Custom Home Builders
Homes designed around you. Built to last.
At Garden State Renovations, we’re seasoned pros when it comes to designing and building custom homes in New Jersey. While we take on every type of renovation, home building is a top specialty. Each custom build is led by established contractor and owner Marshall Gemal, along with a team of contractors who’ve been working with Garden State Renovations for over a decade.
We’ve been in the renovation business for 23+ years, and the hundreds of homes we’ve upgraded have shaped our design aesthetic and provided endless inspiration. We cater to your needs—every family has different tastes. From the start, we take a personalized approach tailored to your vision.
So whether something jumps out at you from Instagram or catches your eye in a magazine, our home builders can recreate—and even improve on—those designs to suit your space. We’re committed to building every home with exceptional quality and fine craftsmanship. Getting started is easy with our free consultations.
Our Design and Build NJ Services
Our custom home builder services range from comprehensive renovations to custom design solutions and new home construction.
New Home Construction
From demo day to final walkthrough, we’ll guide you through every step. We work with you to design custom floor plans tailored to your lifestyle. Each one is created from scratch to reflect your needs and preferences—and we can adapt nearly any design to fit different lot sizes and budgets.
Once your floor plan is mapped out, we bring in an architect to produce permit-ready drawings. These include elevations, site layouts, and structural details. We have several trusted partners, but you're always free to choose your own.
Garden State Renovations handles every required permit. With years of experience, we’ve built strong relationships with building departments across New Jersey. We know exactly when permits are needed and coordinate them in advance to avoid delays. We take code compliance seriously and ensure every detail is handled properly.
Our home builders also help navigate local zoning laws. Our team is knowledgeable in all aspects of zoning regulations across NJ. Additionally, we work with your chosen architect from the start to make sure all zoning laws are adhered to and that the plans meet local requirements from the start.
But the floor plan is just the beginning. We partner with vendors across New Jersey to help you source high-end finishes and design architectural details that make your home stand out. We’re happy to collaborate with interior decorators to ensure every element flows seamlessly from structure to styling—and we can even recommend a few we’ve worked with.
We’re also experienced in energy-efficient building practices to ensure your home is built with long-term savings, sustainability, and comfort.
From concept to completion, our custom home builders offer comprehensive project management. Our design-to-build services are turnkey—plans, permits, materials, and labor included.
Comprehensive Renovations
Some of the hallmarks of what make our renovations comprehensive include:
Full interior gut renovation
Kitchen and bathroom remodels
Structural repairs or upgrades (e.g., beams, joists, foundation)
Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC updates
Floor plan reconfiguration (e.g., open-concept conversions)
Flooring, tiling, and finish carpentry
Window and door replacement
Energy efficiency upgrades (insulation, windows, appliances)
Cosmetic upgrades (paint, trim, built-ins)
Historic home preservation and code updates
Permitting and inspections for all trades
And more!
You can choose any combination of services and bring your own needs and wish list. Our expert contractors can help in any situation—we’ve seen it all in NJ homes in Monmouth and Ocean Counties and beyond. We offer scenarios based on your budget to get your home into shape.
Custom Design Solutions
This service is all about design flexibility. We guide you through the process from start to finish—and this is your chance to dream big. Client collaboration is at the heart of what we do, and we’re here to turn your vision into something tangible and beautifully livable.
Whether you’re looking for a beautiful window bench, a chef’s kitchen with an equally impressive dining room or a unique pilates fitness studio - we can make it happen. Our personalized spaces reflect your style and how you live your life. We also offer creative solutions to help with storage, such as hidden closets, and multi-use rooms that can adapt with your lifestyle. We’re happy to accommodate any preferences and love to see new, innovative and beautiful ideas come to life! As always, we’re just a text or call away whether inspiration strikes or you want to review or ask questions about some upcoming work. We are here for you every step of the way.
We Help Create These Custom Spaces:
Home offices
Walk-in pantries
Wine storage
Built-in reading nooks
Window benches
Spa-like bathrooms complete with piped in music and steam showers!
Home gyms
Meditation rooms or yoga spaces
Custom closets & dressing rooms
Entertainment rooms or media lounges
Playrooms
Guest suites or in-law apartments
Outdoor living spaces with kitchens or fire pits
Library walls or hidden shelving
And more!
