget

Building a custom home in New Jersey can be daunting, but the process can be much easier once you know what to expect.

From knowing the main costs to understanding the importance of communicating effectively with your design team, we hope this article has provided clarity and confidence.

At Sweebe Architecture, we provide full-service architectural and interior design services for major home renovations and remodels, new home builds, and other related projects in the New Jersey area.

Because of this, we have extensive knowledge and expertise in navigating the local building process and regulations, as well as in managing costs effectively.

Take control of your new dream home with a team that’s dedicated to understanding your vision and needs, and will make sure you understand the costs every step of the way..

From concept to completion, we build homes that bring families closer together. To learn more about our services, book a discovery meeting today.

What You Should and Shouldn’t Expect from a Top New Jersey Architectural Firm

Mon, 30 Oct 2023 18:07:30 GMT

The success of a construction project can be highly dependent on the relationship between a homeowner and their architect. Even top architecture firms in New Jersey may face difficulty in achieving exceptional outcomes when you lack trust, clarity, and confidence in their skills.

If you’ve never worked with architecture firms before, you might be unsure about what to expect from them. However, having a clear understanding of what to expect from your architect before the project begins can help ensure a smoother process.

Our residential architects and design experts are available to share their knowledge with you, so you can ask the right questions about your new construction project and make sure your expectations as the project owner are clear.

In this article, you’ll learn:

The importance of managing your expectations as a project owner
What to expect from your architect
What NOT to expect from your architect
How to mitigate project risks and manage your expectations
How Sweebe delivers exceptional designs across New Jersey

Manage Your Expectations as a Homeowner

When hiring a leading architecture firm in New Jersey, it's important to have a clear understanding of their role and dispel any misconceptions.

For your design to reach its full potential, your initial project goals will need to be realistic.

This is why managing your expectations as a project owner is critical to any functional and rewarding relationship between you and your architect. The more you understand their role in your project, the more seamlessly your architectural design can come together.

When you and your architect work together effectively, misunderstandings, delays, and partnership failures can be avoided, bringing your design goals to life.

From remodeling a kitchen to building a brand new custom home in NJ, you want to know that your built environment is something you and your architect are on the same page about from the start.

8 Things to Expect from a Professional New Jersey Architect

When building custom homes in New Jersey, top architecture firms will want to exceed your expectations at every level. Generally, we do this by taking your design brief and elevating it wherever possible using innovative processes and sustainable design techniques.

With the right choice of firm, you can expect to benefit from:

Exceptional service
Elevated results
Custom design that’s functional, aesthetic, and celebrates design excellence

But aside from a full range of customized design solutions, what should project owners expect on a deeper level?

When working with residential architects, having clear expectations can improve your project's outcome.

You can expect your architect to:

1. Have a professional workflow

A professional architect usually follows a strict workflow to ensure the design process is organized and efficient.

They will usually start by:

Understanding your needs as a client
Evaluating if their skills are a good fit for your project
Analyzing the site
Assessing the feasibility of the project
Drafting a project scope description that meets your requirements and budget; this is also called a project program.

An experienced architect won’t provide you with comprehensive architectural drawings, or a complete design solution until they completely understand your needs. This might involve your architect requesting additional discovery meetings or feasibility studies before drawings are completed.

In this case, be patient. A great architect wants to have everyone set up for success from the beginning as best at possible — saving you time and money in the long run!

2. Have great communication skills

Architects have a unique language and approach that clients may find a bit different. That said, an experienced architect should still have excellent communication skills and be happy to clarify any terminology you’re unfamiliar with.

To help streamline communication with your architect, we suggest:

Setting a clear communication plan with your architect, i.e., how and when would you prefer to be contacted? Who should be kept in the loop?
Ensuring communication boundaries are well-defined, e.g., are evening/weekend calls off limits for either of you?
Always being honest with your architect if you’re unclear about something

3. Regularly request your agreement on key factors

Following on from the previous point, it’s important to remember that clarity, understanding and agreement are key components of a successful design project. Before signing a contract for architectural services, your architect will need to know exactly what they're working with and working toward.

This is why top architectural firms in New Jersey often request your agreement in areas such as:

Construction budget
Project scope
Design function/purpose
Non-negotiable design features

4. Be reluctant to work with a pre-determined design solution

In most cases, architects prefer to formulate design solutions from scratch rather than relying on your design solution or even one from another architect.

Sweebe Architecture's founder and lead architect Mike Sweebe notes that this is not because architects are “prima donnas and want to own the design.”

Instead, it’s because:

Architects train for several years in advanced architectural design practices
Experienced architects strive to formulate solutions free from design flaws from the beginning
An architect will best understand their own designs, and as a result, will be able to optimize their processes throughout your project
Architects create solutions to problems you might not even know to exist — which is why it’s always best to trust their expertise wholly and from a clean slate at the onset.

5. Give an estimated timeline that sounds longer than you’d hoped

A skilled architect will give you a timeline that is reasonable and commensurate with the amount of work that goes into solving the caliber of your project challenge.

They won’t give you a truncated time schedule just to win your work. At least, it would not be wise to do so.

Any top architectural firm in New Jersey aims to steer clear of promising high-quality work in an impractical timeline and will try to account for any unanticipated setbacks.

6. Send a quote that sounds larger than you’d hoped

Experienced architecture firms will always estimate the potential construction cost of your project backed by sound data and will calculate their design fee fairly and appropriately. However, with inflation impacting the cost of building materials and architect expenses rising, it’s not unusual for your architect's quote, both for construction costs and their fees, to be higher than you’d expected.

While it can be discouraging to receive a quote exceeding your expectations, it's crucial to remember that excellence in architectural and interior design carries a price.

So, instead of immediately rejecting the quote, we suggest taking a closer look at what the architect is offering and asking yourself:

Are they using high-quality materials?
Are they partnered with high-quality builders?
Do they offer additional services or expertise that other architects may not provide?
Will my costs be reduced in the long term with less risk of issues down the line?

7. Provide support, empathy, and a willingness to advocate for your build

Capable of offering sympathy and support throughout project challenges, a great architect will understand that building or remodeling a home can be a stressful time.

This is why a high-level architect will do their best to alleviate your stress and advocate for your design on your behalf whenever possible.

Examples of this include:

Representing you in discussions with local building authorities and Boards and Commissions (zoning, planning, historic) to ensure your project complies with codes and regulations
Defending your design against unfair urban planning or community objections
Providing guidance on selecting the right materials and finishes for your project
Offering regular progress updates
Addressing queries or concerns in a timely manner
Being proactive in identifying potential issues that may arise
Finding solutions to mitigate risks before they become bigger problems

8. Convey confidence in their own abilities

During construction, a good architect should feel confident in making recommendations that will ultimately improve the overall outcome of your project.

Confidence is crucial for architects to lead and bring your vision to life with the highest quality.

Tip: If you’ve already reviewed your firm’s professional portfolio and determined that their previous projects meet your expectations, this is where trust comes in. Top architectural firms in New Jersey are known as the best architects in your area for a reason.

What NOT to Expect When Working with a New Jersey Architect

Once you know what your architect is responsible for, it's crucial to recognize what tasks are not included in their services.

While architects possess valuable skills that aid in the design and construction process, there are some limitations to what they can deliver.

For a top architectural firm in New Jersey, it’s good not to expect your architect:

1. To provide a design solution during the initial consultation phase

The initial consultation phase is an opportunity for you and your architect to discuss needs, goals, and expectations. It is not the time to develop a design solution.

During this phase, architects are primarily focused on gathering information and understanding the bigger picture of your project.

This helps them determine:

Project scope
Project feasibility
The level of services required
If they’re a good match for your needs

2. To validate your own design elements or solution

During the consultation phase, your architect will provide expertise and recommendations based on their own experience. While a great architect will value open discussions and innovative concepts from almost any angle, it's crucial to trust your architect's vision, knowledge, and skills when you hire them.

Creating a residential or urban design solution requires careful planning and extensive knowledge of previous projects. This is why top Jersey architectural firms can only guarantee that their personal solutions to your brief are feasible, functional, and aesthetic.

3. To negotiate a lower construction budget or design fee

Your architect's role is to develop a design solution that meets your requirements and budget, not to negotiate a lower construction budget with you. That said, a great architect will always be open to hearing any concerns you may have regarding costs.

All we ask is that you:

Raise these concerns during the initial consultation phases
Are aware of the type of construction costs your architect sees on projects
Are transparent about any cash flow issues
Are forthright at the onset about your needs the project will address
Don’t undervalue the expertise and quality of top architectural firms

4. To negotiate a lower construction cost estimate with your contractor

Although architects can offer insights into construction costs and industry expertise, negotiating with contractors is beyond the scope of their services.

If hiring any contractor, it’s up to you to negotiate a fair price for their services, directly with them. That said, based on any project size/scope, the best contractors already know how much materials cost, know how much they need to pay their crews and sub-contractors, and what percentage they will take for profit and overhead. In the end, an excellent building process comes at a fair and healthy price, with not much room for bartering.

In both the architecture and building industries, the old adage ‘you get what you pay for,’ is an extremely popular chorus.

5. To be responsible for the performance and schedules of third-party consultants or collaborators

Just as an architect is not accountable for costs of contracts outside their own firm, they are also not responsible for the quality of work provided by individual contractors.

While an architect can provide guidance and recommendations, they do not have direct control over outside parties and cannot guarantee their performance or schedules.

6. To have knowledge of ‘if and when’ building material prices will go down

Just like with any other commodity, the price of building materials are subject to market fluctuations and factors outside your architect’s control.

While an architect might be able to keep you informed of general trends in the industry, predominantly limited to the projects they are working on, they cannot guarantee that prices will decrease or even remain the same.

7. To provide any services that are ‘architectural hearsay’

When building a home in New Jersey, it's common to ask family, friends, and neighbors for advice. However, it's important to remember that their experiences with architectural firms may not be the same as yours.

Getting advice from professionals like realtors, lenders, or contractors can still lead to misunderstandings about the services you'll get.

To avoid this, it's important to communicate directly with your architect. If you're uncertain about a specific service they offer, don't hesitate to ask them for clarification.

Conversely, make sure all the services you expect—in your mind—that your architect will provide, they DO provide. It is time lost to have a consult, or several, with an architect only to find out later they don’t do mother-daughter (2-family) dwellings, for example.

This way, you can establish a clear understanding of what to expect from them and ensure any misconceptions you have are cleared up.

Tip: Even if someone you know has previously collaborated with your chosen architect, it’s important to remember that their project was different from yours. A professional architect will approach your project with a fresh perspective and may adapt their process accordingly.

How To Mitigate Project Risks And Manage Your Expectations

With any major project, there is always a risk of disappointment. However, there are ways to mitigate these risks and manage your expectations more effectively.

To achieve desired results, it's crucial to familiarize yourself with your architect's work beforehand and rely on their experience.This can be done by reviewing their portfolio and references and asking questions about their design approach and process .

We also recommend that you:

Keep an open line of communication with your architect, but refrain from ‘micromanaging’ the project
Trust your architect to perform as promised
Ensure you understand the full scope of your architect’s expertise and services, e.g., do they also provide interior design services?

Finally, ensure that you and your architect have a relationship where you feel comfortable being honest with each other. This can be crucial for preventing misunderstandings and misaligned service expectations.

The Key to Success is in Managing Your Expectations from the Start

As you’ve learned in this article, ensuring a good relationship with your architect (and optimal results for your remodel or build!) isn’t just about hiring a firm with an extensive portfolio and hoping for the best.

It’s also about managing your expectations as a project owner and ensuring you’re both on the same page about your project… before construction begins.

Armed with the knowledge of what to expect from a professional architect in New Jersey, you can now align your vision of a ‘dream home’ with your architect’s services and feel more confident asking the right questions moving forward.

At Sweebe Architecture, we always begin our process with a discovery call to discuss your design goals and make sure we're a good fit for your project. This helps us to clarify your objectives and exceed your expectations.

With an extensive portfolio of both traditional and modern design styles, we’re well-equipped to adapt our skills to meet your needs…once we know what we’re working with!

To book a discovery call with our team of architects and design professionals, simply contact us or follow this link.

Understanding Municipal Zoning Regulations

Mon, 30 Oct 2023 18:07:22 GMT

Before you can start building or remodeling a residential property in New Jersey, you’ll need to make sure your design meets municipal zoning regulations.

While your architect will help you navigate through New Jersey zoning codes as the homeowner, it’s helpful to know a bit about them.

Why? Because ordinances will dictate a lot about what you can and cannot build. It’s helpful to know why they are developed and how they might impact your proposed development sooner rather than later.

In this blog, you can expect to learn:

All about municipal zoning regulations and their purpose
How zoning regulations can impact your residential project
How to ensure your project is compliant with zoning regulations
Recent zoning changes in Montclair for residential buildings
How Sweebe Architecture approaches the zoning approval process

What Are Municipal Zoning Regulations and What Purpose Do They Serve?

Zoning regulations are important laws that govern land use in New Jersey.

Unlike the codes that govern a construction permit (which you can read about here ), zoning regulations determine everything from who can live on a property to what type of residential buildings can be built.

Zoning laws also play a role in the development and remodeling process. For example, they may need to be considered when:

Altering the height or width of a property
Modifying the exterior of a building
Building multifamily units or office space
Adding additional buildings
Building a carport
Adjusting yard setback

What is the Point of Zoning Regulations?

There are a variety of reasons for zoning regulations — most of which can be linked to logic from many decades ago.

According to Raphael Fischler, author of ‘ Zoning, A Guide for 21st-Century Planning ,’ there are 6 main reasons for the introduction of zoning regulations:

Protecting landowners from danger and nuisances — to ensure healthier living in designated areas e.g., zoning regulations might specify that factories need to be kept on the outskirts of a town
Preserving identity — to ensure enough distance between properties
Protecting property value — to help preserve the value of real estate e.g., in the face of new development or to protect the tax base of municipalities
Maintaining beauty — to make sure planning decisions serve a whole municipality, not just individuals
Protecting nature — to combat the density of urban areas e.g., adding greenspace to suburban areas
Delegating power — to give municipal authorities more power over their own locality

While several of these pillars are still relevant today, changes to society have made other reasons outdated and, frankly, frustrating for homeowners and developers.

For example, the impact of having residential properties situated close to factories is now more commonly associated with the "visual eyesore" aspect of the industry, rather than health concerns.

We don’t feel that the zoning regulations always champion the needs of our modern society. Changes are being made to the zoning laws, but too slowly.

How Can Zoning Regulations Impact My New Jersey Build or Remodel?

If you are an applicant looking to meet zoning requirements for a single-family home, the good news is that you will probably have an easier time than a commercial property developer.

That said, just how straightforward the process is can depend on:

Local law (specific to certain zoning districts or your municipality)
Your specific neighborhood
Your proposed or existing property line/boundaries
The number and type of properties adjacent to yours (or even close by!)
Your appointed zoning officer or governing body
The type of property you want to build (this will include everything from building height to proposed use)

The ease with which your case is dealt with can also depend on its presentation. Especially when your application is heard in front of your local zoning board of adjustment — it’s essential for your application to be fully complete (and organized!) to avoid wasting anyone’s time.

Sweebe Definition: The Board of Adjustment is a group of citizens appointed by a local governing body to handle public hearings and hold power over granting variances .

The Impact of New Jersey Zoning Codes on Family Homes

Zoning regulations in New Jersey can significantly impact how you want to use your home. Here are just some examples of the potential impacts:

In Montclair, NJ, single-family homes are usually restricted to two and a half stories, which could limit future property changes and development options.
Expanding or constructing new builds on New Jersey residential properties can be limited based on property line setback requirements. This can affect your ability as a homeowner to expand your living space.
New Jersey zoning laws may prevent certain individuals from residing on a property defined as a single-family residence, including family members residing in accessory structures.

In order to fully understand how the zoning ordinance will impact your specific project, you will need to talk to an architect about your needs and context of your property.

Are Zoning Laws Hard to Follow?

Contrary to how it can feel, zoning ordinances aren’t in place to trip you up intentionally or make your life difficult. However, due to reliance, resolution, and precedent set on historic situations that may be moot as applicable to current-day situations — they can cause issues if you’re not prepared.

That said, once you know why you want to build or remodel a residential property, zoning approval will largely depend on how much others view your project as a “nuisance.”

Should local interest groups and residents take issue with your build, you’ll need to be prepared to argue your case. Not confident in this area? Our advice is to appoint a representative, like an architect, who is!

As well as being able to explain the services being rendered on your plot and the full scope of your building project, you might be required to argue details such as the physical bulk of your building and how you intend to use the building.

From being able to pin down the exact square footage to knowing whether site grading will be required — knowing your project inside-and-out will be an essential part of defending it, should you find yourself at the Board of Adjustment hearing.

Tips For Anticipating Potential Zoning Challenges

In many cases, red flags associated with zoning can be easily identified by project owners with the right level of research.

This research can include:

Communicating with your local township authorities before making assumptions about zoning for your particular property
Speaking to property owners in the area to uncover any potential risk factors (or nay-sayers)
Keep up to date with local zoning law changes, amendments, or new resolutions.
Being clear from the start about the intended purpose of your build or remodel

Note: Remember that zoning approvals will also incur fees , so be sure to ask your local planning department for more information on these fees before proceeding and pay on time to avoid additional delays in your application.

The Role of an Architect in the Zoning Application Process

In order for your zoning application to tick all the boxes and be lawfully permitted, you should have a reliable architect on hand as early as possible to help manage any changes that need to be made to your application.

Well-versed in dealing with municipal officials and community interest groups, a good architect can make amendments as needed to satisfy most aspects of your build.

The great thing about hiring a local New Jersey architect is that we will be able to find solutions to local challenges and already know the local area.

How Can I Ensure My Project Is Compliant With Zoning Regulations?

In New Jersey, a good first step is to investigate your local zoning districts and land use ordinance maps. While a reputable architecture firm in your area will already be well-versed in local zoning, it’s always good to be familiar with this type of research as a project owner.

It’s also important to remember that zoning regulations vary from town to town, and even from block to block. Never assume that one set of town laws also applies to your area — do your research within your locality, even if it means having to contact your town planners directly.

Our main advice is to always be fully transparent about your build with your architect and construction team.

The only thing worse than not achieving zoning approval is gaining approval and then having to make costly changes later because you weren’t clear on what the project was intended to be. If you are clear from the start with your architect about the type of home you want to build, they will be better able to follow the law and make this happen.

Our second bit of advice is to never try to do work without getting the right approvals first.

If you decide to make changes to your property without first obtaining approval, be aware that penalties can be involved. For example, if you build without a permit, and it’s later found that the structure did not comply with local building codes, you could face heavy fines and penalties.

Recent Zoning Changes in Montclair for Residential Buildings

Especially relevant for current New Jersey homeowners looking to renovate or expand their homes, it is always good to check if zoning laws have changed since the last time you looked into renovating your home.

For example, a recent amendment to the Montclair zoning ordinance centers around the permitted use of an ‘accessory building’ on a single-family property, for use as a dwelling unit.

Before this amendment, a single-family property could only have ONE family occupying the property. This meant that only detached garages, pool houses, sheds, art studios, etc. could be built, and no one was allowed to sleep or cook there.

Tip: While zoning amendments can sometimes be welcome news for homeowners, other amendments can create problems. This is why reviewing the most recent information available before moving forward with your project is crucial.

Streamline Your Zoning Approval With the Help of Sweebe Architecture

Zoning regulations are essential for ensuring that your remodel, renovation, or new build is compliant with town laws. In this blog post, we have covered the basics of New Jersey zoning regulations and how to be more prepared for your application.

At Sweebe Architecture, we can help support the zoning approval process by handling the necessary paperwork associated with relevant permits and representing our clients in front of zoning boards and other governing bodies.

We also provide guidance on how to leverage zoning regulations to optimize project outcomes and achieve your design goals. With Sweebe Architecture, you can trust that your project will be in good hands from start to finish!

With an extensive portfolio of residential properties and a process that involves getting to the root of your design needs, we’re perfectly positioned to make your dream residential home a reality. Specializing in major home renovations and residential builds in the New Jersey area, we design homes that bring your family closer together.

To see what we can do for you, feel free to reach out to our team. As a full-service architecture and interior design firm in New Jersey, we have every aspect of your build under control. Contact us today to schedule a Discovery Call!

How to Design a Home That You Love

Fri, 09 Jun 2023 19:46:31 GMT

One of the main keys to designing a home that you love? Designing a home that solves your problems and fits your needs.

The problem is it can be hard to sort your wants from your needs. When designing your dream home, you can easily get caught up in the wants.

To help, we’re here with our tips on what to consider when designing a home that will work for you now, and in the future.

In this blog post you can expect insights on:

Defining the function of your property
How an architect can work with you to understand your needs
The risks of not openly communicating with your architect
How to anticipate your future needs as a homeowner

How to Define the Function of Your Home

When it comes to the question of ‘what to consider when designing a home,’ our first step when designing a home is always to speak with the people that will be using the space most—you and your family.

As obvious as it sounds, it is very easy to get caught up in creating an open floor plan or getting a good square footage without actually talking about how your new home design really should work.

While it’s always good to have ideas about your home in terms of how it will look, it’s just as important to focus on how your home design will work in practice. At its core, defining the function intended purpose of your property means considering not only what you “like,” but also what you and your family members “need.”

Here are three things to keep in mind when defining the function of your home.

1. A Room’s Function Is About More Than Its Name

Just because a room is called a living room doesn’t mean you need to limit yourself to a couch, chairs, and a coffee table.

To evaluate your own home’s practical needs, ask yourself:

Who in your home currently benefits most from your design inclusions?
Will anything in your current design brief make anyone in your home uncomfortable, e.g. glass staircases, lack of privacy in the shower?
Who will be responsible for maintaining the home — will any of your design additions make this task harder?
How timeless or versatile are your current design plans?
How safe and secure will your space feel for everyone that lives there?
Are you prioritizing sleek modern design when ‘cozy and comfortable’ might be more in keeping with your use of the space?

As much as we will always respect your final brief and your personal preferences, we also want to make sure you won't regret certain design decisions later!

2. Balance Adult Spaces With Child-Friendly Environments

Already have children, or maybe you're planning on it? If so, the function and practicality of your design will need even greater consideration.

You will want to create rooms with a floor plan that fits the needs of your kids. You also will need to create spaces and rooms that are safe for your children.

Take living rooms and kitchens as an example. A low-level wine rack or shelving area can scream “jungle gym” to a toddler.

While evaluating your ‘perfect house’ from a child’s perspective is important, you also need to balance it with your needs. Maybe you need to include an adult sanctuary or a large master bedroom.

Balance is the name of the game with kids and adults living in the same space.

3. A Good Architect Can Get Your Design Needs Right

At Sweebe, we follow a unique design and development process.

Before we even think about getting any of your house plans or sketches down on paper (or are even officially hired by contract as your architect!) we work to determine your needs as soon as possible.

To do this we:

Establish your project “wish list” for all spaces that need to be developed or improved (this will involve a lot of thinking on your part, but don’t worry, we can help guide you with some ideas!)
Identify your complete project scope by getting you to answer questions that will define the overall parameters of your project
Carry out a pre-consult — this usually consists of a few Zoom calls (an hour each) during which we try to gain a deeper understanding of your project needs as a whole

Good Communication Leads to Great Designs

As New Jersey architects, our mission is to help homeowners balance functionality and aesthetics in their design. With our experience and expertise, it’s easy for us to make something look as good as possible while still meeting the practical needs of you and your family members.

However, what we can’t do as architects is mind read (as much as we wish we could!). This is why we always try to communicate effectively with you and understand what your property needs to do before we put pen to paper.

At Sweebe, we help our clients determine the function of their property by:

1. Helping You Understand Your Pain Points

As strange as it sounds, architects LOVE hearing complaints about your lifestyle and home. This is how we grasp what your needs are and what kind of design solutions we can come up with to improve your quality of living spaces and daily life.

During our initial design phases, we often ask our clients to make a note of anything about their current living situation that irritates them.

For example:

Do you struggle with storage/lack of storage rooms?
Are you frustrated by how well you can hear people walking around upstairs?
Could you use an extra countertop beside the cooker?
Do you wish there was a separate laundry room?
Do you find your current home difficult to maintain/clean?

2. Aligning Your Taste To Work For Everyone

As mentioned earlier, we believe great design involves ensuring everyone that lives in a property feels comfortable with how that home looks, feels, and functions.

This is why we like to investigate the likes and dislikes of our clients and evaluate what elements of their style preferences can match the lifestyle they want to lead.

For example, if one of our clients expresses an interest in the glamour of a Victorian-style living room but their partner loves the modern feel of open living spaces, we will work to find a middle ground that works for all.

Even if your dream Victorian parlor room ends up being a little more scaled back, the most important thing is that your final design works as a whole (while still ticking all of your boxes!).

3. Establishing Your Realistic Design Needs

At Sweebe, we love a client with ambition. However, as your architect, we’ll always do our best to ensure your design concepts are realistic from the start.

This is why throughout the process, we’ll be sure to use our expertise and prior experience to guide you on what works and what doesn’t.

For example, many of our clients automatically see a roof deck in a property and request to see it in our design plans. However, they might later come to us requesting that the roof deck be removed because actually, an office or child’s bedroom would be a better use of the space for them.

From the start, we’ll work closely with you to ensure every design feature you want to be added is one you’ve considered at more than just face value.

Risks Of Not Communicating Well With Your Architect

On some occasions, we’ve even been brought on board as an architecture team to remedy the failures of other firms.

Because of this, we know all too well the risks associated with not providing your architect with enough information before important aspects of your construction are initiated.

If you don’t effectively communicate your design wishes with your architect, you’re at risk of:

Your architect misinterpreting your vision
Not optimizing your design because you assume something isn’t viable
Ending up with a design you’ll want to change
Not getting the most out of your investment

Your architect’s aim is to take your initial design concept and use their expertise to adapt and elevate it wherever possible. To do this, they’ll need to understand how you see your ideal home and make it work at all levels.

Whether this involves natural light at the top of a staircase or a dining room with space to host a large dinner party — your architect should understand every minute detail of what you want in a new house in order to create a design that also fits what you need .

Tip: As architects, we also love to hear ideas that in a ‘dream scenario’ you’d love, but maybe don’t think are possible in a New Jersey home.

From fitting a swimming pool into a space you think is too small or adding additional areas such as a yoga studio , laundry room or outdoor play area — it’s always better to allow your architect to at least try giving you the house plan you really want.

Plan for Your Future Needs

One of the biggest challenges many of our New Jersey clients face is deciding on a plan for their home that will also lend itself to their future. Because nobody knows what the future holds, it’s difficult to anticipate details like how many bedrooms your current house just might need to function in a few years.

However, even though it’s not always possible to know how all the different rooms in your home will need to work for you as time passes, it is possible to consider how agile your home’s design is.

When our clients ask about what to consider when designing a home, we always say that solid design can also be flexible.

From a luxury family home to a structure built purely for leisure, it’s always good to consider how adaptable your layouts and structural plans are. For example, if you’re thinking about expanding your family in a few years, it’s good to consider if your attic space is tall enough to be converted into another bedroom. Or how about suitable insulation levels in a basement you might want to turn into a leisure space?

What you need from your property is likely to change in the future — it’s just a case of deciding whether to account for those changes now or later.

How to Anticipate The Needs Of Prospective Buyers

When designing a home in New Jersey, it’s also good to consider the resale value of your property if you don’t see yourself living there long-term. As great as it is to have interior spaces that reflect your taste, it’s also important to consider how future home buyers might view your home.

For family homes we know our clients plan on living in for many years to come, we always encourage them to ensure their final design is something they love spending time in, and that will enhance their quality of life.

However, if our clients mention plans to sell their home at any point — we’ll make a point of using our experience to raise questions about whether the resale value of your property and future costs will be impacted by your specifications. Going back to that Victorian-style parlor room or open floor plan, will prospective buyers be able to insert themselves into your vision?

Home Design That Suits Your Current And Future Needs

From evaluating floor plans and room alignment to room sizes and ensuring there’s space for growing families or elderly parents, designing a house can mean looking at the whole project first and working your way backwards.

This is why at Sweebe, we use our extensive experience and specialist knowledge to help guide you where it really matters.

At Sweebe, we don’t just specialize in full-service architectural and interior design services, we also specialize in optimizing the benefits of your space and ensuring the properties we build are the right ones for you.

To get started with your project, it’s just a case of reaching out to our expert team. We’d love to hear from you!

How to Design a Home That’s Both Luxurious and Family-Friendly

Fri, 09 Jun 2023 19:46:30 GMT

When it comes to family-friendly home design, many homeowners automatically assume this means letting go of their sense of style or luxury. However, with the right architect and interior design team, this doesn’t have to be the case.

From an opulent guest room to an all-inclusive kitchen of dreams, no matter what your heart wants, a family-friendly home doesn't mean you have to sacrifice design details.

Even for homeowners without children, so many people hold off on designing their dream home because they’re not sure how their needs will change in the future. But why wait for something you could be enjoying now?

But how exactly can you balance luxurious details and family-friendly features in one cohesive design?

Whether it's a dining room with a chandelier as its focal point or a bedroom that leads out onto a balcony, the idea that family homes can't have these features is a myth we believe needs to be dispelled.

In this blog post you can expect to learn:

How to define what “luxury” means to you
How to effectively balance luxury features and functionality
Design considerations when you have (or plan to have) children
Sweebe’s approach to custom home design for your family

Defining What “Luxury” Means to You

The term “luxury” can mean something different to everyone. This is why it’s important to always take a step back and determine what luxury means to you, before your architect puts pen to paper.

But where should you start?

Instead of thinking about luxury in the way society defines it, follow the lead of Sweebe’s lead architect and founder and view luxury as “something that takes you out of your everyday life.”

Triggered by anything that enriches your life — luxury should feel expansive, valuable, captivating, comfortable, and memorable.

From technology that makes your day easier to a kitchen that showcases your love of food, your sense of luxury can be completely personal to you.

With this thinking, while luxurious details can still include physical objects and indulgent rooms, designing a luxury home becomes more about creating a space that caters to your lifestyle and enhances your life.

Who Should Benefit From The Feeling Of Luxury?

With more shared rooms and communal living areas than in a typical ‘bachelor pad’ or single-person household, family homes need to have flexible spaces that suit everyone.

However, the great thing about luxury or custom design is that you can still prioritize yourself, without negatively impacting others in your home.

With the right design support, it’s entirely feasible to craft the home you’ve always wanted, while still ensuring function and comfort for your whole family.

How Luxury and Family-Friendly Design Can Be Combined

As mentioned, even though a family home will need to lend itself to a design that’s more accessible for everyone, this doesn’t mean you can’t introduce a feeling of extravagance or splendor to your home.

For example, if luxury means ‘opulence and comfort’ to you, design features that carry these traits can also be family-friendly.

From a family room that doubles as a sophisticated media room to kids rooms complete with a bay window overlooking your garden — it just takes a little consideration for how others in your home can also benefit from a feeling of luxury.

Key Ways to Incorporate Luxury into Your Family Home

With New Jersey land prices and the cost of building materials appearing unpredictable, getting your build right from the start is essential. This is why researching an experienced local architectural firm to deliver the ‘kid-friendly’, but still ‘design-forward’ home you really want is a great first step.

At Sweebe Architecture, we believe that design excellence is about more than just building aesthetic and functional buildings. We believe it’s about helping you achieve the life you’ve always wanted.

Whether it’s designing a refined office that might someday become a play room or planning flexible rooms that can go from ‘adult dining area’ to ‘craft room’ in an instant — the right architect will ensure all aspects of your design work for your needs.

Some of our favorite ways to make luxury designs more adaptable for families include:

Adding a ‘games nook’ to a living area where parents, teens, and younger kids can spend time playing board games (instead of the TV being the only source of entertainment)
Incorporating cozy areas where family members can sit and be alone, or choose to enjoy each other’s company
Creating open, but still separate areas that can accommodate the needs of both adults and children, e.g. an area to hang out more privately, without being completely cut off from adult supervision
Adding a ‘ mud room ’ or designated room for laundry
Making considerations about future home additions such as attic or basement conversions
Luxurious home additions that serve to enrich your life as a family, e.g. a library room or an outdoor jacuzzi
Ensuring features such as a home theater system have hidden speakers and clever style features to allow your room to also serve other functions

Balance Design And Practicality

When it comes to design excellence, functionality should always be a key consideration. However, this doesn’t mean it should take away from good design.

