August update

As I write and update this blog , I'm hoping the Manasquan Construction Official ( Albert P. (Sandy) Ratz, Jr) is putting his signature on our building permit.  It has been about 6-7 weeks since it was submitted and numerous and sometimes frivolous requests have been required.  According to the construction clerk, she can't see any reason why the permit isn't issued today but,  her boss is still reviewing it. You might wonder as I do why the construction department takes so long.  The main reason is "because they can".  Our builder informed us he got a call from the Borough construction department stating,  "The property owner's visits to the office were not helping  move the approval process."

Thankfully, a little work is continuing in the interior of the house. The stairs to the basement and to the 2nd floor were removed.  The basement is going to be filled in and made a crawl space because the floor of the existing basement is below the water table and will never be dry.  Wooden support beams were replaced with concrete and block supports.  All basement utilities were removed.  

The old fireplace and chimney were removed to provide for the open floor plan.  

A new gas fireplace will be built into the rear wall of the addition. 

We ordered all new doors and windows for the existing house and the addition.  A great local Asbury Park business, Architectural Millwork recommended by our builder.  We are going with Jeld Wen windows and doors.

We spent some of the time shopping for the appliances. Top Line Appliance, recommended by our builder had unbeatable prices. Of course, all appliances will be GE.  (For those that don't know, my son-in law Joe works for GE.)  We also shopped for the granite, at Aphrodite Marble Co in Forked River The granite will be the same on kitchen counters, the island, and the bathroom vanities. Here are the choices:



Our  first (my) choice



First choice against 2nd choice





Ronnie, Matt, Mike at the new Jersey City firefighter luncheon at Michael Anthony's

Peter and Dawn at Autism Triathlon

We also took time to go see our nephew Matt, swear -in as a Jersey City Fire Fighter.  My nephew Peter competed in a triathlon in Belmar to raise money and awareness for Autism.

My work schedule was a little slow over the past couple of weeks so I was able to spend some time with my daughters and grand children at the beach house, and celebrating birthdays.

Mamo, Finn, Michael, and Pop-Belmar Beach

Aaron's 40th, Finn's 4th Birthday

Kat and Cate at Michael's 2nd Birthday Party-Kunkle Park

Meg and Michael-Belmar Beach

Cate, Michael, Finn having fun -beach house

Aboard the Parasail boat-Belmar

But I digress.  Back to the reason for the blog-our house project.  We made several visits to our cabinet maker Mr. Pauls Custom Cabinets, another excellent recommendation from our builder.  This is the cabinet style we are using in the kitchen, baths and powder room.  Paul and his wife Claire own and operate this 45 year old Manasquan business.  You only have to stop in, meet them, and look at their work to know why they're still in business.  All the plumbing items are coming from another builder recommended source,  Atlantic Plumbing Supply.  The toilet and hardware in the bathroom below is the style we are using.

The old linoleum from the kitchen floor was removed to reveal all oak hardwood floors,  Hopefully they can be refinished and possibly save a little $$.

The side porch on the existing house was built on the old concrete patio and will need to be demolished and rebuilt. 

A laminated beam is installed to support the second floor in the area where a wall and fireplace was removed and some framing of new walls has started in the old interior. 

Hopefully the next update will include the new addition pictures. 

Til then...