New Jersey Home Building Blog

Renovating or building a home in New Jersey takes more than great design and quality materials. It requires navigating permits, zoning regulations, and local approval processes. These steps often determine how quickly your project can begin and how...

Adding an addition to your house is one of the most rewarding investments you can make. Whether you need more living space, a bigger real estate investment, or a comfortable place to age in place, the right addition can elevate your lifestyle,...

Choosing to build a custom home is one of the most exciting and meaningful decisions you’ll ever make. It’s your opportunity to design a space that perfectly reflects your lifestyle, priorities, and taste. But just as important as your plans is the...

If you're planning to build a custom home in Central New Jersey, understanding the cost of land is a key part of the process. We break down how much an acre costs, if you can buy land in New Jersey, and how to finance land. We have all the answers...

When it's time to upgrade your home's heating system, you might wonder if you should stick with what you know or try something new. Choosing between a heat pump and a furnace is a decision that should be made with education and all the facts. Here,...

You may be thinking about building a net-zero home because you’re passionate about sustainability or because you’re tired of rising energy bills and want a smarter way to invest in your future. In this blog, we’ll explain what a net-zero home is,...

As life changes, your home should be able to change along with you. Luxury aging-in-place design allows you to stay in the home you love by incorporating accessibility features that support mobility, safety, and independence, all without sacrificing...

If you're like many homeowners, deciding on whether to remodel or move isn’t just about numbers; it’s about your family, lifestyle, comfort, and long-term investment. Here in New Jersey, the decision is even more complicated. With a competitive...

Money. It's what matters when you're trying to do anything in this world. Setting a budget for a custom home can feel daunting. It's not just one number; it's a series of small numbers that add up to a big one. That's why we've written this blog on...

If you've decided to renovate your home in Central New Jersey or are still in the consideration stage, you likely want to know how you can determine the cost. Below, you'll find a guide to help you choose and understand how to budget for a...

You’ve worked hard to be able to build the custom home of your dreams, but the current market has you wondering if now is a bad time to build a house. So is it?

It’s no secret that the housing market of the last few years has caused many future home...

Winter is coming, and with it, cold toes in the morning. If you're considering a custom home or perhaps just want to upgrade the heating in your own home, you might be wondering about the pros and cons of radiant heat. Here, we'll break down the...

We blinked, and 2025 is just around the corner. Meanwhile, luxury home design continues to evolve and refine itself. If you're building a custom home or updating your existing space, staying abreast of these trends will help your home be tasteful,...

Building a custom home is an exciting journey, with the promise of creating a space that reflects your unique style and needs. However, choosing the wrong builder can turn this dream into a nightmare. The custom home building process is vastly...

You want the best for your custom home in Central New Jersey, including luxurious features that optimize your comfort and your home's energy efficiency. Cold winter nights have made options like radiant heating and year-round comfort increasingly...

Buy dirt, the song says, but the process of buying a plot of land in Central New Jersey for a custom home is more detailed than merely finding a plot of acreage and laying down money. In fact, buying the wrong piece of land to build a house on can...

There's something truly poetic about a window - it's why dreamers stare out them. Windows are more than just openings in our walls. They bring life into our homes, letting in natural light, offering views, and providing ventilation. But how many...

Budget is right after location in factors that matter in building a custom home. But how do you plan a budget for your custom home? We have the roadmap for it, complete with explanations for the stops. You'll want to take notes or use this blog as a...

Dreaming of a new home? The decision to purchase a spec home versus building a custom home can be a daunting one. However, we've compiled a guide to help you discern between the two and decide which type of home is best for you. Here, we'll...

Thinking about the process of building your own custom home but unsure where to begin? At GTG Builders, custom home building is in the very breath we breathe. We've compiled 7 steps to add to your guide to building your own custom home. Here,...

Are you tired of living life according to someone else's design? Buying land in Central New Jersey and constructing a custom home can allow you to tailor your living space to your exact specifications and needs. Whether you're planning for...

