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Home additions · Essex County

Home additions in Essex County, NJ

Omar Construction is a licensed New Jersey builder (NJ #13VH09340700), based in Clifton and building since 1990. In Essex County we build rear, side and second-story additions with our in-house team, from plans and zoning through permits, framing and final inspection.

Plan your additionCall 973-418-6375
  • Licensed since 1990
  • NJ #13VH09340700
  • 4× Best of Houzz
  • 5.0 on Houzz
Wood framing of the expanded Nutley, NJ house, with ladders against the new walls and a crew at work
Framing the expanded home in Nutley, Essex County.

Types of addition

Building up or out, on an Essex County lot

Which way to build depends on your lot, your town’s zoning and how the house is built. The home additions page covers every type; these are the ones we are asked about most.

  • 01

    Second-story additions

    Building up keeps your yard and footprint. We add a full second floor over the existing house, including turning a Cape Cod or ranch into a two-story home. How second-story additions work.

  • 02

    Rear and side additions

    A new kitchen, family room or bedroom built onto the back or side. This extends the footprint, so it starts with a new foundation tied into your roof and walls.

  • 03

    Bump-outs

    A few extra feet on one room, such as a kitchen or dining room, without building a full wing.

  • 04

    Primary suites

    A bedroom with its own bath and a walk-in closet, built on the main level or on a new second floor.

  • 05

    Addition plus remodel

    The new space and the old finished as one project. A new kitchen or bath often goes with the extra room.

  • 06

    Structure and systems

    Foundation, framing and roof, then plumbing, electrical and insulation, all inspected by the town at the required stages before anything is covered.

Essex County additions

Expanding a home in Nutley

The Nutley total renovation expanded the original footprint of the house. We are also building a new house in Montclair right now, for a client whose South Orange home we built earlier.

The finished Nutley, NJ home after a total renovation, with gray siding, three dormers and a new front entry
Nutley, Essex County

Nutley, Essex County

A bigger footprint, rebuilt from the foundation

Jon Schnabel’s Nutley renovation included excavation and expanding the footprint of the original home, then rebuilding everything back up from the foundation. He started with architect’s drawings; we reviewed them, recommended several improvements and prepared a detailed proposal.

His Google review calls it a complete renovation from the foundation up, including an expansion of the original footprint, finished ahead of schedule and on budget.

The same Nutley, NJ home after a total renovation, with gray siding, three dormers and a new front entry
Nutley, NJ home before renovation, with white vinyl siding and a small front porch

Slide to see before & after

The Nutley house before and after.

  • House with a new second floor framed and sheathed over a brick first floor, with new windows installed and a ladder against the wallA second floor added over a brick first floor
  • Crew laying a block foundation wall behind an existing two-story houseA block foundation wall going up for an addition

More of our work is in the portfolio.

Essex County, specifically

What decides an addition here

Zoning, flood rules and the house itself shape the plan before the first drawing is finished.

  • Zoning varies town to town

    Each of the 22 Essex County towns sets how close to the lot line you can build, how much of the lot can be covered and how tall the house can be. If a design needs to go past a limit, the town’s zoning board has to approve a variance first, and we tell you early if yours is likely to need one.

  • Historic districts

    Some towns have historic districts or design review that can apply to a change you can see from the street. We ask early whether your property is affected, because it can add a step before permits.

  • Flood zones near the river

    Parts of some Essex County towns near the Passaic River lie in FEMA-designated flood zones. An addition there can need elevation and engineering details before permits are issued, so we raise it at the start.

  • A survey comes first

    The survey shows your lot lines, existing structures and setbacks, which is what zoning is measured against. It tells us whether the addition goes out, up or both.

Local proof

What our clients say.

Highlights from our 40 Google reviews (4.7 average) and Houzz, word for word.

  • Dr. Rosenbach

    Clifton, NJ

    Verified review

    Omar is honest, sincere and kind. He's very helpful and encourages discussion, and he's warm and friendly. The experience was one of a kind. I would choose him again for another project, and I have referred him to about a dozen people since I've used him. Is he perfect? No...but no one is. He is generous and demonstrates true dedication to you as the owner and to the project, and while many issues and problems and concerns can come up during the project, he is attentive and is able to modify things on the turn of a dime. Omar had numerous occasion to cheat me during the project, with subcontractors offering him kickbacks, and he didn't take any of them. He passed all of the savings onto me, and I confirmed these behind-the-scenes improprieties on the part of the subcontractors twice, and I couldn't believe it!! That people I was paying to help me build my house were trying to cheat me, or that they were trying to work in cahoots with Omar!! It was surprising, although maybe I was naive. But Omar is more honest than I even gave him credit for, and for that, I have kept in contact with him even after all these years, helping him gain customers and clients because he's not only my contractor but he's also become my friend.

