top of page
Search

Bob Barnett
Nov 19, 20224 min read
Zoning for Home Additions in South Orange & Maplewood, NJ
Whether you are considering a substantial home addition, new garage, deck, pool or even a small patio, the zoning ordinance or your NJ...
260 views
0 comments


Bob Barnett
Oct 26, 20213 min read
7 tips for new homeowners
Lessons learned from 20 years of owning, flipping, contracting & designing in New Jersey 1) Get a Zoning Analysis before Closing - I've...
209 views
2 comments


Bob Barnett
Oct 8, 20212 min read
9 Reasons to Get a Building Permit
I've been there. Before I was a licensed contractor and architect, I was a homeowner and did many DIY home improvement projects. I would...
273 views
0 comments


Bob Barnett
Apr 27, 20203 min read
Design & Construction During New Jersey Quarantine
With the thought of any type of home improvement in these times may seem unimaginable, the past several weeks have given homeowners a...
216 views
0 comments


Bob Barnett
Mar 17, 20202 min read
Audit, Edit, Clean: 3 steps to simplicity
Let’s face it…you’ve likely got too much stuff in your home, and are likely not even aware of everything that you have. AUDIT: If a...
120 views
0 comments


Bob Barnett
Mar 15, 20205 min read
Finished Attics, Part 3: Construction
Having discussed the finished attic topics of zoning and planning, and stairs & windows from my earlier posts, we now move on to the...
3,331 views
1 comment


Bob Barnett
Feb 25, 20203 min read
Finished Attics, Part 2: Stairs & Windows
Having discussed the topics of zoning and desired space planning for finished attics from my earlier post, we move on (up & out) to...
2,297 views
0 comments


Bob Barnett
Feb 15, 20204 min read
Finished Attics, Part 1: Zoning & Planning
As home prices in NJ appreciate so does the value of every square foot of usable space within the home. Thus, the unused space of an...
2,758 views
0 comments


Bob Barnett
Jan 9, 20203 min read
Where's the Light Switch? - Light Switch Locations & Smart Home Options
Thoughts on light switch placement in homes and the impact SmartHome technology.
5,238 views
2 comments


Bob Barnett
Dec 12, 20191 min read
Maplewood Kitchen Blues
Hues of blue continue to be going strong in Maplewood, NJ kitchens from cabinets to paint colors. Here are 4 of our kitchens which span...
127 views
0 comments


Bob Barnett
Nov 13, 20192 min read
Design Decisions as Algebra
The design process for a new home, addition or remodel can be very long and complex. Essentially the process is a constant stream of...
53 views
0 comments


Bob Barnett
Nov 5, 20192 min read
Barcelona: Gaudi's Casa Batllo and the Nextdoor Neighbor, Casa Amatller
On a recent trip to Barcelona I had the pleasure of touring architect Antonio's Gaudi's famous multi-family apartment/home, Casa Batllo...
505 views
0 comments


Bob Barnett
Sep 14, 20192 min read
More Mudrooms
Mudrooms continue to be one of the most desired elements when homeowners do a addition or remodel. The items needed for busy families add...
261 views
0 comments


Bob Barnett
Aug 29, 20194 min read
Finishing a Basement
Your unfinished basement can provide large living space potential. Finishing it can improve property value and be a welcome alternative...
1,289 views
0 comments


Bob Barnett
Apr 4, 20192 min read
Maplewood Rooms, Part 2: Second Floors
As a continuation from the earlier blog about 1st floor remodels of Maplewood Rooms (sunrooms or 3-season rooms), I wanted to describe...
168 views
0 comments


Bob Barnett
Nov 28, 20182 min read
The Maplewood Room aka Sunroom: 5 First Floor Remodels & Additions
Maplewood, New Jersey, has a room named after it: the Maplewood room. Known across the USA as simply "a sunroom", it is lovingly...
772 views
0 comments


Bob Barnett
Aug 29, 20182 min read
The First Phone Call with a Potential Client
Prior to meeting with clients in person and on site, we always recommend an initial phone call to discuss location, project type, scope,...
107 views
0 comments


Bob Barnett
Apr 20, 20184 min read
Construction Costs of Home Remodeling & Additions
For a residential architect, one of the most challenging discussions to have with clients is the overall project budget. Architects are...
364 views
1 comment


Bob Barnett
Feb 5, 20182 min read
Ode to Ingvar - IKEA's Founder
Last Saturday, the world lost Ingvar Kamprad, founder of IKEA. I offer him and his store a mixed eulogy. As a part-time resident in a...
70 views
0 comments


Bob Barnett
Jan 29, 20183 min read
Homebuyer beware: Zoning Analysis before Closing
One step in the home sales process that is often overlooked is a zoning analysis. Having a zoning analysis completed prior to closing is...
286 views
0 comments
bottom of page