Bob Barnett
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...
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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...
203 views2 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...
257 views0 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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
2,164 views0 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...
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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.
4,725 views2 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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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,...
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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...
345 views1 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...
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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...
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