Addition and Renovation Designs in Parsippany, NJ

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Do you live in Parsippany, New Jersey, home of the 30-acre park and historic landmark known as the Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms? In addition to this wonderful landmark you probably realize how great the schools are and what a diverse and rich cultural community, it has. These may be the key reasons you are staying in your current home and unwilling to move despite being cramped and lacking the space you desire. If your home is in dire need of upgrading, then it may be time to call an architect. Does your upgrading include opening up walls to create a more spacious environment? Or maybe you need additional space for in-laws that will age in your home. You might just be looking for a more spacious master bathroom and looking for a creative way to accomplish this.

An architect is your solution to these problems as well as many more. Reconfiguring rooms, altering spaces, coming up with creative solutions to suit your needs is what Aric Gitomer Architect can do to help you and your family. Our motto is “listening to your ideas and making them a reality.”

When designing an addition or renovation in Parsippany, NJ additional thoughts may include your weariness of looking at the same walls every day, small rooms, dark spaces. Wishing you had more closet space, spacious areas to relax in and socialize. Do you wish people would come by more to make your home their home? If these concerns have presented themselves to you then it’s time to consider a renovation, alteration or even an addition. Hey what’s the difference between those three choices?

When it comes to these types of projects in Parsippany, NJ an architect will follow the regulations set forth in the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code: Rehabilitation Code. This code defines the above specified projects above as follows:

Additions:

“Addition” means an increase in the footprint area of a building or an increase in the average height of the highest roof surface or the number of stories of a building. (You would be required to check with the Parsippany zoning ordinances to see if this is a possibility – click on the map below and discover all the wonderful requirements of Parsippany) – factors to consider: lot size, setbacks, house height, lot coverage). If your project does not conform to the zoning restrictions, you can always seek a variance to attempt and get what you want. In doing so it could add months to your project as well as a denial sending you back to square one of your design. You can read more about zoning on AGA’s website here.

Discover Parsippany Zoning
Parsippany, NJ Map

Alterations:

“Alteration” means the rearrangement of any space by the construction of walls or partitions or by a change in ceiling height, the addition or elimination of any door or window, the extension or rearrangement of any system, the installation of any additional equipment or fixtures and any work which reduces the load bearing capacity of or which imposes additional loads on a primary structural component.

Renovations:

“Renovation” means the removal and replacement or covering of existing interior or exterior finish, trim, doors, windows, or other materials with new materials that serve the same purpose and do not change the configuration of space. Renovation shall include the replacement of equipment or fixtures. “Repair” means the restoration to a good or sound condition of materials, systems and/or components that are worn, deteriorated or broken using materials or components identical to or closely similar to the existing.

Plan, Plan, Plan:

Whatever you choose to do make sure you start making a list of your priorities. Check out AGA’s free checklist guide to assist you in your next project, click here!

Identify the Issues:

For instance, what are you most dissatisfied with in your home? Is that kitchen dated and too small and non-functional? Is the kitchen the center of your universe but wish you were part of the Family Room while cooking up a gourmet meal.

Kitchen Alteration, Parsippany, NJ

Or maybe your master bathroom is not big enough for you and your spouse. Does your master closet allow you to buy all the clothes you want! Oh how about your basement? Is it an area where you can grow your home (make sure you have headroom!)? Maybe it’s even about creating a homework space for your young ones attending those marvelous schools in Parsippany, NJ!

How will this change impact your life? Will you be able to live in your home during the work anticipated by your desires? That would depend on the scope of disruption. Is your roof going to be required to be removed? Will your water be turned off? Does your project impact your heating system during cold weather months? Some of these modifications will force you out of your home. Make sure you have an alternate place to stay. Perhaps you are just opening up some walls. Creating an addition that does not impact the rest of your home. If this is the case you probably can stay put! This would require critical planning with your general contractor.

It is critical to get an Architect involved. An architect will listen to your concerns and come up with solutions to fit your needs. Interview several architects to start your journey. Explore what services they will provide and how they will fit into your budget. Some architects may have grand visions for your home and not even listen to your actual concerns. While others will want to provide services well beyond your means. Give your neighbor, Aric Gitomer Architect, a call and see how we can assist you in making your dreams a reality.