  • Rivky Schwartz

    Verified review

    I hired Omar to build my addition a few years back but am I writing my review now since it was kindly requested. After hurricane Ida I called Omar and thanked him for the work he had done 7 years ago because during the hurricane I was one of the only houses in my neighborhood who didn't have a basement flood thanks to Omar's expertise in building! I recall that when building my house he had told me that he was inserting drains all around the basement to prevent flooding, without me even asking for it! In general, whenever I call Omar now, even years later, he always answers and offers his advice, expertise, and help. Building with Omar is insuring your home for life!!

  • Sean

    Verified review

    Omar was knowledgeable and easy to work with throughout the project. I appreciated his accountability and commitment to getting the job done properly.

  • Jon Schnabel

    Nutley, NJ

    Verified review

    I chose Omar Construction as the general contractor for a total renovation of my home. I couldn't have been more pleased with that decision. From the beginning of the project to completion, Omar and his team of highly skilled tradesmen did a fantastic job! Starting with a set of architect's drawings that I had previously commissioned, Omar reviewed them, recommended several improvements, and prepared a detailed proposal. The job included demolition, excavation, expanding the footprint of the original home and rebuilding everything back up from the foundation. Omar was very open and communicative during the entire process so I always knew exactly what was being done, why and how it would be accomplished in the most cost efficient manner. Omar has a list of reliable, expert tradesmen who he has worked with for many years. They all did outstanding work, on schedule and at a reasonable price. He and his team have the experience and specialized skills to accomplish any construction project, large or small. They have built me a home that I plan to live in and enjoy for many years. He has my highest recommendation.

  • Joe Haly

    Verified review

    Omar Construction did an outstanding job on our home renovation. The crew was professional, punctual, and paid close attention to every detail. The quality of the work exceeded our expectations, and the project was completed on time. I highly recommend them to anyone looking for reliable construction services.

  • Michelle Alleyne

    Jersey City, NJ

    Verified review

    Omar Construction built us a truly beautiful home and were an absolute pleasure to work with from start to finish. Their professionalism, craftsmanship, and dedication went far beyond our expectations. Even with the challenge of transporting supplies and equipment through a narrow access point, they handled it with remarkable skill and determination. We cannot recommend them highly enough. Truly the best builder ever!

  • Paul Dubbels

    Clifton, NJ

    Verified review

    Omar Construction is everything you could hope for in a general contractor: honest, fair, experienced, very knowledgeable, punctual, and easy to work with. Omar does things the right way, and all the work stayed on schedule. Omar just completed 2 bathrooms at our home in Clifton, NJ and we are thrilled with the results. One bathroom was a renovation, and Omar created a new layout to give us a master suite with our own bathroom. The second bathroom is completely new and converted from a bedroom. Our three college-age children are excited to have a brand-new bathroom, and my wife is very pleased to have her own newly renovated private bath. I have peace of mind because I am confident that all the infrastructure behind the walls and under the floors was done correctly. I am confident that we will enjoy the bathrooms worry-free for many years to come because Omar made sure that everything was done to the highest standards. Omar handled everything: drawing up the initial plan and obtaining the permits, demo, framing, plumbing, electric, insulation, doors and trim, tile, painting, and clean up. From start to finish, Omar was an absolute professional. We love our new bathrooms. The pictures speak for themselves.

  • Brian Osborne

    Verified review

    The front porch of our house was at risk of coming down with the first snowfall. We worried about getting it rebuilt before the winter. We feel so fortunate that we called Omar Construction! Omar was immediately responsive, drew up plans, wrote a contract, met with the town for approval, got started right away, and completed the whole project in 9 days. Omar was personally onsite daily, and everyone he had on the job worked hard and professionally. The end result is not only structurally sound in time for weather but also beautiful. At first, we had a lot of questions (after some lousy experiences with others) and Omar answered them all with patience, reassuring us the work would be great and done on time. He was more than true to his word and we highly recommend Omar Construction!

