Cigano Engineering LLC, is committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers interests, and make their concerns the basis of our business.
"Cigano identified a number of important changes to my architectural drawings to strengthen my structure (a car port). The changes recommended and implemented to my plans ensured my Town would issue a building permit. The Town had rejected my initial drawings and required its review and approval by a structural engineer or architect. Cigano really came through and its owner was easy to work with and highly professional. I would highly recommend Cigano."
David C on October 2023
Cigano Engineering LLC, is committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers interests, and make their concerns the basis of our business.
"Cigano identified a number of important changes to my architectural drawings to strengthen my structure (a car port). The changes recommended and implemented to my plans ensured my Town would issue a building permit. The Town had rejected my initial drawings and required its review and approval by a structural engineer or architect. Cigano really came through and its owner was easy to work with and highly professional. I would highly recommend Cigano."
David C on October 2023
In our practice, we have provided structural engineering support and construction supervision in a wide variety of projects ranging from single family homes, multifamily homes, commercial buildings and even high-rise structures over 400 ft. tall. No project is too big or too small. We approach each job looking to bring innovative designs and state of the art tools to help simplify the construction process. Our engineering group is licensed in several states including NJ, NY and FL. Our practice is accredited in NJ as special inspectors for Concrete, Steel, Masonry, Steel Bolting, Steel welding and Fireproofing.
"Very good"
Mike P on January 2025
In our practice, we have provided structural engineering support and construction supervision in a wide variety of projects ranging from single family homes, multifamily homes, commercial buildings and even high-rise structures over 400 ft. tall. No project is too big or too small. We approach each job looking to bring innovative designs and state of the art tools to help simplify the construction process. Our engineering group is licensed in several states including NJ, NY and FL. Our practice is accredited in NJ as special inspectors for Concrete, Steel, Masonry, Steel Bolting, Steel welding and Fireproofing.
"Very good"
Mike P on January 2025
J Guider & Associates are licensed and insured engineers, consultants, and designers. We provide engineering & technical services to the public and private sectors. Our goal is: To assist our clients in a timely, cost effective management of resources. We strive to obtain solutions to complex problems. Our door is always open, give us a call.
"Had Jim come and look at my home as I needed an engineer to draft up a structural improvement. He wasted months of my time, dodged my phone calls (I had to call him with different numbers to get through), and he ultimately did not deliver what we agreed upon and no contractor said the designs he did deliver were feasible or even made sense for my needs. Do yourself a favor and look elsewhere."
J B on May 2021
J Guider & Associates are licensed and insured engineers, consultants, and designers. We provide engineering & technical services to the public and private sectors. Our goal is: To assist our clients in a timely, cost effective management of resources. We strive to obtain solutions to complex problems. Our door is always open, give us a call.
"Had Jim come and look at my home as I needed an engineer to draft up a structural improvement. He wasted months of my time, dodged my phone calls (I had to call him with different numbers to get through), and he ultimately did not deliver what we agreed upon and no contractor said the designs he did deliver were feasible or even made sense for my needs. Do yourself a favor and look elsewhere."
J B on May 2021
Pisano Development Group is a structural engineering design and build firm specializing in engineering evaluations, structural design and construction. We provide professional engineering consulting and construction services to owners, developers, and investors on many types of residential construction and land development projects. PDG specializes in managing every detail of your project while staying focused on you goals. Robert Pisano, P.E. is the founder and principal of Pisano Development Group. He is a licensed Professional Engineer and can perform expert evaluations and reports related to foundations, framing and other structural issues. He also has experience in residential construction and land development project management. Prior to starting PDG he served as a senior manager with two national homebuilding companies. He is a licensed professional engineer in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware. More information is available at www.pisanodevelopment.com
"Pisano Development Group was wonderful to work with! The process was easy and he addressed all the issues we had discussed. His report was very professional and included everything mentioned in our written agreement. He reviewed a possible structural problem with a home we were interested in purchasing and immediately put our fears at ease. Do not hesitate to use Pisano Development Group, you won't regret it. (I would definitely recommend him to my family and friends.)"
Patty T on July 2020
Pisano Development Group is a structural engineering design and build firm specializing in engineering evaluations, structural design and construction. We provide professional engineering consulting and construction services to owners, developers, and investors on many types of residential construction and land development projects. PDG specializes in managing every detail of your project while staying focused on you goals. Robert Pisano, P.E. is the founder and principal of Pisano Development Group. He is a licensed Professional Engineer and can perform expert evaluations and reports related to foundations, framing and other structural issues. He also has experience in residential construction and land development project management. Prior to starting PDG he served as a senior manager with two national homebuilding companies. He is a licensed professional engineer in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware. More information is available at www.pisanodevelopment.com
"Pisano Development Group was wonderful to work with! The process was easy and he addressed all the issues we had discussed. His report was very professional and included everything mentioned in our written agreement. He reviewed a possible structural problem with a home we were interested in purchasing and immediately put our fears at ease. Do not hesitate to use Pisano Development Group, you won't regret it. (I would definitely recommend him to my family and friends.)"
