Home Remodeling in Far Hills, NJ
Far Hills is a small borough with a lot of character. Many of its homes are older, individually built, and full of details you don’t find in newer construction: stone, wood trim, original windows, and layouts that don’t follow a standard plan. Those details are what make a house special, and they are also what make remodeling it a job that calls for care.

A porch and walkway renovation in Far Hills.
We’re Secret Construction, a family-owned general contractor based in Manville, with more than 25 years of experience on New Jersey homes. This page explains how we handle home remodeling in Far Hills, NJ, especially when the goal is to improve a house without losing what makes it yours.
Updating a Home With Character
With an older or custom house, the question is rarely “how do we change everything?” It’s usually “what should we keep, and what should we improve?” We walk through the home with you and help sort things into three groups:
- What’s worth restoring: trim, flooring, built-ins, and sometimes original windows
- What needs updating: wiring, plumbing, insulation, and outdated kitchens or baths
- What needs replacing: parts that are past repair, matched as closely as we can to the original look
Finish Carpentry and Millwork That Matches the House
New work on an older home only looks right when the details line up. We do interior trim and finish carpentry with attention to baseboards, casings, crown, stairs, and built-ins, so a new addition or updated room feels like part of the original house.
Stone, Masonry, and Walkways
Stone and brick are part of the look in many Far Hills properties, and they need people who know how to work with them. We install and repair masonry walkways, patios, steps, and paving with a solid base and proper drainage, so they stay in place through freeze-and-thaw winters instead of heaving and cracking.
Kitchen Remodeling for Homes That Entertain
A kitchen remodel in an older home often means balancing function and style. We plan the layout, cabinets, countertops, lighting, and flooring so the room is easier to cook and host in, while still suiting the character of the rest of the house.
Many older kitchens are closed off from the rest of the home. We can often open them up, but we check the structure first and explain the options before you commit.
Bathroom Remodeling in Older Homes
Old bathrooms often hide old plumbing. During a bathroom remodel, we look at pipes, venting, and the floor structure before the tile goes in, because that’s what determines whether the new bathroom lasts. We use fixtures from reliable brands like Kohler and American Standard, and we pay close attention to waterproofing.
Porches, Decks, and Exterior Details
A porch is often the first thing people notice about a house. We build and rebuild porches, stairs, and wood or composite decks, with solid framing and finishes that hold up to weather. For wood details that you want to keep, we’ll tell you honestly whether repair or replacement makes more sense.
Roofing, Siding, and Windows
An older house still needs to keep the weather out. For roof replacement, we look at attic ventilation, flashing, and drainage, which are the details that stop leaks and ice dams. For siding and windows, we focus on tight, clean installation around corners and openings.
If you have original windows, we’ll talk through the options, from repair to replacement, and what each means for comfort and appearance.
How We Work
- A walkthrough first, so we understand the house before we price it.
- A written estimate that explains what’s included and what could change.
- One point of contact for scheduling, ordering, and inspections.
- Permits handled for you with the borough’s construction office.
- A tidy job site, with floors protected and clean-up every day.
Nearby Areas We Serve
- Home Remodeling in Bernardsville, NJ
- Home Remodeling in Bedminster, NJ
- Home Remodeling in Peapack-Gladstone, NJ
- Renovations in Somerville, NJ
Remodeling in Far Hills, NJ: Common Questions
How much does a remodel cost in Far Hills?
It depends on the size of the project, the age and condition of the house, and the materials you choose. Older homes can have surprises behind the walls, so we inspect first and explain what could affect the price.
Can you keep original features when remodeling?
Often, yes. Trim, flooring, built-ins, and some windows can be restored. We’ll tell you what’s worth saving and what’s better to replace.
Do I need a permit?
Usually, for structural, roofing, plumbing, electrical, and addition work. We’ll let you know what applies and manage the paperwork.
Can you match existing trim and details?
We do our best to. Our finish carpentry work focuses on blending new work with the existing house, so it doesn’t look like an add-on.
How long does a remodel take?
A bathroom may take a few weeks. A kitchen, porch, or addition can take longer, and material lead times matter. We give you a realistic schedule at the start.
Can I stay at home during the work?
In many cases, yes. We’ll discuss the logistics with you before we begin.
Let’s Talk About Your Far Hills Home
Tell us what you’re planning, even if it’s still an idea. We’ll set up a visit and give you a clear written estimate, no pressure.