Saturday, July 20, 2013

Building A New Home

Comprehensive steps for building a new home.

Prospective homeowners should give careful consideration to their decisions when planning to build a home. A great home is one that you are happy to wake up in every day, which is efficient in its layout and usage, that is interesting yet practical, and that brings joy into the very basics of living. These 8 steps will help to guide you through the process:

Home Building: Plan and Design

The design process is the most important part of building your new home. No matter how good your blueprints are, no matter how competent your builder, your plan must be well thought out and logically developed to ensure a well constructed home that meets your needs, your lifestyle and your unique characteristics. A great home is one that you are happy to wake up in every day, which is efficient in its layout and usage, that is interesting yet practical, and that brings joy into the very basics of living.

It involves using creativity and visualization to look at the origin of your likes and dislikes and it involves honest communication with others: your spouse and/or children, your designer and builders, and your banker. Take the time to discuss compromises and different options. Visualize your finished home from the inside out, the feel of each room, corner and hallway-in short, what it will be like to live in.

Home Building: Regulation

Often there are many regulatory requirements that affect your project, from zoning to allowable setbacks, buildable area, height restrictions, sewage disposal, water and utilities.

Home Building: Budget

Too many people travel far down the road to their dream home only to find out that they can’t afford it, many times after construction is finished. Not only is it important to be perfectly clear about the overall cost of the home you wish to build, but of course, the amount of the monthly mortgage payment (factoring in for times of higher interest rates) and the effect on your overall life cash flow. And it is important not to include construction costs only.

There are additional ‘soft’ costs such as design and engineering fees, surveying, driveway and landscaping, septic fields, and building permit fees or development charges.

Home Building: Technical Aspects

Don’t leave out such things as constraints offered by the building site: access, wind and sun exposure, and septic field capacity.

Home Building: Evaluation

Assign areas where rooms will be, look at access and circulation, and begin assigning a budget. Undertake the difficult but extremely important step of matching your dream with the reality of your financial situation. It is important to build with unforeseen costs and extra spending for special features in mind. It may be necessary at this stage, to modify. Double up the function of a couple of rooms, eliminate some rooms entirely, finish the basement at a later date, tighten up the entire floor plan. The importance of this step cannot be over-emphasized. These are the critical decisions that still allow you to have the well designed and beautiful home you want at a price you can afford. At this point you may not have even looked at floor plans nor put pencil to paper. But you are well on the road to having an exceptional home.

Home Building: Drawing Process

This phase is best left up to a professional architect or building designer. It is helpful to both you and your service professional for you to right down some of your thoughts on paper and have a rough idea of what you want.

The professional you work with will help you establish relationships between the various rooms, help choose the primary orientation and the general feel of the home. This is the initial step to creating blueprints and should be reviewed many times by both the architect/building designer and yourself, the client. This is the time to make changes and add detail, because once the schematic drawings are finalized, it becomes much more costly to make changes so it is wise to spend extra time getting it right at the beginning.

Home Building: Design Development

Next comes the technical side of design; attaching exact dimensions to each room, calculating wall heights, roof pitches and stair details, construction methods, etc. Your home is definitely beginning to take shape.

Home Building: Working Drawings

There is little opportunity to make plan changes at this point, which become more expensive, but of course, less expensive than changes during construction. These drawings may include detailed specifications for materials and construction and schedules for doors, windows, and finishes.

Structural engineers specialize in the design of buildings, including residential housing.

Whenever there are modifications or repairs done to existing construction, or framing for additional space, a structural engineer will be part of the picture. Their services also are needed for altering roof structures, such as adding trusses. Structural engineers can be contracted through the architect or builder, but often the homeowner contacts an engineer directly. When doing so, it’s important to make sure the structural engineer is registered, professionally licensed through the state.

What Does a Structural Engineer Do?

The structural engineer will make a site visit to evaluate the desired modifications, look at original structure plans, and assess the impact. Depending on the project, he’ll do some measuring, and possibly some surveying, particularly if perimeter drainage issues are involved or if soil has washed away from the foundation. Each construction project requires a structural engineer to employ different research. Factors such as wind speed, snow loads and occupancy loads must be considered along with the plans detailed in the architectural drawings.