There’s no place like home. Particularly a home you’ve custom-built for your family, lifestyle, and tastes. The process of custom home construction seems daunting to many homeowners at first. However, the rewards of designing a home bespoke to your...

Let's explore how you can elevate your retirement by planning a custom home in Central New Jersey that is perfectly suited for your golden years.

Building a retirement home should be an amalgamation of all your dreams come true. Your hard work,...

It's time to retire by design. You've worked hard to build a life, family, and career that you can be proud of, and it's time to start investing in your retirement house plans. Whether you're looking to downsize or completely change into a floor...

Embarking on the journey to retirement is a significant milestone in your life, and may include a dream of a custom-built homewhere you can savor your golden years and the hard work that got you there.

However, the road to achieving this dream is...

New Jersey is for for seniors! Whether you're looking for rolling green hills, community events, or a day out on the green, there's an ideal community where you can retire in central New Jersey. Hunterdon County, in particular, claims several...

If you’re considering designing your dream custom home, you might have been warned of scope creep. When it happens, scope creep can dramatically increase your final budget, put your project months behind, and place extra stress on you and your...

Ranch-style homes embody timeless charm and practical living, transcending trends. Their single-level living and open floor plans connect the indoors with nature, emphasizing bright, inviting natural light. Central New Jersey's diverse landscapes...

The process of creating your dream home starts with selecting the right home builder. When you choose a builder you can trust, the home-building journey becomes not just rewarding but truly transformational. In Central New Jersey, there are plenty...

Central New Jersey is not just about beautiful landscapes and a rich history—it's also a fantastic place to make your forever home, especially if you're a family looking for excellent schools. There are several top-notch public schools...

Picture your entire home enveloped in cozy comfort throughout the winter months, with no weird drafts or temperature fluctuations in sight—all while saving on energy bills. All thanks to radiant heating; a heating system solution that promises...

Embarking on the journey to build a custom home in New Jersey is a thrilling prospect, especially in a region known for its rapid growth and high quality of life. With the scarcity of well-constructed homes available on the market, investing in a...

Your new home should be a reflection of your personal style and a place where cherished memories will be made for years to come. Before breaking ground on your new custom home, asking your builder the right questions can be the key to a smooth and...

First impressions matter, especially when it comes to your new custom home. The exterior of your home is the first thing people see, making it the perfect place to create strong curb appeal, boost your home’s market value, and reflect your...

Before you can build a home, you've got to buy land the home will be built upon. Choosing the lot for your future house may seem like a relatively small part of the home-building experience, but selecting the right location is equally as important...

Ranch style homes—the wide, one-story homes of the 1950s and 60s—have become an icon of American suburban architecture. Ranch homes quickly rose in popularity for their open floor plans, plentiful natural light, easy access to outdoor living...

When you start thinking about building a home in NJ, you may hear an old wives’ tale about setting aside 10% of the price for upgrades and change orders. Although having a little extra on top of your estimate isn’t a bad idea, this myth hides a lot...

Your home is much more than just a physical structure; it's a haven where cherished memories are made, quality time is spent with loved ones, and where you can efficiently tackle daily tasks. That's why selecting the right contractor to build your...

When planning your new custom home, staying up-to-date with the latest trends in the industry is crucial. As custom home builders in Central New Jersey, we’re always looking out for new developments and approaches that are impacting the future of...

The NJ Homeowner's Checklist

Maintenance is essential to keep your New Jersey home looking (and functioning) like new. The more you keep up on ongoing maintenance, the more likely your home is to retain property value and longevity. 

Since NJ home...

Your custom home building experience in New Jersey should be comfortable, not stretch you beyond your budget, and leave you with a custom home that meets your vision. There are two delivery methods you can choose from: design-bid-build and...

You’ve been dreaming about your new home for years. You’ve planned, researched, and saved as you envisioned your perfect custom home. Now, you’re ready to meet with your custom home builder and move one step closer to turning your dream into a...

