TEAR DOWN TO DREAM HOME: HOW THE PROCESS REALLY WORKS
Thinking About a Custom Home in Millburn or Short Hills?
The area is fully built out. While the land is valuable, many existing homes are dated or undersized. But don’t worry. Teardowns aren’t complicated when you have the right team and a clear process.
At Moore Fine Homes, we SPECIALIZE IN DESIGN-BUILD CONSTRUCTION >> in Millburn and Short Hills. Here’s how we guide clients from lot selection to move-in.
STEP 1: START WITH THE RIGHT LOT AND THE RIGHT TEAM
Teardown success starts before you make an offer. Some lots look promising online but present major buildability issues later. That’s why we partner with The Saritte Harel Team to help you:
- Walk and evaluate potential teardown properties
- Analyze zoning constraints such as setbacks, floor-area-ratio, and coverage limits
- Assess elevation, drainage, and access issues
- Spot red flags that could affect construction feasibility and costs
- Understand market value and determine whether a property makes sense to develop
Tip: A lot that looks flat in photos may require expensive grading or retaining walls. We’ve helped clients avoid surprises like this.
STEP 2: ANALYZE THE LOT FOR BUILDABILITY
We do a deeper dive before you close. Once a property seems promising, we look closer to confirm that it fits your project goals. We’ll evaluate:
- Slope, grading, or tree removal needs
- Whether your layout, garage, and footprint will fit
- Zoning rules (height limits, FAR, lot coverage)
- Access to construction vehicles and utility connections
This information lets you make an informed offer based on real-world construction parameters.
STEP 3: DESIGN YOUR DREAM HOME
Once you’ve secured the lot, it’s time to design a home that reflects your lifestyle & fits your budget.
We collaborate with your architect or recommend one and develop plans that factor in the following:
- Site conditions and buildable envelope
- Desired square footage, room flow, and features
- Budget and timeline parameters
- Future lifestyle considerations (aging-in-place, multi-gen living)
Etai, our founder, will be hands-on during this phase. He will review plans, offer creative solutions, and ensure that your home is functional and future-ready.
STEP 4: SECURE PERMITS AND APPROVALS
This stage is where experience really counts. The permitting process in Millburn and Short Hills can be complex, but we manage it fully on your behalf. We handle:
- Construction permit applications
- Variance submissions (if needed)
- Utility disconnects
- Demolition scheduling
- Environmental and grading approvals
This phase typically takes 2 to 4 months, depending on the town. While we wait, we also line up trades, order materials, and prepare selections. This way, construction starts when everything is in place.
STEP 5: DEMOLISH AND PREP THE SITE
Once we get the permits, it’s time to break ground. We move quickly to:
- Safely demolish the existing structure
- Clear the lot and manage debris removal
- Establish the site layout, temporary power, and utility setup
- Prep for the foundation pour
STEP 6: BUILD YOUR NEW CONSTRUCTION HOME
This stage is where your vision becomes reality. As a full-service design team, we manage every aspect of construction. We handle everything, from framing to finishes, and keep you involved. You’ll receive:
- Weekly progress updates
- On-site walkthroughs at major milestones
- DIRECT ACCESS >> to your project manager and Etai for quick decisions
We keep the process smooth, transparent, and aligned with your expectations.
STEP 7: MOVE IN WITH CONFIDENCE
We don’t just hand over the keys. We walk you through every detail. Before move-in, we thoroughly inspect your new home to ensure everything meets our standards. You’ll get:
- A full builder’s manual
- Warranty documents and vendor contracts
- A clear line of communication for post-move support
Many of our clients become lifelong friends and referrers because we don’t just build homes, we build relationships.
WHY ORDER MATTERS: DON’T START WITH A ZILLOW LINK
Here’s one of the biggest mistakes we see: A client finds a teardown online, falls in love, makes an offer, and then calls a builder. The result? Unpleasant surprises such as:
- Zoning restrictions
- Unexpected site work
- Blown budgets
- Stretched timelines
So, start with a builder and real estate team that work together. It saves time, money, and stress and leads to better outcomes.
A REAL-WORLD EXAMPLE: CYPRESS STREET, MILLBURN
A family wanted a 5-bedroom modern farmhouse with a walk-out basement. The first lot they loved looked ideal until Etai flagged the slope. It would have required $75K in retaining walls and blocked natural light.
We passed and found a better lot on Cypress Street: flatter, roomier, and $90K under budget. The clients are now happily living in their new construction home in Millburn and have since referred two neighbors.
Build Smarter From
the Start With Moore
Fine Homes
LET’S TALK TODAY if you’re considering a teardown in Millburn or Short Hills. We specialize in custom homes in Short Hills, NJ, and new construction homes throughout Millburn.
From lot search to move-in, we help you build smarter–every step of the way.