What Should You Discuss with a Structural Engineer?

Before the site visit, homeowners should know exactly what kind of construction project they want as well as how quickly they would like it done.

What a Draftsperson Does

As homeowners search for the house of their dreams, they may end up finding a house plan in a newspaper, order plans from a magazine, or just have an idea of what they would like based on houses they have been in. Getting those ideas on paper and having blueprints drawn to give to contractors, however, is a job that few homeowners attempt themselves. Since most municipalities do not require that construction plans for single-family dwellings be done by a registered architect or engineer, a draftsman is likely to be able to put your ideas down on paper at a lower cost.

If you have a set of plans you purchased from a magazine or other source, the draftsman can also make modifications to meet your needs and/or satisfy local building codes in order to get a building permit. A draftsman can also take the plans to structural engineers or other licensed professionals to be stamped if a particular element in the building should need special consideration. Draftspersons can also make drawings of existing buildings if needed, such as to apply for building permits to make modifications.

The Modern Draftsman

Once, a draftsperson’s plans were all drawn by hand, but now (as with many aspects of modern life) the computer has entered the field to allow drafting to be done more quickly and accurately. The latest Computer Aided Drafting & Design (CADD) software can do 3D renderings and drafting which includes floor plans and elevations as well as plumbing and electrical plans to meet the standards set by the UBC, BNBC, BOCA and SBC building codes.

Although private individuals may not need plans for a single residence to be drawn on computer, it is frequently required for larger commercial and governmental jobs. It is also easier to make changes to drawings created on computer and send them electronically, if needed. Therefore draftspersons are often asked to convert plans on paper to a CAD program for future use.

Draftsman vs. Architect

While an architect’s main function is to design and oversee, a draftsperson’s job is mainly to sketch out the designs. If you are looking to construct a truly custom house from scratch, you’ll probably end up needing the skills of an architect or a structural engineer. Draftsmen are simply not as thoroughly trained in the design aspect of home planning, though making alterations to existing plans and sketching out ideas is well within their field.

Checklist: Recommended Questions to Ask Your Architect

Each architect has an individual style, design approach, and work method. So it’s important to find an architect who is compatible with your style and needs. Here are some questions to determine the right architect for you:

What does the architect see as important issues or considerations in your project? What are the challenges of the project?
How will he/she approach your project?
How busy is his/her schedule?
Who is your point-of-contact at the architecture firm? Is that the same person who will be designing the project?
How does the architect establish fees?
How much will your project cost?
What will you be expected to provide, if anything?
Will you see models, drawings, or computer animations to help explain the project?
What services does the architect provide during construction?

General Contracting Services

General contractors are responsible for managing all aspects of your project, including hiring and supervising subcontractors, getting building permits, ordering supplies, and scheduling inspections. These contractors oversee all the subcontractors, such as plumbers, carpenters, and painters, to ensure that the job is done efficiently and to your satisfaction. They will act as your main contact throughout the project, and should be able to both explain any step of the work you need to know about as well as communicate your specific ideas for the project to the appropriate service provider.

Benefits of Hiring a General Contractor

Hiring a general contractor is usually done for convenience and efficiency. In nearly any circumstance, these contractors will save you time, probably several days, on the project’s duration. The hassle of having half a dozen contractors in your home is a bad enough, but without a guiding force, it can quickly become a nightmare. A project that should take only three days might end taking three weeks simply from scheduling and re-scheduling various subcontractors.

The overall effect on the project’s cost is less clear. Like with most things, time is money in the home improvement industry. Many subcontractors will charge a higher rate or charge per hour when they have to coordinate their work on a large project directly through the homeowner. Moreover, general contracting services also usually include access to products bought in bulk that individual homeowners might have to purchase at a higher price. This will get you a better deal on materials, and will give your job the customized look you desire. Yet, general contracting services also tend to add a 10-20% surcharge to the project’s cost, a reasonable fee, but one that should make homeowners at least consider forgoing these services.

Source of this article: www.homeadvisor.com

www.brunebuilt.com

Friday, July 12, 2013

Sandy-Damaged Homes in NJ Starting to Be Leveled

About 3,000 of the estimated 300,000 New Jersey homes that received some storm damage will be torn down.

