Stunning Addition & Renovation in West Orange, NJ

Project Info

Transforming a Classic New Jersey Home with Expanded Living Space, a New Kitchen Addition & Full Interior Rebuild

If you’re considering a home addition in West Orange, NJ or anywhere in Essex County, this recently completed Monk’s Home Improvements project showcases what’s possible when you blend thoughtful design with expert craftsmanship. This full-scale renovation completely reimagined the original home—expanding its footprint, modernizing the entire interior, and creating functional, family-friendly living spaces from the basement to the attic.

A Comprehensive Home Transformation

This project wasn’t just a refresh—it was a total home transformation, including:

• A brand-new kitchen addition built over the existing rear garage
• All new second floor with all-new bedrooms and bathrooms,
• Complete gut renovation and expansion of the existing 1st floor
• Full basement renovation with new laundry area, office egress windows, powder room, and storage
• New front portico and reimagined entryway
• A large rear deck for outdoor entertaining
• All-new electrical, plumbing, second-floor HVAC, insulation, windows, and finishes

The result is a modern, efficient, spacious home perfectly suited for today’s lifestyle.

Expansive Kitchen Addition Over the Garage

One of the standout features of this West Orange renovation is the kitchen addition built over the existing rear garage—a smart way to add square footage without expanding the home’s footprint.

Highlights include:

• New 2×12 floor framing and sub-flooring
• Full exterior wall construction with energy-efficient windows
• Two new extra-wide openings connecting the addition to the existing 1st floor
• New ceiling joists to support future second-floor living space
• Space planned for custom cabinetry, premium appliances, an oversized island, and statement lighting

This addition created a brighter, larger, more functional kitchen perfect for cooking, gathering, and hosting.

Full First-Floor Rebuild for Modern Living

The existing first floor was fully rebuilt to accommodate today’s open, connected layout. Updates include:

• New framing for a dining room with wide entrance
• Updated openings to the home office on each side of the central fireplace
• New 1st-floor bathroom layout
• All-new flooring, drywall, moldings, doors, trim, and lighting
• Updated electrical, plumbing, and HVAC routing

Every inch of this level was modernized and prepared for the homeowner’s curated finishes.

Second Floor Addition & Bathroom Suite Upgrades

The expanded second floor now features beautiful, functional bedroom and bathroom layouts, including:

• New exterior walls and framing
• A widened rear hallway for better flow
• A redesigned primary suite with a spa-like bathroom
• Rebuilt hall bathroom with new tile, double vanity, and storage
• New attic access via pull-down stairs

The new primary bathroom includes:

• Large walk-in shower with bench and niche
• Freestanding tub with tile accent wall
• Decorative lighting
• Dual vanity with custom cabinetry

This transformed second floor feels like a brand-new home.

Completely Reimagined Basement with Added Functionality

The basement was fully gutted and rebuilt to add livable, code-compliant square footage, including:

• New laundry room with cabinetry
• New powder room with pump system
• Updated office with egress-compliant windows
• New closets and storage
• New LVT flooring throughout

This lower level now works as a highly functional extension of the main living space.

A Beautiful New Front Portico & Outdoor Living Upgrades

To enhance curb appeal and provide weather protection, a front portico with new framing, soffits, and columns was added. The rear of the home features a 12′ x 27′ deck, perfect for gatherings and seasonal enjoyment.

Behind the Scenes: Structural, Mechanical & Exterior Improvements

This West Orange renovation also included major behind-the-walls upgrades such as:

New Foundations & Masonry Work

• Crawlspace foundations
• Rebuilt masonry areas
• Chimney extension to meet updated code

All-New Roofing & Siding

• GAF Timberline architectural shingles
• New vinyl siding, soffits, and aluminum flashing

Completely Updated Systems

• All-new electrical wiring
• New plumbing lines and drains
• New HVAC system for the second floor
• Updated ductwork and ventilation
• New gutters and downspouts

These improvements ensure long-term safety, comfort, and efficiency.

Thinking of a Home Addition in West Orange, NJ?

Whether you’re planning:

• A kitchen expansion,
• A second-floor addition,
• A whole-home renovation, or
• A basement remodel,

Monk’s Home Improvements has extensive experience transforming homes throughout West Orange, Montclair, Livingston, Maplewood, South Orange, and western Essex County.

For more ideas, see this home addition and renovation project Monk’s completed in Chester, New Jersey.

If this project inspires your vision, we’d love to help bring your ideas to life.