Crafting Custom Designs with Distinctive Elegance
Custom Home Builders
Unique Homes
We are hands-on when it comes to our architectural plans, providing a viewpoint in mind that is carefully incorporated into the design of each home. While other NJ custom home builders depend entirely on you providing designs, we can assist you from the very beginning of the design phase, all the way through to the completion of construction.
Intentionality
Each home built or renovated is carefully designed with every square foot of space in mind. Decisions are made in inches, not in feet.
Use of Space
In urban designs, space is a precious commodity. Each square foot counts. We also have incorporated that mindset into our suburban homes as well. All space is carefully designed for efficiency and maximum use.
Fit the Area
We take into consideration the feel of the community and make design decisions that allows the home to conform to the neighborhood. As custom home builders that have designed and constructed homes throughout South Jersey, we are quite familiar with the types of homes throughout the region. Whether you’re building or remodeling your home in New Jersey, we’ll work to ensure your home fits the architectural style of the homes found in your neighborhood.
About Gold Leaf Designs
We are experienced custom home builders in NJ & Philadelphia, including Ocean City, Longport, Margate, Long Beach Island, Ventnor, Avalon, and the rest of the Jersey Shore. Our experience building custom homes covers the range of both urban and suburban designs, and our designs are carefully thought out and laid out to materialize a spacial concept that is both practical and meaningful.
Testimonials
“John built our beautiful, fully custom, retirement home and we are very happy living here since October, 2023. He has excellent integrity, and his attention to the customer and to the details is what really brought success to our project. He is responsive and persistent in finding solutions to all issues that rise. The design is exactly what we had in mind, and the details added up to a beautiful space. Building a home is a long and complex process. Working with John made it a lot easier, and provided trust and security. I highly recommend his firm without hesitation.”
Stephanie
“Working with John, Jobes, and his entire team has been an absolute pleasure. Building a fully custom, wheelchair-accessible home has been a long-time dream, and they turned it into a reality that exceeded all my expectations. Their attention to detail, thoughtful design, and seamless integration of style and functionality are truly remarkable.
Throughout the project, I always had a direct line of communication with the team, who were consistently available to answer questions, provide advice, and offer support. While building a new home can often be a stressful experience, John and his team went above and beyond to ensure the process was smooth, efficient, and enjoyable.
There are countless decisions involved in building a home, but hiring Gold Leaf Designs was undoubtedly the best one I made. The entire experience, from start to finish, was nothing short of fantastic!”
Kevin McGarry
“After my wife and I decided to finally put a bathroom off our loft bedroom we contacted an architect that we used before to great success on our small shore house. While drawing up plans for the bathroom addition and a renovation of our first floor bathroom he suggested Gold Leaf Designs a local custom home builder. John Kang owner of Gold Leaf agreed to be our contractor and we are glad he did. Not only did they finish on time but also at budget. John explained the whole process of project stages and transfer of funds for each stage. Site manager Jobes couldn’t have been more helpful. He would contact us right away if there was an issue or snag to resolve to keep the project on time. My wife and I are extremely happy with the end results. The roof system, the exterior, the wood working, the floor and wall tile was all expertly installed. Thanks to the whole Gold Leaf team for a job well done.”
Robert Kerr
INSIGHTS
Imagine Living in Your Dream Home – It’s Closer Than You Think!
If you’ve ever dreamed of a home that’s truly yours—one where every room reflects your vision, and every corner feels like it belongs to you—then a custom home might be the perfect path. Building custom is more than just a construction project; it’s a journey to creating a space that perfectly fits your family, lifestyle, and dreams. Here’s why building a custom home could be the most exciting step toward a life you love!
Freedom to Personalize Every Detail.
Imagine a home where every choice is up to you. From the architectural style to the layout and down to the smallest details, building custom lets you design a space that mirrors your personality and tastes. This isn’t just a house; it’s a home built around your life, with spaces that support your daily routines, hobbies, and comfort. Want a sunlit reading nook or a chef’s kitchen? This is your chance to create it! Customizing every room means every corner holds a piece of your story—an investment in memories for years to come.
Quality You Can Trust.
When building a custom home, you’re in control of the materials, finishes, and even the craftsmanship. Unlike many pre-built homes, where materials are chosen based on cost and speed, your custom home allows you to pick what truly lasts and adds value. Choose sturdy, eco-friendly materials, reliable finishes, and skilled builders, knowing that each decision contributes to a lasting and durable home. You’re building a place you can trust, where every feature reflects your standards.
A Home That’s Kind to the Environment—and Your Wallet.
A custom home isn’t just beautiful; it can be exceptionally energy-efficient. With options to install modern insulation, efficient windows, and sustainable energy solutions, your custom home can reduce utility costs and lower your carbon footprint. Imagine living in a space that aligns with your values—where sustainability and style go hand in hand. Building with the planet in mind means your home can save you money in the long run, all while helping create a greener world.
Location and Layout Tailored to Your Life.
With a custom home, you’re not confined by what’s available on the market. You get to choose the perfect location for your dream home, from the neighborhood to the land. Do you love the idea of living near nature, with a view of the mountains, or maybe a quick commute into town? Wherever you choose, a custom build can be crafted to fit the land, making the most of every view and optimizing privacy. Your home is where you want it to be—exactly how you want it to feel.
Take the First Step Toward a Home That’s Truly Yours.
