Bob Barnett
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...
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Bob Barnett
- Oct 9, 2021
- 2 min
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...
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Bob Barnett
- Apr 28, 2020
- 3 min
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...
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Bob Barnett
- Mar 17, 2020
- 2 min
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...
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Bob Barnett
- Mar 15, 2020
- 5 min
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...
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Bob Barnett
- Feb 25, 2020
- 3 min
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...
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Bob Barnett
- Feb 15, 2020
- 4 min
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...
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Bob Barnett
- Jan 9, 2020
- 3 min
Where's the Light Switch? - Light Switch Locations & Smart Home Options
Thoughts on light switch placement in homes and the impact SmartHome technology.
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Bob Barnett
- Dec 12, 2019
- 1 min
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...
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Bob Barnett
- Nov 13, 2019
- 2 min
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...
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Bob Barnett
- Nov 5, 2019
- 2 min
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...
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Bob Barnett
- Sep 15, 2019
- 2 min
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...
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Bob Barnett
- Aug 29, 2019
- 4 min
Finishing a Basement
Your unfinished basement can provide large living space potential. Finishing it can improve property value and be a welcome alternative...
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Bob Barnett
- Apr 4, 2019
- 2 min
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...
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Bob Barnett
- Nov 28, 2018
- 2 min
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...
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Bob Barnett
- Aug 29, 2018
- 2 min
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,...
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Bob Barnett
- Apr 20, 2018
- 4 min
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...
255 views1 comment
Bob Barnett
- Feb 5, 2018
- 2 min
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...
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Bob Barnett
- Jan 29, 2018
- 3 min
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...
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Bob Barnett
- Sep 11, 2017
- 3 min
4 Rules for Contractor Payment Schedules
A contract for a home addition or remodel has several components. For many homeowners, this may be the first and only large project they...
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