For example, if you want furniture such as a custom dining table or a sofa that makes a statement in a room — this is still possible in a ‘family-friendly’ home. It’s just a case of choosing fabric and materials that are a little easier to clean and less likely to cause conflict in an environment with children.

The same goes for storage space. You can still find ways to add storage for kids’ toys and clothing without compromising the design aesthetic you’re looking for. It’s just a case of speaking with your designer about balancing function, form, and the overall style you want your home to have.

To balance aesthetics with your more practical needs, we suggest you consider:

Hidden storage options, e.g. under the stairs
Designing rooms that can initially be used for storage but might turn into a large pantry or utility area as your family grows
Having ‘fun’ spaces that enable your children to enjoy their home, without impacting other, more polished spaces
Researching the paint/wallpaper you’re using for durability and cleanability
Not bringing luxury into kids rooms

Tip: If you want to install a gym or vanity room in your home, it’s also good to consider the structural elements in these spaces. Rooms will always be easier to adapt in the future if there’s less need for knocking down walls or removing built-in features.

Safety Considerations When You Have Children

Even though it’s still very possible to achieve your ‘dream home’ when there are children in the picture, there are still some design considerations to take on board.

From safety to practicality, part of what makes your house a home is ensuring a child can feel secure and at ease in their environment.

Some simple but effective ways to make your home more child-friendly include:

Avoiding glass/chrome surfaces that might be vulnerable to ‘sticky fingers’ and fingerprints
Using expensive materials strategically — for example, marble might be best suited to countertops or as an accent in a bathroom
Taking safety precautions into account — balconies will require safety railings and pools may also require a fence or other safety measures.
Avoiding sharp edges where possible, e.g. sharp corners on kitchen islands and worktops
Taking height into consideration — children should be able to reach what’s important, but not what’s dangerous!
Door placement — kids love to swing doors open, so make sure they won’t cause damage in the process
Protecting floors with large area rugs — replaceable, but still stylish!

With just a few simple design considerations, you can enjoy the feeling of a nice home, while also being conscious of the reality of having children. Especially with the support of a great architect, you can create the space you want , and the space your family needs .

Luxury Homes Can Be For Families

At Sweebe, we believe you deserve only the best from your home’s design. This is why we’re so motivated about making luxury designs work for families all across New Jersey and beyond.

Specializing in major home renovations and remodels in areas such as Montclair, Verona, Glen Ridge, North Caldwell, and much more — we ensure your new home is one everyone can enjoy.

With a full-service team of architects and interior designers, we’re on hand to ensure your home is where you feel most comfortable.

Whether it’s just you, you and your pet, or a multi-generational family living in one place — we want your entire space to feel like a home built for everyone to enjoy.

Our unique process also ensures no detail of your project is overlooked. Working with you to understand your complete design vision, we’re known all across Northern New Jersey for developing properties that exceed everyone’s expectations.

With us, you don’t ever have to sacrifice style for function. You can have both!

To learn more about the type of properties we work on, view our portfolio or contact a member of our expert team today.

We don’t just build family homes; we create properties that enhance your quality of life.

What to Expect From the Zoning Approval Process in New Jersey

Fri, 09 Jun 2023 19:46:17 GMT

If you are planning a custom home build or New Jersey home remodel, you might not know that before building work can start, a zoning review is needed.

While most project owners are excited to get started, the nature of building means that there will always be some important steps to follow before you can start new construction or remodel existing structures.

A zoning review in New Jersey is a common step in the construction process, but you would be surprised how many people don't know what it is all about. Focused on making sure you are following New Jersey zoning ordinances, the zoning review process in New Jersey can be confusing and overwhelming if you don’t have the right team for support.

To help make your zoning review less of a headache, we are here with our expert insights to improve your chances of getting approval sooner rather than later and streamline the process.

In this blog post you can expect to learn:

What the zoning review process is
What steps are involved to obtaining zoning approval in New Jersey
The role an architect plays in the zoning review process
What to do if your design is denied approval
Who poses the biggest risks to your project's approval
Tips for a successful zoning review submission

What Is the Zoning Review Process?

Anyone that has tried to build or renovate a property in New Jersey will have come across the zoning review process. A process that (understandably!) can confuse prospective or current homeowners, a zoning review is an essential part of building compliance.

For both new structures and home additions, a zoning review involves the review of your planned project to ensure it complies with multiple New Jersey zoning ordinances.

Isn’t a Zoning Review the Same as a Building Permit?

Before you submit your project for zoning approval, it is important to note that a zoning review is not the same as a building permit.

Even though a zoning review is part of the building permit process and will need to be approved before your permit is granted, the zoning review is an entire process with its own steps and fees .

Building permits refer to the document required to authorize the commencement of your build and ensure it aligns with local building codes and regulations. A zoning review is an individual process that looks at your project's legal and public interest factors.

While both a building permit and a zoning review in New Jersey serve to identify issues with compliance and ensure your project meets all the state and local building code requirements, the zoning review phase is where objections to your proposed plans are most likely to arise.

What Are the Steps of a Zoning Review in New Jersey?

What Happens if a Zoning Review Isn't Approved?

With an experienced architecture firm on your side from the start, it’s generally our goal to design a home that flies through the zoning review with no concerns.

If at any point you are denied your requested design, your architect will be presented with insights into what concerns your design presents and will be given time to adapt the design accordingly.

If you ever need to re-do your design to gain approval from the zoning office, you will need to resubmit the amended design to the zoning office. An experienced architect will be well-versed in this process.

A full zoning review generally follows the following 4 steps.

Step 1: Submission to the Zoning Office

The first step of a zoning review and the construction permit are the same. Your contractor will fill out the permit application at the construction office. The construction office will get the permit application submitted by your contractor entered into their system. The construction office will then forward the application to the zoning office for their review.

In general, the zoning office will be reviewing:

Information relating to the intended function or purpose for your structure
Information relating to the project owners
The scope of the work being carried out (this will include general attributes of the proposal, namely mass, forms, dimensions of the build, and their conformity with the regulations.)
Full architectural drawings and documentation (these will also be made available to members of the public as part of the public notification process)

Step 2: Zoning office review

The zoning officer will review the designs and make sure they are in compliance with the zoning laws. If there are no problems, the zoning office will let you and the construction office know, and you will submit your application to the construction office for permitting.

Step 3: Hearing

If the designs aren’t in compliance, then you will either need to change your design and resubmit to the zoning office or apply for a variance .

This should include a public hearing process for zoning issues and/or approvals from the appropriate departments.

At the hearing, your architect will have the chance to argue on your behalf for a variance to the zoning ordinances.

To grant a variance, the zoning board needs to be convinced that NOT granting the variance would be a continuation of a burden to your life, which the variance will alleviate.

The zoning board also needs to be convinced that your proposal will not be a public nuisance. This is why the public has been invited to the hearing, as their well-being and right to live in a neighborhood should not be compromised by a new nuisance that you might be creating.

The required approvals will depend on the build and how it doesn’t follow local rules and regulations. We will discuss the approvals you could need soon.

Step 4: Approval or Denial

If you successfully convince the officials that your need is a real one, then they will allow the variance and you can submit your application to the construction office for permitting.

If you are unable to convince them, then you will either need to work with your architect to re-do your designs (and resubmit to the zoning office for approval) or end your project.

What Are the Types of Approvals Required?

While the types of approvals required for your project will depend on the nature of your build, some common approvals in the state of New Jersey include town approvals from:

Municipal historic board(s)
Zoning board
Engineering department (to check for stormwater management needs)
County regulatory agencies (but this is usually only needed if your design requires amendments)

Because a denial from even one of these departments can impact the timing and cost of your construction, it’s important to determine which approvals your project will require as soon as possible. A reputable architecture firm will be able to assist with this.

What is an Architect’s Role in the Zoning Review Process?

The first role your architect will have in the zoning review process is helping you avoid the whole thing.

As architects, it is always our job to help you design a home that will sail through the zoning department without extra approvals. So, we first try to make sure your design follows all of the NJ zoning ordinances.

Why? Because when you request a variance, you have to have a clear and honest need for it. The city won’t approve something just because you want it.

Also, the whole thing is a long and drawn-out process. We’d like to get you your dream home as soon as possible.

At Sweebe Architecture, we say that “a bad architect usually means a bad process” — so try getting it right from the start to ensure your review process runs a lot more smoothly!

In the case of a zoning review, your architect can act as an agent for you as the project owner.

Heavily involved in processes such as presenting your project to the town and defending the architectural plans, your architect will ultimately help ensure your design is:

Safe
Compliant with NJ zoning ordinances
In keeping with the local environment

At any point, your architect can be asked to clarify certain aspects of your property specifications and design drawings.

In a public hearing, your architect will act a bit like your lawyer and defend your project and need to the city and your neighbors.

Note: A new law implemented across New Jersey in January 2023 aims to expedite the construction permit process and building inspection times. While this law won’t impact all development projects and permit requirements, it is a step in the right direction for New Jersey construction.

Who Poses the Biggest Risks to Zoning Approval?

As mentioned above, most zoning reviews that result in denial can be rectified with the right architect. However, there are some risks to be aware of that fall outside your architect’s control.

For example, public involvement can be hugely influential during the zoning review process in New Jersey. During zoning approval and community affairs, the voice of your local town can have significant impact.

In most cases, public involvement with your project will become apparent during public hearings at the town hall. During these public reviews of your plan, the public will be given an opportunity to go on record to note any concerns they have about your proposal.

While the public can be anyone residing in the municipality, it’s generally neighbors (those living within a 200-foot radius of your property) that present at these hearings.

Note: Neighbors close to your property and who will be most heavily impacted by your construction will be directly notified of the time and date of your public hearing.

What Are Some Common Objections During a New Jersey Zoning Review?

While several factors can influence the zoning review process in New Jersey, some common concerns that arise include:

Not being in compliance with the zoning ordinance, such as the size/bulk of the proposal exceeding the limits outlined in the ordinance
Unapproved use and occupancy type of the building
Deficient parking accommodation on the property
Deficient storm water management on the property
Creating what the public views as a nuisance

3 Tips For An Effective Zoning Review in New Jersey

Here are three tips for giving your design the best chance of running smoothly through the zoning review in New Jersey.

Tip 1: Hire a Great Architect

Our first tip is to hire a great architect that can align your design needs with New Jersey zoning ordinances and the individual approvals.

To ensure you select the right architect for this purpose:

Review their portfolio and ensure their previous work matches the scope of your project
Consider Sweebe Architecture, a local architect with knowledge of your area
Inquire about their prior experience with zoning reviews in New Jersey
Ensure your architect is a good communicator — this is vital for keeping third parties happy throughout the process!

Tip 2: Keep Your Neighbors “Sweet”

For your zoning review to gain approval, it can also be a good idea to interact with your neighbors before submitting your application. This will help you get advanced warning of any objections that might occur.

While we’re not saying you need to bake cookies for everyone in your neighborhood. Just strike up a conversation with them and understand where they stand.

Tip 3: Understand Your Position as Project Owner

During the building permit and zoning review process, you’ll be able to lean on your architect and development team for support. But, it’s also important to recognize your position as project owner.

As project owner, it falls on you to:

Heed the advice of your architect if they feel certain aspects of your plan aren’t realistically viable
Pay attention to project deadlines and don’t leave everything on the shoulders of your contractors (unless they say otherwise!)
Maintain good communication with your architect and be conscious that some changes might be needed to your budget/timeline depending on amendments needed
Be patient! This process can take a while.

How Sweebe Architecture Can Help Streamline Your Zoning Review

At Sweebe Architecture, we specialize in providing full-service architectural and interior design services for major home renovations and remodels. Experienced in getting the design details you need over the line with local authorities, we deliver functional, forward-thinking properties that celebrate design excellence at every level.

If brought on board from the beginning, we can help ensure your initial plans are perfected with a process we’ve designed specifically to ensure no detail is ever overlooked.

From handling your local zoning officer or construction official to helping your final inspection run more smoothly, we offer more than just great architecture and designs.

With over 30 years of experience and successful projects delivered all across New Jersey and beyond, we’re ready to take on our next design challenge. Could it be your project?

Get in touch with our team today to get started!

Who Do Architects Work With on a Design Project? Let’s Meet the Team.

Fri, 09 Jun 2023 19:46:03 GMT

As architects and interior designers, our process involves working with several different people daily to make your project a success.

From planning your project to completing it on time, there will be many key players when building or remodeling a home in New Jersey. And we know it can be hard to keep track of them all!

Your main contact on your project will be your architect, but it can be helpful to know the whole team.

From construction site interactions to collaborating on specialized design elements, knowing who to expect on your project will help you understand the process better.

That’s why in this blog post, we’ll be covering the following:

The client and their role
The typical contractors architects work with
How design teams and contractors work together
Necessary input from local authorities
Methods for helping the entire project team visualize the final design
How Sweebe Architecture manages your project

Let’s get started.

Who could work on your project?

Wondering what roles are involved in making your design vision a reality? Even though there can be some variation, the main people involved in your home build or remodel will be:

You, the client
The design team
Contractors
Engineers
Local authorities
Property surveyor

It’s also important not to overlook those with smaller roles in your project. They can include lenders or even those carrying out on-site checks. Every person with a part to play in your New Jersey home build or remodel is crucial to keep your project moving.

1. The Client

As the client, you’re typically the person responsible for commissioning the work. This means your first task will usually be to help your architect define their design brief and scope of the project.

This process often involves your architect asking targeted questions to tease out the information they need to plan your design. A skilled architecture and design team will extract this information during discovery and development meetings — so don’t worry if you don’t have a complete vision at this stage!

It also falls on the client to know what services their architect offers. Even though reading articles with the title “Who Do Architects Work With?” is a GREAT start, each architectural firm in NJ will have a different approach to their integrated services and the people they work with.

Your top job will be to communicate everything with your architect—what you like and don’t like, what you need, if you are unhappy with something during the process, etc.

The architect will have a vision for the project, but YOUR vision is important for the architect to understand and support.

Why is good communication with my architect so important?

For the most part, having a good line of communication with your architect throughout all phases of a home build is crucial for ensuring your final construction plans match your needs and wants.

If you don’t tell your architect that you want something changed, they won’ t know how to change it. And you will have to live with that for the rest of your time in that home—or pay to have it changed later.

What does good client communication look like?

At Sweebe Architecture, we offer regular site visits as standard. This is to ensure your home build or remodel in NJ runs as smoothly as possible. With regular site visits, we can maintain better control over managing your expectations as a client and ensure you’re kept up to date on any issues that occur.

For example, even after we prepare construction drawings and provide you with a cost estimate, there are still areas your architectural team won’t be able to control. This can include areas such as the cost of building materials, local code regulations, or even installing upgraded electrical systems!

Even though these issues fall outside of our control, they can significantly impact the progress of your construction project, and your overall budget. This is why it’s always important for your architect to be aware of issues as they occur.

Additionally, one of your main jobs as the client is to speak up if you have any concerns or don’t like where your project is heading. A professional architect will always prefer to hear a client’s opinion while something can still be done about it. So, if there’s something you’re unsure about, make sure to let your architect know.

Tip: When researching architectural and design firms to build or remodel your home, always consider the benefits of companies that offer more than one service. At Sweebe Architecture, because we offer both architectural and interior design services across NJ, our teams are experts in coming together to solve construction issues faster and more cost-effectively.

2. Contractors, Engineers, and Design Teams

When it comes to the question ‘who do architects work with?’, most architects and reputable design teams will have a network of trusted partners they’ve worked with before. However, if you have specific contractors already in mind, your design team should be able to evaluate whether or not they are a good fit for the project at hand.

From building contractors to interior design experts, we all need to work together. This is why at Sweebe Architecture, we will come to you with an in-house team of architects and interior design experts for your home build project.

With the ability to work effectively on everything big and small on a home remodeling, renovation, or new build project, our team is well-versed in virtually all aspects of exterior aesthetic and interior spaces. With additional knowledge of construction methods and home styling, we’ll be able to advise on almost all aspects of your build—whether we’re directly involved or not!

Outside of our in-house architecture and design services, just some examples of partners architects typically work with include:

General contractors and their team of carpenters and millworkers
Engineers (more on this below!)
Sub-contractors, such as masons, plumbers, electricians, heating and cooling experts (HVAC)
Environmental experts (incl. energy rating professionals)
Land surveyors
Landscape architects (most common for projects that involve a flow between indoor and outdoor spaces)
Interior decorators (or niche interior design experts)

What type of engineers do most architects work with?

We might be biased, but in our experience, New Jersey has a great selection of engineers. Especially for projects in areas such as Montclair, Verona, Glen Ridge, North Caldwell, Wayne, and more—the network of partners we’ve built up knows exactly how our team works and the level of perfection we strive for.

But what type of engineers do architects work with most?

For most architectural firms specializing in large projects, it’s common to work with:

Structural engineers
Geotechnical engineers
Environmental engineers
Sanitary engineers
Mechanical engineers
Stormwater experts
Site Planners and traffic experts

While not all of these engineers will be relevant for your house build or remodel in NJ, your architect needs to be familiar with the services of each.

Tip: Some of these engineering services might be offered in-house by architectural firms—Sweebe Architecture provides its own structural engineering—but in many cases, they’re outsourced. In this case, an experienced architect will be able to spot the signs of a bad engineer early on. This is why it’s important to always trust the judgment of your architect. If they say someone you’ve hired is a bad fit for the team — they may need to go!

Wondering how to select the best contractors for your project?

Architects always produce their best work when working with a team they know they can rely on, and everyone is comfortable with how everyone works. This is why asking your architect about their network of partners can be useful. Especially if they’re from the local area, they’ve likely built up a list of contacts they’ve worked with before.

If this is not possible and you need to handle construction bidding yourself, we recommend:

Researching and verifying the credentials of all contractors (not just general contractors)
Ensuring their skills match the scope of the work being carried out
Investigating their familiarity with the local area
Asking if they are familiar with your architect’s process (e.g., are they familiar with computer-aided design and can work with an architect’s drawings?)
What type of sites and projects have they worked on before?
Are they fully accredited? (e.g., electrical systems and plumbing will require a fully accredited contractor before a project can be signed off)
Are they experienced in working with architects on both exterior and interior architecture?

3. Local Authorities

In New Jersey, permitting will be required for most new construction or home addition renovation projects. This will involve heavy involvement from your local New Jersey construction office and building code enforcement offices .

Permitting officials play a crucial role — without their approval, you can’t start work on your home build.

In many cases, all town departments having jurisdiction will be involved with the review of your project. These departments include planning and zoning, historic commission, and town engineering, in addition to the construction office. Each department’s official will go over the information and drawings provided by your architect, listen to you (as well as other interested parties e.g. neighbors, in the case of a public hearing), and make sure your project meets their standards, guidelines, and codes.

The interactions your architect has with local authorities may involve a lot of ‘back and forth’, with amendments to plans and drawings needing to be made at an official’s request.

This is why your architect should work closely during the planning and permitting stage with these officials. Whatever issues arise, your architect should be able to adapt the design accordingly.

4. Smaller Roles on Your Home Build: Property Surveyor and Lender

Before the initial design phase begins, Sweebe Architecture requires a copy of the legal land survey map of the property. This should include:

The name of the surveyor
The surveyor’s license number
The date the survey was conducted

While the property surveyor will only be on site for a short time, their role is very important.

Land surveys are used to analyze zoning and ensure your project is legal in terms of town regulations. Eventually, this survey will be incorporated into the construction drawings as a site plan for the town to review and approve.

Our Teams Come Together to Achieve Your Design Vision

When it comes to teams that work well together, the risk of project delays and additional costs is greatly reduced. This is because teams that work more cohesively together can find ways to resolve issues more efficiently and quicker.

With knowledge and skills sharing a key component of successful home builds and remodels, having an experienced team with a shared vision can be half the battle in making your project a success!

From the ability to prepare drawings, right down to knowledge of fire regulations, your entire team needs to balance the individual role they play in your final construction plans with their status as team members.

Things your architect can do to help all the team members work together better:

1. Include a discovery phase

From day one, without fully understanding the outcomes you want from your home build or remodel in New Jersey, and the budget you have to work with, your architect and their team will likely miss the mark. This is why a discovery phase is essential for your project's success.

During this initial phase, your architect can uncover what function your new spaces need to serve, what aesthetic they need to achieve, and the potential construction costs that are implied with your goals. This information can then be effectively communicated to the rest of the team.

Luckily, most experienced architecture and design firms will be experts at getting this message across on your behalf!

2. Utilize 2D and 3D rendering

2D and 3D rendering (as well as technical construction drawings and documentation) help keep projects on track. Providing a roadmap for your final design, 2D and 3D rendering goes one step further than the typical architect drawings.

For construction bids, 2D and 3D rendering are also hugely beneficial. With every contractor able to visualize your final construction or home addition, it becomes possible for further enhancements to be made based on the expert advice of individuals from different disciplines.

3. Understand the value of clear communication

When it comes to project management, clear communication is vital. Even arranging for relevant teams to visit construction sites simultaneously can require considerable organization. This is why having a project leader with great people skills is essential.

For example, the cost is just one key area where clear communication matters. Because an architect will only be able to work off rough estimates, it’s vital that all costs are effectively recorded and communicated throughout construction.

Depending on the size of the project, the particulars of the materials you want to order, and the volatility of material pricing, contractors can take anywhere from 6-10 weeks to gather all the information they need in order to provide you with an estimate of the project cost. Without delivering these estimates directly to your architect, your architect won’t know where they stand in terms of budget.

In short, when there are several outside contractors involved, always keep your architect in the loop, especially when the contractor feels the need to substitute materials that were specified on the architect’s drawings with different materials.

4. Offer project supervision as standard

Following on from the previous point, project management and supervision is an often overlooked part of architectural collaboration. As mentioned earlier, at Sweebe Architecture, we offer regular site visits as standard. However, not all architecture and design firms do.

Architecture is a Team Effort

This blog post has hopefully provided you with an overview of the different types of people that are involved in the construction or remodeling of a home in the New Jersey area (or beyond!).

Each of the individuals we mentioned has a critical role to play in ensuring your project is completed safely and on time. Even though an architect is an integral part of any home construction, the work they do is largely a team effort.

In understanding how your architect works with other individuals, and the type of services your chosen architect offers, it becomes possible to plan your design more effectively and even expand the scope of your project.

To help streamline this process and keep your home build or remodel in NJ on track, Sweebe Architecture is several steps ahead with a team of in-house architects, interior designers, and outside consultants that can bring your entire project to life.

At Sweebe Architecture, we specialize in architectural and interior design services for new builds and major home renovations in the Northern New Jersey area.

If you have a new build or major home remodel for us to take on, we’re always ready for our next challenge! So, get in touch with Sweebe Architecture today and start planning the home of your dreams.

Why You Need An Architect When Building a Home in New Jersey

Mon, 30 Jan 2023 16:45:00 GMT

New Jersey locals who know and love the area believe us when we say that we know what it takes to design and build a house in NJ. From deciding on a location to determining the square footage, there are a lot of big decisions to make regarding your custom home.

With New Jersey homeowners also having to contend with the rising cost of land, it’s even more important to know how to get creative with the total size of your home and design to optimize your living space.

Getting the most out of your space, while still achieving your design goals can take some work — but we know from experience that it’s always worth it in the end!

The good news, there’s help on hand to get your home to the standard you want. It’s just a case of knowing a little more about the professionals you’ll need to help achieve your goals.

That’s why in this article, you will learn:

What an architect does (including everything from planning stages to how they’ll approach your structure)
Why it’s important to know about the role of an architect
Why successful architecture is always a team effort
Some common misconceptions about an architect’s services
Why you should always trust the process

So, What Does An Architect Do?

When looking to build a custom home, most people know that an architect is usually brought on board to create design concepts. They might know we finalize a plan and create the construction documents for a property. We create a design that’s actually possible to build and will be safe to live in.

Clients might also be aware that some architects offer other services, such as interior design and landscape design. As a client, you might even hope that your architect will have connections to options for an electrical contractor or plumber. They’re in the industry after all, so why not?

What people sometimes don’t know is that there are full-service architectural firms specialized in delivering even more for their clients. While we can’t speak for all the architecture firms in the New Jersey area, there is a lot more to what an architect does for you.

Pre-Contract: Preliminary Consultation

When you first contact us, we take you through the preliminary consultation. During the preliminary consultation, we have 4 main steps:

Discovery Meeting
Confirmation of needs and construction costs
Final Proposal

During this consultation, we are trying to wrap our heads around your project.

The important thing to keep in mind during this stage is we are looking at “why” you need to build, rather than ‘what’ you need to build. . We will get into the “what” later. For now, we just focus on needs, for example, “I need more sleeping space.”

You can expect to talk with us about your current space, what’s wrong with it and what you need. Don’t expect to talk about the final design at all during this stage.

At the end of this consultation, you will get a proposal from us with all the details. You can expect to see our scope of work, which will tell you exactly what you will be paying us to do. You will see our fees, which will tell you how much you will be paying us for our services. You will also see what you are responsible for as project owner and what we are responsible for as architect. When you and we sign the contract, we are legally agreeing to our respective responsibilities.

Once we both sign the contract, then the fun begins.

Post Contract: Architectural design, interior design, and structural engineering

With every new home construction project, there will be multiple design elements to juggle, so finding a team who can manage several areas of your construction at once is a huge bonus!

As a full-service architecture and interior design firm, we develop a solution to your design challenge as one expert team. We do this by offering architectural design, interior design, and structural engineering – all under one roof!

Not only does this include everything that’s been outlined above, it also includes:

Technical Design drawings – including construction drawings, blueprints, prints, permit application drawings
Contractor Bidding assistance (especially in the New Jersey area)
Construction observation and Request for Information (RFI) responses throughout the construction stage of your project

Depending on the nature of your project, the contract can also include:

Municipal board approvals – zoning, planning, historic
Construction Administration

Why Should You Know What Your Architect Can Do?

For you and your architect to truly be on the same page, it’s vital to understand the full range of skills your architect has from the beginning of your home project. If they specialize in certain areas of design or structural engineering — it’s always good to know!

This helps set better parameters for just how far you can push your project, while ensuring that both you and your architect remain in full control over every aspect of your home project.

Your architect’s role is to find the best design solutions for you, so knowing the full extent of what they can offer will help you explore concepts you previously thought were impossible. It also helps your architect not feel obliged to offer solutions that don’t align with their expertise — you want an architect who has full confidence in their work, always.

Working with An Architect Is a Team Effort

To build or remodel a house in NJ that is practical, aesthetic, and in line with the budget and lifestyle you want — will take a team effort between you and your architect.

Good, open and ongoing communications and mutual respect between you and your architect definitely helps to streamline the process of designing and building a house in New Jersey. To help establish this relationship:

Be aware that a professional architect won’t simply stamp “OK” on a design that you’ve come up with — we need to know that every design we work on isn’t overlooking a vital step or crucial requirement you need to meet..
Speak up and be honest! Ensure that there’s an open and honest dialogue between you and your architect — if there’s something you don’t like, it’s better for us to hear about it sooner rather than later.
If you’re struggling to convey your vision or understand our vision, make sure that your architect knows this — we tend to be good at asking a lot of questions to draw out what people want and like, but we have to know if you’re struggling with the communication process. .
Avoid micromanaging your architect or their team — if you hire an architect that you trust, give them the space they need to bring their expertise to the table and work their magic.

What Are Some Common Misconceptions About Architectural Services?

We can’t speak for every architectural firm in New Jersey, but over the years, we have become aware of many common misconceptions about our services.

Here are 6 of the most common misconceptions we see. Knowing these ahead of time will help you to plan your project and what to expect when you contact an architect.

Misconception #1: An Architect Will Stamp Someone Else's Plans

Many architects, including ourselves, do not feel comfortable taking on designs they haven’t developed themselves. As highly-trained professionals with years of experience, we need to know that the home we’re taking responsibility for isn’t missing anything.

This is why it’s usually best to work from scratch wherever possible. This allows us to merge our skills and expertise with your ideas and needs, in a way we know actually works.

That said, if you have a plan that a professional architect or separate contractor created, this might still be something we can start with as a point of reference or inspiration. Similarly, if you have rough sketches that help you convey your vision — we’re happy to take this into account!

The issue we have is attempting to move forward with a plan we had no part in developing. As architects, we’re here to provide you with an original design created with you and for you, to the standards we know make the project attainable. This is how we can assure full control of your project and deliver the best possible final design.

At the very least, if we choose to accept a third party’s design concept and technical design drawings, we need time to vet what we receive. This ensures errors or omissions in those drawings are remedied and the project is made safe to build and occupy.

Misconception #2: An Architect Doesn't Do Any Interior Design

After working with us, many of our clients realize that architecture is a mixture of art, science, math, and engineering at its core. This technical side of architecture also applies to the interior design side of things (which is why we also offer it!).

For custom homes to truly be a success, all aspects of the design (both inside and out) must balance:

Functionality
Feasibility
Aesthetics
Safety

In NJ, it is a huge commitment to design and build a house, or take on a major home remodel, so we always want our clients to know that they’re in the best hands to bring together all the elements of their home project.

"The architectural services I provide include a more holistic approach, and this fundamentally includes interior design. With our focus and passion on the tactile surfaces and textures inside our houses that we come in contact with from day to day, means we design with a thorough understanding of finishes, fixtures, millwork, appliances, and carpentry. "

— Mike Sweebe, Owner and Director of Sweebe Architecture

Misconception #3: Architects Are Official Construction Cost Estimators

As we mentioned earlier, even though most architects will always do their best to provide you with an accurate estimate of overall cost, it's important to remember that architects are not official construction cost estimators.

Even though a full-service architecture firm will have more oversight of your budget throughout the design and building process, we don’t always have access to the details of labor and materials cost information that individual contractors have. This is mostly due to market fluctuations and changes in the cost of contractors and materials.

Still, if your architect is from the local area, they should have an advantage in helping you understand the official estimates you get from local contractors.

They’ll also be able to offer advice on rough costs for your NJ home project, along with insight into materials, fixtures, and finishing options and costs. At Sweebe Architecture, part of our base services includes helping you through the bidding process!

Keep in mind, when you sign a contract with an architect, there should be language in the contract stating the construction budget that you have established for the project. Specification of the budget gives the architect clear guidelines and limits to what they are to design. Though architects can help you estimate the cost of what you want to build, you are the main point-person keeping tabs on how much money is available for the project.

Misconception #4: Every Architect in New Jersey Will Work On Every Project

When it comes to architectural services, there’s a huge range of project types. Especially in the northern New Jersey area, commercial and residential properties come in all sizes. Further down the Jersey Shore, there’s even more variety to be found.

Good architects tend to have their own specialties, so factor this in when researching which ones to work with in New Jersey.

At Sweebe Architecture, we specialize in single-family residential projects, as well as larger projects that involve our broader team of colleagues to complete.

Sometimes we get requests for projects that aren’t suited to the structure of our firm. We don’t take on projects that we know we’re not the right fit for.

This is what allows us to do an even better job of the projects we do take on.

Misconception #5: Every Renovation Project Requires an Architect

In most cases, architectural services will be required for providing structural design. As well as general and custom project requirements, this includes, but is not limited to:

Framing and foundations
Changing the size or shape of a room
Adding or moving a door or window
Certifying that spaces are suitable for clearances around plumbing fixtures and equipment
Certifying a space is habitable (e.g., no smaller than 7x7 feet in plan and with a ceiling height of 7 feet for at least 50% of the code-required area.)

Other reasons might also include dealing with town zoning, planning, or permitting — but the ones mentioned above are the most common ones.

For projects that don’t involve any of the elements listed above, a team of builders or a general contractor might be enough to complete your New Jersey renovation project.

Just don’t forget to do your research first. Even a small job carried out by the wrong contractor can result in you needing an architect to remedy it.. so it’s always best to check first!

Tip: For unbiased information about whether or not you’ll need an architect, we recommend getting in touch with your local permitting department.

