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Residential Architecture

Plan a home addition, renovation or custom design around how you want to live. Explore the existing house, the site and your priorities together.

Should I renovate, add on or build a new home?

Start with what your current home cannot do. Reworking an existing layout may solve a circulation problem; an addition may address a need for more space. A new home raises a different set of site, scope and construction questions.

Compare the options against the building’s condition, your priorities, available budget and likely disruption. A feasibility discussion can help identify what needs investigation before you choose.

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Can I add a second story to my house?

That requires a property-specific assessment. The existing structure, stairs, roof, proposed layout and applicable development limits all affect the options. A project team may need structural engineering input before a direction can be confirmed.

Cape Cod to Cape Anne created three bedrooms and a bathroom through a second-floor expansion using a gambrel roof form. It is an example of a design solution, not a determination of what another house can support.

See the Cape Cod expansion

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Residential Architecture

How do additions connect with an existing home?

Consider the connection as carefully as the new room. Floor levels, circulation, rooflines and materials influence whether old and new spaces work together.

Farmhouse Addition expanded the kitchen, connected it to a new mudroom and garage, and created a brighter link to the existing family room. A second-floor primary suite with a full bathroom was also integrated into the project.

Explore the Farmhouse Addition

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can we live in the house during a renovation?

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That depends on the extent and sequence of the work, access, utilities and whether living areas can remain safely separated from construction. Discuss temporary accommodation and phasing with the project team and contractor before committing to a construction plan.

Will an addition match my existing house?

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Discuss whether you want continuity or a deliberate contrast. Roof proportions, window placement, floor levels and material transitions all affect the result. Bring photographs of the features you want to keep and examples of changes you like.

How long will a renovation project take?

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Separate design, review, contractor scheduling and construction when discussing timing. Scope changes, existing conditions, selections and outside decisions can affect each phase. A useful schedule identifies those dependencies rather than promising one completion date for every project.

What is the next step for my project?

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Share your property location, goals and available documents with the studio. An initial conversation can identify the questions to resolve and the appropriate scope for a proposal.

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Ready to discuss Residential Architecture? Share your project details and the studio will follow up to discuss the next step.

Robie J. Wood Architect

Licensed Architect - NJ, NY, PA, VA

Location 704 Center Street
Garwood, NJ 07027
Phone 908-591-8543
Email robie@rjwarch.com
Business Hours
Monday - Friday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday & Sunday: Closed · Meetings by appointment
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Tell us what you have in mind. The studio will follow up to discuss your project and the next step. Your details are used to respond to your inquiry. Privacy policy.

Explore Our Other Services

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Interior Design

Coordinate room layouts, materials and finishes with the architecture. Define the selections and details your project needs before work begins.
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Construction Administration

Support the transition from drawings to construction with the architectural services agreed for your project. Clarify communication, reviews and responsibilities before work starts.
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Commercial Architecture

Explore design for business and community spaces. Start with the intended use, existing building and practical needs of the people who will use it.
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