Along the New Jersey shore this year, the sounds of summer include earth-moving equipment still cleaning up the devastation wrought last year by Sandy.

Officials say knocking down the homes that are too damaged to repair is a key part of the rebuilding process.

“We can’t start rebuilding until we get the demolition done,” Environmental Protection Commissioner Bob Martin said Wednesday during a tour of demolition being done in two barrier-island communities slammed by the storm.

Martin said about 3,000 of the estimated 300,000 New Jersey homes that received some storm damage will be torn down. So far, about 500 have been razed and many more will be soon.

In one program run by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the federal government pays 90 percent of demolition costs, with towns picking up the rest. So far, that program is being used in Brick and Toms River, and five other communities are in various stages of joining.

In the Normandy Beach section of Toms River, Rich and Janine Hennion watched and took pictures as an equipment operator knocked down their five-bedroom beachfront second home like it was a model, tossing aside a water heater, washer and dryer and a prized autographed photo of Larry Bird. The house, leaning back toward the beach, was in such bad shape that the owners never had a chance to get anything out after the storm.

“We’ve got to tear is down before we rebuild,” Rich Hennion said. “It’s a step in the right direction.”

The couple, who also live in Totowa, were planning to meet with an architect later Wednesday to plan their replacement house.

Martin said the state is pushing rebuilding quickly while maintaining environmental standards.

“We can walk and chew gum at the same time,” he said.

Source By Geoff Mulvihill at www.nbcnewyork.com

www.brunebuilt.com

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Jersey Shore Summer 2013 Beach Guide

The Jersey Shore Summer 2013 Beach Guide by the Brick Patch.

Hurricane Sandy has come, and is long gone. Behind it, the worst storm in the Jersey Shore’s history left broken boardwalks, boarded-up businesses and a cloud of uncertainty for the region’s tourism economy.

One summer later, the Jersey Shore is still not completely there, and its year-round residents are still struggling with the recovery process. But for many, it’s back; and in some places, it may be better than ever.

While certain access points and facilities might be closed as municipalities continue to work on restoration, for the most part, the beaches will be operational.

So as you prepare to stick your toes in the sand, are you wondering what will be accessible after Sandy? Need to know how much it will cost to buy badges to your favorite beach? Curious on where to park, if your dog is allowed on the boards, if you have to head back to the car for food and drink? All the answers are right here.

Just click on the beach names below or on the right for full information on the Jersey Shore’s beaches. Return for updates throughout the summer, as the guide may continuously change due to rebuilding efforts.

OCEAN COUNTY

Barnegat Light

Barnegat Light sustained much less damage to the beaches during Sandy than other Long Beach Island towns. The home to ‘Old Barney’ can offer the relaxation of a classic day at the beach with maybe a pinch of history when the sunbathing is done.

Seasonal beach badges are available for $25 until June 15, and after that the price is $35. Senior citizens can purchase a seasonal pass for $10. Weekly badges $20 while the daily rate is $5 per person. Children under 12 are admitted for free. There is also a $1 per badge charge for any badges that are purchased on the beach.

Badges are currently on sale at Borough Hall, located at 10 East 7th Street. The municipal building is open from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Beach badges can also be purchased at a booth on West 11th Street.

For more information call the park office at 609-494-2016.

Bay Head

Plans are in the works for full restoration to the “country village by the sea.” As construction progresses, there may be days where there is not full access to every beach access point.

Bay Head offers active and passive recreation, swimming, watersports and shopping.

Seasonal beach badges are $70, with a half-season priced at $45. Beach-goers 12 and older are charged $7 for daily passes while those 12 and younger are free.

Badges can be purchased by contacting Bay Head Improvement Associates, Mount Street (next to Scow Ditch), P.O. Box 42, Bay Head, NJ 08742.

For more information, call 732-892-4179.

Beach Haven

Although much work remains to be done, months of rebuilding efforts following Sandy have helped bring many popular attractions in Long Beach Island’s Queen City back to life.

Beach Haven is one of the most popular locations on Long Beach Island, with the Fantasy Island arcade and Thundering Surf Water Park in addition to beach and restaurants.