Misconception #6: Working With an Architect You Get Everything You Want, How You Want It

It’s not uncommon for people to come to us with unrealistic expectations about what an architect can do, how we do it, and how much it will cost. This is exactly why we always prioritize good client communication and trust from our first conversation.

As an architectural firm, we aim to create a home you will love. And that goes far beyond just the perfect-looking house.

To truly be in love with your house, you need it to be something that fits your lifestyle or the lifestyle you want. It also has to be something you can afford to build now and maintain in the future.

You should expect (and even want) your architect to challenge you on what you want. We focus on making sure your design works on all levels. You will want the professional team you work with to always be able to share their concerns about budget, use of space, materials selections, and more.

When Working With An Architect Trust the Process

A huge part of our job as an NJ custom home architect involves knowing how to interpret your taste and overall needs. We can then translate this into a final concept we know will work.

Home design is something we do because we’re passionate about it. We know the difference a carefully and beautifully-designed space makes for a family, and we are highly skilled and very good at doing just that. It will be to your benefit to trust that your architect can take on board what you want and will use their expertise to elevate it in all the right ways.

Your home is such an important aspect of your life. We hope this article highlights just how much weight a good architect places on this simple fact. By the end of your project, your architect will probably feel almost as connected to your home as you are.

Delivering the vision you have for your dream home takes more than good design skills. It involves everything from municipal paperwork to the more gritty on-site tasks you might not have even known your architect could handle!

Consider your architect like a partner you can trust with every aspect of your home design, and that’s always more achievable when you understand their role.

How Architecture and Interior Design Services Can Help

So, now that you know what we can do, maybe it’s time to find out how these skills can benefit you.

If you’re about to remodel or build a custom home in New Jersey, we’re currently taking on residential architecture and interior design projects all across northern NJ (including Montclair, Verona, Glen Ridge, West Orange, North Caldwell, Wayne and many more!)

Reach out via the form on our website and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible! Your new house in New Jersey awaits!

What It's Like to Work With a Professional Architect in New Jersey

Mon, 23 Jan 2023 16:30:01 GMT

From the early design phase to certificate of occupancy in-hand, working with an architect can feel like quite a journey. Not only do you need to trust them to develop a vision for your dream house, but a great build will be heavily dependent on your choice of architect.

From getting approval for your permit application, to ensuring your vision is delivered by your construction team, your architect will be heavily involved in supporting the home-building process. This is why choosing an architect (or architecture firm) with a good reputation is essential.

But what does working with your chosen New Jersey architect consist of? Our experts here at Sweebe Architecture are giving you their professional insights (plus a few extra tips for good measure!).

In this article you’ll learn:

What the process is like when working with a good architect
Why having a solid contract with a reliable architect from the start is so essential
Ways in which an architect will support your home design journey
Our key tips for helping your project run more smoothly

The Journey With Your Architect

Building a house is a team effort. This is why as specialists in residential architecture and interior design services, our first meeting with you will always revolve around getting a sense of your needs.

At first, it can feel overwhelming to have to articulate your ideas, but with over 30 years of experience, our team are experts in teasing out the details they need. From our very first kick-off meeting, you as the client will be at the center of your design — our experience just allows us to take your ideas and turn them into something that works better than you could have imagined!

We follow three main process phases.

The Discovery Phase
The Design Phase
The Delivery Phase

Here’s what you can expect from each phase.

The Discovery Phase

We follow three main steps during our discovery phase when providing services for a new build or home remodel project:

1. Exploration

Before we can start crafting a concept for your dream home, we need to understand your project requirements. We closely listen to you with the intent to understand your ultimate goals with how you want to live now, and in the future.

If you’re feeling especially creative during this stage, you can even create a mood board to share with your designer (don't worry, we can also work without one!).

The most important things for your design team to know are:

What you want your new spaces to be used for
How you want the spaces to feel, both practically and aesthetically
Any major likes/dislikes you have from researching other spaces
What kind of budget you’re thinking of allocating for the project

Tip: This stage will likely feel easier if your architect has good communication skills. This is why it can be good to look out for this particular trait when researching New Jersey architects.

2. Observation

After your initial consultation with a team member, we'll visit your family home (or plot of land) to get a better idea of your house project. Our main priority at this stage is to understand your full architectural and interior design requirements. This will involve discussions about your project's feasibility and potential obstacles.

For example, at this stage, it’s crucial that we both are aware of any town approval issues or general code issues that could delay the permitting phase later on. This might involve researching the quality of the soil on your property or reviewing potential approvals that you might need to procure from your local Planning Board or Zoning Board.

In New Jersey, local knowledge of construction administration and 'red tape' will save a lot of time and money later. Applying for a New Jersey building permit can be lengthy, but with the help of a reliable architect like us, you can get ahead of it!

3. Proposal

At the conclusion of a consultation, we will provide you with a proposal, outlining all of the main ideas and inclusions we’ve discussed.

Pro Tip: At the proposal stage, we'll also do our best to provide you with an initial construction cost estimate. We have a pretty good grip on what things cost with construction these days. That said, it's good for you to be wary of hiring architects or contractors who claim they can provide you with a polished number for total cost construction at the proposal stage, when nothing has been designed yet!

The Design Phase

After the discovery phase and after you hire us, you can expect the actual design phase to consist of:

1. Horizontal Design

Creating an excellent floor plan (and/or site plan) for your new house or remodel project is about having good flow between spaces. We love (LOVE!) this process because it allows us to flex our skills of spatial layout and optimization. Whatever activities you want your space to support, we want to capture it on paper before doing anything else.

To achieve this, we will be trying to balance:

Dynamics of pathways, walk-thrus, maneuverability, accessibility
Placement of items, equipment, structure (fireplaces, furnaces, refrigerators, etc.)
Spatial allowances for heating, plumbing, and other essential engineering systems
Window and door locations, quantities, and sizes (who doesn’t love big windows?!)
Natural lighting (who doesn’t love A TON?!)
Safety and building codes

2. Vertical Design

Getting a sense of how your home will look vertically is also something we will need to consider before moving on to anything else. Vertical Design includes creating concepts of interior finishes of walls, shelving, cabinetry, vanities, tiling, trim, surfaces, and all the textures you can get your hands on inside the house. Vertical Design also includes what the exterior of the house looks like, the siding, windows, rooflines, trim, and all the textures you can get your hands on (with help of a ladder in some areas).

If you’d like some inspiration, check out our Frederick project for an idea of how we approach vertical design (as you’ll see, we’re not afraid of a challenge!).

3. Financial Planning

Construction costs are always something that our clients typically want to know about as early as possible. This is why we dedicate an entire phase to ensuring that your budget is within the right range before building structural work begins. This will involve working with a trusted home contractor to provide an insight into the potential cost of building materials and cost estimates for labor.

Remember: Your architect can only ever estimate the cost of materials and generic cost for labor and contractor profit, but a cost estimation firm or a general contractor with local knowledge and years of experience will always have a good idea of the actual cost of specific project and the best ways to save money across entire projects.

The Delivery Phase

Once we have your horizontal and vertical concepts in-hand, and believe you understand the design inside and out, and you have a good grasp on what your project is going to look like in the end, we’ll jump to the next step, the delivery phase.

At Sweebe Architecture, our final delivery phase centers around:

1. Documentation

After your design concept has been finalized during the design phase, it might feel like the hardest part is over. Unfortunately, this is where the wrong choice of architect could become very apparent.

Once you’re happy with the final design and ready to move forward, our next job (and it’s a big one!) is to create detailed construction drawings for your build. These documents not only provide a blueprint of your new house for permitting purposes, they’ll also include details to help your contractors stay on track with the build and with your budget.

While most architects will be well-versed in which details to include in your construction drawings, some of the details that shouldn’t be overlooked include:

Building material choices
Dimensions
Structural engineering design and details
Insulation amounts and types
Weather-proofing
Window and door sizes
Handrails, guardrails, and stair sizes
Running plumbing pipes and HVAC ducts

To read more about completing a construction permit application in New Jersey, we have an entire blog post on the subject!

2. Facilitation

After we help get your final documents in order, we can then facilitate the bidding process. Because we primarily work in and around northern New Jersey, for us, this will involve gathering quotes from our trusted network of contractors. We can also work with a qualified builder of your choice, but expect us to be honest if they notice any issues with the quality of their work.

Then, once we’ve helped you select the contractor you want to hire from the field of bidders, your construction drawings can be submitted to the local authorities for the permit application.

However, before your application can get approval, we will need to be available to answer questions posed by the code official. This can include:

Clarifications and corrections (based on feedback from your building department)
Resubmittal (if required)
Final approval

Once your building permit is eventually approved, your build can finally start!

Don’t forget: Due to limited resources, town building departments in New Jersey often need additional time to process permit applications. This can result in your permit being granted 2-3 months out (even if there’s no corrections!). This is why having a reliable architect on hand to support this process is essential — you want to give your build the best chance of getting started as soon as possible.

3. Construction Observation

After your building permits have been approved and your construction is allowed to begin, your architect will still have a big job ahead of them. Construction observation, performed by the architect, will provide you the assurance that the design concept you approved is being constructed according to the construction plans.

As architects, we will need to be on-call during the construction phase in the event we need to respond to Requests For Information (RFIs) from your contractor or local construction office, to answer or clarify further questions relating to:

Design
Structure
Fixtures
Finishes
Materials
And much more!

How Long Does it Take to Build a Home in New Jersey?

The process of designing and building a new home or renovation in New Jersey will vary slightly from client to client, depending on the size of their project. However, in considering all the steps of a project—all of which needs to happen for any successful project—we see most projects average a year from starting with the design team to the last contractor drives off into the sunset when construction is done. The architect’s drawing time together with the time for town approvals averages half a year.

Certain ‘outside forces’ can impact our clients' timelines. Just some of these obstacles include supply chain issues, the changing cost of building materials, the availability of contractors, the over-extension of contractors, and the amount they need to pay for labor.

This is why it’s essential to have an open dialogue with us to ensure that solutions to your concerns are found as soon as possible. We want the design process to come together as quickly as possible and remain within budget!

Here Are Our 4 Top Tips for Making the Process As Smooth as Possible

Following our previous point, a smooth design process is about a lot more than just ironing out snags with estimated material costs and scheduling. To truly keep your project running smoothly, you’ll need to:

1. Trust the Process

You’re hiring an architecture and interior design firm to alleviate the stress and mystery of a new home build or renovation project — be sure to trust their expertise wherever possible. Even though designing your dream home will be a team effort from all involved (including you), the majority of the ‘stressful scenarios’ are for your professional team to iron out.

2. Stick to Your Core Themes

The best way to keep your home design running smoothly is to stay consistent with the core ideas you've established at the beginning. Even though it’s natural for your concepts to evolve and change as your design develops, it’s important to decide on some key goals that all contractors will know are important for your build.

3. Have a Good Communication Routine With Your Architect

Whether you prefer in-person meetings or virtual discussions — it’s vital to have a good communication and feedback routine with us. While any good architect will naturally provide updates on your project, having a set routine with scheduled calls or meetings is a good way to keep both parties organized.

4. Arrange Interior Design Services Early

At Sweebe Architecture, we also offer professional interior design services, but not all firms will. This is why if you still need to get interior design services lined up, it's crucial to get them involved as soon as possible! Decisions on finishes, fixtures, and equipment are always required for any project; don’t leave it all up to you or your contractor.

Architects and interior designers are one of the most important partnerships for your entire project, so if your architect doesn't offer these services, they'll hopefully have a good network of people they can call upon.

Working With An Architect Should Be Fun!

While working on site to complete a project with the client can be a great experience for many architects, for us, it’s typically the work that takes place behind the scenes that our clients are the most surprised and grateful for.

When you hire an architect, you won’t see them having internal design meetings, or sitting at their desk on the weekend to iron out the design, or responding to emails from town authorities.

This is the joy of working with an architect. You can focus on the vision and have fun with it!

Specializing in residential buildings and major home renovations, the quality of our work is something we’re extremely proud of (you can view our portfolio for previous examples of our work). At Sweebe Architecture, regardless of the existing conditions for your build, our design work incorporates our unique range of skills to bring you the complete life you want.

If you have a project in mind for us, we’re currently taking on new clients and would love to hear from you! Our founder Mike Sweebe is a fully-licensed and registered architect in New Jersey, New York, and Ohio with over 30 years of experience.

We’re always excited to see what kind of houses and buildings need our expertise — is your project next?

Applying for a New Jersey construction permit? Here's everything you need to know to get approval

Thu, 19 Jan 2023 19:02:48 GMT

Once you have secured your plot and hired someone to do the design work, the next step will be going through the permitting process. Without an approved permit, the construction of your project is not permitted to begin… and getting to this stage isn’t as easy as it sounds!

There are many parts of the permitting and plan review process. The very last step is you receiving the actual building permit. The permit is your ‘ticket’ to get through the gate, into ‘Construction Land’. While this isn’t the hardest part of this stage of your journey, it can still cause delays and stress.

One of the biggest challenges of a permit application is meeting the regulations and standards set out by your local authority. Every construction official will have different criteria (and fees!), and new buildings/remodels will come with their own risks.

This is why your building department will need to ensure that nothing is amiss before your contractors can get started.

The town’s review process during their permit application process can feel intense (especially for the architect!), but remember, it’s all happening for good reason. Not only do regulations help protect you from a bad investment, they also ensure that you as an owner will be safe in your new home.

To make the permit process feel less intimidating, we’re going to tell you all about the construction permit process. We’re also filling you in on how your architect can help you get through the process faster and easier, with expert insights we’ve gathered throughout the years.

In this article you’ll learn:

What a building/construction permit is
The difference between a plan review and a construction permit
The process of getting a permit and some common issues
Our tips on securing your permit faster
How your architect can help support the permit process

First Up, What Is a Construction Permit/Building Permit?

While researching building or construction permits, you might have noticed these two terms being used interchangeably. This is because it’s usually up to each town department to decide which word they use. Essentially though, the words mean the same thing.

The purpose of this permit is to evaluate the technical aspects of a new building design. It also helps ensure that your building complies with local, state, and national construction codes. Followed by a sometimes longer than expected wait, your application will either be approved or denied.

After your permit is issued to you, our local town building department officials will carry out inspections of the construction at milestones throughout the construction phase.

What Do Construction Permits Generally Consist Of?

Even though there will be different building permits for different projects, the New Jersey State Uniform Construction Code consists of four basic technical subcodes for construction.

They are:

Building
Electrical
Mechanical
Plumbing

In addition to state requirements, many local municipalities require additional permits for mechanical or HVAC.

Other project-specific subcodes will also apply, but in general, applications for construction permits should include information about:

The type of project you want to build (incl. its use-type; residential, business, public, etc.)
The exact location of the build on your property (incl. land quality/stability)
A description of the work being carried out (incl. details about the structure and infrastructure such as electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems)
Technical documents and calculations (incl. architectural drawings)
The total construction cost estimate of the build and breakdown of specific material costs usually related to plumbing, electrical and mechanical work.
Accessibility
A list of all those involved on the project and its construction (including the general contractor, or GC; all subcontractors, any engineer consultants involved, and the architect.)

Local bylaws can differ and will generally dictate what specific details need to be included in your New Jersey construction permit application. Your local authorities, local architecture firm, and your general contractor, will be able to advise further on this.

Plan Review vs Construction Permit

As the first step of the permitting process, your town building department will need to conduct a plan review.

A plan review is not the same thing as a construction permit.

A plan review determines compliance with building code and usually involves the building department conducting an in-depth inspection of your architect’s drawings. The building code includes things like fire-rating qualities of the building materials, proper amount of space around plumbing fixtures and walking paths to and through spaces, proper egress out of the house that includes emergency escape through properly-sized bedroom windows, and how stairs should be designed. The building code the town refers to is the building code your state adopted by law.

A construction permit is just the “okay” from your local building department to start the construction. Compared to other town approval steps, such as with planning, zoning, and historic commission reviews, requiring much more time and, often, public hearings, the construction official’s plan review process is much more straightforward, and in regard to safety and constructability.

The Process of Getting a Permit for your Construction project

When preparing for a New Jersey construction permit, your architect will play an important role in procurement of the permit. This is why it’s good to be aware of these three steps:

1 - Architect Prepares Drawings

“Blueprints” that your architect provides the building department with the permit application will enable the plan reviewers to understand and, ultimately, approve your new home project in New Jersey.

Technical design drawings also provide essential 'construction instructions' and a shopping list for your contractor. This is why it’s vital to give your architect enough time to complete their technical design drawings in full.

Because these drawings can take a lot of effort and concentration — it’s also important to not let other contractors pressure your architect into rushing this step. No general contractor likes their crews 'leaning on their shovels' waiting for the permit to be issued, so they can begin construction.

2 - Submit Application and Go Through the Plan Review

As part of your plan review, a construction official or building reviewer will check that all necessary documents have been provided.

Even though the actual issuing of the permit to build by the town is technically the 'last step' of your permit application process, the plan review step will have its own set of stages. These can include:

Clarifications and corrections (something your architect will have a heavy role in)
Resubmittal, if needed
Final approval

This stage could have a lot of back and forth between the building department and your architect. This is why when applying for a New Jersey construction permit, you want professionals (such as an experienced architecture firm) involved as early as possible to ensure the smooth inspection of your submitted permit.

Common Snags During the Construction Permit Process

While some people applying for a New Jersey construction permit won’t struggle through the final stages of their permit application, others will find that demanding addenda need to be made, or the construction office might cite pre-requisite approvals from town engineering, zoning, planning, or historic commissions are needed. In the latter case, sometimes an entirely new application might be required. And that, my friend, is a true buzz-kill!

The biggest reason for this is usually project owners trying to rush their applications through and not having the right professionals with the right set of eyes on the whole process to streamline the project.

Another common, yet simple, snag during the process for your New Jersey construction permit can be with items in the architect's technical drawings that are not in compliance with the construction standards and code. This is why, as mentioned, it's essential that you partner with a professional architect from the start.

Our Key Tips for Approval of Your Construction Permit

When you go through the construction permit process with us, we will be able to give you more tips for your exact situation. For now, our two main tips when applying for a New Jersey construction permit are simple but effective:

1 - Be Patient

It’s understandable to want your new building project to get off the ground as soon as possible, but remember not to rush the professionals you’ve partnered with. Especially when it comes to your architect, their work is an important part of perfecting your building or buildings, so trust their process as much as possible.

2 - Take Matters Into Your Own Hands to Speed Things Up

After submitting your permit application, it can feel like watching grass grow to receive final approval. In New Jersey, the state mandates that the permit office must issue the permit within 20 business days. However, most towns cannot meet this demand, and permits are often issued 2-3 months out.

Your best chance of getting things moving faster is to visit the permit office in person, with a smile (not a pitchfork). This is because even though you’re a project owner, you’re also a local taxpayer and voter. Your voice will hold more weight than with your architect or contractor.

How Your Architect Can Help You Get A Building Permit

An experienced architect is a key part of your build. Without them, you’ll struggle to meet the terms of inspection and construction will likely be delayed. However, as well as being a huge part of your application process in terms of documentation, your architect will also:

1 - Be Your Advocate

Because part of an architect’s job involves being able to see the bigger picture and speak the language of building code, we’re in a prime position to fight in your corner and help you (and your contractors) manage a project we believe in.

2 - Answer Questions From the Code Official

As exciting as our job can be once we’re on-site, there’s a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes. During your build, a large portion of our time will be answering questions directly from the code official and your contractor. For us, this is all just part of the process!

3 - Make Sure Your Design is Technically Sound

Making sure your design is in conformity with the construction drawings is one of our biggest responsibilities as architects. We work to ensure that everything we design works, both structurally and aesthetically. It’s a big weight to carry, but we’re happy to do it!

The Permitting Process Doesn’t Have to Be Overwhelming

After reading this article, we hope you feel more confident starting your New Jersey construction application journey. People always think the process will be too overwhelming, but we’re happy to say that once you get started on the right foot, everything falls into place more easily.

Your New Jersey construction permit can be just as much of a team effort as your actual build, so finding the right architect to alleviate some of the stress can be invaluable!

If you’d like Sweebe Architecture to be part of your permit application journey (or your entire build), we’re always happy to hear from new clients. From new builds, remodels, and even interior design services — we specialize in single-family residential homes that can change the way you live.

If you’d like to know more about what our expert team can do for you, contact us to discuss how we can make your dream home a reality!

Should You Buy The Starter Home Now And Add A Second Story Addition Later?

Fri, 08 Jan 2021 20:10:00 GMT

photography by Lisa Russman

There are lots of options to consider when you’re adding a second story to your home that makes the process cost-effective and timely. It’s always worth exploring the ways in which you can work with what you have, reuse what’s in great condition, and still get the home of your dreams. Our happy clients have found joy with both a second story addition and when they went for the larger home right away. We can help you make an informed decision, too!

Adding a second story should start with the question, what exactly does my family need? Are you hoping for a new master suite? Do your growing teens need – a lot – of space to themselves? Will you need this space for one use now like more bedrooms and then another use later like crafting rooms or office space? Be sure you’re ready to make use of the long haul. Conversely, if you are considering a bigger home purchase right away, keep in mind that more space doesn’t automatically mean a better layout. The space your family is craving often looks like more open areas, flex space, or additional bedrooms. So a tip for you is if the big house you’re looking at doesn’t have the right number of bedrooms or an open floor plan you might end up doing some major construction anyway. We all know how those “honey-do” projects end up for later, right?

Get it done all at once! Yes, adding a second story is a project but the good news is these additions often go up in a matter of weeks or months depending on the square footage. Once it’s up you can either complete your design with paint, furniture, etc. right away or take your time going room by room. It’s a brand new space with absolutely no issues or problems so once it’s complete you can begin to enjoy it right away! For so many families, it is such a relief knowing there’s nothing else to cross off the to-do list.

Building up is also good news for you because that means you don’t need to deal with the foundation in most cases, which is often a high ticket item. You get the best of both worlds, have the charm of an older home with all the benefits of brand new materials you never have to worry about. Plus, you can make sure the overall look and feel of your home is a match for the design style of your neighborhood. You and all of your neighbors will really appreciate property value increasing in your community!

Buying a larger home right away could mean there are no major construction projects on the horizon. It also means you can thoughtfully plan your spaces in advance including furniture, appliances, and your overall flow of living. When you buy big you get that long-term satisfaction of knowing you’ll never run out of space which can offer peace of mind for a growing and busy family. You get the benefit of shopping around to identify the typical cost per square foot in your desired neighborhood. Buying your forever home at a competitive price is a real possibility in this case!

Though, the chance for higher ceilings, striking architectural features and installing energy-efficient windows that all match is a huge benefit that adding a second story could afford your family. So, once you ask yourself “ what exactly does my family need?” You’ll be able to go through this article and establish your priorities helping you make the most informed decision you can feel confident in for a lifetime.

Reverse Engineering Your Home Teardown: Starting With the End in Mind Allows You to Expedite the Process and Get to Building Your Dream Home

Tue, 29 Dec 2020 14:04:00 GMT

photography by Lisa Russman

Something we like to say when you plan your dream home is “to be clear is to be kind” and while we didn’t make that up it couldn’t be a more true statement for our clients who start with a teardown. The best way to honor your vision is to be as clear and vivid as you can so your team can bring that vision you have in your mind to life. Normally, you’d start at the beginning of a project, but in this case, we’ll show you how to start with the end in mind to save time and money on your build.

After decades of building homes with busy and growing families, the first suggestion we can make is to go with a bigger footprint. I’ve honestly never had a client come back and complain that they had too many square feet. Most families saved money by just executing that big design they originally hoped for instead of planning to add-on later. It’s OK to be honest with yourself that you need the room so your architect can give you a drawing that fits the mold.

Spend one entire day with your team selecting your “finishes”. Schedule phone or in-person meetings with your construction and design team to choose flooring, countertops, cabinets, hardware, appliances, etc. Make up your mind early in the process and do your best to stick with your choices – so be honest with yourself and choose the finishes that your family wants for this dream build. Selecting early means you have time to find loans, or make payments towards the materials, it means no delays in receiving the products which saves you money and time on your overall project. You can also find wholesalers or retailers that may have exactly the products you need on clearance saving you potentially thousands of dollars! Even choosing your furniture in advance means you can obtain major savings by having the time to wait for a sale.

Do your research on tax credits and local permits when you purchase your teardown property. Utilizing energy-efficient windows for example could qualify you for a credit. Just by buying a home, you may qualify for a credit back! Additionally, understanding what permits are required for your teardown and your build means you can make decisions that may allow you to avoid needing certain permits. For example, a specific amount of square footage may require an additional permit, if you stay right under it though, you could avoid paying another hefty permit fee. Being honest with yourself and your team about what you need and what the budget is, will expedite your dream home build!

And of course, taking the time to determine how to execute your teardown before you begin (mechanically or manually) will allow your team to get it done swiftly. You may have found incredible original molding you want to keep, your foundation could be in excellent shape, maybe there’s even furniture you want to restore – all of this should be decided on right away. Your team can procure proper machinery, permitting, and have an appropriate team for the job thanks to early decision making.

The common theme is – be honest and clear with yourself first. It’s OK to want the maple floors and vaulted ceilings. Plan for the finishes, the permits, the budget, and the timeline as much as you can by making decisions you feel excited about right away. Get those plans on paper and only choose a team that you believe can bring your vision to life. We do our best work with families who know what they want and need for their dream home.

Moving into the Suburbs? Charming Old Homes Beg the Question: Are Home Addition Costs Better Than Teardown Costs?

Fri, 18 Dec 2020 19:39:00 GMT

photography by Lisa Russman

Most older homes in historic towns like Montclair and Glenridge, New Jersey can easily be modernized through a home addition. Costs for construction can often outweigh the costs of a teardown. We’ve professionally guided hundreds of local families looking to solve the inquiry for their family: home addition or teardown – and now we can help you, too!

One major factor in deciding between a home addition versus a teardown is the laws and regulations that protect historical properties. You may run into an expensive and time-consuming obstacle convincing the township to approve of your teardown. In this instance, you have a couple of options to consider. First, you can walk through the property to determine if you need a full teardown or if you can keep elements like the framing, foundation, original moldings, etc. By working with your local historical society to keep important parts of the home intact, you may be able to get your permits approved. Second, you can consider adding on to the existing home by meeting the design and material requirements of your town. Home addition costs are largely impacted by what you’re required to preserve by way of the original style and structure of the home. Doing your research here will help you understand what’s expected of you so you can make an informed decision from the beginning.

Next, you want to take a look at the median house price for your desired neighborhood. Towns like Montclair and Glenridge (the 07043 area) generally sit at around a median price of $750k. By understanding the general cost of the home versus the increase in property value you can expect when modernizing a home with an addition, you get the bigger picture of what’s really in it for you – and your neighbors! Certain types of renovation and add-ons bring a higher percentage of value with them than others. For example, by renovating your kitchen for say $80,000 you can expect to add about a 60% increase in your total property value on top of your spending. Whereas if you’re adding on a family room at $80,000 you’d expect to only increase your property by less than half of your total spend. So your home addition costs start to feel like they’re shrinking when you make smart remodeling moves like adding on dormers, building a deck/outdoor living space, an attic bedroom, or an additional bathroom. So, purchasing a home for around $750k but ending up with a new property value of over $1M sounds like an incredible investment in your neighborhood and for the legacy of your family.

Lastly, you want to consider what your investment means for your community. If you’re already considering purchasing your home in the Essex County area, then consider the impact of a teardown. Does tearing down detract from the heritage of the area? Or does your modernization bring more value to the township enhancing the quality of life for future generations? Could an increase in property value attract new business opportunities for your downtown? Whether you purchase a charming old home with the intention of building onto it or tearing it down for something new, you will play an important role in your neighborhood. You’ll be increasing the value of everyone’s home and providing your family with a stable future in a location you absolutely love.

To make the best decision possible for your family, we invite you to consider the kind of experience you’re hoping for when designing your dream home: do you want to spend your time restoring original elements or designing something brand new from scratch? Both are winning scenarios!

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Tips For Building A House That Maintains The Charm And Craftsmanship Of The 1920s: Achieve This Timeless Look

Wed, 25 Nov 2020 14:45:00 GMT

photography by Lisa Russman

We take dreaming seriously. Please remember that the first step, no matter what tips for building a house you’ve received, is to always dream and envision how you want to live in your home. Explore Pinterest, HGTV, Home & Gardens, local designers, etc to get ideas and start making a list of your must-haves. If you plan to celebrate the 1920’s look, you’ll have to dig through the archives to get period-specific inspiration that’s both timeless and accurate. Fun Fact, did you know that Sears Roebuck & Co used to sell build-your-own-home kits ? You could literally order your home by mail! Let’s get you close to that experience by walking through time, visiting the 1920’s style, materials, design, and more!

If you’ve got your heart set on the ever-popular Craftsman style home, then be prepared to build a grand, inviting porch with handsome brick columns to greet your guests and welcome you home. Keep your palette full of earth tones, shades, colors, and textures that look naturally worn and loved. As you head inside one of the most important features to highlight will be your built-ins. Another of our favorite tips for building a house that’s period-specific is to work with your architects and designers so they can capture those must-have elements in a really authentic way.

For families that are growing or are amidst a small herd already bustling about, you may want to explore some of the styles with more square footage built into the design. The many “Colonial” homes are a perfect choice for you. Colonial Revival homes derive influence from across the globe including styles by the Greek, British, French, and several more. It’s important to note the history because it’s where the much larger stature, fancier details, and trim work, as well as a traditionally two-story build, came from. So if when you close your eyes you imagine ornate dentil detailing, cornices, elaborate dormers, and perfect symmetry, then this is likely the home of your dreams!

A variation, the Dutch Colonial, is particularly popular in New Jersey, just take a stroll through Montclair or Glenridge! You’ll notice the steeper pitch of the roof, brick or stone detailing, often a side or rear “wing” of the home with a more lived-in vibe and less significance on symmetry. The bedrooms are upstairs and offer a light and airy feel under the daylight of the dormers. Both Colonials offer so many charming details it’s just a matter of preference.

Now for a fun surprise! Did you know that most homes of the 20’s boast linoleum flooring? Wait, don’t cringe! We’re not talking olive green and orange ’tile’ pattern, remember that’s the gift of the ‘70s and it comes in the form of vinyl. Linoleum is worth exploring, you’d typically see a simple diamond or square pattern or even a single tone floor stretch across the kitchen. Families now have many of the same needs as a century ago – durability and simplicity! Linoleum means housekeeping made easy; these floors never get scratched or dinged and cleaning it is a cinch with no cracks or grout to catch dirt.

What do parquet flooring, clinker brick, Batchelder tiles, and oak furniture have in common? Believe it or not, you can find most of these 20’s materials for sale second hand! As homes and buildings are torn down, they’re being sold so homeowners like you can honor your build with authentic elements that are actually 100+ years old.

So once you’ve dreamt up your must-have list and you can visualize your home, identify the style you’re hoping to emulate with your build. Get creative with your design and construction team to identify and source appropriate components that are replicas of time-specific pieces or are indeed from that era. And remember, have fun!

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Supply and demand, understand how a pandemic impacts the question “how expensive is it to build a house”?

Fri, 20 Nov 2020 15:45:00 GMT

photography by Lisa Russman

Building a house was already an expensive endeavor, so how has the pandemic impacted the costs and timelines? We will cover how expensive it is to build a house, the factors that have made prices rise, and what you can expect for the foreseeable future.

As nation-wide shutdowns began due to the pandemic, many mills and supply manufacturers shut down their factories to protect their employees. Less work, fewer materials. A ripple effect of the shutdown means the number of materials that are available to contractors has dramatically reduced. And as we all know, when supply is down, and demand is up, that means costs also go up. Specifically, the cost of acquiring materials has risen, which directly increases the price to build your house. And as the stock continues to deplete, not only are the prices are driven up, but timelines are also being stretched out. So, if you’re financing the construction costs with a loan that could mean more mortgage payments, interest payments, and property taxes before your structure is complete.