Patty T on July 2020
BNJ Engineering is your industry expert in the Bergen County. We pride ourselves on our extreme professionalism and attention to detail. Our customer satisfaction guarantee will assure you we will not leave your property until you are completely satisfied with our work. As a family owned and operated business you can trust that we will treat your home as we would treat our own. Give us a call today we look forward to working with you!
"Good cooperative and professional."
SM T on February 2021
BNJ Engineering is your industry expert in the Bergen County. We pride ourselves on our extreme professionalism and attention to detail. Our customer satisfaction guarantee will assure you we will not leave your property until you are completely satisfied with our work. As a family owned and operated business you can trust that we will treat your home as we would treat our own. Give us a call today we look forward to working with you!
"Good cooperative and professional."
SM T on February 2021
Architects and designers at our firm possess a profound understanding of both design principles and construction techniques. We leverage our expertise to guide clients seamlessly through every phase of their projects, ensuring a smooth journey from inception to completion. Our goal is to breathe life into spaces, turning mundane environments into vibrant and functional areas that inspire living and growth.
"Very well! Tony was very easy to work with, helped us very much with some ideas too. Work was done in a timely manner and was affordable for Us. We would definitely recommend and would hire again!"
Matthew F on December 2024
Architects and designers at our firm possess a profound understanding of both design principles and construction techniques. We leverage our expertise to guide clients seamlessly through every phase of their projects, ensuring a smooth journey from inception to completion. Our goal is to breathe life into spaces, turning mundane environments into vibrant and functional areas that inspire living and growth.
"Very well! Tony was very easy to work with, helped us very much with some ideas too. Work was done in a timely manner and was affordable for Us. We would definitely recommend and would hire again!"
Matthew F on December 2024
We have the experience and dedication to get the job done right! Specializing in residential & commercial landscape, maintenance, and design services; We guarantee your satisfaction, and we won't leave until the job is done right. We pride ourselves on the quality work we provide, while delivering great customer service! Call or click for your FREE estimate today!
"Great on time very professional excellent!"
maxi p on August 2023
We have the experience and dedication to get the job done right! Specializing in residential & commercial landscape, maintenance, and design services; We guarantee your satisfaction, and we won't leave until the job is done right. We pride ourselves on the quality work we provide, while delivering great customer service! Call or click for your FREE estimate today!
"Great on time very professional excellent!"
maxi p on August 2023
We have the experience and dedication to get the job done right! Specializing in remodeling services; We guarantee your satisfaction, and we won't leave until the job is done right. We pride ourselves on the quality work we provide, while delivering great customer service! Call or click for your FREE estimate today!
"I went with Alex and team to install a new roof. He was super easy to work with, had great prices and his install team did a phenomenal job. If you are debating what company to choose for your project, choose Alex. You will not be disappointed!"
Danielle S on March 2025
We have the experience and dedication to get the job done right! Specializing in remodeling services; We guarantee your satisfaction, and we won't leave until the job is done right. We pride ourselves on the quality work we provide, while delivering great customer service! Call or click for your FREE estimate today!
"I went with Alex and team to install a new roof. He was super easy to work with, had great prices and his install team did a phenomenal job. If you are debating what company to choose for your project, choose Alex. You will not be disappointed!"
Danielle S on March 2025
Charles & Sons Construction & Landscaping is one of the premier full service landscaping companies in the Essex/Union/Morris/Passaic county areas. Our services include landscape design,hardscape installation, patios, walkway, driveway masonry contractor, Low voltage lighting, and tree removal. Our experienced landscapers guarantee clean, prompt service. Charles & Sons Construction & Landscaping currently employees 15 professionals, so no job is too big or too small. We have a large assortment of professional equipment, We run background checks on all of our landscaping professionals.
"They're listed for Union County but say it's too far, and I'm close to essex County Boarder. Please update areas of work. Also, it does not do landscaping maintenance."
Walidah I on June 2024
Charles & Sons Construction & Landscaping is one of the premier full service landscaping companies in the Essex/Union/Morris/Passaic county areas. Our services include landscape design,hardscape installation, patios, walkway, driveway masonry contractor, Low voltage lighting, and tree removal. Our experienced landscapers guarantee clean, prompt service. Charles & Sons Construction & Landscaping currently employees 15 professionals, so no job is too big or too small. We have a large assortment of professional equipment, We run background checks on all of our landscaping professionals.
"They're listed for Union County but say it's too far, and I'm close to essex County Boarder. Please update areas of work. Also, it does not do landscaping maintenance."
Walidah I on June 2024
In Business Since 2017 We at Wise Choice Construction pride our company on reliability, great communication, integrity, and quality work. We are experts in our trade and will do our best to keep you as educated as we can on your particular task or project. We look forward to earning your business!