Seasonal badges are $30 until June 22 and $40 starting June 23. Weekly badges are $20; daily badges are $5. Children 12 and under, adults 65 and over and active duty military personnel can use the beach for free. Those 65 and older must get a special permanent badge by visiting the Beach Badge Office; military personnel must show ID.

The order form is available online.

Brick

Brick boasts three family-friendly beaches on the Barnegat Peninsula, with one set aside for fishing. All of the township’s public beaches have reopened after suffering damage from Superstorm Sandy, though the oceanfront area south of Beach III remains off-limits to beachgoers.

Seasonal badges are $25 before June 15 and $30 after June 15 and are good for Brick Township’s three ocean beaches along Route 35 and the bathing area at Windward Beach Park on Princeton Avenue. A daily wristband is $5. There are no weekly badges sold. Children under 12 are admitted free.

Badges and parking stickers can be purchased at the township recreation office at Civic Plaza, 270 Chambers Bridge Road.

Harvey Cedars

Between early June and August, 1,000 feet of beachfront along Harvey Cedars will be closed for a replenishment project following Superstorm Sandy.

Tucked away on the northern end of Long Beach Island, the small town of Harvey Cedars can provide a relaxing and quiet beach experience with both bay and ocean beaches to choose from.

Seasonal passes are $30 in the preseason and $40 after June 15. Senior citizens, ages 65 and older, may get a seasonal pass for $9. Weekly badges also are offered at a rate of $20. There is a day rate of $6. Badges are currently on sale at Borough Hall, which is located at 7606 Long Beach Blvd.

More information call 609-361-6000 or 609-361-9733.

Island Beach State Park

Superstorm Sandy may have walloped Island Beach State Park last fall, but lifeguards will be on duty at Bathing Beach 2 in time for Memorial Day weekend.

The 3,003-acre Island Beach State Park has two ocean beaches, surfishing, hiking, kayaking on Barnegat Bay and the nearby Sedge Islands and much more.

Island Beach State Park charges a per vehicle daily fee rather than beach badges. New Jersey residents pay $6 on weekdays and $10 on weekends for park access from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Visitors from out of state pay $10 on weekdays and $20 on weekends.

Call 732-793-0506 for more information.

Lacey Township

While not oceanfront, Lacey boasts four beaches that will open Sunday, June 16: Cedar Creek Beach on Forrest Avenue in Lanoka Harbor, Bamber Lake Beach in Bamber Lake, Deerhead Lake Beach on Deerhead Lake Drive in Forked River and Lake Barnegat Beach on Lakeside Drive in Forked River.

Beach badges are $5 and are required for those older than 7. Badges will be available starting June 1 in the Recreation Office. Proof of residency is required. Badges will be required starting Saturday, June 25. Call 609-693-1100, ext. 2203 for more information.

Lavallette

Lavallette was not as badly damaged by Superstorm Sandy compared to some surrounding municipalities. The borough has both an active ocean beach and bay scene. Activities on the beach include swimming, surfing and ocean kayaking.

Pre-season badges are available through June 17 for $35. Starting June 18, seasonal passes are $45 per person, $7 daily. Visitors 65 and older, disabled and military personnel are offered passes at $14 per season. Badges are free for children younger than 12.

For more information, call 732-793-2566.

Long Beach

Long Beach Township’s 12 miles of oceanfront makes up much of LBI. Whether you are taking part in Brant Beach’s post-Sandy reopening festival, the Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts in Loveladies, frequenting the township’s many boutiques, mini-golf courses and restaurants, there is always something to do here.

Beach badges are $30 for the season when purchased before June 15; $40 when purchased June 15 and later. Weekly badge is $20 and daily badge $5. Children younger than 12 are free. Senior citizen badge is $5. Badges can be purchased at the Beach Badge Office on 68th Street in Brant Beach, next to town hall.

For more information, call the town hall at 609-361-1000.

Mantoloking

Mantoloking’s beaches remain off limits to the public following Superstorm Sandy. Officials have not set a date as to when the beach may reopen, though they have acknowledged that they will attempt to open it at some point this summer.