Concurrently, the demand to build new homes did not decline but rather increased. Hundreds of people living in highly populated cities like New York are making the move to towns like Montclair and Glenridge with an urgency unlike ever before. Families want to build spacious new homes where they can spread out, work remotely, and focus on the family. Construction labor, though, follows the supply and demand theory; supply of materials decreased and demand increased, causing labor prices to increase as well. With such unpredictable circumstances, manpower has been limited and inconsistent in the construction industry. As the pandemic continued, many workers feared for their health and decided that social distancing was the safest option. The ones who did continue to work asked for higher pay, which also impacted the increase in the cost to build a home.

The ever-burning question of “how expensive is it to build a house?” now has become “how much MORE expensive is it to build a house?” Let’s look to see where we may be able to find savings or benefits from the current real estate market.

There is a silver lining to all of these added costs: record low-interest rates on mortgages and home equity lines of credit. Mortgage rates have dropped to below 3%, a rate that has never been seen before. For a $285,000 home, the national median home price, homeowners will save approximately $100 a month and $50,000 over the course of the loan. Similarly, more expensive homes are now more affordable. For example, if a homeowner can afford a $347,750 home with a $2,000 monthly payment at a 5% interest, they could now afford a $414,000 home with $2,000 monthly payments at a 3% interest rate. That means you now have access to over sixty-six thousand dollars of additional home! These savings from the record low-interest rates may balance out the higher upfront prices to build a brand new home.

The pandemic has brought about unprecedented circumstances: both a buyer’s and seller’s market. So, while thousands of families are focused on buying a home from a tremendously limited market, you might have an advantage. Pursuing a new build right now means you’re hiring a construction company at a time when they are most are hopeful to meet the demand. Building professionals are finding creative ways to source materials and continue working safely amidst our “new normal”. Plus, you can lock in some of the lowest mortgage rates we’ve seen in years which equals thousands in the bank for you over time versus what you might be spending if the pandemic hadn’t changed everything.

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Let Us Explain Why Families Choose To Add On To A House During A Pandemic: Betting On The Future

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 17:44:00 GMT

photography by Lisa Russman

There’s one common thread almost everyone can agree this pandemic has brought to light: the need to be near the ones we love and the focus on family and community. It’s those exact reasons why so many families are still choosing to add on to a house, make improvements, and create more space. One other important factor to consider is what the future holds after a major economic crisis: regrowth. We’re spending some cash now knowing that what we need – space to be together – is only going to continue to trend as the many facets of everyday life become more challenging to handle with the expansion of technology, distance learning, and remote working.

First, let’s talk about family, it’s our favorite topic to explore. We’ve worked with hundreds of families over our decades in this industry and we see that despite national and even local circumstances, the need to be connected is why we do what we do as architects. Homes bring families together, virtually or otherwise. Deciding to do an add on to a house is always about what it will provide for the family as a whole first and foremost, and the financial opportunities it brings are always secondary. Aging parents, college students, in-laws, and family members from abroad are coming together with an urgency unlike any other. And as we reluctantly welcome this reality as long-term, there is a need for more space. Basements are being finished, first floor additions are taking spreading out into the side yard, and second – even third story additions are going up. The financial bonus being that one, literally, thousands of people are moving into New Jersey with huge NYC budgets in need of space, and with remote work settling in, that’s a trend we probably won’t get rid of. Two, regardless of people moving out of the city, there will always be growing families or those in need of their forever home who are just like you – they need the room! Betting on the future couldn’t be more sure than right now.

Second, we’ve looked back in time and have noticed a trend, whenever there is an economic crisis or recession, there’s always a bounce back. After the 2008 recession, there were more than 8 million jobs recovered by mid-2014. These times of hardship lead to innovation that wouldn’t have been possible without it. And now, we’ve seen small businesses embrace the need to be virtual, offering online classes, online ordering options, Zoom meetings, and more. We’re moving faster with more tools and technology available than ever before and this impacts the kind of decision-making homeowners consider.

More technology also means more job stability. As thousands of us gear up to work from home, that means office space – let’s clarify – quiet office space. It’s a must-have. Our behaviors as an economy are shifting so to add on to a house now with soundproofed office space protects our ability to work from home and earn an income. The kids are also at home distance learning in many cases and not everyone has a dining room with enough space for Chromebooks, notebooks, kids, chairs, books, and the list goes on. It’s not always worth the heartache of that kind of chaos when we’re not really sure these circumstances will be lifted any time soon.

With more demand for home improvements and add ons means the cost to supply those materials will also likely increase. So, by creating the space you need now and let’s face it, space you’ll surely need in the future, you’re saving money in the long run and cultivating a lifestyle of family-first living.

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Home Tear Down Costs Are Not Limited To Just Money! Know The True Costs So You Can Make The Most Informed Decisions For Your Family

Thu, 05 Nov 2020 19:24:00 GMT

photography by Lisa Russman

We know our clients are concerned about how much money a home tear down costs, it’s naturally the first thing we all wonder about, right? But, after decades of working with local families to help them build their dream homes after a teardown, we can tell you what factors amount to the ‘true cost’ so you can make an informed decision. After all, the point of evaluating whether home tear down costs are worthwhile is because you want more time and space to be with your family. So one of the major costs, if you’re not prepared, is how this process can quickly suck up your time and energy.

The first time-saver is doing your due diligence on land use. You likely have your eye on a town with fantastic schools that are walking distance to literally everything. But before you get too excited, talk to the town or hire a real estate professional to research whether the municipality is open to teardowns and new builds. There may be historical considerations on an older home or local restrictions that would thwart you before you even start.

Once you’re sure you’re working with a tear down friendly town, you need to know that you may not need to raze your home completely. If you still have a solid foundation or a functional part of the structure, your town might ease up on those restrictions. This could save you time as well as money not having to take everything down. At this point, working with an architecture team gives you the best overview of how to mitigate costs while getting the home you’ve dreamed of.

Permits. They don’t just cost you money. While each one comes with its own fee, yes, they can also cost you time. Not only can townships take a long time to issue permits based on the volume of paperwork they’re dealing with but the building team you hire can also impact the timeline and costs. There are demolition, electrical, and foundation-related permits, as well as inspections to schedule and likely toxins to check for which is a common practice in older homes.

Demolition and deconstruction costs are determined by the size of the home as well as the local cost of goods and labor in your area. If this is something you need to finance, remember there’s a monthly cost to pay back this loan plus interest. Your team will help you understand your financing and repayment options. A bonus saving that many homeowners don’t consider is the value of recycling demolished materials. Check into salvage yards, metal collection, copper recycling, etc to recuperate some funds. If you’re able to use machines to intentionally remove recyclable materials from your home, you may surprise yourself with the total savings.

Insurance and utilities. You must disconnect your water, sewer, gas, and electricity. While your team of professionals knows to handle this with care, we want to remind you this is a necessary cost. Insurance is something you may not have considered or you may not realize what’s actually covered by your policy. Most homeowner’s insurance plans do not cover the cost of a do-it-yourself demo. Save yourself the heartache now and check the details of your policy! That could mean if you hurt yourself or damage the property during demolition you might have some major costs to incur. By bringing in a team you will have a layer of protection because they likely won’t cause any additional damage and your demolition insurance will be effective.

You can have the home of your dreams in your favorite neighborhood and by understanding the true cost of your home tear down costs , you’ll be ready for anything!

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We Know About Every Surprise That Can Come With a Teardown, Save Yourself the Heartache!

Fri, 16 Oct 2020 13:22:00 GMT

photography by Lisa Russman

You want to be as prepared as possible before going into a full-on teardown and rebuild, right? If we were you, we’d want to know about all the possible surprises before jumping into a big project, too. After working with hundreds of families, we’ve gathered up lots of goodies to keep you aware and prepared for your new construction home!

Get to know your neighbors

This might seem somewhat arbitrary but we’ve actually seen cases where neighbors can be quite nosey and annoyed by your construction. One great way to manage this is with donuts and coffee! Bring by some Dunkin, say hello, and let them know how excited you are to be their new neighbor. You don’t have to get into the nitty-gritty of your plans but with more people on board and grateful for your presence the better. And, when it comes time for the demo, keep signs posted with clear boundaries so people know to stay off the property for their safety. Yes, they shouldn’t be on your property, to begin with, but just trust us, this will save you a headache!

Read every single word

Yes, we mean it. When it comes to your contract with your architecture firm, with your builders, and every drawing – read them. It’s critical that you participate fully in checking, double, and triple-checking measurements, lists, materials, costs, etc. Oh, and it’s even better if you ask a ton of questions upfront. Your team will not be frustrated with you! You’re about to head into a full teardown and rebuild and you deserve the chance to think it completely through. What you worry is the most obvious question and feel super weird asking – just ask it! You may catch an error right at the beginning of your project vs. waiting until something costs you more time and money by not speaking up.

You and your partner are the most important people

If you take away anything from our advice, take away this one. Go into your teardown knowing who you want to be responsible for what when it comes to your project. No, you’re not project managers but you will be the homeowners so you’ll be quite involved. Who’s better at email? Who’s the best to go word by word through each contract? Does one have more time to visit your property periodically? Schedule times to meet with each other about “business” and also schedule dates, fun, and leisure – especially during this process. If the whole point of your project is to create a space for family, then let’s keep family the top priority!

Know what to get started on early

Gas, water, and power – get moving on this right away. Since you’re tearing down you’re home that means lots of work for the utility companies. They may have to completely remove and replace anything existing or add additional lines based on the size of your new home. We highly suggest you get them as much detail as you can right away so you can fully understand the effect of their work on your budget and your timeline.

Now we know this part might be tough but have all of your finishes selected before the foundation is even poured. Yes, we do mean right down to the cabinet pulls. You would be surprised what the impact could be on your custom home build when you change your mind even on just a hardware decision.

We’ve talked with happy customers, parents, working professionals and we’ve heard it all. This is meant as a guide to protect you from those surprises you just wouldn’t know about before you engage in a teardown. We know this process can actually be really fun and rewarding and we hope for you to get the most out of it with a lot less of the stress!

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If I Want To Build A Custom Home What Kinds Of Professionals Do I Need On My Team?

Fri, 09 Oct 2020 14:40:00 GMT

photography by Lisa Russman

Building a custom home is definitely different than buying a house that’s listed on the real estate market, we all know that. But what’s the difference when it comes to the kinds of professionals you need to represent you and get your dream home made into a reality? We’ve got the answer!

First, you still need a real estate agent

Any time you’re purchasing real estate even if it’s land for a custom home, we recommend hiring an agent. At no cost to you, you’ll have a professional working to find you the best property that’s within your budget and hopefully meets your wishlist. Imagine finding out about opportunities before they even hit the market. You’re leveraging their entire professional network which saves you a ton of time and you don’t have to become an overnight expert on finding land. Win!

Some specifics you should know

Investigate if your land is ready for utilities or not. It’s OK either way depending on your budget and your timeline. Hint, it’s expensive to run new water and electrical lines! You can count on your town or city’s planning and zoning departments to get you accurate information on whether or not your lot has water and sewer. Then, you can contact your county’s power provider (just Google for that info) and determine how close the nearest powerlines are to your location and of course the cost to handle that.

If you need to finance your land purchase, you will need the expertise of a mortgage advisor at this point. They can walk you through the various options available.

Next, you need residential architects

Before you dive in and get started on any custom home project you’ll want the kind of pro’s who can plan, execute, project manage and even help you source the additional kinds of experts you’ll need. That’s the role of an architecture firm. Once you’ve purchased your land and it’s ready for the build, it’s time to start interviewing for this role. This is a team you’ll be working closely with from start to finish so take your time, ask lots of questions and go with your gut! They’ll visit your lot and start working up a scope of work that covers all those wish list items your dream home cannot be without. Let’s face it, you shouldn’t have to budge on that master ensuite bath!

Time to build!

Once you’ve settled on your plans the architect can use those drawings of your home to help you find the right team to get it built. That means they may need an engineer to weigh in on certain structural elements, you for sure need a construction team and you’ll also need a project manager. There’s a lot of moving parts at this point in your custom home build, so allow your architect to help you select the specialists for each job. Every build is nuanced and unique, so you may find your construction team provides the project manager or foreman or sometimes the architect will have a specialist on their team to handle this. Either way, you’ll have every job secured in this step of the process.

As you go, your town or city will send their inspector to check various milestones from foundation to framing and plumbing to electrical. They may not be your favorite person (trust me, they know) but they’re an integral part of your custom home coming to fruition. Oh, quick tip, be friendly with your local inspector, bring them coffee and donuts, it helps you build a solid relationship in a town you plan to live in for quite some time.

Design and finishes

Ah, the fun part! Your architect may be the right team member to handle the nuances of your design but if not, you’ll need an interior designer for this phase. Cozy couches, king-sized beds, and mudroom organization are non-negotiables! A pro for interior design can make your house look amazing.

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Residential Architects Should be Designing Spaces for Families to Enjoy Each Other, Meaningful Design Matters

Fri, 02 Oct 2020 15:00:00 GMT

photography by Lisa Russman

If you’ve considered a home addition or building the home of your dreams then you’ve definitely thought about hiring residential architects to help. But who do you choose? What matters when it comes to designing or redesigning a home? We’ve got the answers you need before you make up your mind.

The Cost of Your Satisfaction

We recommend considering factors other than just budget when you select your perfect team of residential architects for your project. Everyone wants to save money, right? But what’s the cost of choosing a team that doesn’t communicate the same way you do? Imagine the undue stress of working with a team that doesn’t reply to your email and now you’re left worried about a surprise issue that was just uncovered. We advise you to ask about communication, timelines, and set expectations before you even sign a contract. Dollar signs matter as much as your mental and emotional well-being matter. That’s what we believe! In fact, we stick to email communication because one, we know you’re busy and can’t always get on a call. Two, so much of your design process is visual and requires clear imagery that you can take your time in reviewing. Communication is key.

The Details that Matter

When you’re interviewing residential architects find out what they’re known for. Peruse reviews, ask for real references, and check out photos of their work. If you love a light and bright home make sure the portfolio they provide matches that kind of detail. As a busy professional with a growing family, shouldn’t you have a team that understands the flow of how your family moves? We think so! It’s not enough just to talk about high ceilings and those dreamy hardwood oak floors but who will walk on them? And at what time of night might you hear the creak of a “midnight snack”? Having a team who asks thoughtful questions you never even considered in your new build will ensure you’re designing a new beginning but with those familiar scents and sounds.

Beyond the talk of marble and chrome fixtures, homes should be designed to be lived in. Let’s build a mudroom that doesn’t get rid of the chaos of those muddy shoes but that makes it easy for the kiddos to organize their belongings and wipe up the tiles easily. Relishing in those treasured moments looks like stepping outside into an August’s heatwave knowing you have a beautiful shaded deck carefully designed for you to watch the kids play for hours.

Understanding the Scope

As you hire your architecture partner, there are certain questions you can ask that will clarify the scope of work you want and the kinds of skills required to get the job done. Will you need custom millwork AKA are you going with custom kitchen cabinets and shelving or sticking to a builder-grade option? Is the majority of your project facade work or will you need a team with an eye for interior design? If you’re building a new home, will you need recommendations and experience with finishes like faucets and door handles? Ask questions like these to get a feel for what the scope of your project actually entails and who is experienced and capable to get that kind of job done. We know it’s hard to think of everything so with this list of questions, it will help you be thorough and think through your project from start to finish.

Whether you’re demoing a home and rebuilding or you just purchased land, even if you’re doing a home addition, it’s so important to have the right residential architects on your side. Thinking through how your family enjoys spending time and the physical manifestations of how to make that happen is the journey you’re going on. Work with people who care about you and are a match for how you like to work.

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Learn When to Splurge and How to Save When You’re Planning Your Home Addition

Fri, 25 Sep 2020 14:59:00 GMT

photography by Lisa Russman

As you begin planning your beautiful new home addition we want to make you aware of the common pitfalls that result in clients overspending. After planning hundreds of home additions, we know what you should look out for when it comes to ways to save and where it’s worth splurging.

Project Management

Installing hardware, painting, and some demolition are all hands-on parts of your home addition project you could probably manage yourselves. But we have a truth bomb for you! It’s honestly not worth jumping into a highly-skilled role such as managing your entire project from start to finish when you’re not fully trained. This is the first mistake we’ve seen people make where the number of hours, know-how, and surprise twists actually cost the homeowner more money than if they had the right team in place to manage their home addition. Just think about where your time is best spent like with your partner, your kids, at work vs. on a dangerous construction site where you feel completely out of your element. The good news is there are many construction companies that will “bid” to win your business. You can discuss budget, timeline, and expectations before hand-selecting the team you feel best fits your project and your personality.

Choosing the Right Aesthetic

You might appreciate a very defined look for your home, but when you’re planning your home addition this could drive up the cost. Here’s a great example, you might love the look of hardwoods, most of us do right? But, rather than select the exact maple hardwoods to match your home, you could opt for engineered flooring with a similar tone but lay it in a herringbone pattern; it achieves your aesthetic in an interesting way without breaking the bank. It’s not always worth splurging on high-end materials when you can use elements like hardware, decor, lighting, paint color, and more to make your space appear high end in cost. Think long term; you want a space you’ll be happy within another 5 – 10 years that you don’t have to cough up a few thousand dollars to redo – again.

Know Your Flow

You may find yourself facing an important question: Do I knock down the wall completely, or would I be happy with a support beam somewhere in my design? Depending on the flow of your family, it could be very well worth your money to knock down that wall and have the most open, flexible space possible, especially for a growing brood. On the other hand, if you can incorporate that post into a bedroom closet or HVAC room then you’re both saving money and you’re satisfied with a design that fits for the longterm.

Smart Sourcing

Facebook and Craiglist can potentially save you some money! When you review details of your construction contract, check on the quotes they’ve supplied for things like water heaters, tile, appliances, etc. You can find “last-chance” tiles on Facebook from a local company trying to move their last few boxes of product. There are moments where it’s worth comparing the cost and quality of what you can source yourself compared to what’s been quoted by your team. Another line item you should double-check is the insulation budget. If your team budgeted for basic “batting” insulation material, for example, it may not provide the best protection against rodents and energy leaks. It’s probably worth exploring foam or mineral wool insulation despite incurring a higher monetary cost now, the longterm value is exponentially higher.

I’m sure you’re starting to see there are so many ways to save money and times when it makes sense to splurge. You can’t possibly know everything – that job is reserved for your teens, right? So take our advice and start saving by having a team that can protect you from surprises and helps you plan for the best way to stretch your budget from day one.

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The Architect’s Guide To Building A House From Scratch In New Jersey

Fri, 21 Aug 2020 16:25:00 GMT

photography by Lisa Russman

Nothing is quite as satisfying as building a house from scratch . We hope that this guide helps you to navigate through this wonderful and exciting house building process from start to finish.

Putting Dreams Onto Paper

The first step before any construction actually starts is a free, on-site consult with us. We listen to your ideas, needs, wishes, and dreams so we can make suggestions around your life patterns and flow. We believe your home should bring the people you love most together allowing for space to gather and enjoy the way they spend their time! Are you a gaming family? Flex space to bring in fun new toys is a must-have, right? What if you’re expecting the in-laws to move in within the next 5 years, let’s plan for that now. As we listen, we’ll literally sculpt your home just for you and your family.

Then, we’ll provide you with a free proposal detailing architectural services including all of your wish list items and the potential construction budget. Once we’re hired we’ll come get the specs of your property whether just land or with structure and draw them up for formal use during the project.

Now, the detailed design phase begins where we establish and evolve your floor plan until it reflects all of your wants and needs. Once the inside drawings are complete, if we’re also designing the facade of your home, that’s up next. And we know that you’re busy with the kiddos, work and more so we’ll stick to email to save you time.

Next, we help you select a contractor who will provide you with a pricing audit designed to keep your project on track and on budget as well as make adjustments to the design if needed. Construction drawings are generated with instructions and notes for the contractor regarding the scope of the project. There may be several construction companies interested in executing your build, so we’ll help you navigate through the competitive “bidding” process to make the best hire for your home.

After a contractor has been chosen, the next steps would be for the contractor to file for permits with your respective town. Work won’t commence until all permits have been filed, are approved by the city, and are physically in your hands.

Building the Structure

With all the ‘paperwork’ procured, you can finally begin building your house from scratch! Step one is installing the foundation. The type of foundation used depends on if your design calls for a basement, crawlspace or slab-on-grade. Most foundations are built in concrete block, installed by a mason. The beginning of the construction process is the time to implement those meditation classes as you’ll need some patience throughout the duration. You’ll need extra patience for every milestone of construction as the city inspector comes to ensure it meets the state’s codes and matches the approved drawings.

Once “footing” and “rebar” inspections have been passed by the construction inspector, approved, construction crews can begin the installation of framing for your new home. Framing includes the wall, floor, and roof structures for both interior and exterior applications. This phase of construction establishes the “skeleton” or shell of your house.

For the next phase of construction, rough plumbing, electrical, and HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) are installed. The roofing and siding are also installed during this time. Once the installation of the above components is completed, the city inspector will visit the site once again (deep breath) to verify all components have been installed to code and are in accordance with the drawings.

After these inspections have passed, insulation can be installed inside the walls and any spaces within the basement or roof followed by drywall.

Now the fun part! Everything that follows afterward starts to really color and flesh-out what your project will look like in the end. This layer of work includes, but is not limited to, painting, doors, cabinets, countertops, and flooring. And, you get to achieve that curb appeal as grading, landscaping, planting, and grass conclude the details of your exterior zhooshing.

The city inspector performs a final inspection, and, if passed, they will issue a certificate of occupancy.

The Final Walkthrough

The final walkthrough for your home is one of the most critical aspects of the project. This will allow you to examine every inch of your new home with the contractor to make sure everything is finished to your standards. Final tip, make sure to take your time and hone the honesty filter of a toddler; say exactly what you want fixed or changed. This is your last chance to point out any deficiencies you may observe to the contractor and have them corrected, whatever it may be. Once the contractor has completed their contract, it is difficult to prove that they were at fault for any damages found.

We saved the best news for last! Our fee covers involvement during bidding, permitting, and construction phases; questions answered, certified clarification letters and/or sketches as necessary, and as-needed construction site visits are performed. We’ve got your back the entire way, never leaving you to wonder or figure it out on your own. You can design and own the home of your dreams with the right team by your side!

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Home Addition Planning Can Mean Extra Space For The Teenagers Now Or, Yes, The In-Laws Later

Thu, 30 Jul 2020 16:38:00 GMT

photography by Lisa Russman

Home addition planning can be exciting when you’re fully aware of the potential hidden costs, allowing you to keep your eyes on the prize. We’ll help you understand what to expect as you plan out your home addition!

Hidden Costs You May Incur

You’re probably so excited to have your teens or even in-laws enjoying their own very separate space from you and your spouse, right? We don’t blame you! But with your focus on the end goal, we want to keep you aware of what costs you should expect before, during, and after your reno.

Insurance. Once your amazing new space is all done your home insurance premium will likely go up; more space means more to insure. It’s totally normal and rather than be surprised later on, give your home insurance rep a call once you have plans approved by your city to talk through what changes you should expect.

Taxes. You may also see an increase in your property value which means property taxes will be assessed accordingly. Talk to your town officials and your architect team to get a full understanding of what your specific costs should be.

Permits. Before starting your home addition, planning for the cost of permits for construction, electrical, and plumbing, if you’re adding a bathroom for example, and can vary widely from town to town. To find out the exact costs, work with your project manager and your city to get those final numbers.

Damage. One surprise cost we’ve seen many homeowners disappointed to find are some of the most buried and hard to detect – the cost of preexisting damage. Your home could have wood rot, an old leak wreaking havoc on both pipes and the interior of your walls, there could be mold or mildew, etc. It’s not terribly uncommon to unearth something during construction. So, if you want to be careful, your team can do a thorough inspection of your home before breaking down walls to help you plan your budget accordingly.

Flex Space That Works for Everyone

Like most homeowners, you’re hoping to add on space that can serve several purposes. You can accomplish this through a number of ways.

Now you’re ready to start planning for your home addition with creative solutions for your particular home. You’re aware of the possible hidden costs and can avoid the heartache that we’ve seen so many times. Lastly, though, we highly recommend you don’t undertake this project alone. Work with professionals who always have an eye on budget and timeline with years of experience knowing what to look for under their belt.

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Does The Cost To Tear Down A House Increase Property Value? We’ve Got The Figures For You!

Fri, 24 Jul 2020 14:45:00 GMT

photography by Lisa Russman

Let’s answer the burning question you’re wondering right now: could the cost to tear down your house make your property more valuable? In a well-established neighborhood, a teardown may be your best bet.

How to Determine if the Cost to Tear Down a House is Feasible for You

Your property could be zoned for a three-story, 6 thousand square foot home. But right now, you’re looking at a ranch that couldn’t possibly fit your partner, the kiddos, and the pups. This ranch sits in the middle of the perfect school district with a price tag so low you have lots of wiggle room to make the home of your dreams. So what do you do? Ask yourself a few questions about the home you want to tear down for your new build:

Have you answered mostly yeses? Then consider that your tear town has some built-in benefits like existing zoning. You already know your land is zoned for a single-family home, saving you time dealing with town permits, and we all know – time is money. Once you determine the specs on how much size you can build both out and up, you’ll also understand precisely how much value your property has. If that ranch is only costing you $350,000, but you could build a home that appraises over $1.5M, then that’s a couple of figures to consider. But we have more; it’s time to think about how to make the most of your new property’s value!

What Factors Increase Property Value

If you’ve already picked a neighborhood based on the schools, the proximity to work, and a great downtown, then the next step is to check the comps. It’s a fancy-sounding term for finding out what other homes around the neighborhood have sold for recently. If you’re building something comparable to what’s on the market, then understanding what it goes for will help you establish if those figures are profitable for you in the long run. Since homes are generally estimated by the square foot, if you noticed a comparable property has 4k square feet, and it sold for $1.3M, you can divide that price by the total square footage of the home, making it $325/square foot. Keep in mind, if your dream home doesn’t compare, then bringing in an expert to help you assess those features that make your home stand out is your best bet.

Plus, a considerable benefit your new build brings that mitigates the cost to tear down that house is simply that more modern homes appraise higher, to begin with. Usually, when you buy a home, you’re paying top dollar for the finishes and upgrades like a new roof or marble countertops. Rather than spend all of your money buying someone else’s finishes, you can guarantee fewer problems, less wear and tear, and no expiring appliance warranties by tearing down that older home in place of your new one.

Demolition and How to Save

The last figure we want to bring your attention to is the cost of your demolition, which can be around $15,000 based on location, size of the home, etc. But one fantastic way to save and even recoup money is by selling valuable items in the house, cabinets, light fixtures, flooring, crown molding, windows, wood doors, heating, and cooling units, and even metal – especially copper – can rake in quite a chunk of cash. Another great way to save money is by making tax-deductible donations to local organizations that can help people use furniture and items you don’t need.

This article will help you make the big decision to follow through with your tear down, but when you’re ready, have experts on your team who can help you navigate this detailed process.

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Architecture Is Important! Here’s How To Communicate Exactly What You Want

Thu, 09 Jul 2020 17:55:00 GMT

photography by Lisa Russman

So you’ve decided to pursue a home remodel? Great! We know that this can be a stressful, exciting, confusing time, so we’re here to help you get through this as seamlessly as possible. Many of the breakdowns during this process come from simply not knowing what can come up, making communication impossible. Providing you with clarity on typical issues gives you access to clearly communicate with your architecture team. It is important to understand exactly how to do that, so we’ve broken it down for you.

Inspiration Board

Many times during the design phase, we encounter clients who know what they want but simply don’t know the terminology or how to describe it. One recommendation would be to take photos or save pictures of any ideas you come across, even when a home remodel is just a passing thought. As the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words. The more photos you have to show what you like and convey what your style aesthetic is, the more tailored your design will be for you and your family. Use Pinterest, for example, to create an inspiration board to capture what excites you. What kitchen design makes you want to stay home and cook for the family? Whatever it is, put it on the board!

Town Permits

As a homeowner, you should not be expected to know what your town allows, and if elements of the project scope require permits. This is where your architects come in. During the design process, recommended upgrades for your home should only be suggested if they are allowed by your town and it’s ordinances. As you move along in your home’s development, you should feel free to add to or inquire about your designs and how they fit within your town’s allowances.

Do You Have a Contingency?

Demolition can uncover a myriad of things that no one could have possibly detected. In such cases, it is important for you to have a contingency that is built into your budget. At the time same, you want to feel comfortable enough with your team that they will do everything possible to avoid such situations. During the initial walkthrough, analyze your house and get to know it as much as you can. Some things to look out for and ask your team about right away are any: ceiling stains, creaks in hardwood flooring, cracks in the walls, or cold spots near windows.

Have a change of heart? Communicate Sooner than Later.

People change their minds and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. Changes to your project’s scope are part of the industry and we welcome change. You want a team that you feel comfortable coming to with a change order. The only time this would become an issue is if the desire to make changes to the scope is if it is communicated too late. Remember, communication in architecture is important and go hand in hand, so speak up about any changes you would like to make as soon as possible.

You are a Decision-Maker!

This is a journey that we are taking together so we invite you to stay involved throughout the entire process. One way to stay in control of your design is to make decisions on the materials for your project. As you are provided with sample materials, feel free to ask questions about durability, cost per square foot, and long-term maintenance of the product. At the same time, don’t be afraid to choose a color, pattern, or texture that perfectly suits your unique aesthetic and style. Never feel like you have to choose something because it’s trendy or popular.

We hope that this article has answered some questions that were in the back of your mind as well as bring up some things that you didn’t know about this renovation process. It brings us joy to watch you freely and seamlessly participate in designing the home of your dreams.

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Nobody Wants a Home That’s Too Noisy – Especially Not NJ Architects

Thu, 02 Jul 2020 14:26:00 GMT

photography by Lisa Russman

When you imagine your dream home, it’s not always exciting to dream about sound-proofing or the element of noise, right? Unless you have toddlers, then you’re probably pretty excited about this. But for most, the concept isn’t something many examine when it comes to building a new home. That’s why it is so crucial to work with a team of NJ architects who understand the science behind the noise and how to save you from it in the long term. We feel it’s critical to arm you with important details now so you can have a voice in every element of your home’s design.

Noise Pollution

First, let’s quickly break down one of the two main sources of noise so you can position your home to avoid external sources of the racket.

Outside noise otherwise known as noise pollution is a long term source of noise and is basically defined as the sound of anything unpleasant to your ears. Here’s a list of some of the sources:

It’s important to know about these outside noise sources so when you build your home you can position it in such a way to avoid hearing as much of it as possible. Here are a few things you can talk to NJ architects about.

Positioning . Knowing where these sources of noise are in relation to your property can help your architecture team know where to place your windows to mitigate that problem right away. They can also place outdoor appliances like your HVAC unit or pool pump away from bedrooms and quiet spaces with a well thought out plan. Keeping the garage and the driveway on the opposite side of where the bedrooms are located whenever possible is also a good best-practice for minimizing the impact of sound.

Materials. There are various substances that can sound-deaden, refract, or reflect sound, and even absorb sound. Having a conversation with your team of professionals about this at the beginning of your journey will save you time and frustration later and allow them to navigate this potential challenge from day one.

Airborne Noise

Now you have a fancy term for all of the sounds that take place inside your home – and your neighbors’ homes for that matter, airborne noises. Here are just some examples:

And there are coinciding impact noises like doors banging, furniture scraping, etc. You may not have considered the overall volume in your neighborhood, so we suggest visiting at different times of the day. Maybe you’ll catch the sounds of a party, the hum of various dryers running, or the notes of laughter from neighboring children at play. Just notice what you hear so you can report back to your home design team. Here’s where the good news starts! There are practically unlimited ways to mitigate the noise.

Fences. Sound deadening can start in your landscape design. Solid wood fencing or cement or brick masonry walls tend to be some of the best materials for blocking out noise. Plus, they can still honor the overall look you want your home to embody. If you’re going green wherever possible, you can opt for a privacy wall made of shrubs or trees like hollies, junipers, or evergreen shrubs.

Arrangement. If you have a teenager then insulation is important. From foam to wood-fiber panels to decorative acoustic panels, your options are vast. Plan on keeping their room away from younger children, even though it’s a somewhat short-term need, it’s one we don’t recommend taking lightly.

From airflow noise to blaring bass notes, where there’s a chance that noise could interfere with the peace of your home – there is a solution! The best NJ architects know how to build you a home that keeps in the joy and keeps out the noise.

