This page covers Chatham Borough, the walkable town built around its downtown and train station. Chatham Township surrounds it on several sides and has its own building department.
The borough is mostly established neighborhoods of colonials, Tudors, Victorians and Cape Cods, many dating from the late 1800s through the 1930s, with some later infill. Lots are moderate in size, streets are lined with mature trees and sidewalks, and most houses face the street with a front walk and steps. The ground is gently rolling, dropping toward the Passaic River along the eastern edge of town.
Entry steps that match the house
On a street of older homes, the front steps set the tone. Many Chatham houses still have their original brick or concrete stoops, and by now some have loose treads, failing joints or settled bottoms. We rebuild front steps in brick with bluestone or stone treads, or in stone veneer, choosing materials that look right on the house rather than standing out from it.
Front walks, side walks and roots
Big street trees are part of the borough’s appeal, but their roots lift sidewalks and front walks over time. When we replace a walk, we plan the route and base around nearby trees. Brick, pavers and bluestone are popular choices because individual pieces can be reset later. Our patios and walkways also include side yard paths to the back door and garage.
Backyard patios on mid-size lots
Yards here are usually big enough for a real patio but not so big that layout does not matter. A patio sized for a dining table, with a short walk to the driveway and a low wall or planting bed at the edge, often fits best. We set the patio to drain away from the house.
Brick and chimneys
Older brick chimneys and foundations often need repointing, and chimney crowns crack after years of freeze and thaw. Repointing before water gets into the wall is much easier than rebuilding later.
Good to know
- Borough review. Some exterior projects need approval from the borough building department, and older homes may have extra considerations.
- Sidewalk work. Replacing the public walk in front of your house can have separate rules.
- Driveway width. Narrow drives between houses need careful drainage.
Chatham Borough sits next to Madison and Florham Park, and we cover the rest of Morris County as well. Schedule a free estimate and we will talk through the options at your home.
