Home Renovations in Point Pleasant NJ
Planning Home Renovations in Point Pleasant NJ, Manasquan, or Bay Head is harder than it looks. You aren’t just picking out tile; you’re dealing with salt air, rot, weather, and strict zoning rules.
Most older shore houses don’t meet today’s building, energy, or FEMA flood codes. If you open the walls and find structural damage, a simple job can turn into a nightmare. You need a home builder who knows how to fix old framing and handle coastal challenges.
We’re a Design-Build firm. We don’t just hammer nails. We draw the plans, pull township permits, and manage the entire construction process. Whether you need a gut renovation, a new kitchen or bathroom, or a full second-story addition, we do it right.
We’ve been building locally at the Jersey Shore for decades, but we also handle renovations all over New Jersey for clients who want quality high-end work.
Whole Home Gut Renovations
We specialize in Whole Home Gut Renovations where we strip the house down to the studs and then rebuild it. This is common in Point Pleasant Beach, Lavallette, and Mantoloking where the location is perfect, but the house is 50 years old and rotting.
We check for balloon framing (common in old shore Victorian homes) which is a major fire hazard, upgrade your insulation, windows, and doors to meet new NJ Energy Codes, and install new roofing that can handle the high wind speeds we deal with by the beach.
We can also upgrade your siding to new Hardie Fiber Cement, cedar shake or vinyl which is better at handling salt air and seasonal conditions.
Add-a-Levels & Second Story Additions
Because lots in Point Pleasant Boro, Bay Head, and Manasquan are small, you can’t always build out—you have to build up. We are experts at Add-a-Levels. This is where we take the roof off your single-story ranch and build a full second floor with a new master suite.
The hard part isn’t the framing; it’s the foundation. Before we start, we check your existing footings to make sure they can hold the extra weight. If they can’t, we underpin them or add helical piles. We also handle the zoning variance if the new height exceeds the town limit.
Kitchen Remodeling
Old kitchens in Point Pleasant, Ortley Beach, and Manasquan are often small and boxed in. We specialize in removing load-bearing walls to create the open-concept living space modern families want. If we need to install an LVL or steel beam to support the second floor, we handle the engineering and framing.
We install durable Quartz countertops and Engineered Hardwood flooring that can stand up to sand and wet feet. We also incorporate high-end trends like oversized islands, hidden butler pantries, and warm wood tones mixed with matte black fixtures, built to withstand the humid coastal environment.
Bathroom Renovations
Old bathrooms in Bay Head and Lavallette are notorious for hidden water damage. When we rip out your old tub, we often find rotted subfloors.
We use Schluter Systems waterproofing behind your tile to stop mold before it starts. Whether you want a wet-room style shower for washing off sand or a master bath with a soaking tub, we plumb it, tile it, and vent it properly so humidity doesn’t get trapped in your walls.
We also offer the latest bathroom design trends like warm, earthy palettes (terracotta, beige, sage green) replacing stark whites, natural textures like wood and stone, mixed metals, bold tile patterns, and spa-like sanctuaries with features like steam showers, incorporating biophilic design, and smart tech, while embracing universal design for aging-in-place.
House Lifting & Flood Compliance
If your home is in a FEMA Flood Zone (common in Bay Head and Point Pleasant Beach), you may need to lift it. We manage the entire process. We work with specialized lifting companies to raise the structure, and then we build the new CMU block foundation, install smart flood vents, and build the new entry stairs and decks.
Most importantly, we handle the “50% Rule” compliance. If your renovation costs exceed 50% of your home’s value, the town will force you to lift it. We calculate these numbers upfront so you aren’t blindsided by a forced construction project.
Exterior Renovations (Siding, Decks & Windows)
The salt air in Ocean County eats wood for breakfast. If cedar shakes are curling or vinyl is fading, a full exterior makeover is the solution. Upgrading to James Hardie Fiber Cement and PVC trim (Azek) provides the classic look of wood without the rot.
Composite decks built with Wolf or Trex materials stand up to the harsh sun better than pressure-treated lumber. Hurricane-rated impact windows are essential for handling Nor’easter winds, while a properly sealed home “envelope” stops water leaks and lowers cooling bills during the humid Jersey summer.
Our Renovation Process
Gambrick Construction follows a strict process to make sure your renovation project is legal, safe, and built to last.
1. Feasibility Study (Before We Draw)
Before we look at tile samples, we look at your survey. We check the zoning setbacks, lot coverage limits, and FEMA flood maps for your specific town. In Point Pleasant Beach, the rules are different if you’re on the Ocean, near the Lakes, or in the Library section of town. We tell you exactly what you can and can’t build before you spend money on architectural plans.