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When Your Family Expands, So Can Your Home – Second Story Additions Are More Cost-Effective Than You Think

Thu, 25 Jun 2020 14:07:00 GMT

photography by Lisa Russman

Every day you’re reminded you need more space in your home, as you bump elbows with hubby in the kitchen, crack goes another egg. Don’t forget the maddening daily hunt for your kid’s favorite toys because there’s not enough storage! And the list goes on. Needless to say, you’re thinking about expanding and we’re here to show you how second-story additions are more cost-effective than you think!

Customization & Increased Value

Just think, moving your entire herd – kids, pets, holiday totes from the garage – to a bigger home where you’ll probably need to make some changes. The thought is tiring enough, right? You don’t need a bigger home, you need a custom second story addition where you can design it based on your current family structure and future needs!

The customizations are limitless. You can really dig into your aesthetic as well as your family’s spatial needs by custom-crafting your addition. As your family grows you might be craving natural sunlight to brighten your space. Consider implementing dormers into your second story addition so your kid’s playroom can be light and bright! It also means your second story isn’t a plain rectangle box. Your curb appeal goes way up as your home’s height is doubled with interesting pitched angles. Other fun ways to boost your curb appeal include overhangs, balconies, and refined trim details.

In the end, having a brand new, fully waterproofed roof also means bonus savings for you in the way of energy efficiency. You can additionally install new HVAC units in your second story addition which is far more efficient than splitting your current unit to now have to cover double the square footage. Plus, the value you’ll be adding to your home increases as you add lots more square footage of livable space.

When you get down to it, you’re creating a custom home without the costs and the timeline of starting from scratch.

As Compared to Moving

If you were to compare to the cost of moving you have to start with the finances and end with the most important factor, your well being. There’s the cost of materials to box and bag up everything you and your family own. Then hire a moving company or rental moving truck. Then add up the time you spend packing. Don’t forget you have to plan to keep certain items out, clothes for the kids, toys, dog food, snacks, etc.

Before you arrive at your new home you need to coordinate and hire a team to make any changes to the new space that your family needs. When all is said and done, you’re spending a lot of time, money, and energy on a new home but not on a custom home that you have personally designed. Don’t step into someone else’s dream when you can have upstairs be a spitting image of what you’ve had in mind for – let’s face it – quite some time.

Save on Other Renovation Projects

We saved the best for last! You can also plan on tackling first floor renovations like taking walls down from old bedrooms to make a large den. Or blow out the dining room to create that chef’s kitchen of your dreams. Once you already have a team of architects, engineers, and contractors on-site, it actually costs less to undertake your list of projects. The labor and materials costs are already being accounted for, so adding to the budget versus having to start from scratch is a great cost-saving.

Think about it, your second story is likely being built to house extra bedrooms including an exquisite master bedroom. So now, the first story can be opened up with endless possibilities for how you want to re-work the flow of your home. Consider renewing the paint or siding on your home to ensure the outside is updated, free of leaks/cracks, and that your second story addition matches your first.

We hope to have pleasantly surprised you with the real cost-savings that a second story addition can bring to you and your growing family!

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Home Building on a Budget? The Best House Materials for the Least Cost Per Square Foot

Wed, 17 Jun 2020 17:47:00 GMT

photography by Lisa Russman

When building a home on a budget, be sure to discuss house material cost per square foot with your architect from the very beginning. While lumber, stone, and brick are classic, reliable options, many alternative building materials can help to lower the cost of your home during construction and into the future.

It is also important to remember that house material cost per square foot is just one part of the total equation. There are many variables to consider when deciding which materials you’ll use to build your home. For example, how long are the chosen materials expected to last? What maintenance will the materials require and when? What climates and amounts of natural light can they withstand? How earth-friendly and sustainable are the materials used? Is energy-efficiency and lower utility bills important to you? And, how will the chosen materials affect the labor and construction time needed?

While there are many questions to consider, don’t fret! There are plenty of options that will work for you and your home budget.

House Material Cost Per Square Foot (and Even Lower Cost Alternatives)

In New Jersey, the most common and least expensive house material is lumber. Due to its ease of use, homes with lumber framing are more quickly constructed with lower labor costs.

Also, when considering home finishes such as flooring, reclaimed timber can be even more cost-effective, as old timber is less likely to warp or split. This option is also environmentally friendly!

New Jersey homes are also popular for brick homes, brick siding and interior brick finishes. While slightly more expensive to use than lumber, brick is much more durable and creates both rustic and modern aesthetics when featured properly.

Concrete is not often an option New Jersey home builders consider, but its house material cost per square foot for foundations, framing and even siding can be quite low in the long run. In fact, the cost to construct a home using insulating concrete forms is only slightly higher than if a home builder were to use wooden framing. Durable, customizable, and low maintenance, concrete won’t sprout mold or mildew, saves on heating and cooling bills, and can even lower home insurance costs because it can withstand several natural disasters.

To achieve the concrete look for even less, some home builders have also been warming to the idea of concrete sheets, which are quick to install, sound suppressing, insulating, and weatherproof.

Another incredibly popular option for siding in New Jersey is natural stone due to its rustic yet modern aesthetic and durability. However, because it is more expensive than other options, stone veneer can be used instead to reduce the cost of labor and materials.

Vinyl siding is another great option. It is tricky because traditionally it has looked cheap, though these days, there is much better-looking vinyl siding coming out and you still can’t beat the price.

Fiber cement is composed of wood fibers that are glued together with cement and very good at simulating traditional wood clapboard and shingle siding. It’s not much less expensive compared to natural wood, but fiber cement lasts ‘forever’ and often carries long manufacturer warranties on color. It’s worth looking into.

Lastly, any home using prefabricated panels as opposed to building on-site will reduce costs by 10 to 20 percent. Quick, cost-effective, customizable, and flexible, prefabricated panels can often eliminate material cost overruns, delayed construction due to weather, and on-site waste removal costs.

Consider Long-Term Costs When Building a Home

House material cost per square foot is, of course, greatly affected by the quality of both construction and materials sourced. However, on average, New Jersey homes can cost up to $160 per square foot when all is said and done, according to the National Association of Home Builders.

That is why it is important to speak with your architect not only about commodity pricing when it comes to using materials such as concrete and lumber, but also what is appropriate to use for your lifestyle, the climate in which you live, and your local building codes.

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Purchased a Ranch-Style Starter Home? No, You Don’t Need to Move – You Need a Second Story Addition!

Wed, 10 Jun 2020 13:32:00 GMT

Photography by Lisa Russman

Maybe you’ve got another baby on the way; maybe your parents are moving in after retiring; or, maybe you adopted a puppy that grew way bigger than you ever anticipated!

Whatever the reason, space in your home has become a limited commodity, and you need more of it. Still, you love your location – but so does everyone else! Relocating to a larger home within the same neighborhood might prove difficult, but you don’t necessarily need to move. Instead, you should consider building a second story addition!

Why a Second-Story Addition May Be Right for You

There are many reasons why a second story addition may be the more practical and economical choice when it comes to deciding whether to stay or move from your current home.

First, a second story addition can increase the value of your home by more than half while also increasing available space, especially if you plan to stay in the home for several years. Many homeowners also take advantage of the ongoing construction to heighten first floor ceilings as well to further increase home value.

Then, if your home sits on a smaller lot, expanding your home vertically will not only add property value but also potential bedrooms and bathrooms without taking up any more space outside. That means your outdoor garden or your children’s swing set will remain untouched!

All in all, a second story addition will typically cost between $250 and $500 per square foot, depending on the materials used and how complicated it will be to build upon your current home.

Before You Build A Second Story Addition

Know, however, that there are several factors that may make the decision to stay or move from your current home for you.

For example, your home’s foundation and bone structure must be able to support a second story addition, and you must also be permitted to add a second story by your local government zoning office.

Additionally, some homes are simply not designed well for additional stories. That is why it is important to work with an architect when considering adding more space. For example, ranch homes typically handle second story additions quite well, but bungalows can be more challenging to navigate.

Next, you must consider the “extra” costs to your long-term investment. Your heating and cooling bills and property taxes are likely to increase. Are you able to budget for these additional costs, too?

If the answer is yes, your final consideration will be regarding your own limits. The design and engineering process can take up to six months alone, with construction potentially keeping you out of your home for a year longer. Do you have up to two years to devote to this project? Are you able to stay with friends or relatives while your second story addition is being built? Or, if you are permitted to live inside your home during construction, how will the dust, construction noise, and frequent disruptions to plumbing and electricity affect your day-to-day life and mental wellbeing?

Many homeowners are happy with their decision to build a second story addition , so don’t be deterred – just be prepared!

Consider Your Options

A second story addition, while as stressful as finding and purchasing a new home, is an option available to you when working with the right architect and contractors. In the end, the closing costs involved with selling your home and buying a new one with the space you need may end up equaling what it would take to stay in a home and a neighborhood you love with a second story addition.

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Why Architecture Is Important – And How Your Home Contributes

Fri, 05 Jun 2020 15:46:00 GMT

photography by Lisa Russman

To create the spaces in which we live, work and play, architects focus on more than design – they’re also mindful of economies, natural environments, political climates and more to deliver the best behavioral, physical, and financial outcomes for inhabitants.

Architecture is important because it also tells stories. Everything from the layout of a home to the building materials used is a reflection of the time and culture in which it was built.

We learn a lot from historical structures, such as the narrow staircases and light-reducing arrowslits in European stone castles – that must not have been easy to navigate, but it shows how inhabitants valued protection and legacy over comfort!

We also can learn a lot about the future from Architecture. Why are tiny homes growing more popular? Why are “yurts” making a comeback? The answers reveal a lot about how society today utilizes natural resources and values mobility over permanence.

When building a home, it’s important to keep in mind why architecture is important, what your home says about you now, and what it might teach others about you later!

Home Layout And Materials Matter To Society

The flexibility, flow, and format of each home not only determine one’s daily productivity and interactivity – but they also can serve as “branding” for who you are and how you operate.

When you visit a new friend’s home, what’s the first thing you notice? Size! We instantly feel we learn something about one’s lifestyle based on how small or large one’s home is.

Then, when inside the home, you might notice bamboo flooring they’ve installed or high-efficiency heating and cooling systems they’ve invested in. You might then assume how environmentally conscious they are or how long they plan to stay.

The attribute that most often goes unnoticed, however, is the style of the home – which accurately reflects much more!

Architecture is important because while historical homes in the Garden State vary greatly in design, home builders in New Jersey have lots of room to explore.

For example, if you live in a Cape Cod colonial, you might enjoy family dinners by the fireplace and the comfort of second-floor bedrooms. If you renovate a Grand Anne Victorian, you might like reading on a porch and intricate design. Or, if you build a contemporary home with open floor plans, though more minimalist and modern, you might be more community-oriented.

How Functionality Creates Culture

Why is architecture important? How we design our homes expresses who we are! Are we creative or reserved? Do we lead organized or organic lives? Are we well-traveled or homebodies? Our homes can tell!

The functionality of each space also shares the story of who we are, what we do, and how we interact with others. For example, the desire for a mudroom or finished basement might indicate young children with active lifestyles, whereas the addition of a raised outdoor deck suggests homeowners who like to entertain guests.

A home also speaks to one’s level of security. Do you pull your car into a garage or are you comfortable leaving it in the driveway? Do you prefer window shutters that can be opened or closed?

Your home’s front exterior can be the most telling. Are there walkways and yard lamps leading up to your home? Is the door tall and imposing or classic and charming? It’s amazing how simple it can be to determine how guests are made to feel when visiting and it’s important to know how others might be encouraged or discouraged from entering your space.

When building a home, communicate with your architect about why architecture is important to you and what you want your home to say about you and the world you live in today!

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Window Shopping? New Jersey Architects Weigh in on Window Designs

Fri, 13 Mar 2020 17:42:00 GMT

photography by Lisa Russman

When building a home in New Jersey, you want to make sure the windows that keep your family safe also reflect your interior and exterior design preferences. The good news is NJ architects have many options to choose from when installing windows! Some maximize light while others promote flow, but the most important elements to keep in mind are function, safety, and design for East Coast living.

“Classic” Window Styles

Single-hung and double-hung windows, the most common and economical window types used by NJ architects, slide vertically, with both stashes able to be moved (and more easily cleaned) on double-hung windows. In cottage windows, the upper sash is shorter than the lower.

Slider windows operate much like double-hung windows, yet open horizontally and typically provide more unobstructed views to complement more contemporary New Jersey architecture.

Casement windows, hinged to open at the side, create tighter seals than double-hung and slider windows and are therefore ideal for colder climates and harder-to-reach locations, such as over sinks.

However, if natural light is most important, bay windows are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. While more expensive, these angular, multi-plane windows project out from the wall to increase viewing areas and create additional space inside the home, including window seating or shelving. Most also include side windows that can be opened. Bow windows are bay windows that create a smooth curve rather than angles in the exterior and interior of your home.

Windows for Every Function

New Jersey architects know how home builds and renovations vary drastically across the region. That’s why there are windows specifically designed for tight spaces and fickle climates, too.

Awning windows, for example, are hinged at the top to open outward – even in light rain or snow. Like casement windows, awning windows provide excellent insulation and ventilation options, while hopper windows, which open inward, make efficient use of small spaces in bathrooms, basements or closets.

However, if you need both more shelving and natural light, garden windows, or box-style windows, extend outside exterior walls for maximum viewing and are ideal spots to grow indoor plants.

Lastly, skylight installations, while more expensive, are a good option for natural light and ventilation when exterior wall space is limited.

Aesthetic-Only Window Designs

Windows are a great way for NJ architects to add design elements to your home!

Picture windows, for example, create dramatic aesthetics and unobstructed views while filling rooms with natural light, while arched windows give New Jersey architects a way to vary architecture design by adding rounded tops to standard windows.

There are also accent windows to make your home design pop while letting in more light. Radial windows (semi- or full circles) and geometric windows (triangles, diamonds, trapezoids and more) are statement-makers, while transom windows (typically square) can help break up or accentuate door and window designs in unique ways.

Safety First

While design and function are extremely important, you must also consider your family’s safety.

Storm windows, or exterior windows installed in the same frame as current windows, are typically installed by New Jersey architects due to the region’s prevalence for hurricanes. The additional layer also blocks drafts and prevents heat loss during cold weather months.

Egress windows, often required by code, provide escape routes in attics or basements while also increasing light and ventilation.

Both window types provide great ways to increase the value of your home while keeping your family secure.

The cost of windows varies based on design, size, materials, and glass, with labor rates fluctuating based on location. Still, when building a home in New Jersey, there are many options to choose from – especially when working with knowledgeable NJ architects!

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What NJ Architects Are Saying About How to Incorporate the Latest Smart Home Tools and Designs

Wed, 26 Feb 2020 08:13:00 GMT

photography by Lisa Russman

Whether you are building a new home, adding on to your existing house, or looking to remodel, upgrading to smart home technology can improve your life and lower your bills. Residential architects in NJ are using these tools more frequently in their designs as consumers see the value they add. What are smart home tools, and how can they be incorporated into the design and build of your home?

Understanding Smart Home Tools and Technology

Smart devices are those that connect to each other or the wider world via the internet. When appliances, gadgets, and other technology can send information, take specific commands, and communicate, then life becomes more comfortable and your home runs more efficiently. Today, smart tools include everything from lights to doorbells, from appliances to clocks.

These types of features allow for home automation, which enables you to control various features and functions in your home with just the press of a button. Say you are playing with your kids but need to get dinner started. Smart technologies can allow you to start appliances, like a stove or crockpot using an enabled device, like your phone, from wherever you may be. Life in New Jersey is busy, these technologies can make your life easier.

What Smart Tools do New Jersey Architecture Firms Recommend?

We love technology that makes your life easier, helps you save money, and keeps your attention where you want it to be, which is making memories, not managing your house. The best smart tools are those that complement your lifestyle and automate tasks that take up time in your regular schedule. For example, if you have a pet, then investing in a smart feeder ensures that your four-legged friend gets fed on time while managing his portions. It can even order more food for you when you are running low.

Other smart design features cater to your entire home and can help save you money, too. A Wi-fi enabled, learning thermostat can make sure that you and your loved ones stay comfortable, that your house is protected from harsh weather, and that your utilities remain low. You can control the temperature of your home from wherever you are, which means you can keep the temperature low when no one is home and adjust the system using your phone as you head back home. Smart thermostats also alert you to potential problems, so you don’t have to wait until your pipes burst to find out your furnace when out.

Also, New Jersey architecture increasingly includes smart technologies that control and monitor home security. Smart locks can allow children, neighbors, or trusted friends into your home via keypad or smartphone without the need to share keys. Indoor and outdoor surveillance cameras can help you keep an eye on your home and loved ones when you are away, too.

Smart lighting allows you to control the lights in your home from your enabled device, including when you aren’t home. The latest offerings in this category even enable you to program the brightness and color of each bulb, so you can have the exact ambiance you want in each room. And you won’t have to come home to a dark house ever again!

Smart technologies are available to help you manage your sprinkler system, to control the heating and air vents in every room of your home, to detect leaks in at-risk areas of your house, and to open and close blinds for light and privacy. You can even find smart versions of kitchen gadgets and small appliances, as well as larger electronics like refrigerators and stoves.

Talk with your residential architect about how smart home technologies can improve your home’s design and function and what value they can offer to your family.

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Building a House in NJ? Understanding the Various Roles of Everyone Involved with Your Design and Construction Process

Thu, 20 Feb 2020 14:36:00 GMT

photography by Lisa Russman

Building your dream home in New Jersey is a fun and exciting process. It’s also stressful, long, and sometimes tedious, but when your entire family is happy with the finished product, it is definitely worth it. You may not even be aware that there is an entire team of people dedicated to making your dreams come true.

Whether this is your first home or you are an old pro, it can be beneficial to know all of the roles and responsibilities of the various people on your team. While not every home project will include all of these roles, knowing they exist can help you determine if you need additional support on your side.

The Architect

Your residential architect is the person who designs and creates construction plans for your home. They work with you to evaluate your site and translate what you want and need into a preliminary design. Working within your constraints for house building costs, they will help you craft your construction budget, including the overall cost of ownership, including taxes, maintenance, and upkeep.

Once you have approved the design, the architect then translates this into schematics for your contractor and other construction professionals. This process includes hiring necessary specialists, such as engineers, consultants, and surveyors, to ensure that your design can be built safely and effectively. Your architect becomes the final authority on your home’s design before taking it before your local board for approval.

The detailed drawings generated are then used to garner bids from construction professionals who will later construct your home. The architect then takes on the role of a project manager, overseeing the building of your home from start to finish. He will coordinate with the rest of the team to ensure completion and adherence to your budget.

Lenders

This part of your team focuses on making sure you have the money you need, when you need it, to keep your construction project moving forward. They may help you with financing for your lot, house, or both. They can also assist you with building a house budget for now as well as once construction is complete.

Engineers

Depending on the complexity of your build, you may have more than one type of engineer who needs to be a part of your team. Structural engineers, civil engineers, and others are your logistics gurus, making sure that everything will work and that safety is a top priority. Engineers are there to assess any limitations that might be a part of your home’s design and make sure that your finished house is structurally sound and meets local building codes.

The Contractor

Contractors or home builders in NJ will coordinate with the architect to manage the actual building of your home. They will monitor safety, hire subcontractors, assess job completion and quality, and communicate with the rest of the team about problems, change-orders, and provide solutions or coordinate with the engineer when necessary.

Subcontractors

These are tradespeople who specialize in various systems, materials, or processes that are needed to finish your home. These include plumbing, electrical, HVAC, landscape, and finish carpentry specialists, to name a few. They report to the contractor and architect.

Inspectors

At various stages in your construction process, inspectors will need to ensure that your home meets local requirements. Building inspectors make visits to your site, sign off on required paperwork, and control whether you can continue building. Your contractor or architect will schedule all inspections with your town’s inspector to keep your build on schedule.

You have a lot of people to help you during your home construction process. Be sure to ask for help whenever you need it. These people are here to help you and support you every step of the way during the construction of your house.

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Get the Latest Ideas on Sustainable and Green Building Materials from NJ Architects

Thu, 13 Feb 2020 14:59:00 GMT

photography by Lisa Russman

When you’re building your new home, you have a lot of decisions to make. Among these are the materials that you use for both the interior and exterior structures and surfaces. Architecture that includes green and sustainable materials not only reduces the carbon footprint of your project but can also save you money in both construction and upkeep. What materials are architects in NJ using to minimize waste and build more eco-friendly homes? And what does it mean for a material to be “sustainable” anyway?

What Makes a Material “Eco-Friendly”?

There are many ways to define “green” materials, and you will need to decide which is most important to you. For example, substances that are recycled or made from existing components mean that fewer natural resources need to be used. Materials that allow your home to be more efficient and use fewer natural resources over the life of the house are also much greener.

Products sourced locally require fewer resources to transport. And materials that last a long time and are appropriate for the climate or application could also be a consideration. That means you won’t need to replace them as often, which means lower resource consumption across the lifespan of the structure.

The Latest Sustainable Materials Used by New Jersey Architecture Firms

So, which materials top the list for their eco-friendliness? Here are our top six picks.

Bamboo

With fantastic durability and a high strength-to-weight ratio, bamboo is a prized construction material. And because it has a high self-regeneration rate, supplies can be replenished much more quickly than traditional wood. Bamboo makes an excellent option for many home-building applications, and it takes far fewer resources to transport than other conventional materials. It can be grown without replanting in many different climates, as well.

Recycled Steel

When your new home design incorporates steel elements or requires beams or girders, look for recycled steel, which uses much less energy to create then new materials. In fact, recycled steel uses only 25 percent of the energy required to make new metal. And it means less junked cars and other materials in landfills and scrapyards.

Sheep’s Wool

For a green alternative to insulate your home, try wool instead of fiberglass or spray foam. Wool lasts longer than other natural options, and it can be regenerated more quickly than other alternatives, like cotton. As more people seek out and adopt natural materials over synthetic ones, new options such as this, which was not even on architects’ radar a few years ago, will continue to enter the marketplace.

Precast Concrete

As a natural and fully recyclable material, concrete is often high on green builders’ lists. When you opt for precast panels, which are made off-site and brought it, you also decrease waste and cost because you are benefiting from economies of scale. Concrete is strong and durable, and today’s finishes raise to a level of elegance never before seen.

Reclaimed and Recycled Wood

When you reuse timber that has already been harvested and refined, you are saving energy costs as well as preventing further deforestation. You can use recycled wood in all aspects of home construction, from stud walls to flooring, and because it is a hardy material that lasts, you won’t have to replace wood materials quickly.

Recycled Glass

From flooring to countertops to tiles, recycled glass can be used to create many beautiful and durable surfaces in your home. Glass is a 100% recyclable material, and several companies are now creating exquisite glass tiles and larger surfaces from industrial and residential waste. Glass makes an excellent alternative to resource-heavy materials like granite or marble. With unlimited colors from which to choose, your interior design will never suffer when you opt for this green material.

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Let’s Talk Insulation: Building A House In NJ That Will Stay Comfortable Year-Round

Wed, 05 Feb 2020 17:35:00 GMT

photography by Lisa Russman

When you are planning to design and construct a new home, you will also be building a house budget for your new lifestyle. And while you may think a lot about the various systems and finishes you invest in during your build, you should also be thinking about those materials that are going to keep your house comfortable and protected for many years to come. Most people think only about their HVAC system when it comes to keeping their home and family comfortable both during hot and cold months.

But, home builders in NJ know that the most important investment you can make is in your new home’s insulation. When calculating home building costs, you need to think not only about what materials will cost you now but how much money they may spend throughout the life of your home. Choosing the right insulation materials upfront can help keep your utility bills low and your family comfortable for years to come.

Home Insulation Basics

Why should I care about my home’s insulation? For starters, insulation is what keeps heat from migrating through the walls and ceilings of your home. When heating and cooling your home uses up to 70% of your total energy consumption, the more of that heat that stays put (inside during the winter or outside during the summer) and keeps you comfortable, the less energy you are using.

The other benefit of insulation is that it dampens sound, which means you won’t hear everything going on in your house at all times when walls, floors, and ceilings are adequately insulated. Insulation also helps protect your home from moisture damage by preventing condensation where extreme temperatures collide, such as on the roof or around windows and doors.

Heat naturally moves and seeks out areas where the temperature is lower, and the more you can resist or stop this from happening, the more stable your home’s temperature will be. The effectiveness of your insulation is measured in its thermal resistance rating or R-value. The higher the value, the better your insulation resists heat flowing into or out of your home.

Well over half the homes in existence today don’t have enough insulation. In fact, more than 800 trillion BTUs could be saved annually in the US alone if houses had proper insulation. And when you invest in the right level of insulation for your new home, you can save money as well as contribute to the reduction of fossil fuel consumption.

The Best Options for Insulating Your NJ Home

There are many different products available to those building a house in NJ today. Some are synthetic, while others are made from natural materials. Each has its advantages and drawbacks. The most commonly used insulation materials include:

Talk with your New Jersey architect about which option or options make the best choice for your design and site.

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An Open Letter To Our Builders & General Contractors

Wed, 18 Dec 2019 20:25:00 GMT

Architects know very well drawings are not crystal balls that prophesize the future perfectly. To endeavour that they do is simply unrealistic. They are called plans for a reason; they represent what our clients would like to achieve, what the architect would like to design, what building codes are applicable to the project to keep everyone safe and are meant as a graphic collection of instructions to be tested and realized during the construction process. By nature, it is not plausible to execute a set of drawings 100% to a tee, as drawn, by a builder or anyone. The process of construction translates a drawn concept to reality; there will be instances that need to be readdressed by all parties involved in the project. If all parties involved are on board with that process a happy environment and successful project will ensue.

Great builders have a ton of experience with how buildings and houses are put together. They continually expand their knowledge with the latest building techniques and available materials. During the course of building a specific project, they can identify information that is missing and, in many cases, know an alternative way to build a certain element. This is especially the case with architect’s drawings that were expedited in production for a variety of reasons; usually, because of the need to accommodate the client’s schedule or due to the professional fees they agreed to pay, leading to more instances of abbreviated information or details; though, not compromising safety of construction.

The best builders identify any additionally needed information and know to bring it immediately to the attention of the architect to provide an answer. The architect’s answer is provided by certified sketch, letter or combination of both, whether the subject is about structural loads, roof eave details, window units, or any of the hundreds of areas from foundation to rooftop.

The design and building process is an on-going dialogue between architect and builder. We rely on the relationships we have with builders so that a successful project can be realized and for our mutual clients to be happy. Similarly, builders rely on architects to be the ‘first responders’, main resource and professional expert in providing supplementary information, details, and sketches, so that nothing is left to assumption or answered from an unrelated source.

Thank you to all of our great GC’s and Builders! Couldn’t do it without you!

Looking forward to a great 2020 together.

Mike

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To Buy or Renovate? When Architectural Remodeling is the Smart Choice for Your Family

Wed, 11 Dec 2019 08:00:00 GMT

photography by Lisa Russman

At some point, your home may stop feeling like your home meets all your needs, or it starts to look tired and rundown. At these crucial moments, every homeowner has to make the dreaded but important decision. “Should I buy a different house or renovate the one I own?” While buying or building something new makes sense in several situations, architectural remodeling may be the best choice for your family. Here’s how you can tell.

Do You Have Enough Space?

While a growing family is often a reason to find a bigger house, it may be that your current home is big enough, but you are not utilizing the space well. Residential architects can help you reconfigure the floorplan of your home to keep the same footprint but add another bedroom or bathroom within the existing structure. These masters of architecture design are great resources for helping you use the space you have more efficiently, which can allow you to keep your home and avoid a costly move.

Do You Love Your Current Location?

Many people want to stay in their current home and make it work with a renovation or remodel because they are happy with the location, love their neighbors, or are content with their current commute time. Location is always a leading factor in the search for a home, and if you’ve already checked that item off your wish list where you are, remodeling the space could be the best decision. When you renovate, you can make the choices that will turn your house into your dream home, giving you the flexibility to customize and make it yours.

Does Your Current Home Offer Something Unique You May Not Find Elsewhere?

Sometimes, the deciding factor for staying put is that your current location offers something unique that no other home really can. Maybe you adore your view, appreciate the privacy your current lot affords you, or live very close to family members. These are factors that will be hard to replicate in a new home, so staying where you are and considering architectural remodeling of your current space is the best option for retaining these benefits.

Have You Already Made Significant Improvements?

Moving to a new home may be exciting, but it brings a lot of unknowns, including how quickly you’ll need to make significant improvements, like a new furnace or roof. If you’ve recently invested in major projects such as these in your own home, staying where you are could alleviate a lot of unknowns. If your home is structurally sound, it can be much more economical to invest a little extra in a home remodeling project than to buy a different house.

Do You Have the Time to Wait for Renovations?

Those who opt for an architectural remodeling project over moving will need to wait for all their home improvement projects to be finished before enjoying their new home. When you factor in the time it takes to pack and prepare for a move, sell your home, unpack, and fully settle, a home renovation may not take much less time, if you plan it well. If you choose to remodel the entire home, you may need to move out if you want to speed up the process. If you have time to wait for this to be completed and patience is a virtue you have, then waiting for your dream home will be worth it.

Do the Disadvantages Outweigh the Benefits of a New Home?

If you want to downsize, relocate, or really hate something hard to change about your current home, then building or buying a different house may be the better choice. Taking the time to consider these questions will help you explore your options and determine what is best for you and your family.

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Best House Designs for 2020: What the New Traditional Home will Look Like Soon

Wed, 04 Dec 2019 08:00:00 GMT

Photography by Lisa Russman

Traditional homes remain some of the most popular among homeowners today. While the traditional design has always meant the celebration of styles and architecture from many different periods, the updated traditional home of tomorrow will provide the perfect outlet to combine modern design features with those from other aesthetics and offer some of the best house designs for the upcoming year.

What is considered to be traditional is actually a blend of many different styles and eras and often includes pieces from many periods. Most traditional decors, though, include matching furniture, heavy window treatments, many different patterns in one space, and the strategic use of saturated colors. What’s not to love? Modern traditional homes , though, have taken the best of this and combined it with cleaner lines, more function, and even bolder mixing of periods and textures to create an updated, fun, and elegant look. The best house plans for 2020 are eclectic, giving you the paramount of many styles and the opportunity to incorporate all that you love rather than feeling confined by one look.

The Updated Great Room

While traditional architectural designs for houses usually embrace separation of spaces for specific purposes, modern families are clamoring for great rooms that combine eating and cooking areas with functional social spaces. Why not have both? The contemporary traditional style can still include open-concept design but delineate spaces using color, texture, flooring, and other design choices. Keeping lines clean and color palettes neutral will help tie everything together, but there’s nothing that says that your great room can’t still include a beautiful hutch for your dishes, an inlaid table where everyone can eat, and decorative light fixtures and elements that lend elegance and flair to your eating space.

Traditional Meets Minimal in the Master Suite

While traditional interior design for the master suite would typically include multitudes of colors and fabrics, why not switch it up by combining the simplicity of a minimalist look with some exciting period touches? Create a monochromatic base by choosing carpet and wall covers that are neutral and nearly identical. Then, bring in punches of color and texture using traditional fabrics, rugs, window treatments, or wall hangings. Selecting pieces with varied patterns but a common color is a way to tie it all together.

A New Take on Traditional Furnishings

In the past, having a traditional home meant lots of heavy, dark, and possibly dated furniture. Going in the opposite direction, a modern home lacks detail and may feel cold and uncomfortable for many. The happy medium, once again, is a new traditional design. With larger, more comfortable furniture that still has excellent lines and plenty of fun details, this new take on a classic gives you plenty of character and unique touches.

The Window Treatment Gets a Pare-Down

We all remember the heavy, often dark, overly fussy window treatments of the past several decades. These types of curtains, swags, and valences are a surefire way to make any room look dated, but the traditional design still calls for the use of color or texture on the windows to add interest to your space. Roman shades with bold designs, funky curtains with sumptuous textures, or solid shades that hang from ornate rods are sufficient to block out the sun, give you privacy, and add the right elegant touch to your updated traditional space.