With beautiful scenery and a mild climate, you’ll find premier golfing easily accessible in Central New Jersey—making this region a great location for any golfer’s personalized dream home. 

From exclusive, members-only benefits to unique,...

Spring is right around the corner and we all get the itch to do a deep Spring clean across our entire homes, including our floors. If you have hardwood floors, however, regular gentle cleaning is all you’ll need. Need more convincing that a deep...

Building a custom home means you’ll get to choose the best layout, finishes, style, and types of rooms for your family. It’s also a very involved process that might not be right for you, at least not at this time. How will you know if you’re a good...

The decision to build a custom home is a big one. You want to feel prepared with the right information about the process and what to expect. You’ll also want to make sure you’re a good candidate for a custom home before deciding to embark on the...

Buying land to build your custom home in New Jersey might not be as straightforward as it may seem. It’s a multifaceted process with important considerations about finding land, financing the purchase, and knowing what to look for to ensure it’s a...

Transparency is absolutely paramount during your home-building process. When choosing your builder, learning about their methods and frequency of communication is a must. Miscommunication, misinformation, or just spans of time with no communication...

Talking about finances is never fun, but it's always necessary — especially when building a custom home.

Families are made up of individuals — young children, teenagers, parents, possibly infants, and aging loved ones. They all have different needs and wants for the home. So, how do you create a space that caters to everyone? Is it even possible to...

Kitchen remodeling is high stakes. It takes valuable resources: time, money, and energy. You don't want to look back in a few years and regret your design choices or, worse yet, feel like you need more improvements. Timeless kitchen design ensures...

The ever-growing sphere of smart technology has dominated lifestyle trends for the last decade. Where houses used to be a veritable blind spot of digital inactivity (beyond a home computer, perhaps), custom home technology is now dominating industry...

When you aren't swinging at beautiful golf courses along Long Beach Island or swimming in the Atlantic, you may want to enjoy this summer in your own backyard. You could pull a couple of old lawn chairs out of storage and set them up for you and...

With the rising energy costs, you've likely wondered how feasible an energy-efficient home is for you. Thankfully, there are countless more options than just turning the lights off - especially since we all know one family member will always leave...

With the ocean breezes and views of the Atlantic to enjoy, summer doesn’t get much better than it does in New Jersey. Still, summer has its drawbacks, chief among them, scorching heat. High temperatures can detract from your summer, leaving you...

Energy-efficient homes are a win-win. They’re designed to have a minimal environmental impact, thus reducing the amount of energy, water, and other vital resources you use daily. That helps the environment; it also helps you, saving you money by...

Ranch-style homes are an American classic. These simple yet functional one-story abodes have architectural roots that go back centuries, though they’re best known for booming in popularity during the 1950s and 60s. However, what makes ranch homes a...

When you start to imagine your dream home, you might be surprised how much energy efficiency plays a part in your comfort. It’s not just about your utility bills. An inefficient home doesn’t stay warm or cool consistently, which means you have to...

There’s nothing quite like an air show. The sights, the sounds, the smells. It’s a perfect day full of death-defying feats by the best pilots in the world. Thankfully, New Jersey has plenty for you to enjoy. Here are a few of our favorites to put on...

The journey of a lifetime begins with the first step. If you’re wondering about building a custom house, you’re in a great position to create a future you’ll be happy to have. Of course, you have to know what to expect, and that starts from the...

When you think about building or remodeling a home, it’s important to look at the latest trends. Some styles are hot, while other designs are not. Use these tips to know where to devote your effort, so you have a home that won’t look dated from the...

There’s a certain kind of ambition that prompts you to seek out the $100 cheeseburger–food so good that you would fly in just to try it. Although nearly everyone has had a meal at a major airport, the community feel and creativity of an airport...

Building a custom homeis an experience that takes months or possibly more than a year. In many ways, it’s like being married to someone. You need a good relationship with the builder, or there’s a higher chance that you won’t be satisfied. To have...

If you would love to build your home near an airport, you should know that you’re not alone. Homeowners are as unique as the places they choose to live, and there are plenty of people who love quick access to travel. Being a pilot of your own...