Ortley Beach

Though ravaged by Superstorm Sandy, Toms River officials said that only a section of Ortley Beach will be restored and open for recreation this summer.

This year, beach badges will remain $35 all season — they will not increase to $50 as in years past. Daily badges cost $7 and $8 on the weekends, and are available at beach entrances. Children under 12 are free. Toms River residents age 62 and older are entitled to a lifetime senior beach pass for free.

Only senior passes can be purchased at the Toms River Recreation Administration Building, 1810 Warren Point Road. Seasonal and daily badges will be available for sale only at the beach.

For more information, call 732-341-1000 Ext. 8415.

Point Pleasant

The private entities that own the most popular beaches in Point Pleasant Beach are assuring the public that the beaches and the ocean are safe and clean.

The ever-popular Point Pleasant Beach offers five bathing beaches, with boardwalk, shops and restaurants to be found throughout the Beach and Point Borough.

For specific beach badge prices at the five beaches — Jenkinson’s, Risden’s, Martell’s, Bradshaw’s and the Maryland Avenue beach — click the link above.

Seaside Heights

Following Superstorm Sandy, the borough became known for its destroyed boardwalk, the iconic photo of the Jet Star roller coaster sitting in the ocean and a visit from Britain’s Prince Harry.

The borough’s entire boardwalk will be rebuilt by Memorial Day, the beaches are open, essentially all of the boardwalk attractions are back, and even Casino Pier’s rides are returning one-by-one as the pier is rebuilt.

Seasonal beach passes are $50. Daily passes cost $6, and children younger than 12 are always free.

Lifetime beach badges for seniors 65 and older are available for $10 and must be purchased at Borough Hall. Borough Hall is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. It’s located at 901 Boulevard.

For additional questions, contact Borough Hall at (732) 793-9100.

Seaside Park

Though Jenkinson’s officials have vowed to reopen Casino Pier by this summer, Funtown’s tourist season is likely lost. Ownership has said it would like to welcome visitors back next summer, however.

Seasonal beach badges for Seaside Park are $50 until June 14, $55 as of June 15. Seasonal badges for seniors 65 and older cost $20. Weekly badges are $35 while daily are $10.

Pre-season beach badges can be purchased at the Seaside Park Police Department located at 6th and Central Avenues. Badge sale hours are Monday through Wednesday and Friday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cash or check only.

Badges can also be purchased at the Bathhouse on the corner of ‘N Street’ and Ocean Avenue Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For more information, call 732-793-3700.

South Seaside Park

Island Beach packed? Seaside Heights just a bit too much for you? Head over to White Sands Beach in South Seaside Park.

Pre-season beach badges will go on sale from May 28 to June 14 at the Berkeley Township Recreation Center at 630 Route 9 South in Bayville. The pre-season rate is $30, the same as last year. Starting June 15, post-season badges can be purchased at the 23rd Avenue lifeguard stand for $35.

Ship Bottom

As crews work up and down Long Beach Island to get the beach ready, Ship Bottom, which serves as the island’s gateway – is the hub of it all.

Ship Bottom’s immediate neighbor to the north, Surf City, is billed as one of the Jersey Shore’s most family-friendly destinations. The 25-block-long town on Long Beach Island boasts ocean and bay beaches, noted eateries and (as of summer 2012) two miniature golf courses.

Beach badges are $30 for the season when purchased before May 31; after that it’s $40 for a seasonal badge. Weekly badge is $20 and daily badge $5. Children younger than 12 and seniors 65 and older are free. Badges can be purchased at the town hall, 1621 Long Beach Boulevard.

For more information, call 609-494-3064.

Surf City

Although some repairs – including a planned beach replenishment project – are slated throughout Surf City this summer following, town officials note that the beaches will be open on schedule.

Beach badges are $25 for the season when purchased before May 31; after that it’s $35 for a seasonal badge. Weekly badge is $17 and daily badge $6. Children younger than 12 and seniors 65 and older are free. Badges can be purchased at the town hall, 813 Long Beach Boulevard.

For more information, call 609-494-3064.

MONMOUTH COUNTY

Asbury Park

Its boardwalk fixed and spirits high, Asbury Park is back in business and ready for summer 2013.