Examples of Floor Plans We Can Build
Here’s a quick breakdown by style and functionality:
By Style:
Ranch – Single-story, open-concept with an easy flow; good for aging-in-place.
Cape Cod – Compact with steep rooflines and dormers; great for colder climates.
Craftsman – Characterized by front porches, custom woodwork, and built-ins.
Modern Farmhouse – Combines traditional charm with sleek, open interiors.
Contemporary – Clean lines, big windows, open layouts, minimalism-forward.
Colonial – Symmetrical, often two-story with a formal layout.
Mid-Century Modern – Low-pitched roofs, floor-to-ceiling glass, indoor/outdoor blend.
And more!
By Function:
Open Floor Plan – Combines kitchen, dining, and living into one cohesive space.
Split-Bedroom Layout – Master suite on one side, other bedrooms on the opposite.
Multi-Generational Layout – Includes in-law suites with private entrances or kitchens.
Compact/Urban Plan – Small-footprint designs with creative space-saving features.
Luxury Estate Plan – Includes features like home theaters, wine cellars, and large outdoor living areas.
And more!
Why Choose Garden State Renovations?
Our commitment to quality and craftsmanship is present in everything we do and clients feel this dedication throughout the entire process.
Experience & Expertise
We have over 23 years of experience in the renovation industry and extensive experience in custom home building, we know exactly what it takes to get a project done right! From choosing the best materials to getting permits on time and creating layouts that work for you, our knowledge comes from decades of working homes across New Jersey.
A Faster Process
Because we’ve built strong relationships with manufacturers, suppliers and brands, we can move faster—often finishing projects 15% quicker than the competition.
Tangible Results
Every custom home we build is tailored to each client’s individual style, taste and preferences. We also account for different budgets and goals. Whether you’d like design consultations or custom aging-in-place solutions, we make sure to give you what you want - the very best.
The Difference is in the Details:
Network Strength & Craftsmanship
Trusted network of 30+ local specialists
Partnerships with premium brands and supplier
All home build contractors have at least 10 years of experience
Dedicated project manager assigned to every project
Our Communication Guarantee
Daily project updates
24-hour response time from owner Marshall Gemal
Dedicated foreman overseeing your remodel and available for consults or calls as needed
Warranty & Peace of Mind
1-year workmanship warranty on all custom home builds, covering structural needs and installations
5-year warranty on select cabinetry and fixtures (manufacturer-backed, and we help with claims if needed)
Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and take the first step toward building your dream custom home! Call or text Marshall Gemal at 848-667-1400.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top questions to ask a builder when building a custom home?
The first question to ask any home builder is whether they’re licensed and insured. If they’re not, it’s probably best to keep looking. Next, ask about their warranties. It’s important to be protected—with backup support from your builder for labor, structural work, cabinetry, and fixtures. Finally, ask about their experience with permits and local regulations. A knowledgeable builder should be well-versed in this area—anyone without that expertise could end up delaying your timeline.
At Garden State Renovations, we are licensed and insured. Additionally, you can have peace of mind knowing our craftsmanship comes with warranties. Finally, we are experts at obtaining permits and understanding local regulations in the state of New Jersey. Text us at 848-667-1400 to learn more.
How much do custom home plans cost?
Custom home plans can cost anywhere from $8,000 to $12,000 but can go much higher depending on the complexity of the project and the size of the home. At Garden State Renovations, we work with you to create a custom floor plan that fits your lifestyle, budget, and vision—whether you’re starting from scratch with a unique plan in mind or adapting a design you’ve seen. We also collaborate with trusted architects and brilliant designers to help bring your custom home plan to life. You're also free to bring your own design professionals.
What to look for in a custom home builder?
When looking for a custom home builder, it’s important to assess fit. Is this builder well-versed in the type of dream home you’re looking to build? Do they have the experience and qualifications needed to take the job from demo day all the way through a final walkthrough? Do they prioritize your best interests? Are they great communicators? Can you see yourself calling them at any time and getting clear answers, explanations, and advice? Once you’ve answered these questions for yourself, you’re sure to have made a great match.
Garden State Renovations is proud to meet all of these criteria. We bring experience, reliability, and a client-first mindset to every custom home build. Give us a call today to get started on your dream custom house!