Online Design Tools 
Project Blog 
Free Estimates: 
Home Additions
Increase your living space to accommodate your family’s needs
Planning Your Home Addition
Undertaking a home addition or significant renovation is an exciting journey but requires careful planning and expertise. This guide walks you through key steps and considerations to make the process smooth, efficient, and tailored to your needs.
Key Considerations for a Home Addition
Before diving into the details, there are essential aspects to consider:
Type of Addition or Renovation. Will it be attached, detached, or entirely new construction?
Local Building Regulations. Each town has specific rules about setbacks, variances, and other restrictions. It is crucial to consult an architect familiar with your town’s building codes.
Impact on Your Property. Consider how the project will affect your yard, driveway, and access points.
Where to start planning
1. Start with an Architect
An architect will guide you on feasibility, building methods, layout, and compliance with local regulations.
They will discuss setbacks and variances (if needed) and provide the construction plans, which are necessary to price the construction costs. The plans will also need to be submitted to your town for permit approval.
2. Initial Consultation with Monk’s
If you call us first, we’ll send an experienced team member to help you envision the space and outline the next steps.
We’ll advise if consulting with an architect or local building department is the next priority.
If you see Monk’s after obtaining architect plans, we can price out a detailed estimate. These estimates are free and require no obligation.
Estimates from Monk’s will include all construction costs and any finished materials. Finished materials include items like cabinetry, flooring, fixtures, windows, and doors. You make your material selections in one of our showrooms. We do not use undefined material allowances in our quotes. Doing so could considerably change your total cost, giving you an inaccurate estimate.
Budgeting
Before getting estimates, it’s best to calculate what you can afford and what you are willing to spend on a home addition. Having a number in mind will help you make decisions on project scope and finish materials.
As noted, additions can impact driveways, walkways, decks, and landscaping. These costs also need to be factored into your budget.
Preliminary Budgeting: Until plans are finalized, we can provide ballpark estimates based on your goals and site conditions.
If variances are required, we’ll factor in time and potential additional costs for approvals.
The final architectural plans created by your architect allow us to deliver an accurate project cost.
timing
Permit approvals vary by municipality and range from a few weeks to several months.
Construction timing depends on the project scope but is usually estimated after permits are obtained.
Engaging with an Architect
Architects ensure your vision aligns with local codes and practical building methods.
The architect provides:
- Conceptual designs and layouts
- Construction drawings and specifications
- Documentation for permitting and pricing
Selecting a builder
Choose a builder who:
- Has experience with projects of your size and scope
- Is familiar with local regulations and inspection processes
- Offers clear communication and a detailed project plan
Our team has a proven track record of successful additions and renovations. We ensure quality and guide you every step of the way.
working with a designer
Designers bring your interior spaces to life, focusing on finishes, color schemes, and functionality.
Our designers collaborate with your architects, or we can connect you with a trusted architectural partner.
We offer two beautiful showrooms featuring all the finish materials you’ll need, including cabinetry, tile, countertops, flooring, windows, doors, and decking. A team of designers and window and door specialists are on staff in both showrooms. All design work is complimentary.
Why choose Monk’s?
Expertise. We specialize in residential additions and renovations, focusing on customer satisfaction.
Personalized Service. From your first consultation to project completion, we are here to guide you through every decision.
Collaborative Approach. We work seamlessly with architects, designers, and permitting offices to ensure your project is completed on time and within budget.
Next Steps
Call us at 973-635-7900 to schedule your initial consultation. We’ll help you envision your project and connect you with the right professionals to move forward.
Customer Reviews
Monks did a great job custom-designing and remodeling our kitchen, coupled with replacing the floor, molding, lighting and repainting of our family room! They started the job as soon as they got all the cabinets, hardware, quartz countertop, and flooring materials collected. This avoided any delivery delay problems. Denise helped us design our kitchen to make it roomier and more storage-friendly! Vincent and Alonso were extremely responsive when it came to assembly and custom-making a kitchen bench!
We hired Monks to finish our basement and also paint the interior of our home. The basement renovation included a kitchen, full bath, office, and casual living area. The 1500 square foot renovation was extensive and Monks completed the project in a very timely manner. The team which included Mike Drohan, Jason Schroth, David Espinoza, and Dave Cleaves were invaluable with their professional and technical expertise. This team offered significant guidance and initiative throughout the project. Monks efforts have not only enhanced our home but also gave us a beautifully designed and finished living space. We will hire only Monks to do additional future projects.
Ready to learn how Monk’s can help you?
Contact us for your free, no obligation consultation and estimate.
Call the office at 973-635-7900 OR
