Seth A Leeb Architect

Remodeling an apartment is a very different project to remodeling a home, simply because of the amount of space you’re working with. Here are some tips from a top  residential architect  in NJ. Knock down walls:  Knocking down certain walls can transform your space, enlarge rooms and get a layout that actually works for you. You will need input from your architect and contractor before you break out the hammer, however, as you need to be sure that the wall is not a structural necessity. Open up the kitchen:  Older apartment buildings tend to have small, enclosed kitchens that are dark and difficult to use. Instead, open up the kitchen and make it a centerpiece for your apartment. It is the perfect entertainment space, making your apartment feel bigger and often opening up space for bigger appliances. Design your closets professionally:  There’s more to a closet than shelves and some hanging space, and you’ll be amazed at how a professional closet desig...

In the State of New Jersey, commercial buildings are coded to determine the value of the building, both to the tenant and to guide property investors. As this can have a significant impact on your investment or business operations, it’s important to understand these codes. Here’s some insight from a commercial building architect in NJ. Class A – The Top of the Class Class A buildings offer the best quality at the highest price range. These buildings are usually newer (around 10 years old), with high-end finishes, in the best locations and with the best amenities (transport links, restaurants, etc.). They are usually of a very high build quality, encompassing innovative infrastructure and are professionally managed to a high standard. Class B – Value for Money Although these buildings are categorized below Class A, the quality they offer is usually still high and they deliver good value as a result. Older and not as centrally-located, tenants can still expect professional ma...

Old and period homes have so much to offer, it’s no surprise that so many people are interested in purchasing these properties and updating them. Although this process can be incredibly rewarding, it’s important to go into these projects understanding that there can be many expensive and difficult challenges to overcome before your dream home emerges. Here are some insights from a  residential architect in NJ. Plumbing problems:  Pre-1960s homes often have galvanized pipes which will have become clogged or corroded over time – and these issues may extend to your sewer lines as well. Moisture:  Water is incredibly damaging to a home, affecting walls, flooring and cabinetry as well as creating structural damage. Moisture also causes mold and mildew to thrive and attracts pest infestations. Older homes are especially susceptible to these issues, and leaking pipes or cracks in foundations and walls could mean stripping out walling and flooring, waterproofing and repa...

Fire can quickly devastate a home, causing damage from smoke and flames as well as from the flooding required to put it out. When remodeling or rebuilding after a fire, the focus is not only on restoring what you have lost – it’s about installing measures to ensure it doesn’t happen again. Here’s some advice from a leading home remodel architect in NJ. Safety first:  Fire restoration is a dangerous job and the site may be structurally compromised. No one should enter the site until it is fully investigated for safety and stability by your residential architect, contractor and structural engineer. All specialists on the project should be licensed, insured and qualified. Process of elimination:  Each part of the building must be evaluated to decide what will stay and what must go. This entirely depends on the fire damage and the quality of the original materials, so some structures and materials may remain viable while other structures may have to be demolished and ent...