Temprano Construction is a licensed and insured New Jersey general contractor specializing in custom home additions in Verona — second-story additions, rear expansions, primary suite additions, and kitchen-connected living space sized for the Cape Cods, split-levels, and ranches that fill this town. Ray Temprano leads every project personally from estimate through final walkthrough.
A one-and-a-half-story Cape Cod with two bedrooms under the eaves and a single bath made sense in 1955. It does not make sense for a family that needs a real primary suite, a proper guest room, and space that isn’t a hallway. Verona lots are often compact — you can’t always push a large rear addition without eating the yard or hitting setbacks. Building up over the existing footprint is the move that keeps the address and the outdoor space.
A second-story addition (sometimes called a pop-top or add-a-level) is not a cosmetic remodel. The existing foundation and first-floor framing have to carry a new floor. The roof comes off. Mechanical systems usually need a new zone. For a period during framing, the house is open to the weather — many families plan a temporary move-out of about 1–2 weeks for that phase.
We start with a structural assessment, then floor plan development that puts the primary suite, bedrooms, and circulation where they belong — not where a stock plan assumes. If you have an architect, we work from their sealed drawings. If you don’t, Ray can connect you with one who regularly designs second-story work on Essex County postwar homes.
→ Compare approaches: Add-a-Level vs. Rear Addition in NJ
The lead project type for Verona. New primary suites, bedrooms, and flexible upstairs space over the existing footprint. Full structural assessment, temporary weather protection, and coordinated HVAC/electrical upgrades are part of the scope — not extras discovered mid-job.
Family rooms, mudrooms, and kitchen expansions for homes with enough backyard depth and compliant setbacks. Often the better choice on ranches and split-levels that already have usable second-floor volume — or when first-floor living is the priority.
Dedicated bedroom, bath, and closet — upstairs as part of a second story, or as a rear first-floor suite for aging-in-place homeowners who want everything on one level.
When compact Verona kitchens need more than new cabinets — they need square footage and a load-bearing wall removed into new volume. We coordinate structure and finishes under one GC. Interior-only work: kitchen remodeling.
Pop-tops and rear additions that fix the classic split-level problem: plenty of levels, not enough continuous living space. Planning has to respect the existing stair and floor transitions.
On Capes that aren’t ready for a full second story, dormers can add head height and a bedroom at lower cost — when structure and egress allow. Matched to the existing roof so it looks original.
Extra square footage when you’re maximizing a compact lot. Egress, moisture, and systems done properly. See basement remodeling and how to finish a basement in NJ.
The Township of Verona Building Department administers construction permits, plan review, and inspections under New Jersey’s Uniform Construction Code. Temprano handles the permit package — applications, subcode sections, and inspection coordination. Municipal review timelines are outside our control; we plan around them and keep you informed.
Verona also publishes construction-hour rules homeowners should know before a second-story job starts: weekdays generally 7:00 AM–6:00 PM, Saturday 8:30 AM–4:30 PM, and no Sunday work without Construction Official approval. We schedule crews to stay inside those windows so your project doesn’t create neighbor problems — or stop-work risk.
→ Broader NJ context: Home addition permits in Northern New Jersey
When you’re already opening a Cape Cod for a second story, it’s the practical moment for deferred work: bathroom remodeling, kitchen remodeling, roofing (you’re replacing the roof plane anyway on a pop-top), siding transitions, and windows. Scoping adjacent renovation into one itemized proposal beats hiring a second contractor six months later.
A second story has to look like the house grew up, not like a box landed on the roof. Exterior massing, window alignment, and finish transitions are planned before framing. Ray is second-generation construction with 40+ years of combined family experience in Northern New Jersey.
On a pop-top, schedule honesty matters. Weather windows, material lead times, and inspection sequencing all affect when you’re back in the house. You hear updates from Ray directly.
Structure, weatherproofing, and finishes meet the standard a Verona home needs through the next ownership cycle. Punch-list satisfaction is the floor.
Most custom home additions in Verona run $200–$400 per square foot depending on scope, materials, and type. Second-story work often sits toward the higher end because of structural reinforcement, temporary weather protection, and full mechanical rezoning. Plan a 10–15% contingency — compact postwar homes regularly surface aging wiring or framing surprises once ceilings open.
Every Temprano proposal is itemized with inclusions and exclusions spelled out. We offer free, no-obligation estimates.
Financing typically runs through HELOCs or construction loans. We don’t offer in-house financing but work with homeowners coordinating bank timing.
Many Verona homes from the 1950s–70s predate the federal lead-paint ban. When renovation work disturbs painted surfaces, EPA Lead-Safe Work Practices apply. Temprano holds firm and individual credentials.
More: lead-safe renovation in NJ.
Projects Completed
Most additions run $200–$400 per square foot. Pop-tops often land higher in that range because of structure, roof removal, and mechanical upgrades. Budget 10–15% contingency. See our NJ home addition cost guide.
Yes. The Verona Building Department requires construction permits for additions and alterations under the NJ Uniform Construction Code. Temprano handles applications and inspections. Details: NJ home addition permits.
Often for a short window — typically about 1–2 weeks when the roof is removed and the house is open during framing. Exact timing depends on scope and weather. We set that expectation at proposal so you’re not surprised mid-project.
Per Township guidance: weekdays 7:00 AM–6:00 PM, Saturday 8:30 AM–4:30 PM, and no Sunday work without Construction Official approval. We schedule to those rules.
Yes. Ray is on-site at every key phase. For vetting any contractor, see how to hire a GC in Northern NJ.
Verona · Cedar Grove · West Caldwell · North Caldwell · Caldwell · Montclair · West Orange · Little Falls
We serve homeowners across Essex, Bergen, Morris, Passaic, Union, and Somerset counties. If you’re within an hour of Belleville, we can reach you.
Whether it's improving your home or upgrading your business space, we make every project simple, stress-free, and built to last.