The holidays are practically at your doorstep. Are you ready to open the door? If not, you’re not alone. Many homeowners get to the holidays just in time, without a moment to spare. Of course, you still want your home to be a warm, inviting space...

If you own an airplane or you’re thinking about buying one, it’s time to start planning where you will put it. Although you can often find a hangar atairports near Flemington NJwith space available, it’s natural to want a little bit of control...

There are so many reasons homeowners love having a patio or deck. It’s a great way to enjoy the outdoor space of your property. Of course, there are times when you might wish you could get away from some of the elements. That’s whereenclosing a deck

For a wine aficionado, a home wine cellar is a wonderful investment. A well-built wine cellar will help you create the right environment for storing your many bottles of favorite vintages. Some wine storage rooms can be installed for just a few...

If you could go back in time to 2019 and try to explain the last two years, you might not be able to. There have been so many changes to the world that it doesn’t look or feel the same. And yet, you still need a home that you can live in....

It’s true that life is different with a pet. It’s often a lot better, especially if you get to build the custom home features that suit you and your furry friends. With dog-friendly house plans, you don’t have to worry as much about managing the...

Unless you haven’t read thenewsat all, you’ve probably come across some articles about thehousing market. People want houses and they want them now. In fact, due to issues with supply and demand, the cost oflumber packages for housesskyrocketed...

When the weather is fine, you and your dog would love to get out and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine. Of course, while there are lots of places you can travel for a day trip or weekend getaway in New Jersey, you can’t count on being able to take...

As you start to plan out your dream home, you might wonder if you should stick to one floor, add a basement or build a second floor. Of course, accessibility is an important consideration when you have to move from one floor to another, especially...

Summer in New Jersey is a delightful time. You’ve got plenty of hot days, which is great for enjoying the sun or taking in some of the state’s amazing scenery. If you’re in the mood for a getaway, you don’t have to go very far. Try these wonderful...

Building a house in NJ is an exciting undertaking. It might be the project of a lifetime. Of course, the idea of making your dream home a reality might also fill you with trepidation. After all, if you are not an expert, it may be difficult to know...

For many people in New Jersey,building their custom dream homeincludes adding ahorse barnfor their equine friends as well. In order for it to work well, you need to put just as much thought, attention, and effort into thehorse stallsas you did...

Spring is here, and with it comes bright weather and a sense of hope for the rest of the year. After the past 12 months, you wouldn’t be alone if you wondered if now was a perfect time to start planning a getaway. The good news is that there are...

Life should be fun and relaxing - and it is, in Tewksbury, NJ. If you're looking for the perfect place to build your next home in New Jersey (assuming it's the right time for you to build!), we'd like to put the spotlight on Tewksbury - where...

It seems like COVID-19 has changed just about everything - including the way we use and design our homes. Many homeowners now work from home, school their children at home, and take their vacations at home. In the last year, custom home design...

One of the fringe benefits of living in Hunterdon County, New Jersey, is the plethora of good eating in and around the area. From upscale restaurants to old taverns, the area is ripe with unique places to help ring in a special occasion, spend a...

When you think of great places to play golf, New Jersey may not come to mind. But the state offers some incredible places to play, and Hunterdon County Golf Courses are among the best. Located in the Highlands of New Jersey about an hour north of...

Today, you don’t necessarily need to rent an office space or retail store in a busy location to run a successful business. Instead, many entrepreneurs are running their companies from home.

Recently, we wrote an article about scope creep. This is a problem that clients can experience when a home improvement or new custom home project gets underway. Now we'd like to talk about a similar problem: goal creep. 

Building a home is one of the most exciting adventures you'll ever embark upon. The type of land you buy and its location is one of the first major decisions you'll have to make when your home building project begins. Home buyers are generally faced...

Homeownership is a big financial responsibility, especially in New Jersey. With an average property tax rate of 2.44%, homeowners in the Garden State must plan carefully for their regular tax bills. Some homeowners choose to set aside money every...

