Questions About Renovating, Adding to & Building a Home in New Jersey

We focus on custom homes, additions, whole-home renovations and other significant residential projects. We are a good fit when you want design-aware construction, detailed planning and clear accountability. Smaller improvements are undertaken within a large-scale project.

No. You do not need to hire an architect or have architectural plans completed before contacting Michael Robert Construction.

For clients choosing our design-build process, MRC manages the architectural and technical process from the beginning. Our team documents and draws the home's existing conditions, performs an initial zoning and feasibility analysis, develops the proposed design, and coordinates the architect of record, structural engineering and other required consultants. We manage these disciplines as part of one coordinated MRC process, so clients don't have to assemble and oversee a separate team themselves.

This early technical work is important. Before a design progresses too far, we want to understand what can be built, how the existing home will be affected, what structural considerations need to be addressed and how the proposed design aligns with the client's construction budget. Design, engineering, constructability and cost develop together—not as separate conversations.

Once the design is established, MRC coordinates the documentation required for architectural and structural plans, zoning or variance requirements when applicable, and construction permitting, then carries that knowledge directly into preconstruction and the build itself. The result is greater continuity, clearer accountability and fewer handoffs from the first site measurements through construction.

Already have an architect or plans? That's equally welcome. MRC regularly collaborates with outside architects and can join the project at any stage to provide budgeting, constructability, preconstruction and construction expertise.

On either path, clients may also engage Ellie Mroz Design for Construction Consulting and/or Furnishings, allowing architecture, construction, interior selections and furnishings to be coordinated as closely as the project requires.

Before major scope and design decisions become fixed, if possible. Construction input can help evaluate feasibility and investment while choices are still open. We can also review developed plans when you are ready to discuss building them.

Yes. Start with your goals, the property and the scale of change you are considering. An initial budget discussion helps test those expectations. More detailed pricing follows as the scope, drawings and selections become defined.

They may include different scopes, allowances, exclusions and assumptions. A lower total does not tell you which work has been omitted or left undecided. Compare what will actually be built, how selections are priced and what remains outside the proposal.

An allowance is a budget provision for an item that has not been fully specified or priced. The proposal should explain what it covers and how the final selection affects the cost. An allowance is not the same as a fixed price for a defined item.

Investigate accessible conditions early and identify what cannot be confirmed until work begins. Discuss how remaining uncertainty will be handled in the scope and budget. The appropriate reserve depends on the project; a single percentage is not a substitute for understanding the risks.

Design development, approvals, selections, procurement, site conditions and construction sequencing all contribute. A useful schedule identifies dependencies and decisions still outstanding. Compare schedules from the same starting point and for the same scope.

That depends on the work and whether the home can remain safely and practically separated from construction. Access, utilities, dust and noise all matter. Discuss this during planning so the project and your living arrangements are coordinated.

A proposed change should be documented and evaluated for cost, timing and its effect on related work. Your agreement defines how it is approved. Changes may affect orders already placed and work already completed, which is why the full consequence needs to be understood.

Yes. We welcome outside design professionals and coordinate the construction with their work. Clear responsibilities and timely information help protect the design intent. EMD remains an optional partner, with construction-related services available when MRC is the builder and furnishings beginning with at least one complete room.

Review the closeout process, outstanding-item procedure and warranty terms in your project agreement. Also understand the care and maintenance required for the materials and systems in your home. Specific coverage should be explained accurately for your contract rather than reduced to a general marketing promise.