Traditional Design Brings the Best Ideas Together

When modern families combine to form new unions, second households, or blended units, that means that there is an opportunity to bring everyone’s favorite furniture and decorative pieces together and celebrate them all. By combining the best of all your extraordinary pieces, your home becomes a reflection of your life before, now, and for the future. The best traditional interiors are those that showcase many styles, which means everyone gets to keep something that they love when households combine.

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Farmhouse Architecture and Interior Design: What You Need To Know To Achieve the Look You Love

Wed, 27 Nov 2019 08:00:00 GMT

Architectural Design for Today’s Farmhouse Look

Among the architectural elements that are most commonly associated with the modern farmhouse, the gable roof is by far the most ubiquitous component. Unlike the hip roofs of many suburban homes, the gable roof has two sloping sides, often with a steep pitch that creates a 45-degree angle where they meet. Gables give your home height and drama, and when they are covered in metal roofing materials, as many modern farmhouses are, it is a dramatic effect.

Tall, double-hung windows allow every room to enjoy plenty of natural light while still being reminiscent of your grandmother’s old house. The most common exterior choices for farmhouse design are board and batten or lap. With modern materials, including fiber cement, vinyl, and engineered wood, your options for colors and textures means you can customize your home’s exterior and stand out among the neighbors.

No farmhouse design would be complete without a porch. Front porches, back patios, and wrap-around verandas are all worthy options to complete the exterior design of your farmhouse. Be sure to hang a porch swing and create cozy, outdoor living spaces to ensure the entire family will be able to enjoy this impressive and functional part of your home.

Interior Architecture Options for your Farmhouse Family

The farmhouse design has risen in popularity, in part because the style is more relaxed, family-focused, and embracing the chaos of daily life, much like today’s families. Entering into a house of this design feels warm and welcoming, and living inside allows you and your loved ones to enjoy the simple moments together.

Layouts for a modern farmhouse generally revolve around the kitchen and eating spaces, with a great room design that can be customized to fit your needs. Because you want to take advantage of the natural light and outdoor spaces, as well, cozy nooks outside and large doors that lead to the porch are also common.

The biggest draw for both the architecture and interior design of today’s farmhouses is that they are built for practicality, and choices are made based on function and usage, not just aesthetics. Furniture is comfortable and meant to welcome visitors, not leave people wondering if it’s okay to sit. Materials are natural and durable, meaning they can withstand whatever the kids or the furry family members can dish out.

But this form of architectural design isn’t stuffy, which means furniture doesn’t all have to match, you can choose different materials to define specific spaces, and everything is created to help all who enter feel at home. You can personalize your modern farmhouse with the vibe that speaks to you, including details that recall the Great Plains, a beautiful vineyard, or your ancestral home.

Architectural Design that Combines The Best of Both Worlds

The attractiveness of the modern farmhouse style is a story in combining opposites in subtle but effective ways. These homes offer the chance to integrate airy and dense, old and new, light and dark, natural and man-made. Those with minimalist leanings as well as anyone with a more traditional sensibility can find a way to bring different design elements together to create something they will love.

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Master Bath Design Secrets Shared by Architects in NJ

Thu, 21 Nov 2019 16:10:00 GMT

Photography by Lisa Russman

Creating an inviting master bath is something you do for yourself, not guests or visitors to your home. Your master bath is an essential space in your home, enabling you to get your day started, providing a brief refuge from the daily grind, and giving you space for taking care of yourself when your batteries need a recharge. If you are considering a master bath redesign, here are some tips from an expert Architect in NJ to help you create the space you need.

Start Each Day with Warmth

If you are building or remodeling your master bath, why not take advantage of this opportunity to install heated flooring in your space? No one likes cold tile on their feet early in the morning, and heated floors are practical as well as comfortable. When you heat from the bottom up, your space will feel warmer, and when your feet are toasty, the rest of you will feel cozy, too. Ask your New Jersey architecture specialist how to incorporate heated floors into your master suite.

Tile Advice from NJ Architects

Installing floor-to-ceiling tile is one way to transform a space from blah to high end, and you can achieve the look you want by picking stone, ceramic, or glass tiles that you love. When working with stone, you can opt to focus on just one or two walls rather than the entire space while leaving the other walls neutral, to bring out the natural beauty of the stone. Subway tiles are also a great choice, but you can get creative with grout colors, accent tiles, and layout patterns, too. An architect can be a second set of eyes to help you decide. They are trained experts in design and functionality.

Create a Retreat Using Natural Elements

One way to improve the relaxation factor of your master bath is to integrate as many natural elements as possible into your indoor space. Natural light provides warmth while also making your bathroom an excellent home for plants and flowers. Using wood accents or details helps you connect with nature, and the more natural your space, the more likely your mind will be able to rejuvenate and focus on self-care.

Get Creative with Lighting in Your Master Bath

Wall sconces, chandeliers, and pendant lamps aren’t just for the great room anymore. Your master bath needs plenty of supplemental light to create that welcoming effect after dark, too. Adequate lighting in this space is crucial, and there’s nothing that says you have to stick with traditional, around-the-mirror fixtures. New Jersey architecture firms are installing some interesting, funky, and functional light fixtures that create a beautiful statement in the master bath.

Dual Vanities Means Dual Style

If you share your master bathroom with someone else, why not give each of you a space to call your own? Putting multiple vanities in a master bath is nothing new, but placing them in different parts of the room and incorporating distinct styles in each ensures that you both get the personal space you love. Make his countertop higher or yours lower, use different colors and materials or add other touches to customize each area.

The Most Important Rule is That You are Comfortable

What is more apparent today than ever before is that, when it comes to the master bath or master suite, there really are no rules anymore. Because these are personal spaces in your home that are meant to meet your most intimate and private needs, the most crucial consideration is that it makes you comfortable and has everything you require. Throw out all your preconceptions about what a bathroom “should” be and create the one that gives you what you desire. Today’s master bath is breaking all the rules, so feel free to get creative when considering options for your next remodel or new home.

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Ready for Some Kid-Approved Ideas for Room Additions? We’ve Got Them!

Thu, 07 Nov 2019 15:41:00 GMT

Room Addition Ideas Your Kids Will Love

Room additions can serve lots of purposes, so how about one that is specifically geared toward your growing family? For starters, you and your kids can enjoy a game room together. Having a space to play electronic games, board games, pool, or other activities is an excellent idea for young and old. Game rooms do not need anything special in terms of the construction, and you can change the contents as your family grows and interests change. Include storage for board games, an entertainment center or computer station, plus comfortable seating, and you are ready to play! If you build it like an extra bedroom, you have increased the value of your home for future buyers, too.

Younger kids would love to have an indoor adventure space for play. Creating a playroom for your small ones gives them room to be creative that does not interfere with the rest of the family space. And a place all their own means they can decide how to express themselves through their imaginations. Include extensive built-ins to wrangle the clutter and turn your playroom into a flexible space when guests come over. A Murphy bed is perfect for this type of area, which can double as a guest room from time to time.

Are your kids into hobbies? Or do they play musical instruments? Why not give them a room for their pastimes? Some hobbies require a lot of gear or equipment that you do not want taking up space in shared areas. Musicians will appreciate a room where they can practice without disturbing the whole house and a place to store their instruments. And the rest of the family will appreciate any soundproofing you install!

Why not think outside the box (literally) and add an outdoor living area to your home for the whole family to enjoy? While technically not an addition, outdoor living spaces do add livable square footage to a house and are becoming more sought after by buyers. Give the kids something they will love, like a treehouse, playhouse, or play area, and include a fire pit and outdoor kitchen for the whole family to enjoy.

Finally, if your kids are getting a little older, what they really want is a space to hang out with their friends, watch movies, and chill. Adding a teen space as a room addition can be as simple as finishing your existing basement, but you could also add a room over your garage or build an outdoor studio or shed in your yard. Once your kids are gone from the house, these spaces can turn into places for your personal hobbies, guest quarters, or even a room to rent to tenants or travelers.

Do Your Home Addition Plans Meet the “Kid” Test?

Remember: room additions do not have to be dull and stodgy, so get creative when considering home addition ideas. Ask your kids what kinds of spaces would make their lives better and be willing to hear what they have to say. After all, they live there, too!

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Opt for an Interior Design that Creates Flexible Home Work Space

Wed, 30 Oct 2019 15:09:00 GMT

Photography by Lisa Russman

While the trend toward fully remote or part-time work-from-home jobs is rising, the home office is also enjoying a revival of sorts in the design world. Interior design plans from the past several years have seen a decrease in dedicated home office space. As interior design and use of space have evolved, homeowners are looking to make better use of flexible spaces for work, play, and family activities.

New homes increasingly have open-plan layouts that allow for flexible use of shared spaces, which can be utilized in many ways by those who work from home. And because homes are getting smaller, forgoing a dedicated office frees up valuable square footage to devote to other family priorities.

Home Design Plans That Create Flexible Space
For many people who work away from the office, all they need is a place to sit, a reliable internet connection, and their thoughts. This can easily be accomplished in a wide variety of settings, including some away from home, like your local cafe, library, or park. Those with a more flexible workflow may decide that all they need at home is a desk to store documents and manage the clutter, or a place they can use from time to time for phone calls or video chats.

In instances where you still want a dedicated space to work but do not necessarily need an entire room, a home office nook is becoming a popular trend. Everything from secluded corners to larger landings to space under the stairs can be enlisted to serve work needs. Or, how about repurposing the wardrobe your daughter has outgrown as a workspace? All you need is 20 square feet (or less), and voila! Instant office.

For couples that co-work as well as cohabitate, creating a shared workspace can be space-saving. And at the end of the workday, kids can also use this same space to practice music, do homework, or work on hobbies or crafts. A large island or farmhouse table, dedicated shelves or storage bins, and lots of outlets for portable electronics will suit everyone’s needs.

When you need to be able to transition from work mode to family time quickly, hideaway or convertible furniture is a good choice. By day it is a desk, but after school, it folds away into a bookshelf or cupboard. You have the benefit of a space to call your own when needed which isn’t a permanent structure in your home.

When your home is small and bustling with noise from pets, kids, and media players, it is helpful to have a retreat that you can use from time to time to gather your thoughts, too. Some couples are embracing an office nook inside the master suite, which allows the adults to work in private while the kids have free reign of the rest of the home. This is the perfect interior design plan for when your teens and their friends seem to be everywhere all the time.

The Future of Home Office Interior Design
As the generation of Millennials increasingly become homeowners, and the older generations reach retirement age, a different population is dictating home design trends. The rise of the gig economy, the ability to work from anywhere you have a reliable WIFI signal, and the shifting demands of “work” in general all have redefined what it means to “work” and “work from home.”

The most important advice you can consider is to make sure that your home office space, whatever it may be, meets your needs and those of the others in your family. That’s your most important priority.

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Tips for Building a House When You’ve Never Owned a Home Before

Wed, 23 Oct 2019 13:34:00 GMT

Photography by Lisa Russman

So, you are a first-time homebuyer, AND you want to build your own home? When you are sure that you are ready to become a homeowner, building your perfect home may be the best choice for you. While the process of building can be a bit different than buying a pre-owned home, it does not have to be scary. Knowing the most important things to consider when designing a house will help, which is why we have compiled this concise list of tips for building a house as a new homeowner.

Home Building Tips for First Time Homeowners

1. Do Your Research
If you have never owned a home before, you may not know what options are available or which type of design elements suit you. Start by looking at lots of houses. While online research is a great starting point, it is often much more beneficial to walk through homes, to feel what it is like to be in these spaces. Visit open houses and ask friends whose homes you admire to poke around a bit. Look for layouts you like, design ideas that catch your eye, and details that interest you. Take photos and keep a detailed list of your thoughts. The clearer you are about what you are looking for in each room of your new home, the easier it is for your residential architect to help you create a design that works for you.

2. Consider Your Needs Now — and For Later
The home you are building will last for decades, so you don’t only want to think about what you might want right now. Are you planning to start a family, or will your family someday get larger? Do you have lots of out-of-town guests, do you entertain a lot, or will you eventually need to care for an aging parent? All of these are factors that you can plan for when you initially envision your home. The list of things to consider when designing a house includes much more than your current lifestyle and needs, which is why creating a home with flexible spaces or the option to add on later could be necessary for some people.

3. Hire the Right Pros
Building your first home is not the time to go it alone or figure it out along the way. Hiring a residential architect and, later, a contractor will be two important decisions you make when building your first home. These experts will be able to guide the process and give you the best advice on building a new home. Building a house is an immense undertaking, so you must have the best guidance possible.

4. Plan, Plan, and Plan Some More
The most successful home builds and satisfied homeowners are the result of careful planning before construction even begins. Your architect will work with you to plan for the layout of your home on your lot, where the windows and doors will be, and how many square feet you will have. But these are just the basics. Get out your big list of design ideas (see Step 1) and start planning for all the details of your new home. Lighting, flooring, outlets, switches, flow, storage… everything needs to be concretely decided. Your contractor (and your budget) will thank you when you do not need to make changes after construction has started.

Building a home is an exciting time that gives you many choices and allows you to create a house that meets your needs. And as first-timers, you have a lot to be excited about! Enjoy the process and be willing to listen to the advice of others, and you will end up with a home you adore!

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Why the Open Kitchen Design is Here to Stay

Wed, 16 Oct 2019 14:56:00 GMT

Photography by Lisa Russman

There are always design trends that come and go, but some seem destined to remain a part of the design landscape. The open kitchen is one design trend that has a long history and is not going anywhere any time soon. Why is this design so popular? And what are the best new open kitchen design ideas being used? And what do we mean, exactly, by “open kitchen” anyway?

What is an Open Kitchen Layout?
In general, open-concept spaces, whether they be a kitchen or another room, are defined by their elimination of barriers that separate them from other functional areas of the home. In most houses, the open kitchen combines with a dining area, a living room, the outdoors, or some other configuration of space that allows the family to be together whether they are eating, meal prepping, cleaning, or doing other activities. Today’s open kitchen design is often the heart of the “great room,” which usually is some mash-up of a family/living room, eating area, kitchen, and possible other multi-purpose spaces.

Why this Design Trend Has Lasted
One of the reasons the open kitchen evolved is because the notion of formal dining spaces has been replaced by less-formal, more family-friendly and social-friendly rooms. Families today want comfortable cooking spaces that allow them to interact with others, and the open kitchen is perfect for keeping an eye on homework while preparing lunches or for chatting with your little ones while you clean up after dinner.

The open floor plan is also favored by those who like to entertain, providing a casual but connected feeling that invites people to enjoy your home and feel at ease. As home footprints are decreasing in size, the open kitchen layout and great room model makes even more sense, as rooms serve many different functions throughout a given day.

The Latest in Open Kitchen Design Ideas
One of the problems with having an open-concept kitchen is the need to keep it clean and tidy, especially when you are entertaining. When you can see the kitchen from every part of the great room, it becomes a necessity to have space for messes, food prep, and other tasks you do not necessarily want the world to see. Walk-in pantries, butler’s pantries, and other “behind the scenes” areas are perfect for maintaining the open-concept feel while keeping clutter or prep work out of sight as well as out of reach of little fingers.

Many modern open kitchens are also doing away with upper cabinets, which allows you to have more windows, decorative design pieces, or open shelving. With innovations in lower cabinetry, including much more practical use of drawers and shelves that maximize every inch of space, and as more people are learning to live with less, the added storage is not as necessary as it once was. Sometimes called an “unkitchen,” which is characterized by a lack of upper cabinets, your open kitchen may have no built-in cabinets at all, and a feeling much more akin to a living room than a standard kitchen.

Instead of linking your open kitchen to the family room, why not consider opening it up to the backyard, a wall of windows, or a sunroom? If you live in a climate where your outdoor space can be used a good portion of the year, why not make it part of your living and cooking area? And a sure way to get more use from your yard is to link it directly with your kitchen. You will get the benefit of more natural light as well as an open kitchen that changes with the seasons.

What’s next in open kitchen design ideas? The sky seems to be the limit, but one thing remains clear. The open kitchen layout is here to stay.

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Wonder No More! We Uncover The Best Room Additions to Add Value and Livability to Your Home

Wed, 02 Oct 2019 18:49:00 GMT

Photography by Lisa Russman

Our lives are always changing, and sometimes, our homes need to change with us to make them more livable. So, which room additions are going to give you the most bang for your buck? And what home addition ideas can increase your home’s value while also giving you the square footage you need? While you have many options when choosing home addition plans, not all will be a good investment for your family. Here are the best room additions to add value and livability to your home.

Add a Bathroom
In terms of livability and value, adding a bathroom is often your best choice. If you don’t have enough bathrooms in your home, it can significantly influence your resale value, and no one likes to be the one standing on the other side of a locked bathroom door.

You can sometimes find the space you need for an additional bathroom by “stealing” from other parts of the home, but adding a new room or bumping out an existing one to gain square footage is also an option. A full-size bathroom with a tub can add at least 35 square feet to your home, but imagine the peace and comfort that space will bring to you and your family!

Adding a bathroom will vary widely in costs depending on your materials, the size, whether you need to pour any additional foundation, and a number of other factors, but you can expect to recoup the majority of these in the increased value of your home later one. Talk with your residential architect about your options for adding one to your home.

Expand the Master Suite
If your home is older or does not include a master suite, then adding on to this part of your home could not only increase your home’s value but also allow you to create the serene getaway you crave. Master suites were not standard in previous decades, but new home buyers expect large closets, ensuite facilities, and plenty of room in their primary bedroom.

If you are just adding to the bedroom, a master suite expansion can be relatively inexpensive. If you start adding or moving a bathroom, prices can start to rise. But often, just bumping out one wall a few feet and rearranging the space inside is enough to give you the luxurious master suite you long for.

Extend Your Kitchen
When it comes to your return on investment, it’s hard to go wrong with a kitchen expansion. As the hub of any family home, the kitchen is used daily and becomes the gathering spot for everyone, even the family pet. When your kitchen is small or lacks sufficient storage or counter space, it affects the livability of your home every day. By extending your kitchen, you not only increase your enjoyment and the usability of this room, but future buyers will appreciate it as well.

Depending on the state of your current kitchen and the size of the expansion, costs for a kitchen upgrade can vary widely. Costs for building a 200 square foot addition that is to be all kitchen can range from $100,000 to $200,000+, but the good news is that investment will also increase your home’s value significantly if you make smart choices. Gutting an existing kitchen and renovating the space into a new kitchen is a great way to increase home value. It also responds to the way families live today; what was a space meant for one person a hundred years ago is now meant for multiple cooks and their family and friends to hang out. The cost to renovate a kitchen in its current footprint is usually around 10% of what the house would list at in the market. Working with a residential architect will help you make the best choices for your family as well as for the lasting value of your home.

Make the Right Choice for You
Understanding which room additions can improve your home’s resale value is essential, but if you plan to stay in your home for some time, it is more vital that you make decisions based on your family’s needs, because livability has value, as well. A residential architect can advise you on all your options for home addition plans that give you the square footage you need while also protecting your investment.

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6 Tips for Building a House When You Have Young Kids

Wed, 25 Sep 2019 16:59:00 GMT

Photography by Lisa Russman

Your home is where your family will create lasting memories, including the everyday moments your children will cherish for the rest of their lives. Advice on building a new home is full of tips about budgets, timelines, and management, but what are some of the things to consider when designing a house for your new, growing family? What works for your young ones now may not be the best choice in a few years, when teenagers are ruling the roost. Designing your home with a few basic principles in mind can ensure your home continues to meet your needs for many years. Here are six tips for building a house for anyone considering designing a new home for a growing family.

1. Focus on Staying Connected
We are all juggling many responsibilities all at once, and this is also true when we are at home. Focus on open-concept spaces that help you keep an eye on your kids while preparing meals, allow the whole family to use a space for different needs, and provides space for everyone to cohabitate comfortably. Open-concept is a design principle that is here to stay because it allows you to create flexible spaces that can shift over the years, as your needs change.

2. Remember Privacy and Security
Keeping your family safe and protecting your privacy from others is an essential function of home design. Can you see your kids playing outside while you are inside working or doing chores? How far into your home can someone see when you open the front door? How quickly could you reach young ones in the middle of a late-night emergency? Creating paths, sightlines, and access points for safety are vital with little ones, but as they get bigger, being able to monitor their comings and goings will also be necessary.

3. Make Every Inch Count
Smart designs make use of every square foot in your home. Storage should be incorporated in every room in your home, including making use of wasted spaces and underutilized areas. Use the corners and edges of rooms to create small nooks and more intimate spaces that can change as your kids grow up and out. Don’t limit one room to a single purpose, either.

4. Bedrooms Should Stand the Test of Time
Your kids are big a lot longer than they are little, so while tiny bedrooms may work for a while, they aren’t the best option down the road. Plan bedrooms to accommodate at least a double bed to ensure that the room serves many purposes later on. If you want to create an office, craft space, or multi-purpose room in the future, it’s easier to work with a larger area. Even if your kids stay in twin beds the whole time they live with you, larger bedrooms will help you sell your house later, too.

5. Flow is Just as Important as Space
While having enough room is essential, so is how the space works together. You can have a huge house that doesn’t feel comfortable or work for your family if the rooms do not work together to create a cohesive space. The space of the shape matters and a residential architect can help you make the most of whatever space you have.

6. Choose Materials that Will Last
When you have small kids, you want materials that are easy-to-clean and rugged. As they get older, you still want your home to look beautiful and stand up to years of use. Invest in materials that are built to last and will require less of the kind of maintenance that will force you away from enjoying time with your family.

If you have any questions, would like to know more about working with an NJ architect or want to discover more tips for building a house, please reach out to our team today.

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Breaking the NJ Architecture Rules with These Design Tips to Help Your Home Stand Out From the Pack

Wed, 18 Sep 2019 15:33:00 GMT

Photography by Lisa Russman

If you are building a new home, you want your house to meet your family’s needs, but does it also have to look like every other house on the block? New Jersey architects have lots of great ideas for creating a home for you that is functional as well as fun and shows off your style. While many NJ architecture professionals like following design rules, perhaps you are in the market for someone that enjoys breaking a few, too?

Design trends and rules are great for guiding and inspiring you, but who says inspiration must come from other houses? Or that you can’t be a leader in design instead of always a follower? When choosing from the many architectural firms in New Jersey to design your home, consider looking for one that will give you a design that stands out from the crowd.

Experiment with Interesting Angles
Some of the most exciting and forward-thinking designs for homes today include a focus on geometry and the use of interesting angles never before seen in residential architecture. Who says a house should be a rectangle or square? Using curved or angled walls allows you to take advantage of the natural surroundings, exploit natural light, and provide privacy to different areas of your home. Plus, funky angles make for exciting indoor spaces that delight kids and adults alike.

Embrace Bold Colors
Color can transform the look and feel of your home dramatically, but most people shy away from using bold colors on the exterior of their home. Using bold colors, though, doesn’t have to be a risky move if done well. Small houses, for example, can take a bright or vibrant color without becoming overwhelming. Using vivid tints on the trim or to accent a particular architectural design is also a great option. Paint doesn’t have to be scary, and your house does not have to resemble a crayon box for it to stand out. Color can be used to add drama and sophistication for any home’s exterior.

Use Recycled Materials
Homebuilding has expanded a great deal when it comes to materials as well, as more people are interested in sustainability and choosing local materials whenever possible. Using recycled materials allows you to build a new home with a smaller carbon footprint, and when you reuse construction materials, you can create interesting design elements that catch people’s attention. From reusing timbers to repurposing doors and windows to using new materials made from recycled plastics, rubber, or concrete, you have a wide variety of options from which to choose, and NJ architecture pros can help you make the best choices.

Create a Healthier, More Efficient Home
When you are considering home designs, the health and welfare of your family should be priority number one. Things like air quality, the safety of various materials in your home, and the use of chemicals in its construction should not be an afterthought. More homeowners are considering green building options, more natural materials, and water and air filtration needs and including these as part of their home designs.

Energy efficiency is also more critical than ever before, as fuel costs rise and greenhouse emissions continue to damage the planet. Home designs that take advantage of larger windows to capture more natural warmth can create a bold statement while reducing heating bills. Homes with living roofs are also starting to pop up, providing insulation as well as design interest. Including solar panels and other forms of energy production also helps your home become less dependent on the electrical grid.

If you are interested in designing a home that combines health, style, function, and flair, you have many NJ architecture professionals from which to choose. Unconventional design doesn’t have to be just for the uber-rich, and your next home could become the inspiration for your block.

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Need More Space? Home Addition Plans That Work Now and For Decades to Come

Wed, 11 Sep 2019 18:58:00 GMT

Photography by Lisa Russman

Deciding to add on to your home is a big decision; it can even be a little scary. After all, with how much some house additions cost, wouldn’t it be better just to buy a different house? But adding more space to your home doesn’t have to be daunting, and with the right advice and support, your home addition plans can add value and comfort to your home both now and well into the future.

Depending on your needs and budget, several home addition plans could help your house become your dream home, one that will allow you to stay where you are. Home additions enable your kids to remain in their schools, your family to stay close to friends and neighbors, and for you to realize the full potential of your current home. Adding on to your home can be the perfect solution in tight markets or when relocation is not an option. So which type of house expansion project will work best for those looking to hang on to their home for many years to come? Here are a few options.

Add a Second Floor
Arguably the most ambitious of home addition plans, creating a second story on your home is a perfect choice for some families. This type of addition can cost anywhere from $125,000 to $250,000 for a full, mid-grade design. As another option, adding dormers to an attic level can convert an unoccupied space into more habitable space and the cost is closer to $15,000 to $25,000 per dormer. Prices will all depend on the size of your home, your location, and your design choices, but a second story addition can add tremendous square footage to your living area while greatly increasing the resale value of your home.

Working with a residential architect will help you design a second floor that blends seamlessly with the other parts of your home, reimagine current spaces, and dream of what you could do with a house that nearly doubles in size. If you have the budget, adding upwards is the house expansion plan that will most significantly improve your current home while increasing its value.

Finish That Basement
If you have a basement, finishing it can, like adding a second story, add significant square footage to the livable area of your home. You can use a finished basement as a small apartment for aging parents, older children, or even tenants. It can also become the living room/home theater/game room for your growing family. The right architect can transform your basement from the dingy, dark space we all love to hate into the livable area you need.

A basement project, depending on size and scope, can be much more affordable than second story additions. The average cost of finishing a basement starts around $20,000 and goes up from there depending on if you need to add plumbing, electrical or other major components. If you plan to have a bedroom in the basement, remember to include a walkout or emergency windows for safety. Your architect and contractor can help you ensure you are meeting all local codes, as well.

Turn Your Porch into a Sunroom
If you enjoy spending time on your porch or patio, then transforming it into a sunroom can provide you with year-round access as well as supplemental living space that could be just what your family needs. A sunroom is an excellent alternative to a conventional home addition as it is more budget-friendly. And this space can be used for many purposes over the years. While your kids are young, this room could be used for homework or as a place to practice hobbies. As your family’s needs change, the sunroom can become a library, a reading room, or a hangout space for your older children.

Sunrooms are not meant to be used as permanent bedrooms nor do they usually include plumbing, so their building requirements differ from more traditional room additions. Talk with your residential architect about the benefits of adding a sunroom to your home, as well as the potential resale value in your area.

Adding more space doesn’t have to be daunting. These home addition ideas will give you the space you need and provide the dream home you’ve always wanted.

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How Residential Interior Design Choices Can Give You the Family-Friendly Yet Stylish Home You Crave

Wed, 04 Sep 2019 16:44:00 GMT

Photography by Lisa Russman

Designing a home that meets the needs of your family does not mean that you have to sacrifice style or flair. The right residential interior designer can help create a custom home that combines family-friendly architecture with kid-friendly home design. If you want to create a space that can change directions and meet the evolving needs of your family, you don’t have to sacrifice beauty for function. You can have both.

Thoughtful Design Brings Families Together
Choosing your interior design style should include creating spaces that are meant to foster togetherness and connectivity, not divide your family. Today’s residential architects can help you design a custom home that allows one parent to be helping with homework while the other prepares a meal nearby. Separate rooms are a thing of the past as modern families want to spend more time together. The right layout and interior design will help ensure that you don’t miss out on essential moments together as a family, and communal spaces and open-plan areas are perfect for achieving this goal.

Design with Noise in Mind
Home design isn’t just about how things look. Sound is an important consideration, too. How will your home function when kids want to play video games, listen to music, talk with their friends, or watch tv? Are there flex spaces, where louder activities can occur, which can still be used for other purposes by the rest of the family? Can the home office during the day serve as a game room after hours? Is there space for a playroom that transitions to a hangout space when the kids get older? Keeping these things in mind will ensure that everyone has room to do their thing while others can still enjoy quiet moments.

Always Include Storage
Kids have a lot of stuff. And if you don’t want your home to look like a war zone constantly, then you should adopt residential interior design styles that include places to store all those gadgets, games, books, and toys that come with having a family. Building storage into the room’s structure, in the beginning, means everything will have a place, which keeps your house looking great no matter the occasion.

Pick Durable Materials
Some of the best, kid-friendly materials are also the most beautiful ones. For example, hardwood floors are the easiest to keep clean and maintain, plus they stand up to just about anything your kids can dish out. While carpet may be great when they are learning to crawl, that is only a short window in the long life of your house, so choose materials that are built to last and will look great even after four kids and three dogs have had their way with them.

Pick design elements that are not fussy and are easy to clean. Leather furniture is easy to clean and rugged but also adds warmth to your space. Cordless blinds are simple, stand up to abuse, and are safe around little ones. Wood, solid surface counters, and tile are excellent design choices that add beauty as well as longevity to your home. Your interior designer can help you select the best options that will be made to last.

Don’t Neglect the Outdoor Spaces
Kids love playing outdoors. Including outdoor living spaces in your home improves its family-friendliness. Give your family a natural, safe environment to enjoy the outdoors while spending time together. Patios, porches, rooftop gardens, and decks are just a few ways you can include the outdoors as a part of your home, and planning ahead for this will ensure you still have the functional spaces, like driveways, garages, and tool sheds, that you need.

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Custom Homes 101: Everything You Need to Know About Building Your New Home on Schedule

Wed, 28 Aug 2019 14:32:00 GMT

Photography by Lisa Russman

You’ve decided to build a custom home. Great! That is exciting, and of course, you want your new home finished as quickly as possible so that you can start enjoying your house, right? Like you, custom home builders want your house to be completed on time and on budget, so what can you do to help ensure this happens? Here are some tips to help keep the construction of your new home on schedule.

Agree on Your Design Before You Start Construction
Some of the most significant delays that happen during the construction of beautiful custom homes are when the homeowner decides to make changes to the plans after construction has begun. What may seem like a simple change on paper can have huge consequences when it comes to implementing them. It is not as simple as moving a line on a piece of paper — all changes will delay the outcome. Make sure that you and your residential architect have finalized your custom home plans before you break ground, and if you choose to change them later, realize that this will affect your timeline.

Review Your Master Schedule and Understand It Completely
The job of the architect as a project manager is to create the master schedule before construction begins, then ensure that all contractors and sub-contractors follow this timeline. Talk with your architect about any questions you have about this schedule, including how firm various goals and milestones are. Sometimes, these are hard and fast targets, and other times, they are estimates based on many variables. Find out how you can play an active role in making sure things are completed on time and follow through with any tasks that are your responsibility.

Understand the Contingency Plans
Even the best-laid schedules can get off track due to weather, supply problems, or unforeseen circumstances. Custom home builders are adept at identifying potential risks in your schedule while crafting backup plans for those most likely to impact your completion date. Discuss how these contingency plans could influence your overall budget and make sure they understand your hard limits when it comes to overages in time or costs.

Communicate Regularly
Most construction projects get delayed because of a series of minor hiccups rather than one big problem. The best way to avoid these is to keep track of the daily progress and identify these types of issues quickly so that they can be resolved. You must have an open and honest relationship with your residential architect so that you create an effective team that works together on this project.

Work the Problem
Projects such as the construction of beautiful custom homes get behind for several reasons. Many homeowners panic at the first sign of trouble and start looking for easy or quick solutions instead of figuring out what the problem is first. Before you can fix a problem, you need to know what is wrong. Talk with your architect about the source of the delay and make sure you have all the information necessary before deciding how to resolve the scheduling problem. This will save you money and time in the end.

