Seth A Leeb Architect

Craftsman style homes are a classic style that’s popular all across the USA. They are known for their wonderful curb appeal and charming architectural details. So, what makes this style so unique? Here’s a guide from a  leading NJ residential architect . History of the Craftsman-Style Home  This style has its roots in the British rebellion against the mass production and industrialization of the 19 th  century that started the Arts and Crafts Movement, a movement focused on handcrafted, unique character delivered by artisans. This was popularized in architecture through Gustav Stickley, who founded  The Craftsman  magazine through which he published free architectural blueprints. Features of Craftsman Architecture  Although this style was developed for its individuality, there are certain features that are common throughout many of these homes. These include: Low-pitched rooflines in a hip or gable style A covered front porch Pillars linin...

Commercial building projects are highly complex and demanding – and it’s important that they not only stay on schedule, but that they stay on budget too. While unforeseen circumstances can push both of these goals out, there are ways recommended by  Commercial architecture in NJ   to help prevent delays and rising costs. Know the Weak Points in  Commercial Building Design  and Construction Projects  When a commercial building project is facing delays and rising costs, there are several areas where weak points in the project are often found. By knowing these weak points and having a strategy that prevents them from collapsing, your project should move forward much more smoothly. These weak points include: Lack of vital design information –  Incomplete architectural plans that lack certain details and specifications will cause confusion, delays, miscommunication and even more work due to tear-outs. Choosing cheap contractors –  Contract...

The cost of building a new  custom home plans  varies wildly according to where you’re building, your specific lot, the size of your home, and it’s features and finishes. HomeAdvisor puts the national average at $286,277 – but customized and high-end features in high-demand areas can push this average up to $700,000 with ease. So, how can you budget for a new home? Here are some guidelines from a leading NJ residential architect. What can you afford?  This is the ultimate deciding factor, so take a good look at your savings, assets you may sell (for example, your existing house) and what kind of loan you would qualify for at your bank. A good guideline for loans is that they should not exceed 25% of your stable monthly income. Square foot costs.  Square footages usually refer to heated areas of a home (so, not the basement or garages). Find a home that is similar to what you’d like to build – same area, same size, etc. – for comparison. A sales agent will be...

Building a new home is an exciting adventure with a fantastic reward once all the hard work is done. Ending up with your dream home takes hard work though, and there are plenty of challenges to overcome along the way. Here are the most common ones to look out for, from a leading  residential architect  firm in NJ. No project manager:  Acting as your own project manager is often used as a way to save money on your build. However, unless you have previous experience, you’re going to find that this will be more stressful and more expensive than you anticipated. Firstly, you won’t have the connections with local contractors to get the best quality at the best price. You’ll likely experience delays because you won’t know who needs to be hired and schedule at what point of the build, and because you’re a once-off project, contractors will likely prioritize return business over yours. Hiring an experienced project manager is worth the cost – they ensure that the best peo...