  • Husain Husain

    Verified review

    I wanted to renew the kitchen and I searched a lot for an experienced person in this field until I met Omar, so the project started from A to the Z so that the credit goes to him in designing until he finished the work, it was more than wonderful and the work was more than I expected. A very beautiful and wonderful kitchen , thank you Omar Construction!!!

  • James Szekely

    Verified review

    Give Omar Construction a call! He does it all! Honestly, the best experience is just one phone call away, to make your dream home a reality. I couldn't give anyone else a higher recommendation.

  • Marla Schachter`

    Verified review

    Omar is amazing. We have had several contractors do work on our home and Omar did a fantastic job. He was always on the job and did not not let the work drag out longer than necessary. He is dedicated and loyal to his customers and takes pride in his work. Even years later, if there is ever an issue in our home, Omar is always there to help, regardless of if the issue was his work or not. Highly recommend!

  • Miguel Garcia

    Verified review

    Omar Construction has been nothing short of Amazing. I am renovating my entire house from basement to 2nd floor and have dealt with my fair share on contractors but wish I found Omar and his Team sooner. He walked thru the job explained what I needed and what I can do to make the Job more efficient, he also gave me pointers on other rooms in the house that he wasn't contracted for. I recommend him with you want an honest, reasonable and knowledgeable Company. I am going to do the rest of my Home with Omar Construction becausr I trust there quality of work. Thank you Omar and Team

  • Yamilde Olivares

    Verified review

    Omar is the best I recommend him 200% he is professional honest very friendly,puntual He did a great job in my house He demolished a bathroom and did it again,with all the required permits,and he did the job in a record time. Thank you very very much Omar

  • Layla Abbassi

    Verified review

    I would highly recommend Omar Construction. We needed 2 windows replaced. Omar responded quickly. He measured the windows, informed us of costs and promptly placed the order. As soon as windows were shipped he came to our house and ensured they were delivered properly. He returned that weekend to install them. Quick, clean, and professional. Before leaving, he asked me to come and take a look to ensure everything was to my liking. Thank You Omar!

  • Rabbi Shloime Abraham

    Verified review

    Omar is 100% honest, professional and just a great man. I was out of town when he did work for me. I trusted him with the combination to the house and he will get the job done the right way without short cuts or cutting corners.

  • Dee M

    Verified review

    Omar is a master at his work. He is extremely professional and thorough. He was able to detect why my bathroom tile was sinking where others didnt pinpoint source, which was toilet lacking reinforcement and support. Omar came to the rescue in knick of time. I will refer to Omarwhenever need for a real professional is warranted! Dont settle for less,,,Omar's the best!

  • Avi Pruzansky

    Passaic Park, NJ

    Verified review

    We used Omar construction to build our new house. Our earlier contractor had let us down, but Omar came in to save the day!! He was very pleasant to deal with, very professional, and very attentive to our needs. And he did a great job!! He built for us our beautiful dream home and we highly recommend that everybody should use him to build their own dream house.

  • Judy Baret

    Verified review

    Omar construction provided us with professional service throughout the entire process! His services are of excellent quality and the work was done very timely! We are truly in love with our new kitchen and 2 new bathrooms! We will definitely recommend this construction business to all of our friends and family!!!

  • Angel Serrano

    Verified review

    I hired Omar construction to redo my kitchen and 2 bathrooms a few weeks ago. I am completely satisfied from beginning to end . He was a constant professional throughout the entire process. On time , knowledgeable, understanding of ones needs and concerns and will even assist you in any cost effective measures you can take . Moreover, one of the most trustworthy and honest person i have hired as a construction company. Total pleasure and new friend . I recommend him 1000 percent .

  • Andrew Muschel

    Verified review

    Omar was the best! He worked quickly and efficiently, was always very responsive, and was honest about every dime. We love our house and would use him again!

  • Barbara Torres

    Verified review

    Omar and his team did an outstanding job renovating our outdated bathroom. They were a pleasure to work with as well. Omar has an eye for detail and absolutely does not cut corners. I highly recommend!

  • Matthew Minasian

    Verified review

    Omar and his team completed our bathroom on schedule without sacrificing quality of work in any way. He also addressed every detail of the job for the quote he gave me. I'll be using Omar Construction for future renovations.