2. Design & Permitting
We’re a Design-Build firm, which means we handle the architecture and paperwork. We create the floor plans and submit applications for Zoning Permits, Building Permits, and CAFRA approvals (if you’re on the water).
3. Selections & Ordering (Critical Step)
While the town reviews your permits, we get to work ordering special order long-lead items like Andersen or Marvin windows, custom cabinetry, European tiles, and appliances so there are fewer delays.
4. Demolition & Structural Repair
Once permits are approved, demolition begins. Dust barriers are set up to protect the rest of your home. As the walls come down, any “hidden surprises” like termite damage, mold, or water rot are identified and fixed immediately. Problems aren’t covered up; they’re repaired.
5. Construction, Inspections & Finishes
With the new layout framed, our team installs the mechanicals (plumbing/electric/HVAC) and insulation. We manage all township rough inspections immediately so walls can be closed up without delay. Finishes include mold-resistant drywall and high-quality trim that won’t warp from the salt air. The project isn’t finished until the final Certificate of Occupancy is in your hand.
Testimonials
We asked a few of our recent clients to share what it was like working with us. Here’s what they had to say:
Whole House Renovation | Spring Lake, NJ
★★★★★ “We hired Gambrick for a complete gut renovation and open floor plan conversion. They removed load-bearing walls to open up our kitchen and living space, handling all the structural framing and design work. The result is a modern, high-end home that fits our family perfectly.”
— Tom & Michelle D.
Second Story Add-a-Level | Monmouth County, NJ
★★★★★ “Gambrick managed our second-story addition from start to finish. They handled the architectural plans, permits, and the full build. Adding a master suite level to our cape was a huge project, but they kept everything on schedule and it turned out beautifully.”
— Justin N.
Frequently Asked Questions in Point Pleasant
Can I add a full second story to my ranch in Point Pleasant?
Maybe, but you have to watch out for the “85% Rule” (Ordinance 2025-35). In many shore towns, you cannot just build a giant box on top of your first floor. Your new second floor is often limited to 85% of the heated floor area of the level below it. This is designed to prevent “boxy” McMansions. We design your addition to meet this rule while still maximizing your bedroom count.
Can you work during the summer in Point Pleasant Beach?
It depends on exactly where your house is. If you are East of Ocean Avenue, the town strictly bans commercial construction from Memorial Day to Labor Day to keep the streets quiet for tourists. If you are in the residential zones west of the beach, we can usually work year-round, but parking dumpsters becomes a challenge. We schedule our “noisy” exterior work for the off-season to avoid fines.
How long does it take to get permits?
Right now, Point Pleasant and Manasquan building departments are averaging 3 to 6 weeks for initial review. If your home is on the water and requires a CAFRA permit from the NJ DEP, add a few months. We submit your applications correctly the first time to avoid “kick-backs” that cause delays.
What building materials handle the Jersey Shore weather best?
For a timeless coastal look, natural cedar shake siding is the gold standard here at the beach. If you prefer lower maintenance, we recommend fiber cement siding (like Hardie Board) and PVC trim (like Azek) which look like wood but never rot, warp, or get eaten by termites. For decking, we prefer composite materials like Trex, Timbertech, and Azek, or Ipe, because they resist rot and fading from the intense summer sun and salt air.
Do I need to move out during the renovation?
If we’re doing a Whole Home Gut, yes. Living in a home that’s been stripped to the studs is impossible. However, for Second Story Additions, exterior work, and many other home renovations, you can stay in the house while we work. We seal off the construction zone so you can live where we’re not working.
Service Areas
Gambrick Construction is proudly based in Point Pleasant, NJ. To maintain our high standards of quality control and daily site supervision, our core service area focuses on the coastal communities of Monmouth and Ocean County.
- Point Pleasant Beach & Borough
- Bay Head & Mantoloking
- Manasquan & Brielle
- Spring Lake & Sea Girt
- Brick Township & Toms River
- Wall Township & Howell
- Lavallette & Ortley Beach
- Rumson & Colts Neck
- Princeton (Select Projects)
Statewide Projects: While our daily operations are concentrated along the Jersey Shore, we accept select large-scale custom home and renovation projects throughout New Jersey, including Bergen, Essex, and Mercer Counties, on a case-by-case basis.
Ready to Get Started? Let’s talk about how we can help.
Call 732-892-1386 or contact us online today.