Asbury Park offers something for everyone, from the beautiful beach to live music to great restaurants.

Seasonal beach badges cost $70 for adults and $20 for seniors and teens. Weekday passes are $5 with the cost for weekends and holidays going up to $6.

Avon by the Sea

Pavilions were demolished after Hurricane Sandy damage and Avon has rebuilt its boardwalk throughout winter.

A tiny seaside hamlet on the north side of the Shark River Inlet, Avon-By-The-Sea boasts a total land area of just 4/10 of a square mile.

Beach badges for the season cost $90 for adults and $45 for seniors and young adults (12-18). Children under the age of 12 are free, and daily passes can be purchased for $9.

For more information call 732-502-4510.

Belmar

The ever-popular Belmar offers beaches that stretch for more than a mile, attracting locals and tourists alike.

Heavily damaged in Hurricane Sandy, the borough continues to rebuild, and was one of the first to complete its boardwalk months after the storm.

Beach badges are $50 for a seasonal pass; $15 for seniors; $7 daily; free for children 15 and younger and active duty military and their families. Badges are on sale at Borough Hall, 601 Main St., until Memorial Day weekend and at boardwalk ticket booths thereafter.

For more information, call 732-681-3700.

Bradley Beach

A popular location on the shore, Bradley Beach can trace its roots back to the 1600s.

Seasonal beach badges are $70 for adults; $30 seniors (62 and older); $25 juniors (ages 14-15); free for children 13 and younger. Daily passes are $8.

Badges are required on weekends beginning Memorial Day weekend; daily starting June 20, through Labor Day. Badges are on sale at town hall, located at 701 Main St. They can only be purchased with cash or check, and there are no mail transactions. Checks should be made payable to the Borough of Bradley Beach.

Deal

Deal, a small Shore town, offers a public beach and private access at the Deal Casino Bathing Club.

The main, public beach at Conover Pavilion costs $6 on weekdays and $7 on weekdays and holidays. Children under 12 are free. Call 732-531-0404 for more information.

Loch Arbour

Loch Arbour’s beautiful beaches are open.

Seasonal beach badge prices: cost $90 for adults, $50 for seniors and children 12 and younger are free. Daily beach badge prices are $5 on weekdays, $8 on weekends and holidays. Visit www.locharbournj.us or call 732-531-4740 for more information.

Long Branch

Due to Hurricane Sandy, Long Branch will have no boardwalk south of Pier Village this summer, but there will still be temporary access points.

Visitors to Long Branch can enjoy several beaches while shopping and enjoying restaurants at Pier Village as well as Long Branch’s West End.

Seasonal badge badges are free for kids 13 and younger; $30 for kids 14-17; $45 for adults; and free for seniors. Daily badges are free for those 13 and younger; $3 for children 14-17; $5 for adults on weekdays, $7 on weekends; and free for seniors. For more information, contact the Long Branch Recreation Department at 732-571-6545.

Manasquan

The southernmost beach in Monmouth County, Manasquan is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. With several miles of beachfront, Manasquan is a great destination for surfers, fishermen or anyone looking for fun in the sun.

Beach badges are $70 for a seasonal pass; $8 daily. Senior citizen badges for ages 65 and older are $25. Children from 12 to 16 are $35, and children younger than 12 are free (birth certificates required). Required on weekends beginning Memorial Day weekend and daily after June 16. They can be purchased, cash only, at the Beach Office.

For more information, call the Beach Office at 732-223-2514.

Monmouth Beach

Monmouth Beach’s small slice of beachfront took a hard hit from Hurricane Sandy, but the word is that the beach will be open by Memorial Day and ready for visitors.

Referred to by locals as “Little Monmouth,” Monmouth Beach’s public beach has forever been nestled in a spot right on Ocean Avenue between the historic, prestigious and private Monmouth Beach Club and Long Branch’s North End Beach, which is known as a surfer haven.

Season beach passes can be purchased for $75, daily admission is $9 and children, 12 and under, are admitted free. Seasonal passes are available at Borough Hall; and, daily passes can be purchased at the South End Bathing Pavilion. Lifeguards are stationed at the beach from 9:30 a.m to 5:10 p.m.

