Bob BarnettOct 27, 20213 min7 tips for new homeownersLessons learned from 20 years of owning, flipping, contracting & designing in New Jersey 1) Get a Zoning Analysis before Closing - I've...
Bob BarnettOct 9, 20212 min9 Reasons to Get a Building PermitI've been there. Before I was a licensed contractor and architect, I was a homeowner and did many DIY home improvement projects. I would...
Bob BarnettApr 28, 20203 minDesign & Construction During New Jersey QuarantineWith the thought of any type of home improvement in these times may seem unimaginable, the past several weeks have given homeowners a...
Bob BarnettMar 17, 20202 minAudit, 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...
Bob BarnettMar 15, 20205 minFinished Attics, Part 3: ConstructionHaving discussed the finished attic topics of zoning and planning, and stairs & windows from my earlier posts, we now move on to the...
Bob BarnettFeb 25, 20203 minFinished 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...
Bob BarnettFeb 15, 20204 minFinished Attics, Part 1: Zoning & PlanningAs 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...
Bob BarnettJan 9, 20203 minWhere's the Light Switch? - Light Switch Locations & Smart Home OptionsThoughts on light switch placement in homes and the impact SmartHome technology.
Bob BarnettDec 12, 20191 minMaplewood Kitchen BluesHues of blue continue to be going strong in Maplewood, NJ kitchens from cabinets to paint colors. Here are 4 of our kitchens which span...
Bob BarnettNov 13, 20192 minDesign Decisions as AlgebraThe design process for a new home, addition or remodel can be very long and complex. Essentially the process is a constant stream of...
Bob BarnettNov 5, 20192 minBarcelona: Gaudi's Casa Batllo and the Nextdoor Neighbor, Casa AmatllerOn a recent trip to Barcelona I had the pleasure of touring architect Antonio's Gaudi's famous multi-family apartment/home, Casa Batllo...
Bob BarnettSep 15, 20192 minMore MudroomsMudrooms continue to be one of the most desired elements when homeowners do a addition or remodel. The items needed for busy families add...
Bob BarnettAug 29, 20194 minFinishing a BasementYour unfinished basement can provide large living space potential. Finishing it can improve property value and be a welcome alternative...
Bob BarnettApr 4, 20192 minMaplewood Rooms, Part 2: Second FloorsAs a continuation from the earlier blog about 1st floor remodels of Maplewood Rooms (sunrooms or 3-season rooms), I wanted to describe...
Bob BarnettNov 28, 20182 minThe Maplewood Room aka Sunroom: 5 First Floor Remodels & AdditionsMaplewood, New Jersey, has a room named after it: the Maplewood room. Known across the USA as simply "a sunroom", it is lovingly...
Bob BarnettAug 29, 20182 minThe First Phone Call with a Potential ClientPrior to meeting with clients in person and on site, we always recommend an initial phone call to discuss location, project type, scope,...
Bob BarnettApr 20, 20184 minConstruction Costs of Home Remodeling & AdditionsFor a residential architect, one of the most challenging discussions to have with clients is the overall project budget. Architects are...
Bob BarnettFeb 5, 20182 minOde to Ingvar - IKEA's FounderLast 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...
Bob BarnettJan 29, 20183 minHomebuyer beware: Zoning Analysis before ClosingOne step in the home sales process that is often overlooked is a zoning analysis. Having a zoning analysis completed prior to closing is...
Bob BarnettSep 11, 20173 min4 Rules for Contractor Payment SchedulesA contract for a home addition or remodel has several components. For many homeowners, this may be the first and only large project they...