Top trends in interior design make the most of interior spaces. In the coming year, rooms will be designed to serve a multitude of purposes and maximize square footage. Hand-made decor and furnishings constructed from sustainable materials will...

So, you've decided to construct your forever home in Hunterdon County. You're in the earliest stages of the process, and your future home is little more than a wish and a daydream. When you get started with the planning and design of your house, two...

After buying a home and setting down roots in a community, it's time to meet new people, make friends, and find a place where you can have fun. Central New Jersey offers a variety of country clubs where you, your spouse and children can spend...

Not all homes are suitable for entertaining. The most suitable homes have open spaces, lots of light, places for seating and standing, and luxuries that make the home a welcoming place for guests. The best way to make your home suitable for...

Property taxes represent a significant expense for homeowners in New Jersey, especially in certain communities. If you're new to the state or are thinking about purchasing your first home, it's important to be prepared. Here's what you need to know...

A large portion of your custom homecosts come in the form of upgrades, and while some can fulfill niche preferences, others withstand the test of time and add lasting value to your property. Here's a look at additions that are worth every penny.

New Jersey draws families from all around the country, but especially from areas like New York City and Philadelphia. And it's no wonder! In a state filled with with natural beauty, outdoor entertainment, and family-friendly activities, New Jersey...

A disaster can happen to anyone. But, as long as everyone stays safe, there will always be hope and a chance to rebuild. We wanted to share a success story from one of our clients after their home was destroyed in a fire. From this devastation, the...

Crowded streets, small apartments and unreliable subways eventually drive many people from Manhattan into New Jersey. Families and even career-driven professionals often find their way to our beautiful state, seeking room to grow as well as peace...

You’ve decided you are going to build a new home. Not just any home, but one that is fully customized to your unique lifestyle. But where and how to start?

Long Beach Island is a place of natural beauty and valuable real estate. With sandy beaches, beautiful sunsets and salty air, Long Beach Island is a summer paradise that has long attracted home buyers and real estate investors. Many buyers choose to...

Following a disaster like a fire or a flood, most homeowners immediately turn to their insurance company for help. They go through a claims process, find a contractor, and begin the process of rebuilding their home. If you've recently been through a...

Building a custom home may sound like an overwhelming process, but it doesn't have to be. Working with the right professional makes all the difference. To make your home building experience a positive one, find a trustworthy home builder with good...

Once the kids move out, homeowner priorities start to shift. Some homeowners start to think more about recreation and entertaining. Others start to prepare for retirement and the years beyond. Whether your priorities are fun and fanciful or...

One of the first things that home buyers do once they've decided to build a home is shop around for design services. There are multiple ways to find a house designer. While architects can do the job, there are advantages to using design services...

In New Jersey,outdoor living spaceis more popular than ever! Patios and decks in particular add value to homes and improve quality of life for homeowners. Although people use the wordspatioanddeckinterchangeably, these structures are very...

An organized closet makes for an organized home. Unfortunately, it's hard to keep your closet organized when you don't have the systems in place to contain your clothes, shoes and other personal items. If you're a new homeowner or if you're...

Central New Jersey is the place to be if you like to golf! With mild falls and springs, and overall sunny summers, New Jersey is a great state for golfing. While the New Jersey landscape is full of private golf courses, there are many affordable...

It's the dream of many people to build a custom home on their own lot. A newly built home in a well-chosen location can easily become a forever home, or even a home that could be in the family for generations. Understanding the process of building...

Master suites are traditionally built on the upper floors of the home, where the homeowner can enjoy peace, quiet and privacy. Still, home building trends are always shifting. In recent years, newly constructed homes are designed with two master...

The smell of wood burning in a fireplace fills the air with a faint smokey pleasure, while the glow of the fireplace creates a homey, comforting feeling for everyone in the home. Wood burning fireplaces are an older concept, so while they're...

If you've ever owned a pre-owned home before, you know the drawbacks. The layout is never quite right. The storage space is never quite enough. There's always something you would change, either about the appearance, functionality, placement,...

