Seth A Leeb Architect

Homes may have one purpose – to deliver a living space for ourselves and our loved ones – but there are many more factors that come into play when we start the process of designing and building our dream homes. One important factor is the style of the home itself. Here’s a quick guide to the most popular architectural styles in the USA, from a leading  residential architect  in NJ. Craftsman:  This style dates back to the arts and crafts movement of the early 20 th century, where artisans rebelled against the cookie-cutter look of the homes built in the Industrial Revolution. These homes are all about creating a uniquely and artistic look, and generally have porches with thick columns, low-pitched roofs, exposed beams and a strong use of natural materials. Country or colonial style:  Reminiscent of the 18 th  century European colonists, these homes often have 2-3 stories and symmetrical placement of doors and windows. The front door entrance is a focal ...

Commercial building design is very different from residential buildings, although both are required to meet specific regulations for safety and structural integrity as well as building codes set by the city or municipality. Here are the key ways in which these projects differ, from a leading  commercial building architect  in NJ. Building needs:  While residential projects focus on meeting a single need – providing living space – commercial projects have many different purposes, sometimes within the same project. Retail buildings require storage and delivery space as well as a design that suits stores and promotes easy access for shoppers in addition to restaurant space, movie theatre space, easy refuse collection and restrooms. Hospitals will have different requirements to this, as will schools, libraries and offices. This means not only being able to design a building that looks good, but one that also meets these functional needs and makes them easy to use. Un...

Building a home is a large and complex project that, according to research by the 2016 Survey of Construction, takes about 6 months on average. However, the length of a project is influenced by a range of factors that can result in a building taking longer or shorter than this projection. Here are some insights from a  NJ residential architect . What Factors Can Influence the Time it Takes to Build Your Home?  Custom or production homes:  Production homes are faster at 4-6 month, while custom homes take 10-16 months on average to finish. The more unique, demanding or unusual your home’s style, the longer it may take to build. Region and environment:  The accessibility of your property for construction equipment, whether you’re in a rural area, small town or metro, and whether you’re in a mountainous or mid-Atlantic area all affects the timeline. For example, rural areas take 9 months on average while metros are around 7 months to completion. Weather can al...

Investing in property is always a tough decision, especially when you’re faced with the choice of extensive home remodeling versus starting new from the ground up with the help of a wrecking ball. Here are some tips from a leading  residential architect in NJ  to help you make the right choice for your home or residential property. Long-term value:  In terms of getting the most value for your money over the long-term, rebuilding wins because it essentially resets the clock on the property. Structurally, every element of your home has a lifespan, from roof shingles right down to your foundation. In addition to aesthetic changes, you should also consider the lifespan of current HVAC and electrical systems, plumbing and gutters to help you make a decision. Rebuilding is also ideal for people who want to live in a property for 15 years or so and then sell, as it’s easier and more attractive to sell a 15-year-old property than one that is 40 years old. Budget:  I...