  • Dino Bastianelli

    Verified review

    I am a property maintenance manager for a real estate firm. I have contracted Omar for multiple projects with a vast range of skillsets. Anywhere from chimney and roof repair to carpentry and plastering. He did a great job on a particular project in Watertown repairing a slate roof and chimney flashing. Also fixing and painting the water damaged ceiling. All done in a timely fashion. I can trust him to contact the tenants and take proper steps to complete the job professionally without having to micro manage. He always up dates me with any difficulties so I can put in a change of work order. I would highly recommend Omar to any other property managers and would happy to speak on his behalf about his workmanship.

  • Ekhlas Sulaiman

    Verified review

    This company is really good. Did all the finish on time, Trim, bath, molding, kitchen. job well done. I recommend this company all day.

  • Mohamed Aly

    Verified review

    Omar Construction is a company who delivers excellent service while maintaining constant communication with the customer. Our first contact, Omar, is devoted to maintaining the outstanding integrity of this company while at the same time delivering exactly what is promised to the customer in the contract. We also found that when an addition to the original contract was explored he immediately designed what was desired, had measurements taken and gave us a quote. Our association with this company has been all positive. More than we expected ! We will use them again !

See all reviews

How an addition comes together

From the first walk-through to final inspection

  1. 01

    Walk the house

    We visit, look at how the house is built and listen to what you need the extra space to do.

  2. 02

    Plans and feasibility

    We build from your architect’s plans or help you reach a set of plans, and check the survey, zoning limits and how new will connect to old.

  3. 03

    Written proposal

    A detailed proposal sets out the work, so you know what is included before anything starts.

  4. 04

    Permits and zoning

    We file with your town’s construction office, and with its zoning board if a variance is needed. The permit comes from the town where the house stands.

  5. 05

    Foundation, framing and closing in

    For a footprint addition the foundation comes first, then framing, roof and windows, so the new space is weathertight before interior work begins.

  6. 06

    Systems, finishes and final inspection

    Plumbing, electrical and insulation are inspected before they are covered. Drywall, trim, tile, flooring and paint follow, then the town’s final inspection and our walkthrough with you.

22 towns listed

Towns we serve in Essex County

We build additions in every Essex County town below, and towns with their own page are linked. Zoning and permits are set town by town, so tell us yours on the first call.

Home additions FAQ

Essex County questions, answered

Should I build up or build out in Essex County?

It depends on your lot, your town’s zoning and the structure of your house. A second story keeps your yard and footprint; a rear or side addition uses more of the lot. We compare both on a site visit, and our second-story additions guide sets them side by side.

Do I need a permit and zoning approval for an addition?

Yes. An addition needs a construction permit from your town, and it may need zoning approval first, including a variance if the plan goes past a local limit. We handle the permit process and the required inspections for your town.

Does flood-zone location affect an addition?

It can. Parts of some Essex County towns near the Passaic River lie in FEMA-designated flood zones, which can add elevation and engineering requirements. We flag this at the start so it shapes the design.

Can I stay in my house during the work?

Often, yes, for rear and side additions. A second-story addition is more disruptive because the roof comes off. We plan around your family before work begins.

How long will an addition take?

It depends on the size, whether it extends the footprint, your town’s approvals and how much interior finish is involved. We give you a realistic written schedule before work begins, and we tell you early if anything shifts.

Do I need an architect before I call?

No. If you have an architect’s drawings, we build from them and review them with you, as we did for our Nutley client. If you are starting with an idea, we talk through how to get to a set of plans.

Which Essex County towns do you build additions in?

All 22 on this page. Our main focus is Montclair, West Orange, Nutley, Roseland, Fairfield and Cedar Grove, and we also serve Belleville, Bloomfield, Caldwell, East Orange, Essex Fells, Glen Ridge, Irvington, Livingston, Maplewood, Millburn, Newark, North Caldwell, Orange, South Orange, Verona and West Caldwell.

Keep exploring

Start your project

Thinking about an addition?

Tell us about your house and what you would like to add. You will hear back from our team, not a call center.

Or call Omar directly: 973-418-6375Email: omar@omarconstruction.com

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    NJ #13VH09340700 · Licensed & insured · Est. 1990