Ocean Grove

Ocean Grove’s boardwalk and beachfront are set to open on schedule, although damaged sections of the boardwalk have been removed and direct beach access points will be created by Memorial Day.

Daily beach badges are $8. There also is a weekly pass that can be purchased for $40 while a seasonal badge will cost $80. A youth season badge for ages 12 to 17 is $75 while the senior citizen season badge for those 65 and older are $40. Children younger than 12 are free with an adult.

Badges can be purchased at the beach office on the boardwalk across from the fishing pier. More information can be found by going to www .oceangrove .org or calling 732-988-5533.

Sandy Hook

Part of the National Park System’s Gateway National Recreation Area, Sandy Hook was battered badly by Hurricane Sandy. But it’s back and the recipient of a major road repair project and revamped buildings.

Sandy Hook is home to miles of beach and much more. “The Hook,” as it is referred to by locals, also houses vast nature trails and wildlife observatories as well as the historic Fort Hancock and the Sandy Hook Theater at its tip.

While actual admission to the beach at Sandy Hook is free, parking fees are charged per car/carload. Admission fees for the entire season are $75 per car. Daily admission is $15 per car ($25 for oversized vehicles). Seniors are charged 50 perent of the regular seasonal rate of $75. Daily and/or seasonal passes may be purchased at the park’s manned entrance plaza.

Sea Bright

Sea Bright Public Beach, once revamped from Sandy’s devastation, will again offer lifeguards and rescue personnel, outdoor showers and restroom facilities.

The public beach is a short walk away from several downtown restaurants, ranging from from casual to elegant, as well as Donovan’s Reef, a popular beach-goer’s summer hang-out, replete with a beach tiki bar.

Beach fees for the season are $95, $35 for seniors (65 and over). Children are admitted free. Daily entrance fees, including weekends, are $7. Tags may be purchased at the beach entrances or at the small beach badge house in the municipal parking lot on Ocean Avenue.

Sea Girt

Repairs from Hurricane Sandy are well under way and are not expected to impact visitors this season.

Nestled between Spring Lake and Manasquan, Sea Girt has a 1.75-mile stretch of beach featuring a beautiful boardwalk and a historic lighthouse.

Beach badges are $105 for a seasonal pass; $10 daily. Senior citizen badges for ages 65 and older are $55. Children 12 and younger and all active duty military and their immediate family are free. Required on weekends beginning Memorial Day weekend and daily after June 16 through Labor Day.

They can be purchased, cash only, at the Main Pavilion and other designated areas along the beachfront from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call 732-449-9335.

Seven Presidents Beach

Known for its ecological habitat, beach badges are available for purchase at Thompson Park in Lincroft and Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park in Long Branch.

Season admission badges are $45 for ages 13-17; $65 for adults 18 to 64; and $25 for adults 65 and older. Season parking passes are $65. (Mid-season rates are available after August 1.)

Spring Lake

For a quiet day at the beach, consider Spring Lake, which features the longest stretch of non-commercial boardwalk in the state.

Beach badges are $105 for a seasonal pass; $65 for late season — Memorial Day Weekend through July 31 and Aug. 1 through Labor Day; $10 daily. Children aged 11 and younger are free.

Call 732-449-0800 ext. 631 for more information.

ATLANTIC COUNTY

Atlantic City

Atlantic City not only boasts casinos and entertainment, it features the exceedingly rare free beach experience.

Surfing, kayaking and windsurfing are allowed on certain beaches in the resort, while there are numerous areas to fish. Click above for more.

Brigantine

Even as Brigantine Beach recovers from the impact of Superstorm Sandy, those visiting the barrier island community won’t notice major damage either on the beach or in their pricing.

Atlantic City visitors looking to escape the city for a nearby beach experience can head to Brigantine, which boasts beautiful beaches and sport activities.

Seasonal beach badges are currently available for $15. The price increases to $18 on June 1. Badges for senior citizens ages 60 to 64 are $8, and senior citizens ages 65 and older are free. Active military personnel also can get beach badges for free. Weekly passes are available for $14, and the daily rate is $8 per person.

