Magnificent Historic Charmer Home Remodel  Montclair, New Jersey

remodel and addition in Montclair, NJ

At G&L and Sons Renovations, every home tells a story; our role is to help write its next chapter. Our latest project in Montclair was a center-hall colonial renovation known as the Magnificent Historic Charmer remodel and addition in Montclair, NJ. 

It is one of our favorite projects to date. It allowed us to embrace the best of tradition while integrating modern practicality and convenience to achieve a stunning colonial home with modern finishes. With careful planning and client input, it underwent a monumental transformation to become something extraordinary during its renovation. 

As with the many colonial homes we remodel, our team was able to preserve its timeless charm while adding energy-efficient updates and much-needed space for a growing family.

About the Clients

Our clients, a young family, came to us with dreams of turning their charming but dated home in Montclair into a space that could serve as both a warm sanctuary and a serviceable environment for their everyday lives. They loved the colonial home's traditional appeal but needed updates to accommodate their lifestyle. 

After finding us through a neighbor’s recommendation, they trusted us to bring their vision to life. After months of close collaboration with our clients, Maureen, our designer, and George, our architect, the planning was completed, permits issued, and construction started.  We’re happy to report that we achieved the Center Hall colonial home updates they wanted. 

client goals

Home remodeling in Montclair, NJ, is always an exciting experience for us, especially when we update colonial-style homes based on client goals while preserving their design and style. The clients had several clear priorities for their home remodel, including the following:

• Expanded Living Space: The formal living room was lovely but needed an update. They also wanted more space added to the 1st and 2nd floors, which included adding a 1st floor powder room and mudroom. 

• Functional Kitchen: The original kitchen felt too confined and unsuitable for casual dining or hosting gatherings, so more space was created during the center hall colonial kitchen remodel.

• Improved Bedrooms and Closets: The second-floor back bedroom was too small, with limited closet space. The clients wanted to expand this room and add a medium-sized closet. Expanding closet space in colonial homes can be challenging, but we made it as part of the addition.

• Master Suite Enhancements: Our client sought to create a master bathroom adjoining the master bedroom, a feature the home previously lacked. 

• Additional Storage: Insufficient closet space throughout the home was a persistent issue, so we had to add more closet space to multiple rooms.

• Updated Systems and Structure: The old radiators, single-pane windows, roof, wood siding, and outdated HVAC systems needed to be replaced, along with the insulation, for better energy efficiency and comfort. It's not easy to update HVAC systems in historic homes, but we did it.

• Exterior Enhancements: Plans included adding a deck and portico to modernize the exterior while improving its function.

• Refined Interiors: The family wanted to refinish the wood floors on the first and second floors, repaint all the rooms, and repair floors and walls after the the removal of radiators.

design and materials 

We worked closely with the family and an experienced architect to honor the traditional design of their home while seamlessly integrating modern center hall colonial interior updates. 

The home had a sound framework and a solid foundation. It simply needed updated space, modern finishes, energy-efficient fixtures, and unique, personalized features to shine and become a home the family would enjoy for many years to come. 

The house now features:

• Great Room: A two-story addition with a gas fireplace and deck access created a comfortable gathering spot.

• Mudroom and Powder Room: A spacious mudroom with storage and a herringbone-patterned tile floor in the adjacent powder room brought a previously dull space to life while adding convenience.

• Master Bathroom: The master bathroom was turned into a luxurious space with a freestanding tub, walk-in shower, double vanity, and separate toilet area.

• Kitchen Updates: New MSI Calacatta Miraggio gold quartz countertops, additional cabinetry, tile backsplash, and decorative lighting modernized the heart of the home.

• Exterior Improvements: We installed James Hardie pre-painted gray fiber cement siding to complement Marvin Ultimate's gorgeous black windows. 

• A Fresh Lick Of Paint: We changed the windows and repainted the home's sunroom, foyer, dining room, office, second and third hallways, third-floor bathroom, and third and fourth bedrooms. 