Be Flexible
Even the best architects and the most well-thought-out custom home plans and schedules can’t ensure that your new home will be ready on the exact date you want. Things happen, and delays should be a part of your expectations. In the grand scheme, does one extra week influence your lifetime of enjoyment of your great, new space? Probably not. When possible, be flexible and appreciate that your architect is doing everything possible to get your house finished as quickly as possible.

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Family Rooms We Love: How Interior Design Services Can Transform Your Great Room into the Best Room of Your House

Wed, 21 Aug 2019 15:35:00 GMT

Photography by Lisa Russman

While great rooms and open-concept design are not new in the world of residential architecture, interior architecture and design are embracing this part of the home like never before. Open-plan spaces are perfect for creating interaction and embracing connectivity, and interior design services are perfect for helping you transform yours from good to great.

In modern custom homes, the great room is getting more attention and square footage than other parts of the house. Many homeowners are opting for smaller bedrooms, favoring the communal spaces that main rooms offer. Great rooms add warmth, versatility, and connectedness to your home in ways that individual living and dining rooms can’t.

Get Expert Advice
Interior services, like those offered by residential architects, can assist you and your family in creating the great room you have always wanted. Come together with friends and loved ones for family dinners, movie nights, homework sessions, and much more with multipurpose rooms that embrace the complexity and connectedness of your family’s lives.

Using a residential architect to plan for your great room remodel will help you create a space that allows you to keep an eye on the little ones while you make dinner, and will transform into space your teens still want to hang out in as your family ages and grows.

Think a Little Differently
Just a few decades ago, you wouldn’t dream of building a house without a dining room, but today, that notion no longer appeals to as many. When it comes to the perfect great room, the sky’s the limit when it comes to how to use space and what the room is capable of doing. A kitchen island doesn’t just have to be for food prep anymore. It can serve as a home office, breakfast bar, and craft area. Furniture that folds up or collapses down makes it easy to switch up how you use a particular part of your space, too.

Strive for Multipurpose Pieces
When selecting furniture, opt for pieces that can serve more than one purpose or work in different parts of the room. Nesting tables can serve as homework stations after school and snack trays during family movie night. Wheeled oversized ottomans become extra seating or a coffee table, depending on the day.

Add in Cozy Bits
The danger with open-plan spaces is that they can feel too stark and unwelcoming if you are not careful. Here’s where interior design services really help! Your designer can help you carve out distinct areas within the larger space that can be used for specific purposes. Spots with lots of natural light would be perfect for some greenery, a cozy couch, and shelving for books. Voila! You have a library/study space that can also be used for storage or quiet time with one of your little ones. Finding ways to add comfort and purpose to your large, open space will give your great room usability and warmth.

Keep it Unified with Design Elements
Using locally available residential design services, create a look that ties your great rooms many functions together. Ask your designer about how to use color, texture, flooring, lighting, and other design details to link the many different areas of your great room into a cohesive space. Because your family will be spending the most time in this part of your home, you want to make choices that will last, will transition well with you as you grow and change, and that match your family’s aesthetic. You can use consistent colors or materials, or you can choose accents that are present throughout the space that tie it all together.

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New Jersey Architect Shares Tips on How to Integrate Clever Storage into Your Home’s Design

Wed, 14 Aug 2019 14:32:00 GMT

Photography by Lisa Russman

No matter the size of your home, finding creative and helpful ways to add storage to your space is always a top priority. New Jersey architects are getting more creative with their storage solutions, as finding new areas to stash your stuff is no longer left to the interior decor stage of home finishing.

Built-in storage, multi-functional shelving, storage walls, and platforms are just a few of the many ways residential architects in NJ are building more space for homeowners to store just about anything. Below, we have gathered tips on how to work with your architect to include interesting and usable storage solutions into your new home or remodel’s designs and plans.

#1. Use the Space Under Your Stairs
While we wouldn’t recommend turning it into a bedroom (sorry, Harry), creating a cupboard or other storage area under your stairs helps you reclaim valuable room in your home. New Jersey architecture firms are including drawers, cabinets, and built-in shelves in many different configurations to store office supplies, art materials, toys, books, and much more. Don’t have stairs? Well, you can create some in an ultra-small space to build a loft or platform, which also adds additional storage.

#2. Build Up
Platforms, raised beds, lofts, and other built-up areas are perfect for defining an area as well as creating more storage. By building up, you gain space underneath, which can be used to store those pesky items no one can ever find a place to put, like camping gear, board games, and hobby or craft supplies. Residential architects in NJ can help you design spaces that provide the right type of storage for your home and needs while also creating funky and functional spaces for you and your family.

#3. Use the Whole Wall
Storage walls are more popular than ever before and for a good reason. Taking advantage of an entire wall and building shelving that stretches floor to ceiling makes maximum use of your space and gives you lots of area for storage. New Jersey architecture firms are using storage walls in offices, kids’ rooms, basements, and great rooms that include open and closed shelving options as well as drawers, cubbies, and much more. Storage walls can even be free-standing and used to divide a large space into more defined, distinct areas.

#4. Build Furniture that is Also Storage
The banquette is undoubtedly not a new idea, and this classic is a wonderful way to add storage to your space. Turn any corner into an eating area, office, or study room by adding a bench and table. The under-seating storage also gives you space to tuck away items from view and to max out the space’s storage capacity. Ottomans, window seats, and even couches can also be constructed to include under-seating storage.

#5. Rethink Kitchen Storage
Your kitchen probably has the most storage needs of any space in your home, and it also gets used the most. Architects in NJ are finding new and creative solutions for kitchen storage that make workflow more accessible and give your family the gathering space they want. Shelving, cabinets, and drawers are not the only players in town anymore. Talk with your residential architect about how to use tilt-out trays, the space at the toe kick, roll-out trays, lazy Susans, and pegboards to make the most of your kitchen storage space.

#6. Look Up
Your ceiling is an underutilized space that could help you add more storage to your home. Consider hanging storage bins for off-season clothing in your mudroom or storing workout gear on hooks in the basement or office ceiling. Your architect can help design ceiling storage that is stylish as well as functional to make use of this space that is often overlooked.

If you’re looking for a New Jersey architect to work on your new home design or renovation project, please reach out to our team today.

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Five Great Options for Upgrading Your Exterior Home Design

Wed, 07 Aug 2019 17:51:00 GMT

Photography by Lisa Russman

If you have a small home but still want your design to pack a big punch, then these five exterior home design styles are for you. When you know just a few tricks used for the exterior design of small houses, you can improve the curb appeal of your home and create a whole new look for your home. And the right residential architect can help you create a design that seamlessly integrates your old features with new design elements.

1. Be Bold
One of the great things about having a small house is that you can make bold choices that would often be too overwhelming on a more prominent facade. Modern exterior house designs are trendy and cool, but they can quickly start looking like giant cubes when used on large houses. You shouldn’t fear minimalist or straight-line designs when your footprint is small. And bright colors, trendy accents with wood or interesting elements, or the use of black and other dark hues are perfect on more modest homes.

2. Create a Warm and Welcoming Entrance
Expanding or adding a front porch not only creates a gracious entry to your home, but it also adds outdoor living space. If your house already has a porch, extend it or add a portico to give your facade new character. Turn a ho-hum small ranch into a gorgeous bungalow with a unique wrap-around porch, complete with planters and seating areas. New steps, a wider sidewalk, or a stone or stamped-concrete walkway can add charm and sophistication to your exterior design as well.

3. Add More Lighting
Having a variety of lighting options and playful use of light on your home’s exterior can give it a welcoming ambiance as well as make it appear larger. Highlighting specific architectural details with soffit lights is one way, or using ground lights to make your front entrance more of a focal point helps, too. Your house number should also be illuminated or lit in some way, to make it easier to find your home at night. Lighting adds interest, creates different looks, and can provide your home with safety as well as beauty from dusk until dawn.

4. Put in More Windows
Just as natural lighting inside makes your home feel more open and airy, they also benefit your home’s exterior, as well. Adding more windows gives interest to your facade and makes your home appear more substantial from the curb. Windows give you better views of your landscaping and natural surroundings from the inside while also tricking the eye into believing your space is bigger than it is.

5. Extend Your Garden
We all know that having colorful landscaping out front improves your home’s appeal, but did you also know that it can help your home appear bigger? When flowers outside your home are close to the same color as your door, and you extend your beds so that they go all the way to the street, people will perceive that your house is larger than it is. It’s a trick of the eye that has a lasting impact.

Putting it All Together
When considering the exterior design for small houses, there isn’t much that is off-limits, but if you want to maximize your space as well as create visual appeal for passers-by, then these five tips can get you started. Remember that you should play to your home’s assets, and when you extend living space out of doors, you gain visual interest as well as room to enjoy your home and yard. Exterior home design styles are easier to change than you might think, especially when you work with a residential architect who specializes in modern exterior house designs.

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What Your Residential Architect Wishes You Knew But is Too Polite to Tell You

Wed, 31 Jul 2019 16:45:00 GMT

Photography by Lisa Russman

Before you ever select and start working with a design professional and residential architect on your next project, here are a few things you should know.

“Please, speak up!”
Most architects will agree that the number one issue with the residential architectural design process is that clients don’t say what they mean or are not honest about their needs. Yes, we appreciate that you respect our expertise and experience. But, we also really, really want to hear from you. After all, this space we are designing is for you, and you are the ones that will have to live with it every day for a long time. We love it when our clients realize that they should be an active part of the process. Tell us your concerns. Ask questions when we use words you don’t understand or provide rationales with which you disagree. This process is a collaboration, and we need your voice to make this partnership work.

“We are not like every other residential architect.”
Every architect is unique and special. We are all artists, and each of us has our strengths and weaknesses when it comes to residential architecture. It is always advisable that you do lots of research while trying to find an architect to choose one that matches your needs. If you are looking for a firm that has tons of experience in a particular style or with specific types of projects, looking through portfolios is the best way to gauge this. And just as aesthetics or design mindsets may differ, so do communication styles and attitudes towards clients, so it’s always a great idea to talk with past clients to make sure you mesh well with your chosen firm, too.

“That change you want… it’s more complicated than you think.”
One of the reasons we value client feedback during the design process is because the more information we have in the beginning, the more successfully we can create a design that meets all or most of your needs on the first try. But, changes are inevitable during the design process, and we understand that. While it might look simple on paper to move a wall just a smidge or relocate that closet, every little change requires lots of additional alterations that you don’t see. These include revising electrical plans, rerouting plumbing, altering rooflines, or requiring additional support structures. The earlier we know about changes during the process, the better off everyone will be, and we appreciate your patience and understanding during the time it takes us to make them.

“We won’t be able to put every idea from your Pinterest board into a design.”
We understand just how excited you are to design your dream space. And you have probably been collecting images and ideas for a long time to prepare for this process. Look at your inspirational collection to help you identify trends and an overall style rather than trying to incorporate every single idea into your new home or room. While eclectic styles can sometimes be great, we want to keep your new space from becoming merely a mismatched hodgepodge of elements you saw online. We are here to help you edit and pull from this collection the most essential pieces that will complete your vision.

“Be realistic.”
Guess what? A gourmet kitchen will not make you a gourmet cook. And, your 12×12 living room can be amazing, but it will never be a combination office/game room/media room/kids hangout/formal dining area all at once. Be realistic about what your space can (and can’t) do for your life and what we can do with the space you have. We’ll help you design a space that meets your needs, but we have to work within the limits of space, time, and your budget, too.

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What is Architectural Interior Design and Why is it Important to Your Next Project?

Wed, 24 Jul 2019 17:02:00 GMT

Photography by Lisa Russman

As a homeowner, it can be confusing to know when you might need an architect to help with your interior design remodel or when an interior designer will suffice. Knowing what an interior architect can and will do enables you to decide what expertise you need for your home’s renovation and who has the skills to help transform your home into the space you need.

Understanding Interior Architecture vs. Interior Design
What exactly is interior architecture? This discipline includes knowledge and skills that consider all aspects of building and finishing an interior space. It encompasses everything from choosing the materials, planning for the necessary systems that influence habitation, the intelligent use of space, and how that space integrates with the rest of the structure. An interior architect applies design concepts to create areas that are not only structurally sound, but that are also functional and beautiful to the user.

Interior design, strictly speaking, works with an existing space to craft spaces that meet the needs and wants of the client. While interior designers may recommend changes to structures, systems like HVAC, or support features, only a licensed architect can make those plans, as they have specialized knowledge about building design.

Interior designers today often have some training or expertise in architectural and likewise, many architects have education and skills as designers, thus blurring the line between these two roles. A new specialization of interior design and architecture has emerged. Those in this combined role have the skills and knowledge to understand not only the structural and materials requirements for completing a space but also an eye for the softer components that finish and make it a home. Interior architectural designers have an understanding of design theory, technology, use of space, and styling to make the best choices for the homeowner.

Does Your Next Project Need an Architect or a Designer?
Understanding the difference between interior design and architecture is helpful, as it can make a difference in your budget when you determine who you need to hire for your build or renovation. Because architects are licensed and require additional training, they are necessary for some kinds of projects but not necessarily all.

If you are making minor updates to your home, changing out paint, or just enlarging or replacing a few windows and doors, you may not need either an architect or a designer. Your contractor can help you with these types of updates. For larger projects, such as whole-room or whole-house remodels, additions, or any project that involves taking out walls or redoing plumbing, electrical, or HVAC systems, you should hire an architect.

An architect not only designs your space and helps you create a plan that will meet your needs, they also help manage your renovation project. They work directly with contractors and subs, oversee all the work, and manage your budget. Interior architects specialize in solving complex design problems while also making the new space aesthetically pleasing.

Interior designers are not engineers or architects, but they have wonderful expertise in space planning, remodeling rooms like kitchens and baths, or updating your room’s finishes. Any plans created by a designer should be reviewed by a structural engineer to ensure the safety of your home, and designers generally do not serve as project managers during the construction process.

Get Everything You Need
Today, the role of interior design has grown to encompass knowledge of architectural design and principles, and the training of architects often includes interior design specialties, as well. Remember that if the exterior shell will remain the same but everything else will change, or if you will be adding additional square footage, hiring an interior architect with design experience and expertise will give you the best of both worlds.

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Behind the Scenes: What NJ Architects Want You to Know About the Home Design Process

Wed, 17 Jul 2019 13:54:00 GMT

Photography by Lisa Russman

If you have never worked with an architect before or aren’t even sure why you might need one, there are a few things that you may want to know. Regardless of which NJ architect you choose to hire for your residential design project, we’ve laid out a few things you should understand before you decide to DIY your home design.

You Are an Active Participant in the Architectural Design Process
NJ architecture firms want you to know that we value you and want your input in the design process. If you want your home to be everything you dreamed, then you need to be open and honest about your expectations as well as your budget. We value your candid feedback and appreciate when you are decisive, as it keeps us all from feeling frustrated during the design phase. Architects also appreciate when you are realistic and flexible, which means you are open to our ideas and respect our professional knowledge and expertise.

Architects in NJ are Here to Translate Your Needs Into Function and Beauty
Whichever architect you hire for your job, it is essential to remember that our number one priority is providing you and your family with the home that meets your needs. While your focus may be on the bottom line or the style of your new space, we want to marry those with utility and flawless design to create a functional space that works for you now and into the future. Our focus is entirely on listening to your needs and wants, then designing a home that matches all of those as closely as possible. We are here to work with you.

Find the Right New Jersey Architecture Firm For You
Not sure which architect is right to design a home that matches your aesthetic? Start by looking at our portfolios. Every architect is inspired by role models and has their own style and taste. This is reflected in the work that we do, and viewing pictures of past projects can show you how this translates into clients’ homes. When you talk to us, ask about which New Jersey architecture we admire and who our design role models are. While architects are flexible and work to make the client’s vision come true, our design lens influences all that we do, so be sure it aligns with your vision for your home.

Be Sure You Ask Questions Throughout the Process
Design and architecture are complicated sometimes, but a good architect can always explain them simply. When you are working with your NJ architect, you should always ask questions when you don’t understand something. We want you to know the ins and outs of the process and finished product because it will be yours for years to come. If you don’t understand or need more explanation, say so! If you think you have a better idea, share it.

New Jersey Architecture Firms can Oversee Your Project From Start to Finish
Most people don’t understand the full scope of what a residential architect can do, but architects in NJ can help you from beginning to end of your new home build, redesign, add-on, or renovation project. If you are struggling with where to start or how to manage all the details once construction has begun, then stop worrying. We have the training, connections, and skills to keep your whole project running like clockwork and on budget. From site selection through closing checklists, we can help as much or as little as you want. Talk with your residential architect about the services they offer. You may be surprised at all we can do!

Your architect is your partner. Knowing their capabilities, role, and vision for your home will ensure a successful partnership from start to finish.

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Confused and Overwhelmed by Interior Design Trends? How to Pick the Best Style for You

Wed, 10 Jul 2019 16:39:00 GMT

Photography by Lisa Russman

Deciding on a style for your new home or remodeling project can be overwhelming, but if you want to really love the final result, it is vital that you are clear about what you want before the design process begins. Internet quizzes abound on residential interior design trends that are meant to help you identify if you are more “Scandi” or “Boho,” but what does that actually mean for your home?

Focusing on interior design trends can give you ideas and inspiration, but if you want to pick the best style for your interior design updates, then you need to ask yourself a few simple questions. Find the right look for your new home interior design with these tips.

Do You Lean Towards the Past or Present?
Look at your wardrobe, your taste in cars, and the art and books you gravitate toward. If you tend toward the past, appreciate vintage or retro clothes, or enjoy historical fiction or classical art, then you may want to investigate designs that favor traditional, French country, or mid-century styles that are reminiscent of times gone by.

If, however, you tend toward straight lines, minimalist sensibilities, or modern and contemporary forms of expression, then you may prefer design trends like those in Scandinavian, or industrial design styles.

Is Your Life Full of Color or Based on a Neutral Palette?
Again, look at your closet. Do you love to wear things that are bright and colorful? Or are your clothes primarily dark or neutral hues with a dash of color here and there? These give you additional clues about what you would prefer in your home. While any design can be monochromatic or brightly-hued, those that lend themselves to more colorful choices include eclectic, contemporary, and Boho styles.

Are You More at Home in the City or Country?
Where your heart feels most comfortable will help you decide your style. Country living is epitomized by more rustic, coastal, or French country designs while the minimalist, Scandinavian, and Hollywood glam styles popular today embody city living.

What Suits Your Family?
More important than any other question is, what do you need to live and be happy? While you may adore crisp lines (i.e., sharp corners) and sleek surfaces, that does not always work with several small children who enjoy leaving sticky fingerprints; furthermore, those sharp corners are anything but child-proof. Your heart may be dying for an all-white living room, but your three black cats have other ideas. While style is essential, so is honoring the reality of your life.

Finding your style is often about choosing from several design traditions to create an eclectic or transitional look that suits you and your family’s needs. Combining styles allows you to select pieces and touches that help you feel at home while also remaining practical and creating a space that you can use, not just one that looks good. After all, a family should define the house, not the other way around.

Picking the best style for you starts with identifying your most essential needs as well as those aesthetics that speak most strongly to you. When working with a residential architect and interior designer, communicate these things thoroughly and allow them to help you create something beautiful as well as functional. Interior design does not have to oppose practicality, and working with professionals can help you create a home where everyone feels comfortable and joyful.

Homes should be a reflection of who you are as a family. Getting in touch with your style means trusting your intuition and staying true to yourself.

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Are You Ready for a New Exterior Home Design? Now You Can Have It!

Wed, 03 Jul 2019 18:34:00 GMT

photography by Lisa Russman

Does the outside of your home reflect your personality and style? Is it time to refresh your home’s exterior so that it matches the beautiful design you have created indoors? Whatever the reason, if your home needs a new look, a residential architect can help you choose from modern exterior home designs to find one that is perfect for you and your family.

Exterior Home Design Styles and Updates
While a fresh coat of paint and new landscaping can undoubtedly improve your curb appeal, exterior remodels and renovations go beyond minor changes to give your home a whole new look and feel. Your renovation is a perfect time to take care of that decades-old leak that has mildewed your patio while also providing more natural light inside, and creating outdoor living areas for your whole family to enjoy.

Install New Siding
Give your home a whole new look by installing new siding over your existing facade. But don’t stop at just one type. You can use various materials or colors to accent different sections or architectural features of your home. Shingles or corrugated metal can call attention to eaves or dormers, while board-and-batten or fiber cement planks can create a durable, low-maintenance exterior that completely changes the look of the house.

Add a Porch
Front porches not only change the look of your home’s exterior but they also add outdoor living space. Consider adding a porch that extends around the side of your home to add curb appeal, plus a fun and functional space for the kids to explore and play or a quiet spot for mom to escape. When you add your new porch, consider updating your front door or redesigning your entryway to include a larger front walk, a more defined and welcoming entrance, or wider and safer stairs leading into your home.

Replace Your Windows or Roof
Adding new, larger windows can improve the natural light within your home while also changing the exterior design. A bay or picture window provides a new focal point for your exterior, and varying the shape of your windows can add interest and texture to your facade. Plus, new windows can reduce your energy use and lower your utility bills.

Upgrading your roof is an easy and effective way to update the exterior design for small houses. While providing excellent protection for several decades to come, a new roof can also become an architectural detail for your home. Adding a metal roof, cedar shakes, a tile roof, or architectural shingles can help enhance the look of your home while adding durability to your exterior remodeling project.

Install a Fence
If your kids or pets need more room to roam, adding a fence can not only give you peace of mind when they are outdoors, but it also revitalizes the exterior of your home. Fences are great for defining property boundaries or select areas of your yard, and they can add style and interest to your exterior. A fence not only updates your home’s look, but it also keeps your family (including all two- and four-legged members) safe and secure.

Combine Small Changes for a Big Impact
If your budget or needs don’t call for substantial changes to your home’s exterior, even small projects can make a big difference. Replacing exterior lighting, shutters, landscaping, or trim colors are all small and inexpensive updates that also add new interest and detail to your facade.

Do I Need a Residential Architect?
If you are looking to completely overhaul your home’s exterior, add architectural details, add or change windows and doors, or alter entryways or access points, having a residential architect will help ensure that your project runs smoothly. When you work with a design professional, your exterior changes will complement and flow seamlessly with your interior design, too.

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Architects in NJ are Ready to Give You the Space You Need – On Trend and On Budget

Thu, 27 Jun 2019 17:32:00 GMT

photography by Lisa Russman

So, you’re ready to remodel your home. You have some ideas about what you want but aren’t sure where to start. Deciding to work with one of many residential New Jersey architecture firms is an essential first step in getting the home you need that matches your style as well as your budget. And when you choose to work with NJ architects, you are entering into a significant relationship. So, it should be with people you feel like you can work with and trust throughout your home renovation project.

Which New Jersey architecture firm is the right choice for you? Who is going to be able to design a home that will give your family the space as well as the joy you deserve? The decision may seem difficult given the many excellent choices, but here are some simple steps to help you decide the right NJ residential architect for you.

Narrow the Field
Online research can help you narrow down your choices significantly. Start by looking at firms’ online portfolios. How does this architect design for the needs, mess, and fullness of family life? What details do you notice that indicate they are in tune with their clients’ daily needs? Don’t see anything that feels like “home” to you? That means they are probably not the right architect for your project. Getting to know an architect’s design aesthetic starts with their portfolio, so spending time here is a great first step.

Ask Around
Getting referrals helps a great deal in choosing the right residential architect. Ask friends and contacts on social media for recommendations. When you see a house you really love, ask who designed it. Check online review sites to see what others have to say about those on your short list.

If you have a few firms you are considering, ask each architect if you can speak to past clients. Be sure to inquire not only about their satisfaction with the finished product but about the process of working with the firm. Did they feel heard? Was the process collaborative? Were their timelines and budget honored? How was communication throughout the build?

Meet with Your Top Choices
It is crucial that you meet with any potential architects before making a final decision. You want someone who believes in partnership and will delve deep into your needs to create a house defined by you. If you can’t work together, there is no point in hiring them. Meeting face-to-face is the best way to tell if you will be able to collaborate with someone and if they can create a space where everyone can enjoy one another.

This person will be helping your family bring your vision into reality, so it is absolutely worth the time to meet with them and ensure the relationship will be what you want. Once you have narrowed your options to a few, you still have to consider logistics. Are they available when you would like to complete your renovation? Does their fee match your budget? These are important details that should not be overlooked, as they can lead to serious problems down the road.

Make Your Decision
After meeting with your top choices, you are ready to take the plunge. Ask yourself which firm was most passionate about their work while also being thoughtful about its practicality, use of space, and details. When talking about their designs, who discussed the rhythms and flow of those who occupied that space? Who asked you the most questions? These can help guide your choice for creating a home that evolves and grows with your family.

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What are the Real House Addition Costs You Should Expect? Simple Answers for Your Family

Thu, 20 Jun 2019 15:46:00 GMT

photography by Lisa Russman

Adding an addition, bump out, or new detached space to your home is a perfect way to gain room and functionality for your home, but many clients wonder, is it worth it? There is always a cost to add an addition to a house, and understanding what to expect during the remodeling process will help your family make the best choice when it comes to deciding whether an addition makes sense.

What you need to know about the cost of addition

Most people know that the size of your addition will significantly influence how much it will cost. The more square footage, the larger the price tag. Obviously, the materials you choose will affect your budget, as well. Bathrooms and kitchens with high-end details will be significantly more expensive than bedrooms or sunrooms with more basic finishes. But what are some of the other things that can influence your home addition budget?

The type of addition has a tremendous impact. Most often, it costs more to build out than up, because excavation, concrete and masonry are all very labor intensive. On the other hand, when building up, composition shingle roofing, comparatively, is not a significant cost as a percentage of overall construction cost. You do have to keep in mind that additions often times require other remodeling projects within the house to make the existing space flow more smoothly with the new addition. This all adds to the overall design costs.

If your new space adds extra load to your existing plumbing, electrical, and heating/cooling system, you may need to replace these, which can increase costs. And any time you start a project like this, you may also discover existing problems that will need to be addressed before you can begin anything new, such as termite or water damage, wiring that is not up to code, or foundation issues.

Any site preparation that needs to be done to accommodate your new space will also affect the cost. Excavation, demolition, and wall removal can all add to the budget before you even start building anything new.

Your own sweat equity can keep costs down, though, if you want to make the most of your budget. If you can do demolition, painting, tiling, or other projects for your new space, this will lower construction costs and help you get more for your money.

So, how much does a home addition cost, then? Depending on the size, complexity, location, and design of your home addition, prices can range anywhere between $200 and $600 per square foot, with the national average for a home addition being around $44,000. Keep in mind that these averages include everything from three-foot bump outs to full kitchens with top-of-the-line appliances.

What you need to know about real house addition costs

Obviously, you want to consider what a new addition to your house will bring to your overall property value, but you should also consider how this new space will affect your family’s story and enjoyment of your home. Working with an architect who actively listens to you, works with you as a team, and understands your true needs will give you a home addition that not only gives you more space but adds purpose and meaning to your family life.

A professional architect will not only help you design the additional space your family needs, but they can advise you on how to prepare for the most likely construction contingencies for your project while helping to ensure that your addition blends in seamlessly with the existing structure. Select a team who specializes in renovations and remodels, as they will be able to create a design that matches your current home while giving you the updates your family needs.

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Small Space Living for Any House Layout is Absolutely Possible!

Wed, 05 Jun 2019 12:45:00 GMT

photography by Lisa Russman

Are you living in a small space but aren’t ready to expand or move? If your home is feeling a bit cramped these days, but you still love your house and want to make it work, then it is time to consider a new design for your house’s layout. Many times, families don’t need more room but instead need to make better use of the room they have. And working with a residential architect to change the layout and design of your house is the perfect way to stay where you are and get the space you need.

Know how you use your home
Think carefully about where you spend most of your time at home. Where does the REAL living take place? And where are there underutilized spaces? An architect can help you imagine how to shift the layout of your house to maximize the use of every square inch of your home’s footprint. By turning little-used rooms into multi-functional spaces, creating nooks and places for kids to hang out and be together, and changing the flow and traffic patterns in your home, you can open up your small space to make it feel like a palace.

Use a grand space in many ways
Imagine how certain areas of your home can transform and be used for many different purposes, depending on the need. When you have a great room that is the central hub for your home, your family will spend most of their time here. It’s vital that your house plans include how to use this open area for both family movie night, homework time, building blanket forts, and entertaining your friends. When all the living your family does revolves around a large, open area, it can have the effect of expanding the adjacent spaces, too, throwing life into all the other rooms in your home.

Spaces that work
In a smaller home, nothing can serve just one purpose. The laundry room may also need to be the mudroom and storage closet; the office may also need to be a guest room and a craft corner. The chores of everyday life need to have space if you want small-house living to be successful for everyone in your family. A residential architect can work with you to shift your house’s design so that every space has a purpose, and every purpose has a space.

Even the furniture in your home should pull double-duty. Benches and ottomans should contain storage, and you should be maximizing under-bed spaces. Gain real estate with blank wall space by adding cork boards, peg boards, and shelves, which will help keep your family’s chaos under control and within reach.

Make the outside a part of your home
If you want a smaller space to feel more substantial, the use of natural light easily opens up an area. And when you have space outside, the yard should become another living area. Create a covered patio or sun porch that everyone can use for work or play to give you more room to live. Large doors that open onto outside spaces, huge windows that bring in the beauty of your surroundings, and the use of natural materials throughout your home can all help you feel like your space is much larger than it is.

Changing the design and layout of your house can help you get the home you’ve always wanted without having to move. A residential architect can help you create the right plans for the house of your dreams, at a price you can afford.

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Residential Architects Protect Your Vision. Here is How You Can Avoid a Construction Nightmare!

Wed, 29 May 2019 19:13:00 GMT

photography by Lisa Russman

A great residential architect protects you throughout the design and construction process. When you choose the right architect for you and your family, your construction project is guaranteed to be a success. Avoid becoming a victim of construction-project horror stories by remembering that your architect is there to support you in many ways. Here are the ways that a residential architect will help you with your design project:

1. Architects protect your vision
A residential architect’s job starts by translating your ideas into actual, workable plans. Residential-architecture design begins with listening, understanding, and delving into your family’s fantasies, demands, and needs for a new home. These dreams are realized when all of that input is put together with architectural expertise to create a beautiful, functional design that can be built by a contractor.

It is vital that you find an architect who is willing and able to preserve your personal story as it becomes a part of the design of your home. Each family has unique needs, and it is the job of the architect to dig deep to discover how your home needs to work in ways that honor your vision.

2. Residential architects protect you from yourself
There is a great deal outside of your realm of expertise when it comes to designing, planning, and building a whole house that is meant to withstand years of use and the forces of nature. Your residential architect is there to confirm that you get what you want but that you also understand what is required for the safe, long-lasting life of your home.

An architect works hand-in-hand with engineers, electricians, plumbers, and others to make sure your house looks great but also functions correctly. Residential architects may even need to help you compromise on certain aspects of your design if they aren’t feasible for your lot or because of building restrictions. Let your residential architect be your custom guide, and trust that they are working to protect as well as please you.

3. An architect protects you throughout the build process
From the chaos of the construction process to collaborating with all of the many subcontractors on your home’s build site, a residential architect is there to make sure everything stays on schedule, your house is built to match your designs, and that the construction process runs smoothly. Your architect can help explain things to you when you aren’t sure what to do, he or she can keep the peace when disagreements arise on the job site, and they work hard to make sure all the services provided to you are fair and in your best interest.

4. They protect your investment
A residential architect makes sure that your house is built on time, on budget, and safely. Your architect will apply for planning permission, ensure your home complies with health and safety guidelines in your area, control your site budget, help you choose the most environmentally friendly materials, and plan for all site inspections and necessary certificates. They’ll provide you with the right advice when it comes to additions and extensions to existing homes that will maximize your square footage without compromising the structural integrity of your home.

Protect yourself by choosing a residential architect
The right residential architect can secure everything important to you when it comes to your new custom home project. Safeguarding your story, your family member’s health, and safety, and your sanity is just a few of the many benefits that come from finding an architect to design your next home.