With the New Year around the corner, it’s the perfect time to start planning for your next big home improvement. If you're building a custom home, these seven New Year's resolutions can help you create the house you've always wanted.

Whether you grew up inHunterdon Countyor find yourself in the fortunate position of having relocated to this northeastern gem, fewer communities have more to offer--from endless acres of wildlife ranges and parks to apple orchards, bountiful...

There may be nothing more satisfying than designing your own home. Knowing that every aspect of your home isyours, designed and selected by you, makes it a special place. It becomes a part of yourself, a member of your family.

Winter is coming quickly now, and with the season comes cold weather, snow and ice. If you've got a family, it's no doubt you're looking for activities that can help you and the kids through the long days indoors. These family-friendly activities...

If your dream is to build a custom home with a modern open floor plan, read on to pick up a few thoughts gained through hundreds of client relationships. After 20 years of building unique custom homes here in central New Jersey, I can thankfully...

Fall is a fabulous time to be in New Jersey! Our rich history, beautiful woodlands, and cultural heritage makes our state perfect for a weekend getaway. In autumn, changing leaves and the chill in the air adds a level of mystery and fun for the...

The contractor you choose to build your home will have a major impact on your project's success. Good contractors work hard to complete home improvement projects according to their client's budget and the proposed timeline. These contractors produce...

So, you're building a luxury home in New Jersey. You know you want your home to have unique luxuries that you and your family can enjoy for years to come, but you're not quite sure what. In this article, we'll talk about some of our favorite features

Before you can build a home in Hunterdon County, you've got to buy a plot of land where the home will be built. Land in and around Hunterdon County is often sprawling, wooded, pastoral, and beautiful. Still, empty lots can start to look the same...

Long Beach Island, NJ has a million benefits; this 18-mile stretch of northeastern greatness has enough refinement to keep locals content and enough excitement to seduce visitors. Just ask either and they'll sing the praises of soft, sandy beaches,...

Designing a custom home comes with a lot of decisions. Luckily, half the fun of creating your perfect domain lies in scanning new trends to uncover all the bells and whistles you want to add. Gadgets, lighting, flooring and layout can all influence...

Although Long Beach Island is a hidden gem that serves up opportunities for quality time with loved ones year 'round, the warm summer months offer the most variety. An 18-mile barrier land mass, this New Jersey shore has everything you could want for

Once you’ve decided to build a custom home in Hunterdon County, the to-do list fills up fast. Budgets and design ideas, neighborhoods and construction concepts—the endless possibilities become both exhilarating and fatiguing.

With warm summer sunshine and cool breezes from the coast, citizens of Hunterdon County have it made. Whether you want to spend all day outside or enjoy live entertainment in a climate-controlled environment, here's a look at how to makesummeryour...

Building a custom home is one of the most exciting and significant projects you will ever undertake. Along the way, there are some common mistakes to avoid when building a custom home. An easy way to avoid these common mistakes is to work with the...

For locals, GTG Builders is a classic example of home-grown success. Family owned and managed, this company has been partnering with homeowners for more than six decades, erecting dream homes up and down the New Jersey coast. As the recent recipient...

If you built a custom home but find yourself needing to relocate, you may wonder what steps you can take toexpedite the selling processand maximize your home's appeal. On the up side, with a recently-built house, you can likely avoid high-cost...

As summer rounds the corner and you look for ways to spend those long, sunny afternoons, remember that Long Beach Island has long been a golfer's paradise. Not to mention, rumor has it sea air improves your swing. Along with these 8 Summer...

When you reach the home stretch of moving into your new custom home, nothing is more exciting than scheduling the final walk-through with your builder. Keep in mind the term “final” is used loosely in this scenario. Additional walk-throughs are...

If you recently built a custom home in New Jersey, one of your goals will include keeping your new house looking its best. For each season, create checklists to organize home maintenance tasks. Inspecting and completing seasonal home improvement...