One special touch included lead glass window preservation. We salvaged the original leaded glass windows in the dining room and incorporated them into the updated space, further preserving the home’s historical charm.

Project challenges

This project presented several challenges, primarily due to its complexity and the breadth of work required. With multiple updates happening simultaneously—from major structural additions to meticulous interior refinishing—scheduling became a critical factor.

In addition, the project had many facets, and we wanted to put our best foot forward and demonstrate the skill and expertise we possess in-house to handle home remodels and additions on a large scale. There were some trying moments, and the project presented challenges that involved ingenious thinking.

our solution

For this colonial house remodel, our project manager utilized BuilderTrend, our online project management system, to create a detailed timeline and coordinate tasks to navigate the breadth of work. This ensured that every stage of the project was completed in the correct order, avoiding costly delays or rework. 

Then, through consistent communication and careful oversight, we kept the project on track while navigating hurdles, exceeding the client’s expectations. Our team worked hard to finalize the design after architectural plans were developed with the homeowner's input to ensure we achieved what they wanted in their home. 

Four Project Highlights:

A Stunning Great Room

The two-story great room addition has become the home's meeting place, offering our clients grandeur and warmth. The great room was designed to bring people together, creating an informal yet elegant space where the family can make lasting memories for years to come.

The room's centerpiece is a modern gas fireplace, which creates a cozy ambiance while blending with the home’s traditional colonial style. The large modern colonial windows flood the room with natural light, while the deck access extends the living area outdoors, making it ideal for summer barbecues or quiet mornings with coffee. 

An Elegant Master Bathroom

The master bathroom, which now features a walk-in shower, transformed the homeowners’ private space into a spa-like sanctuary. This edition features a freestanding tub, a walk-in shower with glossy glass doors, and a double vanity with modern fixtures, blending functionality with luxury. 

We also created a separate toilet room to provide additional privacy, while thoughtful details, like the soft neutral palette and ample lighting, enhance the serene atmosphere of the space. Ultimately, this bathroom was designed to meet the family’s needs without compromising on elegance, turning their master suite into a personal oasis. 

A Transformed Kitchen

The beautifully updated kitchen is now a bright and welcoming space that serves as the true heart of the home. By opening up the layout, we created a room that feels both spacious and intimate. The new kitchen cabinets offer ample storage, while quartz countertops and a stylish tile backsplash add a touch of sophistication, adding to the home’s charm. 

Our G&L and Sons Renovations team also installed decorative energy-efficient hanging lights to provide warm, inviting illumination, making the space ideal for everything from preparing meals to hosting casual gatherings. This transformation turned a once-confined kitchen into a beautiful and practical area the young family can enjoy daily.

A Stylish and Practical Mudroom and Powder Room

The addition of a spacious mudroom brought much-needed practicality and versatility to the home, offering abundant storage and a comfortable seating area for everyday convenience. This mudroom is the perfect place to store winter items, clean up before entering the home, and prepare for a cold winter's day outdoors. 

Adjacent to the mudroom, the new powder room is a stylish yet practical feature. The powder room is modern and charming and is designed with a herringbone-patterned tile floor, a warm wood vanity, and floating shelves. Together, these spaces streamline the family’s daily routines while adding a layer of tastefulness and organization to the home.

get a seamless transformation for your next project with G&L and sons

As you can tell from the center hall colonial renovation before and after, our team at G&L and Sons Renovations succeeded in revitalizing a young family's home. 

This home remodel and addition exemplifies how we bring our client’s dreams to life by combining traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation. Beyond the aesthetic upgrades, this project delivered a functional, energy-efficient home that the family can enjoy for years to come.

With careful planning, detailed scheduling, and a commitment to excellence, we transformed this house with “good bones” into a dream home that beautifully balances old-world charm with modern convenience. If you’re considering a remodel or addition, let us help you reimagine your home. At G&L and Sons Renovations, we’re ready to turn your remodel or addition vision into reality.