A home is a place for living and creating memories, not for recovering from the construction process. Your residential architect will be there to share their experiences and knowledge but also listen to your questions and concerns. Working together, you can discover that the construction process can indeed be a dream and not a nightmare.

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Interior Designers are great Listeners! Make Sure You Ask These Important Questions

Wed, 22 May 2019 21:57:00 GMT

photography by Lisa Russman

Finding an interior designer can begin to feel a lot like dating. You may find yourself trying to figure out what you are ultimately looking for, unsure of who is the right fit, or unclear on which prospect to start investigating first. Whether you are looking to redesign an existing space or design a new build if you are unfamiliar with the process of hiring an interior-design professional, remember that you are interviewing them—and make sure to ask these important questions.

Do they have an interior-design license?
You may prefer to hire a licensed professional who has gone through schooling and proven their understanding in the field. According to All Art Schools , “though noncertified/unregistered professionals can perform the same duties as their credentialed counterparts, holding this recognition is seen as a way to demonstrate your proficiency in design and commitment to staying up-to-date on industry standards.” They are required to perform continued learning in order to maintain this license.

Do they have a contractor license?
Sometimes the value of hiring a home-design professional is more than just paying for someone who can make things look pretty. If you would like your designer to do all of the heavy lifting to obtain building permits, go through town process reviews, and oversee any necessary construction on your behalf, you will want to ensure you choose someone who is licensed to do so.

Do they have a portfolio and references?
Of course, a designer will show you their best work and sing their own praises in order to land the job, but being able to see your prospect’s real-life work examples and speak to their actual customers can be valuable aids in making your final decision.

Does their timeline meet your needs?
Are you moving into a new house and need to make it livable with the basics now, but are able to take your time on the details? Do you need a designer to be on standby until construction is complete before they can get started? Or do you need your project finished last week? You will need to determine if you and the designer can come to an agreement on turnaround time.

What is their fee?
A certified interior designer should offer multiple billing methods for you to choose from. Dengarden , a website for style and inspiration, advises that “during the initial interview with a prospective client, an interior designer must give the various options available.” They may offer to bill you by the hour, by the project, or charge you a commission based on what you buy. Ask the designer to explain each option until you are satisfied you understand which one is best for you and your project.

Do they offer support after the work is complete?
If you decide to go with a designer who is more hands-off, they will send you interior-design information such as a floor plan, a shopping list, and detailed instructions to complete the project on your own. Find out if the designer will provide additional help after your project is complete or will they send it and forget it, leaving you to do your best? Most professionals will offer consultation time if you get stuck or have questions.

Do they guarantee their work?
Determine if the designer will guarantee their work. What happens if the wrong materials arrive or if you aren’t fully satisfied with the finished product? Take time to understand the terms of their guarantee, and decide if it is agreeable.

As you work through these questions with prospective designers, be sure to pay attention to their personality. Do you enjoy conversing? Do you feel comfortable with them? This individual is going to be your new best friend for life—or at least until your project is complete—so choosing someone you like is just as important as finding someone qualified.

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Social Media can be a Powerful Tool for Finding the Right New Jersey Architect

Wed, 15 May 2019 15:41:00 GMT

You purchased land and decided to build in New Jersey. Congratulations! Now it is time to embark on building your dream—but first, you need an architect.

With so many New Jersey architecture firms to choose from, it can seem daunting to find the right one for your project. While social media cannot calm your nerves, it can be a powerful tool in helping you find great local architects. The key is to know how each social platform works and the unique functionalities that they have to offer.

Pinterest
Pinterest defines itself as a visual discovery engine for finding ideas. Its search bar can be used much like Google’s search engine. Try typing in “New Jersey architecture” or “NJ architects,” and see what comes up.

In addition to discovering a plethora of inspirational images to help spark ideas for your project, you will find a few local architects you may want to consider hiring. A quick visit to their Pinterest profile will allow you to obtain their contact information and see examples of their work, which you can save for future reference.

Facebook
Once you are logged into your Facebook account, you can use the advanced search feature to produce a list of suggested businesses in your area:

Peruse the resulting list of suggestions, and click on the architect pages that interest you. While you are visiting these pages, you will find a recommendations section where you can learn more about client experiences and, in some cases, see images of actual projects.

Instagram
Instagram is an image- and video-sharing network designed to be used from any iOS or Android device. Similar to Facebook, an Instagram search will yield a list of architect recommendations.

Architects utilizing this social platform will display their work visually. Their profile will serve as a portfolio allowing you to scroll through a grid of images and quickly ascertain if they appeal to you as a company you would like to work with.

LinkedIn
If you prefer to find individuals instead of companies, LinkedIn is a great way to locate professionals working in an architecture firm. We recommend two different searches depending on your preference and the size of your LinkedIn network. In each scenario, type “New Jersey Architects” into the search bar:

No matter which platform you prefer, each provides the convenience and time-saving qualities that can help make hiring the right architect for your project easier:

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Your Wonky House Layout CAN be changed! Here are the Trends We’re Seeing Right Now

Thu, 09 May 2019 13:44:00 GMT

photography by Lisa Russman

If your house’s layout and design aren’t working for you anymore, fear not. Changing the layout of your home doesn’t have to be terrifying, and working with an architect to draw up new house plans can allow you to finally get rid of those weirdly shaped rooms or re-envision the flow of your home. If you are ready to change your house’s design, here are some hot new trends that can inspire your plans.

Combining indoor and outdoor living
When the average home size is shrinking, people are learning to live with less while making the most of all of their spaces. This includes the outdoors. More house designs are including outdoor living areas, like sunrooms, rooftop decks, outdoor kitchens, and porches, which expand the home’s functionality. Depending on your climate, you could use these spaces during a significant portion of the year.

And with advances in outdoor audio and video technology, as well as shading and heating products, you can stay comfortable and enjoy these spaces all year-round. Creating house plans that combine these worlds has also never been easier. Foldable and collapsible doors and windows, which are falling in price and rising in variety, help to open up the flow through these spaces and allow you to enjoy the outdoors more of the year.

Backyard getaways
Speaking of the outdoors, many people are finding valuable square footage in their backyard, too. No room inside for your studio or home office? Kids need a place to chill that doesn’t drive you mad? Whether you need extra storage, a workshop, or a space to entertain your friends, backyard sheds and cottages are on the rise. Small, backyard outbuildings are perfect for adding space, functionality, and charm to your home. They can be single or multi-purpose, depending on your needs, and they are an affordable way to add functionality to your house’s layout.

Dual master suites
As parents are aging, many families today are looking for layouts and designs that allow their house to accommodate multiple generations. We are increasingly seeing the inclusion of two master suites in homes, making it easy for blended families to live together while still enjoying privacy and dedicated space.

While you may not need room for your in-laws right away, planning ahead when redesigning your house plans can make things easier down the road. A second master suite can accommodate guests, adult children who haven’t established their households yet, and even renters if you want to make some extra money. Getting creative with your house’s layout can also include a separate entrance if needed

Flex rooms
In today’s economy, more people are looking to get by with less and make smaller spaces work in smarter ways. That means house designs must be more adaptable, including the use of more flexible rooms. Creating areas that can serve two or more purposes allows them to pull double duty or to be easily transformed as future needs change. Perhaps today’s nursery will be tomorrow’s craft room. Or maybe your gym can easily transition to a home office, with the right design.

You can even create raw spaces during the construction of your home, then finish them later, as needs change. For example, when building a garage, consider a design that allows for a second level, which can become an in-law suite, media room, or another type of flexible space later on. Multipurpose and bonus rooms are very popular for a good reason. How could this type of space meet your family’s needs?

These latest trends point to creativity and imagination in how we use the spaces with our homes to create the lives we want to live. How are you using your space? Perhaps a new layout is precisely what you need to turn your house into your dream home.

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Here’s How Residential Architects Can Keep Construction Planning User-Friendly

Wed, 01 May 2019 15:34:00 GMT

photography by Lisa Russman

As soon as you tell people you are planning to build a new home or start a major residential construction project, what’s the first thing they do? They will likely tell you some horror story about how badly their last construction project went, right?

We’ve all heard the nightmare tales, it’s true. But, it doesn’t have to be that way—honest! Residential architects are the right professionals for helping you keep your construction planning process from turning into your next dinner-party story. Here’s how:

Residential architecture design starts with listening
Your home-construction project can only be successful when your planning includes open lines of communication with your residential architect. It’s crucial that you find an architect who listens and delves into your needs, ensuring that your home’s design will uniquely and thoughtfully embrace your family’s rhythm and needs for today as well as the future.

Your custom residential architect should understand your site requirements, provide you with options and ideas based on your aspirations and needs, and answer all your questions, so there are no surprises along the way. This includes asking your architect to explain unfamiliar terms and use language you understand so that your expectations are aligned with theirs throughout the process. Only when the process is clear and transparent will you feel in control of construction planning.

Relationships are important
If you want a user-friendly planning process for your next construction project, then it is essential to establish a good rapport with your residential architect. If you are going to work successfully with the design team, then you need to trust that they are honest and genuine in all they do for you.

With trust, you’ll feel comfortable asking questions, raising concerns, and offering your opinions, which means your residential architecture design will reflect what you want and need from your home, not what someone else thinks you need. Knowing your custom residential architect is on your side and willing to help you attain your vision of the perfect home leaves you sleeping better at night before, during, and after the construction process.

Knowledge is power
Your dream home may require the knowledge of others, too. Make sure your residential architect has strong relationships with experts in structural and mechanical engineering as well as plumbing and electrical designs to offer advice on your most difficult design challenges. Your architect should also check that your construction project meets all necessary safety, fire, and health codes and obtain the required building permits for your home.

Design and planning of your home-construction project require a lot of moving parts to work together seamlessly. Residential architects are experts in juggling all these details, from design through construction. The relationship between your architect and contractor will be crucial throughout the build process. Meet with both of these people regularly to stay on top of any details you should be handling throughout the construction of your home, and rely on their advice and guidance.

Ensuring a user-friendly planning process
If you want to be the envy of all those friends with construction nightmare stories, then your first decision in the construction planning process is to find an architect who understands what’s at the heart of your family. Make sure you come prepared with your ideas and list of needs, and that, throughout the process, you are communicating openly with your design team.

Remember that even the best residential architect isn’t a mind reader, so be sure you are speaking honestly to avoid frustrations in the planning process. No large-scale project goes off without some glitches, but when you know your residential architect is on your side and embraces challenges, you’ll be confident that there’s nothing you can’t handle together.

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You Hired an Interior Designer. Now What? Here’s How to Keep Things Simple!

Wed, 24 Apr 2019 13:59:00 GMT

photography by Lisa Russman

You know you want to make changes to your existing living space. You’re not sure where to start and are beginning to feel buried under all the paint, fabric, tile, and accessory options, so you decided to hire an interior designer to help you figure it all out. Here are a few next steps you can take to keep things simple and allow your designer to guide you through the process of redesigning a space you love.

Get to know each other
Your interior-design professional will want to gather information about you and your lifestyle before getting started. We suggest taking the time to meet with them in your space and answer some key questions:

Once armed with your answers, the designer can create a space that is personalized and functional.

Take time to plan your space layout
We know you’re anxious to get started on your project, but space planning is essential, and you should be prepared to spend most of your time in this phase. Skipping this step would be like giving a clumsy toddler a sippy cup without a lid—a messy disaster!

An experienced interior designer will look at your current floor plan and help you determine if any construction needs to take place to make your space functional. Do you have an older home with an awkward layout that may require wall removal? Is there a supporting beam or post that needs to be worked around?

Having a plan to overcome these challenges will help keep the overall project running smoothly. Your designer will present options to you through the use of sketches and digital renderings. Be sure to go through as many rounds of revisions as you need to get the space right. And do not forget to take before pictures.

Let the creative juices flow
Once you have approved your space plan, let your design professional do what they do best. Design! Interior designers are well-versed in design styles, current trends, and the best materials available to fit your budget.

This is the fun and exciting stop of the interior-design process. Trusting your designer to run with your ideas will keep things simple for you. They will do the complicated work of bringing your vision to life and providing a tactile presentation to help you imagine what your space will become. Expect to be dazzled with material boards, fabric swatches, paint samples, art, and accessories such as soft pillows and textured vases.

Watch it all come together
Once you have approved the space and design plans, it is time for the project to come to life.

After construction is completed, your designer will guide you through selecting new furniture, choosing textiles such as area rugs and curtains, finding the right lighting solutions, and obtaining accessories.

Finally, they will set up your new space for you so you can sit back and watch it all come together—you know, everyone’s favorite part of the HGTV show!

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Surprise! How A New Jersey Architect Can Protect You From Hidden Construction Expenses When You’re Building A Home

Thu, 18 Apr 2019 13:18:00 GMT

photography by Lisa Russman

Building a new home can elicit a wide range of emotions from excitement to overwhelm, but you can find comfort in knowing that a great architect can help protect your budget. When you are ready to hire, doing some upfront research on reputable New Jersey architecture firms will save you from unexpected construction costs.

A good architect will act as an administrator looking out for your best interests. In addition to designing a home reflective of your needs, vision, and lifestyle, you should expect an architect to help in other ways throughout the building process.

Know the local codes
Knowing common fees up front will save you from surprise costs later on in the process. Common costs include plan review, permits, utility connection, and HOA fees. A knowledgeable architect will be familiar with the fees to expect in your area and build them into the cost estimate.

Keep the contractor honest
We have all heard of general contractor nightmare stories such as a contractor running out of money causing construction to come to a screeching halt when workers stop getting paid or building materials cannot be delivered due to lack of funds. These stories typically end with the owner incurring enormous unplanned costs.

Once the design is complete, your architect can help you select an excellent general contractor, oversee the construction process, and avoid hidden costs throughout the project by:

Provide guidance and options
An experienced architect can guide you through the construction process and ensure your project is completed to your satisfaction while helping to protect your building funds.

Knowing your budget and being familiar with building costs, a licensed NJ architect can provide alternative options, before the project begins, that will keep you within budget but not affect the integrity or quality of the build. Perhaps reducing square footage in a bedroom will allow you to build your dream recreation room without increasing your budget.

During the design phase, an architect can help you decide where to splurge or reconsider the budget because it saves money in the long run—for example, installing a breaker box slightly larger than needed in case you decide to add rooms onto your home in the future.

As your architect gets to know you, they can also steer you toward options that will make you the happiest and avoid the need for costly re-dos. Suggestions such as installing kitchen cabinets that go to the ceiling because they will fit your style better than a standard wall cabinet or using shower tiles instead of an insert that may look cheap or unfinished will help you make sound financial decisions and obtain a design you love.

Before working with a designer, check that they carry a valid New Jersey architecture license. This license is issued by the state and ensures the architect has proper education and permission to do business. Interview a few NJ architects. Discuss your goals and budget. Then see what they say. Make sure you feel they have listened to your needs and read through the standard AIA contract between owner and architect before hiring. You can expect an architect to ask for a fee to cover their specialized knowledge; however, the fee should be fair and will ultimately pay for itself by saving you from hidden construction costs.

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How to Stay Sane While Your New-Construction Home Is on the Way

Wed, 10 Apr 2019 13:51:00 GMT

photography by Lisa Russman

If you’re anything like us, you’ve probably come to understand that the term “growing pains” can mean a lot for a family. As children grow from shared-space-loving kids to quiet-space-addicted teens, the demands of our living places change. For this reason, more and more families are choosing new-construction homes, which can match the needs of a growing family, unlike any pre-owned house. Like any good project, new builds take time, but with an antsy family in need of space, time can be one of the scarcest resources around. Here’s how to keep the whole family at peace until your new, happy home is complete:

1. Tap into unused vacations
Let’s face it: Between the kids’ school schedules, holidays, and work commitments, it’s a pretty common occurrence that we save up more vacation time than we probably should. The perfect time to use it is while you’re waiting for work to finish on your home under construction. Vacations, of course, are refreshing and fun, but the feeling you get when you all get home can be just as good. Time away from the house can make it so the everyday details of your life become totally renewed, and that sets the stage perfectly for getting settled into your comfy, new home.

2. Don’t obsess over the details
While it might seem easier said than done, being careful to avoid dwelling on the details once your new-construction home is on the way can really make a big difference. It’s easy to let our thoughts get away from us with the excitement and worries that come with moving—as if our thoughts weren’t racing enough already! Remind yourself to take it easy. After all, you already did the planning, hired the professionals, and settled on a final design. Trust yourself and trust the professionals you’ve brought on. They’ll take good care of your home, and you’ll get the peace of mind that you deserve.

3. Focus on the exciting future
If everyone in the family is starting to get restless, just remember how important perspective is. It can be far too easy to get frustrated with the lack of space or features about your old home that you don’t like, especially when waiting on new builds. The positives of your new-construction home, though, can be the fuel for good moods and general agreeableness all around. Family time is always good, and it can provide an opportunity to guide the family to think about the good stuff that’s waiting for everyone in the new home.

4. Organize in advance
Moving to a new home is always a process of compression and decompression, and both processes can be severely complicated by a lack of organization. One of the best things you can do to keep yourself grounded while you’re waiting for construction to be completed on your new home is to organize your move well in advance. Everything from packing non-essentials—like the paintball guns you bought during that fad—to deciding which rooms will get packed up first when moving day comes, can keep you happily busy while making the transition into your new home and will make the process smoother than you could imagine. Newly built homes are always worth the wait, and any organizational steps you take to smooth out the process will make it the move so much easier.

Keeping the collective head of your family screwed on tight while waiting for a brand-new building to be constructed isn’t the easiest of tasks, but it’s by no means impossible. Keep your eyes on the goal, and you’ll find yourself happily settled into a perfect homemade just for you in no time.

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Why Newly Built, Custom Homes Can Change Your Mind on What a House Can Be

Wed, 03 Apr 2019 15:33:00 GMT

photography by Lisa Russman

It’s been said time and time again that home is where the heart is. While our house is just the physical structure in which we build our real homes, there’s no doubt that we grow attached to the spaces our families live in and our friends come to visit. With that in mind, there’s something powerful about the idea of aligning the physical design of our house to compliment the family spirit that makes up our home. The best way to do that is by designing a custom home that’s truly yours. Here’s a few reasons to consider making your new home a custom home instead of moving into a place designed to fit someone else’s needs:

1. You Know Your Family Best
One of the biggest reasons that many homeowners choose custom homes over copy-and-paste designs by mass-market firms is the simple fact that they know their family better than any builder or designer ever could. You know what you like, and you know what your family likes. Moreover, you know what your family needs better than anyone else does.

Having a house that you like is good but having a house that meets the needs of your family and furballs alike is better than anything. Custom homes let you choose what’s important within your budget, on your terms.

2. Save Money and Get More
Going custom means getting control over the design of your house. Even if you’re not an architecture expert, by communicating with a designer directly, you can choose the features you need and want, cutting out the stuff that just doesn’t fit you or your family. By optimizing your new home to the needs and wants of your family, you’ll get the most bang for your buck, which can turn out to be a surprising change of pace, especially if you’ve bought older, pre-owned houses in the past. If you’ve ever tried to practice softball throws in a backyard that’s barely large enough for a family picnic, you probably know how expensive your window replacement bills can be. Customized space is good space.

3. New in More Ways Than One
Traditionally, the process of buying a home involves removing as much guesswork from the process as possible. Buying an old home, there are a lot of features for which you simply have to take the word of the previous owner at face value. Whether it’s the age of the boiler, the frequency of maintenance, or even the risk of pest problems, old houses intrinsically include some unknown factors.

From leaky pipes you didn’t discover until after you turned on the shower the first time to that one spot on the second floor where every footstep would wake half the household, we’ve all had unexpected “features” in our houses throughout life. The way we see it, though, is that there are enough surprises in everyday life to keep us on our toes without having to inherit the surprises of a previous homeowner.

With custom homes , you’ll cut that type of unknown out of the picture, since you’ll be there with the designer and builders from the get-go. You can choose appliances, plumbing, and electrical products that you trust without ever having to filter through someone else’s old paperwork. Peace of mind is impossible to put a price on, especially when it comes to establishing the central meeting place of your family!

4. Details, Details, Details
Let’s face it: We’ve all had features of old homes that we absolutely hated, even if we absolutely loved the house overall (and the memories we made within!) Some of these features would have been perfect — for anyone but us. Whether it’s poorly placed wall outlets or unsightly, out-of-date phone jacks, the little quirks of our house can really get to us over the course of years. If you thought the twos were terrible, just imagine how bad things could get when every outlet in sight is occupied by your teenagers’ charging smartphones and you just need to plug in the blender!

When you’re in control of the design of your house, you can ensure that those frustrating little details never hit the floor plan.

The way we see it, your house should never hinder the lives of the people who live within, nor should it tarnish memories of your life with your friends and loved ones by having frustrating or ill-fit features. A house should help make things better, and that’s why custom constructions really do help your heart feel at home.

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Architecturally Moving Home Designs for 2019

Wed, 27 Mar 2019 15:08:00 GMT

photography by Lisa Russman

You did it! You’ve saved your money, found good land, and connected with the right team of builders. You’re finally ready to make the house of your dreams a reality, and then you’re faced with a blank canvas. Sometimes, opportunity and complete freedom can be paralyzing (we’ve been there,) but there’s no time for indecision when you’re trying to design the home you’re going to live in with restless kids and hungry spouses. If you’re stumped about how to proceed with your home design, we’re here to help you out. Check out these stunning home designs for the new year!

1. Mediterranean Stylings
The Mediterranean style of home design has continually grown in popularity over the course of the last decade, and during that time, it has evolved into a truly rich and versatile style. Mediterranean style homes show off a relaxed and confident beauty that is both refreshing and inviting, drawing on concepts both classical and modern to create something truly yours. Mediterranean styles play very nice with open floor plans, which are in vogue for a good reason; open floor plans let you have space for friends, family, pets, and parties.

2. The Craftsman Style
Even the name “Craftsman” invokes a warm, storied feeling of trustworthiness and familiarity. This rising style aims to recreate the homey, cozy spirit of rural camp houses and lodges without the limitations of such older, country homes. Deftly blending rustic style with modern comforts, Craftsman style homes encourage togetherness, warmth, and family-focused layouts.

3. The “International” Style
Making the most of vertical space, International style homes spin the designs of traditional beach houses into something brighter, more modern, and much more accommodating to everyday life. International style homes welcome sunlight with broad windows and wide, open interiors. Instead of wasting horizontal space with attached garages, years of mounting toys, and tool boxes you’d never use anyway, International-style homes are raised above the ground with space beneath for parking, creating a clean and tidy look that also doubles as a safety feature.

4. Better Bathrooms
While our first three design ideas focused on the overall layout and design philosophies of your new home, this idea is smaller and more precise in scope. For years, a revolution in room layout has swept new homes all across the nation. New homes focus on clean, clear, and open layouts for nearly all living spaces, but bathroom design has remained comparatively static.

Going into 2019, home designers are turning their eyes to making comfortable, refreshing private spaces that more gracefully integrate with modern architecture. Spa-style tubs and waterfall showers are on the rise, as are broad mirrors and open floor space. Why leave a serene, roomy bedroom only to step into a stuffy, traditional bathroom? The bathroom is meant to be a place where Mom can focus on herself for a bit and Dad can hype himself up before the gym. Better bathrooms mean better lives.

Embrace space and think about how important breathing room is when you get home from work and are ready for a relaxing bath or some well-deserved beauty time. Our lives are busy, and we’re all learning the value of self-care. A well-designed bathroom can make a world of difference.

5. New Color Principles
When it comes to designing a home from the ground up, color is often the last detail you’ll think of. Depending on the layout of your home, though, color can be almost as important as the placement of windows. As more homeowners embraced spacious designs, experimentation was a must, and new, beautiful color concepts have risen to the top.

One breathtaking color concept on the up-and-up is the idea of a color “focus room.” Much like the idea of an “accent wall” (a wall which is drastically different in color than the other three walls,) a color focus room aims to set a space apart from the rest of the house stylistically. Whether it’s a den with darker colors to promote relaxation or a dining room with a splash of color for bright mornings and happy evenings, color focus rooms take the philosophy of color accents one step further.

With these home design ideas at the front of your mind, you’re ready to embark on one of the greatest adventures you’ll ever have: Choosing the perfect home for you and your family.

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How You Can Calculate the Average Cost to Build a House

Tue, 19 Mar 2019 12:51:00 GMT

photography by Lisa Russman

So, you’ve decided to build a new house, huh? While your mind quickly fills with images of family time at the kitchen table, moments of peace in your new space, and making memories in the treasured moments, the reality is, you still have to think about the total cost of building a house if you want to make this dream come true. So while your visions for your new home may be significant, that doesn’t mean your budget is, so understanding what it will cost to build your house can help you realize your wish list without losing your marbles.

What Is the Average Cost to Build a House?
While it is essential to look at average building costs in your area when planning your new home construction project, these costs may mean little when compared with your actual building costs. Your situation may vary dramatically from others in your area, so be sure to keep that in mind. It is always possible to spend a lot more or a lot less than your local average on your new home construction.

Many factors will affect your home’s total construction costs. Everything from the lot you purchase as a building site, the type of foundation prep that is necessary, how large you want your home to be, and each of the materials you intend to include will influence your final price. Most new homes today can be constructed for anywhere between $100 and $175 per square foot. That’s quite a range! That’s because there is so much variability in what you can choose to include or eliminate in a custom home.

For most construction projects, the initial cost of building a home is higher than purchasing an existing home. However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t advantages. A custom home means you can create a home with not only great natural light and plenty of bedrooms but also one with the best hide-and-go-seek spots in the neighborhood! Custom homes provide the finishing touches that turn a house into part of your story.

How Can I Calculate My Costs?
There are many excellent online tools, including house construction cost calculators, which will help you estimate the costs for building your home so that you can understand the budget you will need. A professional architect can then create and finalize detailed plans for how much your specific vision will cost to build. Moreover, like all the best-laid plans, unexpected expenses will come up, and you’ll want to leave room in your budget for unplanned costs.

Working with an architect who understands your vision for your new home, as well as your family’s needs now and in the future, can help ensure you design a home that is right for you as well as your budget. Architects who specialize in new home construction and renovation in a specific area will know the most about local labor costs, available materials vendors, average building costs in your area, and which contractors you can trust to stay on budget.

The right architect will also work within your budget to create a space that is functional, beautiful, and welcoming for all members of your family. Small budgets or smaller spaces don’t have to mean compromises. Work with an architect who appreciates the challenges that small areas create and who love solving problems with you.

The factors that influence the final building costs of your house are many and complicated. Working with a professional architect who understands your vision for a new home will enable you to create a budget for all your new home construction costs while providing you with your dream home.

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Timeless Architecture Styles That Can Benefit New Construction Homes

Wed, 13 Mar 2019 14:51:00 GMT

photography by Lisa Russman

Architecture is an ancient craft that uniquely blends aesthetics with functionality, evolving constantly and persistently as time marches on. In the current day, architecture is more diverse than it has ever been and more accessible as well. With that in mind, homeowners looking to construct their own home are now able to draw on centuries of style, history, and craft to create entirely unprecedented beauty and comfort in their new construction homes. While not all styles can translate to the modern age, there are some that are especially relevant in how they can impact new builds—think about how effective a house must have been designed to meet the needs of toddlers centuries before electricity was invented! Here are a few that aspiring custom homeowners should keep in mind:

1. Classical
No matter who you are or where you’re from, Classical architecture has undoubtedly made an impact on your life. Some of the most famous ancient structures in the world, like the Parthenon, proudly feature the very stylings that their creators designed thousands of years ago. Meanwhile, much more recent structures, like the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C., or the Lincoln Monument, draw on Classical features to create a breathtaking emotional effect.

Classical features aren’t only for the monuments of the world, however. Classical style can be woven into current design trends to bestow an aura of timelessness that can indeed make a statement in your new home under construction. Classical features can invoke an austere, beautiful feeling without making your home seem inappropriate for a barbeque or football party.

2. Craftsman
The Craftsman style of architecture has been popular lately, and for good reason! While the Craftsman style reached its peak around the turn of the twentieth century, the features it brought into the public eye have never left the lexicon of American design. In recent years, many architects and home designers have drawn on Craftsman ideas for their new builds, invoking the natural beauty and hand-made appearance that the Craftsman style so perfectly embodies. Craftsman-style features such as large, covered front porches, low-pitched roofs, dormers, built-ins, and large fireplaces, can bring an airy, rural appeal to homes that will soothe even the most rambunctious of families with simple, homey comforts.

3. Victorian
While true Victorian-style homes have fallen out of popularity—largely because of their impractical, ornate flourishes—some of the features of the Victorian schools of design still have their place in today’s home designs. Elegant hallways with plenty of negative space, which can be filled with photographs or decorations if desired, dormer windows with wide sills, and spacious-but-cozy rooms are all features of the Victorian style that can add beauty and functionality to nearly any new construction home. If you grew up in a Victorian home, you might find yourself nostalgic for the way the interior seemed to beckon you from room to room, as if some new comfort awaited in each space. You might also find yourself off-put by the gaudiness of exterior, impracticality of flourish, and rigidity of layout of older Victorian homes. The good news is that you can pick and choose beautiful features from many styles of homes so you can integrate sentimental interiors without worrying that your house looks like Dracula’s second home.

One of the most important ideas to keep in mind while working on a new build is that you are not bound to a single architectural style. Families seeking custom homes today are the lucky beneficiaries of hundreds of years of architectural advancement and hundreds of years of fantastic historical documentation. With a little bit of research and insight, you can make a house for your family that truly is unique and timeless.

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Ways to Make Your Custom Home a Dream Home

Wed, 06 Mar 2019 16:19:00 GMT

photography by Lisa Russman

Making a house into a home that you’ll always treasure isn’t always easy, especially when you’re working with the vision of a previous owner you may have never met. While moving furniture and painting walls isn’t all that difficult, making revisions to the layout or redesigning the exterior of a pre-existing house can be more difficult than trying to get your family out the door on time for the last week of school. This fact is precisely why so many families seek out custom-built homes these days. There is more that goes into the process of how to build a house than just the basic needs, though. Here’s how to make your custom home a dream home:

Step one: Don’t limit yourself
One of the biggest mistakes you can make in building a home for you and your family is to underestimate just how much you can get when you design a home from the bottom up. Many people seek out custom home builders with assumptions from their previous home-buying experiences. You wouldn’t be alone in thinking that desirable features were associated with higher prices; such correlations are common when buying pre-owned homes where some features are rarer than others. When you’re starting from the baseline, though, you get to decide what’s right for you in your custom-built home. Need to give the kids some space of their own so you can get some shut-eye? Work with your custom home builders to design a rec room space. Have a passion for cooking? Plan to have a gas range installed from the get-go, saving a fortune on what would otherwise be costly installation and hookup fees.

Step two: Consider everyone’s needs and wants
One of the best factors of custom-built homes is that you are the one who is in control of the final design of your house, not someone who is unfamiliar with your family. Making a house into a dream home is all about choosing to include the features that mesh with the way your family lives every day. Small features like conveniently placed cabinets and spacious pantries (for the organized chef in your life) and larger features like high ceilings or a man cave are easy to include when building a floor plan for your home, and they’ll go a long way toward optimizing your daily happiness.

Our living space is a constant, quiet presence in our lives. Positive features go a long way in helping us feel comfortable, peaceful, and rested for the business of the day. When you design a custom house, you can choose to include those details that you’ve wished for since before you had kids. A dream house doesn’t have to be a pie-in-the-sky fantasy—you can make it real for you and your family.

Step Three: Spend your money where you spend your time
One of the best ways to improve your general quality of life is to spend your money where you spend most of your time. Traditionally, the advice that follows is to get a comfortable mattress, since we all spend quite a lot of time sleeping. In truth, there’s a place we spend even more time than our bed, though we all would probably like to spend more time catching Zs. For some, it may be the kitchen, and for others, it’s the home office or family room. Our house is not only where we sleep, but it’s the place where we live, learn, eat, drink, and celebrate. If you’re debating whether to invest in a few extras for your dream home, think about it like this: Your money will go the furthest when applied to those activities and objects you need the most. Your home is a long-lasting investment, so don’t be afraid to spend a little more to polish your design to perfection.

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