A custom home is more than just a building; it’s a vision brought to life. It’s a place that feels like a reflection of who you are and the life you want to live. Whether you’re just starting to imagine what this dream could look like or already know what you want, the path to your perfect home is waiting. Take that leap—it’s closer than you think, and the rewards are boundless.
Considering a Home Addition?
A home addition is a great way to expand your living space without the need to relocate. It could mean adding an extra bedroom, a larger kitchen, or even a whole new floor to your home. Some popular types of home additions include:
Room Additions: Perfect for adding a bedroom, home office, or playroom, room additions can be designed to blend seamlessly with the existing layout and style.
Bump-Outs: These are smaller extensions that add extra space to a specific room, like expanding a kitchen or bathroom.
Sunrooms: A sunroom adds a bright, inviting space that brings the outdoors in. They’re usually constructed with lots of windows and sometimes have heating or cooling for year-round use.
Second Story Additions: If you’re looking for significant expansion but have limited lot space, building up can double your square footage with an additional floor.
Benefits of a Home Addition
Increased Space and Functionality: Tailor the new area to suit specific needs, like a home office, gym, or guest suite.
Enhanced Property Value: Expanding square footage generally increases home value, especially when adding functional rooms or amenities.
Custom Design Options: You can match the design of the new space to your taste and lifestyle.
Cost-Effective: Home additions are often more affordable than moving to a larger house, especially when considering moving costs and property taxes.
Are you thinking about a specific type of addition for your home?
Modern vs. Traditional: Which Style Fits Your Home?
When building or renovating a home, one of the biggest decisions you’ll face is choosing a design style. Modern and traditional are two of the most popular — but they offer completely different vibes, finishes, and functionality. So how do you know which one is right for you?
Let’s break down the differences and help you find the perfect fit for your lifestyle, taste, and budget.
What is a Traditional Style Home?
Traditional homes draw inspiration from classic architectural styles — Colonial, Craftsman, Victorian, and more. They’re known for their warmth, character, and attention to detail.
Key Features:
♦ Crown molding and wood trim
♦ Symmetrical layouts
♦ Brick, stone, or wood exteriors
♦ Rich, warm color palettes
♦ Formal living and dining rooms
♦ Classic cabinetry and fixtures
Best for you if: You love timeless elegance, cozy charm, and decorative finishes that stand the test of time.
What is a Modern Style Home?
Modern design focuses on simplicity, open spaces, and clean lines. It emphasizes function over form and often features bold materials and minimal ornamentation.
Key Features:
♦ Open-concept layouts
♦ Large windows and natural light
♦ Neutral color schemes with pops of contrast
♦ Flat or low-pitched roofs
♦ Sleek finishes like concrete, metal, and glass
♦ Minimalist cabinetry and fixtures
Best for you if: You’re into sleek design, open spaces, and a less-is-more lifestyle that feels fresh and functional.
What About Mixing Both?
Can’t decide? You’re not alone. Many homeowners are opting for a transitional style — a balanced blend of modern and traditional.
Think: classic cabinetry with modern lighting, or a cozy layout with updated finishes.
This hybrid approach offers the best of both worlds: comfort and clean design.
How We Can Help
At Gold Leaf Designs, we’ve helped homeowners across south Jersey and Philadelphia build and renovate homes that reflect their personal style — whether that’s modern, traditional, or a custom mix of both.
Our team works with you to explore layout options, material selections, and design features that bring your vision to life — all while staying within budget and on schedule.
Ready to Build or Renovate?
Let’s talk style. Contact us today for a free consultation and let’s start planning your dream home — modern, traditional, or anything in between.
General Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does It Take To Build A Custom Home?
The timeline can vary based on the size and complexity of the home, weather conditions, permitting, and material availability. On average, it takes 6 to 12 months from breaking ground to move-in.
Do You Just Build Custom Homes?
We do it all! While we specialize in building fully custom homes from the ground up, we also offer expert services in home additions and renovations. Whether you’re starting fresh, updating your existing space, we’re here to bring your vision to life.
Can I Make Changes During The Construction Process?
Yes, changes can be made at any time through a formal Change Order. Our goal is to ensure you get exactly what you want. That said, making changes during construction can affect the project timeline and budget, so we always recommend finalizing selections as early as possible to keep everything on track.
How Much Does It Cost To Build A Home?
Costs vary widely based on location, design, materials and finishes. After an initial consultation, we provide a detailed estimate tailored to your project.
What’s Included In The Base Price?
Our base price typically includes the cost of construction, standard finishes, permits and site work. We provide a detailed list of what’s included so there are no surprises.
Can You Help With Financing Or Recommended Lenders?
Yes, we work with trusted lenders who specialize in construction loans and can guide you through the financing process.
Can I Use My Own Architect Or Designer?
Absolutely. We’re happy to collaborate with your architect or recommend one if you need help.
What Kind Of Designs Input Do I Have?
You have full control over design elements like floor plans, finishes, cabinetry, flooring, fixtures, and more. We’ll guide you through selections to match your style and budget.
What Kind Of Materials Do You Use?
We use high-quality materials sourced from trusted suppliers, and we’re happy to discuss sustainable or upgraded options based on your preferences.
Who Supervises The Construction?
A dedicated project manager oversees every phase of the build and keeps you updated with regular communication and site visits.
Do You Offer Energy-efficient Or Green Building Options?
Yes! We can incorporate energy-efficient features, solar panels, smart home tech, and sustainable materials into your home.
