Custom Home Builders in New Jersey
Crafting New Custom Home Designs with Distinctive Elegance
Unique Homes
As leading custom home builders in New Jersey, we take a hands-on approach to architectural planning. Every design is developed with purpose and precision, seamlessly blending vision and functionality. Unlike other NJ custom home builders who may rely on you for all design work, our team guides you from the earliest design phases through the completion of construction.
Intentionality
Every custom home we build or renovate is carefully designed with intentionality. We consider every inch of available space to create layouts that are both functional and elegant. Our philosophy ensures that decisions are made with detail in mind, so each feature serves a purpose and enhances the overall flow of the home.
Use of Space
In New Jersey’s urban settings, efficient use of space is essential. Our team understands how to maximize every square foot, ensuring layouts that meet your lifestyle while preserving comfort and style. That same attention to detail carries into our suburban designs as well, where intentional planning ensures no space is wasted and every room has a clear function.
Fit the Area
As experienced custom home builders in NJ, we always consider the surrounding community when designing or remodeling a home. Our goal is to create homes that harmonize with neighborhood character while still reflecting your personal style. From South Jersey to the Jersey Shore, our team understands the architectural styles of the region and ensures your home feels both distinctive and well-suited to its location.
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
“We cannot recommend John and his team highly enough! They completely renovated our condo from top to bottom — kitchen, bathrooms, bedrooms, hardwood floors, window treatments — every detail was beautifully handled. The end result is a bright, welcoming space that turned out exactly as we had envisioned.
Living on the West Coast during the project could have made coordination a challenge, but John and his team made the process seamless. Communication was excellent: John was flexible, responsive, and proactive every step of the way. A special shout-out to Jobes and Kristin, who were instrumental in keeping everything organized and on schedule.
While we came in with a strong sense of what we wanted, we truly appreciated their design expertise and honest guidance. They offered thoughtful advice that helped us make the best decisions for our space. Despite a few design changes along the way, they stayed true to both our budget and our overall vision — something we are incredibly grateful for.
Every member of the team was professional, trustworthy, and a pleasure to work with. It’s rare to find a contractor who combines high-quality workmanship with such a client-focused approach. We would enthusiastically recommend John and his team to anyone looking for a top-tier construction and remodeling experience!” Hannah Park
“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 detail is intentional then working with custom home builders in New Jersey might be the answer. Building custom is more than just a project; it’s an opportunity to create a space that perfectly matches your lifestyle, your family, and your future.
Freedom to Personalize Every Detail.
Building a custom home means every decision is yours. From layout to finishes, you design a home that reflects your style and priorities. Whether it’s a chef-inspired kitchen, a private reading nook, or expansive open living spaces, this is your chance to create a home that feels uniquely yours. Every room tells a story, every corner adds to your comfort.
Quality You Can Trust.
With Gold Leaf Designs, you control the materials, craftsmanship, and finishes. Unlike many pre-built options, custom homes allow you to choose what lasts eco-friendly materials, high-quality finishes, and skilled workmanship. As NJ custom home builders, we ensure that every choice supports durability and value while meeting your standards.
A Home That’s Kind to the Environment and Your Wallet.
Custom homes can also be energy-efficient. From insulation and windows to smart technology and sustainable solutions, every decision can lower your utility bills while reducing your carbon footprint. This blend of design and sustainability creates a home that’s beautiful, responsible, and cost-effective.
Location and Layout Tailored to Your Life.
Custom homes also give you freedom in location. Whether it’s near the Jersey Shore, in the suburbs, or in an urban center, your home will be designed to complement its surroundings. Our expertise as custom home builders in NJ ensures your design makes the most of the land while fitting seamlessly into the community.
Take the First Step Toward a Home That’s Truly Yours.
A custom home is more than just construction, it’s the realization of your dream. Whether you’re in the early planning stages or ready to break ground, Gold Leaf Designs can guide you every step of the way. Your dream home is closer than you think.
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, 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.
Do You Handle All Permits And Inspections?
Yes, we manage the entire permitting and inspection process to ensure your home meets all local codes and regulations.
Do You Offer A Warranty?
Yes, our homes come with a comprehensive builder warranty, that includes a 1-year workmanship.
What Happens After The Build Is Complete?
We conduct a final walkthrough to ensure everything meets your expectations, provide an Acceptance Letter and are available for any warranty support.