Space-Savvy Remodels for Small-Lot Homes in Woodland Park, Totowa & Little Falls

Those who live in Little Falls, Totowa, or Woodland Park in New Jersey are likely already well acquainted with how tight the housing lots can be. Unfortunately, it can feel a little discouraging if you live on a small lot but want to remodel, since smaller parcels and older homes can make remodeling small homes in North Jersey challenging. 

Luckily, it's not all doom and gloom. If you work with the right remodeling contractor near Woodland Park and surrounding areas, you can explore small house renovation ideas that are space-savvy and perfect for small lots. 

At G&L and Sons Renovations, we have shared small lot home design ideas for those who have small lots. By the end of this blog, you'll have a better understanding of which ideas for small house renovation to try and which might not be the best fit. We've completed numerous cost-effective home expansions on small lots for clients needing space-savvy remodeling, so you can trust our expertise in this area. 

What Can You Do With a Small Lot?

You would be surprised by what is possible with a small lot when you work with a small home builder in Totowa, NJ, that specializes in remodeling, like us at G&L and Sons Renovations. 

Over the years, we have helped many homeowners explore creative remodels for small homes, and almost always, our clients have been happy with the outcome. So, if you're struggling to determine what you can do with your small lot, you might want to have a look at small home addition ideas that will give you more space and elevate how you live: 

• Kitchen or bathroom bump-outs along the rear or side of the home.

• A covered back porch that doubles as a mudroom or storage.

• Enclosing an underused breezeway.

• Expanding an entryway or front stoop.

Each of these might sound simple, but in a small lot home design, even a few added square feet can make a noticeable impact on day-to-day life. We've done this work for families in Woodland Park, Little Falls, and Totowa, many of whom didn't think a remodel would be worth the effort until they saw the plans.

However, it's not as simple as knowing the potential of your small lot. We also need to know a few things about you before we can help. That's why when we meet with homeowners who live on smaller properties, we always start with two questions: How is the house currently being used? And where is space being wasted or underutilized? 

Once we know the answer to these questions, we can recommend which addition or remodel ideas best fit your lifestyle and home in New Jersey. 

Small Home Addition Ideas: Building Upward

When you have a small lot, one of the best ways to create more space is to expand upward when you can't build outward. When your lot doesn't allow for a ground-level addition, our team can help you build a second-story expansion. Often, these expansions open up options for a new bedroom, a home office, a playroom, or even a full primary suite. 

However, this isn't a decision to take lightly, especially on older homes that may need reinforced support or foundation updates. Although this is the case, it's absolutely doable, and it can double your living space without you losing any yard space. 

We've guided multiple clients through the permit and structural process of remodeling small homes in North Jersey by adding a full or partial second floor, and we can help you, too.

Small Interior Changes With Big Impact

Not every remodel has to include an addition. Sometimes, the smartest thing you can do is reconfigure the space you already have. Many homes built before the 1980s were designed with separated rooms, narrow hallways, and awkward transitions. These layouts don't always work for how families live today.

If this sounds all too familiar and your home doesn't offer enough space for a full or even partial addition, there are a few interior changes you can make during a renovation. 

To give you a bit more space without adding any additional square footage, here are a few of the suggestions we often make to clients who are in the same boat as you: 

• Take down non-load-bearing walls to open up living areas.

• Shift a staircase to free up space underneath.

• Turn a closet or pantry into a powder room.

• Convert part of a basement into a guest room or den.

We've completed several of these creative remodels for small homes, where older homes tend to be a little more compartmentalized. 

The Best Renovations For Small Houses Focus on Storage and Flow

Storage is a constant issue in homes on smaller lots. Closets tend to be shallow, garages are often detached or nonexistent, and attics don't always provide reliable space. That's why many of our space-saving remodel ideas revolve around building storage into the home itself.

Some of our go-to clever storage remodel ideas include:

• Window seats with built-in drawers.

• Dining benches with hidden compartments.

• Hallway shelving between the studs.

• Custom cabinets beneath staircases.

We've also helped homeowners reclaim space by finishing basements, insulating crawlspaces, and upgrading old porches into seasonal rooms. These changes don't always require major construction, but they make a noticeable difference in how you use your home.

G&L and Sons Renovations Can Help With Your Space-Savvy Remodel

Living on a small lot doesn't mean you're stuck with a cramped or outdated layout. With the right remodeler, you can gain space, comfort, and better use of every part of your home. At G&L and Sons Renovations, we specialize in creative remodeling in Woodland Park, NJ, and surrounding towns like Totowa and Little Falls. 

If you're not sure where to start, we're happy to walk you through the best renovations for small houses, zoning details, and what kinds of additions are possible for your property. Your lot might be small, but your remodel doesn't have to feel that way, so contact us here today. 

Here are some other blog posts that might interest you:

Kitchen renovations

Planning a kitchen remodel

Choosing a remodel contractor

To recap, plan your project carefully and take the time to explore what matters most to you.

If you live in our northern NJ area and are ready to create the project of your dreams, we'd love to hear from you.