"Dave provided my wife and me a quote for renovations, and once we agreed, he began the demolition work. The crew knocked down the walls and installed new sheetrock in both the kitchen and bathrooms. We also decided to cut down the sewer pipes and install new PVC pipes. During this process, the first incident occurred when his crew used the bathroom and flushed the toilet, which caused all the waste to flow into the basement due to the unconnected pipes. Dave assured us he would handle the situation, only for us to discover that he charged a purchase of Resolve to our credit card to address the issue. We gradually bought all the necessary materials using a credit card supplied by my wife, while I also went online to shop at stores like Home Depot and Mayfair. After a little over a month, he finished the upstairs bathroom. In the kitchen, he managed to install the cabinets in time for the countertops to be placed. However, while the kitchen sink was installed, the plumbing was not connected to the water supply. Likewise, the kitchen appliances were not hooked up: the dishwasher remained unconnected, the refrigerator was not installed, and the smart thermostat was never set up. Only the stove and the hood range were connected. After he installed the new PVC pipes, I ran the water for a few minutes to test the plumbing. Unfortunately, we experienced flooding in our basement. Water spilled out from our old sewer line, which had not been capped, as well as from the sewer clean-out and all the way upstairs where the kitchen plumbing was not connected. This flooding caused our wood floors in the kitchen to warp and damaged the basement, potentially leading to mold issues. I confronted Dave several times about helping us clean up and remove the damaged carpets, but he failed to show up for two weeks. Eventually, we decided to terminate his services and sought professional help from other contractors. We hired Poseidon Plumbing and have evidence of debris and blockages resulting from the work done by Wise Choice Construction LLC. Additionally, we had to pay for electrical and roofing professionals on top of the plumbing costs to rectify this unfortunate situation."
Steven P on February 2025
In Business Since 2017 We at Wise Choice Construction pride our company on reliability, great communication, integrity, and quality work. We are experts in our trade and will do our best to keep you as educated as we can on your particular task or project. We look forward to earning your business!
"Dave provided my wife and me a quote for renovations, and once we agreed, he began the demolition work. The crew knocked down the walls and installed new sheetrock in both the kitchen and bathrooms. We also decided to cut down the sewer pipes and install new PVC pipes. During this process, the first incident occurred when his crew used the bathroom and flushed the toilet, which caused all the waste to flow into the basement due to the unconnected pipes. Dave assured us he would handle the situation, only for us to discover that he charged a purchase of Resolve to our credit card to address the issue. We gradually bought all the necessary materials using a credit card supplied by my wife, while I also went online to shop at stores like Home Depot and Mayfair. After a little over a month, he finished the upstairs bathroom. In the kitchen, he managed to install the cabinets in time for the countertops to be placed. However, while the kitchen sink was installed, the plumbing was not connected to the water supply. Likewise, the kitchen appliances were not hooked up: the dishwasher remained unconnected, the refrigerator was not installed, and the smart thermostat was never set up. Only the stove and the hood range were connected. After he installed the new PVC pipes, I ran the water for a few minutes to test the plumbing. Unfortunately, we experienced flooding in our basement. Water spilled out from our old sewer line, which had not been capped, as well as from the sewer clean-out and all the way upstairs where the kitchen plumbing was not connected. This flooding caused our wood floors in the kitchen to warp and damaged the basement, potentially leading to mold issues. I confronted Dave several times about helping us clean up and remove the damaged carpets, but he failed to show up for two weeks. Eventually, we decided to terminate his services and sought professional help from other contractors. We hired Poseidon Plumbing and have evidence of debris and blockages resulting from the work done by Wise Choice Construction LLC. Additionally, we had to pay for electrical and roofing professionals on top of the plumbing costs to rectify this unfortunate situation."
Steven P on February 2025
The timeline for basement ceiling modifications spans four to 12 weeks, with the specific duration depending on your chosen method and project complexity. Floor-lowering projects often require more time due to careful excavation and foundation reinforcement processes.
Weather conditions, permit processing, and unexpected structural discoveries can extend the projected timeline. Most homeowners should prepare for some disruption to normal household activities during critical construction phases.
Converting previously unusable basement space into a functional living area often increases your home's assessed value, which may impact property tax obligations. Tax assessment practices vary significantly between municipalities, with some jurisdictions basing calculations on finished square footage.
To avoid surprises, contact your local tax assessment office before beginning construction to understand potential tax implications and budget accordingly for any anticipated increases.
Engaging a qualified structural engineer represents an essential first step for any basement ceiling project. These professionals evaluate foundation integrity, soil conditions, and load-bearing requirements to determine feasibility and recommend appropriate approaches.
Their expertise helps prevent potentially catastrophic structural issues while ensuring compliance with building codes. Although this consultation adds to initial expenses, it provides crucial guidance that may prevent costly mistakes or safety hazards.
Historic or aging properties present unique challenges when modifying basement ceiling heights. Older construction methods, outdated materials, and accumulated settlement issues require specialized assessment. Heritage designations may impose additional restrictions or requirements on modification approaches.
House-raising often provides advantages for older homes with compromised foundations, as it allows simultaneous foundation repair or replacement during the ceiling height modification process.
While professional contractors must handle all structural modifications, homeowners with appropriate skills may complete certain finishing aspects independently. Tasks potentially suitable for DIY include non-structural elements like painting, trim installation, or basic finishing work.
However, all excavation, foundation modification, and house-lifting operations require specialized equipment and expertise. Attempting structural work without proper qualifications creates significant safety risks and potential property damage.