Montclair, NJ Kitchen Remodeling Contractor
We are an owner-operated remodeling contractor serving Montclair homeowners across Essex County, from full bathroom and kitchen renovations to interiors, flooring, finish carpentry, and decks. Every Montclair project is walked, scoped, and built by the owner — not handed off to a crew you never meet.
The owner answers the phone — and walks the site in Montclair.
Remodeling built for Montclair's housing stock.
Montclair is a town of post-war single-family homes, and remodeling them well means understanding how they were framed, finished, and added onto over the decades.
Montclair is one of Essex County's most sought-after communities — about 39,873 residents, a median household income above $166,765, and homes with a median value near $850,700. At these values, renovation work has to be done right the first time.
U.S. Census data puts the median Montclair home at roughly 1938 construction, about 60% owner-occupied, with values near $850,700. Homes of that era hide original bathrooms, closed-off kitchens, and dated trim behind premium addresses — exactly the work we do, built to match what these homes are worth. Our focus here: kitchen remodeling — opening closed-off layouts, cabinetry, counters, and finish work built for how families actually cook and gather. We are based in Roselle Park, roughly 12 miles away, and work in Essex County regularly.
We approach a Montclair remodel by reading the house first: how it was originally built, what previous additions touched, and where the plumbing and electrical actually run. That homework is what keeps a renovation on schedule once demolition starts and the surprises behind the walls show up.
What we build in Montclair.
From a single bathroom to a whole-floor renovation, we handle the trades, permits, and finish work under one owner-operated contract for Montclair homeowners.
Bathroom Remodeling
Full-scope bathroom renovations — demolition, rough-trade coordination, tile, finish carpentry, and fixture install.
Scope & process →Interior Renovations
Kitchens, living spaces, basements, and whole-floor renovations under one owner-operated contract.
Scope & process →Flooring Installation
Engineered hardwood, solid wood, large-format tile, and luxury vinyl — installed the way a finish carpenter expects.
Scope & process →Finish Carpentry & Trim
Crown, base, casing, wainscot, built-ins, and stair details — self-performed, not subcontracted.
Scope & process →Decks & Outdoor Living
New builds, deck restorations, privacy fences, and pergolas — permits handled, inspections coordinated.
Scope & process →Light Commercial & TI
Tenant improvements, office fit-outs, and small-to-mid commercial scopes — built to code, on schedule.
Scope & process →Building in Montclair, by the book.
Most Montclair renovations of any real scope need a permit, and we handle that paperwork and the inspection schedule so you don't have to.
In Montclair, construction permits are filed with the municipal construction department. The department enforces the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code and reviews work under its building, electrical, plumbing, and fire subcodes. We prepare the application package and coordinate it with the office for you.
Under the state Uniform Construction Code, most bathroom and kitchen remodels that touch plumbing or electrical require a construction permit, and so do basement finishes. Decks generally trigger both a zoning review and a construction permit when they're attached to the house or raised above grade — the kind of outdoor work that's common on Montclair's split-levels and colonials. We confirm exactly which subcode permits a given project needs before we start.
Montclair's construction inspections are scheduled on Tuesdays and Thursdays, so we build the rough and finish inspection points into the project timeline from the start. That way trades aren't standing around waiting on a sign-off, and the job keeps moving toward closeout.
Permit requirements and fees change — we confirm the current Montclair requirements with the municipal construction office before every project. This page is general information, not a code ruling.
Close by. Accountable.
We are based in Roselle Park, a short drive from Montclair, which means the owner can get to your home for the first walkthrough, show up while the work is underway, and be back quickly if a question comes up after the crew has gone for the day. There's no regional dispatcher and no chain of subs between you and the person responsible for your project.
Being local also means we know the Essex County rhythm — the municipal offices, the inspection cadence, and the older housing stock that defines towns like Montclair. You get one accountable contact from the first quote through final closeout, the same person who scoped the job standing behind the finished work.
- Based InRoselle Park, NJ · a short drive to Montclair
- NJ HIC13VH14168400 · licensed & insured
- One ContactThe owner, from quote to closeout
- FreeOn-site consultation & written scope
Montclair remodeling questions.
Do you serve Montclair, NJ?
Yes. We are based in Roselle Park, just a short drive from Montclair, and we take remodeling and renovation projects throughout Montclair and the rest of Essex County. The owner walks every Montclair site personally.
Are you licensed and insured to work in Montclair?
Yes. RuLee Construction holds New Jersey Home Improvement Contractor registration 13VH14168400 and carries liability insurance. We provide a certificate of insurance once a contract is in place, and we pull the required permits through the local construction office.
Do I need a permit to remodel my bathroom or build a deck in Montclair?
Most likely yes. Under the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code, bathroom remodels that touch plumbing or electrical generally require a construction permit, and decks that are attached or raised above grade typically need both zoning and construction permits. We confirm the town's current requirements before any work begins.
Do you charge for an estimate?
No. We provide a free on-site consultation in Montclair and a written scope so you can see exactly what is included before you decide anything.
How does a project work from start to finish?
We start with a walkthrough and a written scope, handle permits and inspection scheduling, then build the work with the owner on site. You have one accountable contact from the first quote through the final closeout.
“The only contractor I call back.”
Communication is clear and direct from the first call, the site stays clean and safe, and every change is handled in writing with zero surprises. The finish work is precise, he stays on schedule, and he closes out properly every time. Owner-operated, accountable, and someone I trust with my own property.
Edson Parra · Homeowner & repeat client · Union County, NJPlanning a project in Montclair?
One call, one accountable owner, one disciplined process — from the first walkthrough to the final closeout package.