An Addition Remodel to write home about

When the homeowners of this Montclair residence approached us about an addition, their goals went beyond simply creating more space. They were looking for a home that worked better for their lifestyle and supported the way they lived every day.

Our architect collaborated closely with them to design a transitional-style addition that complemented the existing structure while opening up new possibilities for comfort and connection. The design not only provided the extra room they needed but also honored the character of the home they already loved.

During the product selection process, our designer, Maureen, guided the homeowners through key design elements and finishes. With her thoughtful input, every detail was chosen to bring practicality and personality into the new spaces, resulting in a seamless blend of old and new.

Ultimately, we chose this collaborative addition project because it demonstrates how thoughtful design and seamless integration can transform a home. We hope it serves as an example for families considering luxury home additions in Montclair, NJ, or surrounding areas, as it demonstrates how the right approach can create luxury home additions that feel natural and well-planned.

client goals

When it comes to custom home additions, it's essential to understand one's client's goals upfront, lest the project turn out to be the opposite of what the client wants. Fortunately for us, with this project, the homeowners shared their priorities early in the process:

• Move laundry upstairs for easier access.

• Add a walk-in pantry for storing food and small appliances.

• Relocate the powder room to free up space for a future sitting area.

• Update the master bathroom with a more practical layout and modern finishes.

• Build a covered patio for outdoor living and grilling.

• Improve basement access with a new stair.

Project Overview 

The work on this project included updates to the interior and exterior. Inside, we built a new mudroom off the kitchen, added a relocated powder room, and created a walk-in pantry nearby. Upstairs, we relocated the dedicated laundry room. We also reworked the basement entry, removing the original steps and bilco door and installing new access points in better locations. This change provides the family with easier access to the basement from multiple areas of the home, contributing to a smoother and more intuitive overall flow.

Budget and Timeline

We worked closely with the homeowners throughout the process, making thoughtful choices together to ensure the project stayed within their budget.  By offering curated choices, we helped them create an addition design and master bathroom remodel that met their style and practical needs.
 
As for the timeline, the project began in 2023 with an anticipated three-and-a-half-month timeline. As the work progressed, we identified areas where additional time was needed to refine the quality and ensure lasting results. We kept the homeowners updated throughout and made certain every detail reflected the level of craftsmanship they expected.

Family-Focused Solutions: Rethinking Basement Entry

When updating homes in Montclair, NJ, there will always be challenges, but we're thankful this home's difficulties were few and far between, and only one really stood out. One of the trickiest parts of this project was reworking the plumbing in the master bathroom. Relocating the fixtures meant removing the existing pipes and installing new lines, all while making sure the structure remained sound. Our plumbing team completed the work carefully so the new layout would function exactly as planned.

Project Highlights

If you have master bathroom renovation ideas, powder room remodel ideas, mudroom addition ideas, or home addition design ideas, you'll likely find inspiration in the highlights we've chosen to share below. 

Our team has taken the time to briefly detail how we handled this addition renovation in Montclair, New Jersey, to help give you insights into why your next project is a good idea. 

Mudroom and Entryway

As part of the addition, we built a brand-new mudroom to provide the family with an organized space to come in from outside, offering easy access to the coat closet, powder room, and main floor. We focused on durability with timeless appeal, starting with a Simpson exterior cherry wood door featuring a three-quarter view of Low-E insulated glass. 

Matching cherry wood side lights bring in natural light and warmth. For the floor, we used a checkerboard pattern of 18" x 18" honed Asian White Calacatta and 18" x 18" honed Nero Marquina tiles with black grout, creating a classic look that complements the home while supporting everyday use.

Pantry

Our client envisioned a larger pantry to accommodate appliances, dinnerware, and food items. While the overall layout was designed outside of our scope, we guided them in selecting the right materials and finishes to give the space a cohesive look that flows beautifully with the rest of the home.

Master Bathroom

The shower walls feature 2.5" x 10" Gazzini Verde glossy tiles, with 1¼" honed Pearl White hexagon marble on the shower floor. On the main floor, we used larger 10½" Pearl White hexagon marble tiles with frost grout. This combination gives the bathroom a consistent look, adds a touch of luxury with natural stone, and makes the space easier for the family to maintain.

Powder Room

In Montclair, NJ, powder room remodeling can be a little tricky, but not with this renovation. We relocated the powder room to make room for a future sitting area and to give our clients easier access from the mudroom and main living spaces. 

In its new spot, the powder room features a basketweave pattern made from Italian Carrara and Nero Marquina polished tiles, set with avalanche grout. The classic black-and-white design elevates a space the family often uses, turning it into something practical and visually striking.

Laundry Room

One of the family's top priorities was moving the laundry out of the basement and onto the second floor, which was easier to reach. We built a dedicated laundry room with two washers, two dryers, and a utility sink, providing them with the capacity to handle loads quickly and the convenience of doing laundry without running up and down stairs. This simple change made everyday tasks much more manageable, freeing up time and energy for the family.

Outdoor Living 

The covered patio was designed to give the family a comfortable and versatile outdoor space they could use in any season. By adding shelter from the elements and direct access to the grill it extends their living space beyond the walls of the home, making gathering outside easier and more enjoyable.

Additional Finishes

To finish this addition project, we focused on details that would help the new spaces feel like they had always been part of the home. We installed Pella Architect Series windows to bring in more light and improve airflow. We chose red oak for the stairs and railings so the addition would blend seamlessly with the home’s original style. Then, for added comfort, we installed Schluter radiant floor heating and a Carrier mini-split system, ensuring the family could enjoy these spaces in every season. And in a few select areas, we used patterned wallpaper to reflect the family’s personality and add warmth to the design.

Start Your Addition Project With G&L and Sons Renovations Today

At G&L and Sons Renovations, we believe a great addition should improve the way you live as much as it improves how your home looks. The Beverly Rd. Addition shows how careful planning, attention to detail, and skilled craftsmanship can bring that balance to life. 

If you are ready to explore modern home addition designs for your home, we would be happy to talk with you. Our team has worked on numerous home renovations and additions over the years, and we know what we're doing. Contact us today to get started.