Badges are currently on sale at the Brigantine Beach Community Center, 265 42nd St., Brigantine. For more information about beach badges, call Beach Patrol Headquarters at 609-266-5233 or the Beach Fee Office at 609-264-7350.

Longport

Repairs continue to be done to bulkheads and beach steps, but with no boardwalk and no amusement rides to become stranded in the water, residents will notice minimal damage to Longport.

Beach badges are currently on sale, and are $15 for adults between the ages of 12 and 64, and $5 for seniors, ages 65 and over. After June 16, all badges are $30.

Margate

Outside of some minor construction, residents will notice minimal damage, the return of virtually all business and prices remain steady in Margate.

Badges can be purchased prior to June 1 for $7 for the season, and $3.50 for Seasonal Senior Citizens badges. After May 31, badges are available at a rate of $15 for the Season. Weekly badges are available for $10.

Ventnor

Outside of a few minor improvements, residents will notice minimal damage, and prices remain steady in Ventnor, and the island will be ready once the season begins.

Badges can be purchased at Ventnor City Hall, Beach Patrol Headquarters, the Ventnor Fishing Pier, or on the Beach by any Beach Badge Inspector.

CAPE MAY COUNTY

Avalon

Beautiful, natural coastline has handicap access, tennis courts and boat ramps. Beach fees for pre-season (beginning May 31) are $21; and a season tag is $26. Weekly beach fees: (Saturday-Saturday) $12; daily $6.

Cape May

Like much of the county, Cape May was largely spared from the bulk of Hurricane Sandy’s wrath with the county proudly exclaiming that it’s not only open for business, but ready to provide visitors with the same experience as years past.

Cape May is known for its Victorian architecture, and it’s a favorite spot for bird watchers. With spots from Higbee Beach to Poverty Beach, Cape May is a beach-lovers’ paradise.

Beach fees: pre-season (thru 3/30) $15; seasonal $28; weekly (Saturday-Saturday) $15; three-day $10; daily $6; children under 12 are free.

Cape May Point

Damage to Point’s beaches from Hurricane Sandy was minimal when compared to other, more northerly beaches and has not negatively impacted the town’s expectations.

Beach fees: pre-season $22 (May 1 thru May 31); seasonal $27 (starting June 1), weekly $17, daily $7.

North Wildwood

Though less popular with tourists than its southern neighbor with its huge beach and amusement piers, North Wildwood is nevertheless a great destination for shore visitors. Beaches are free.

Ocean City

“America’s Greatest Family Resort” features eight miles of beaches and a boardwalk packed with shops and amusements.

Discounted seasonal beach tags are on sale now and cost $20 if purchased by May 31. On June 1, the price goes up to $25. Weekly beach tags are $10, and daily beach tags cost $5.

Beach tags are required for visitors ages 12 and older and will be required June 8 to Sept. 2 this year.

Sea Isle City

Despite suffering some damage during Hurricane Sandy, including flooding, the town has proudly declared itself open for business with the advertising campaign slogan “Summer 2013 We’re Ready.”

Sea Isle is known as a hot spot for fans of night-life activities and natural beaches, but also serves a destination for families with its amusements and rides.

Beach Fees: pre-Season (thru 5/15) $20; seasonal $25, weekly $10, daily $5, children under 12 free. Wednesday is free beach day, with no tags required on Wednesdays.

Stone Harbor

Boasting small town charm, as well as a quaint shopping district and great restaurants – as well as the town’s annual seasfood festival – Stone Harbor is a popular beach destination during the summer season.

Beach fees: seasonal before May 31st – $21; after May 31st – $26; weekly $12, daily $6.

Wildwood

Wildwood, thanks in part to its receding beaches, did not suffer significant flood damage during Hurricane Sandy and has declared itself ready for the season.

Wildwood is one of New Jersey’s most popular shore destinations for families with its huge – and free – beaches, its long, wide boardwalk – as well as its famous tram cars – and its unparalleled amusements, including Morey’s Piers.

Wildwood Crest

Wildwood Crest is a bedroom community to Wildwood, offering a place for tourists who have spilled over from its neighbor or those who are looking for a more serene Wildwood beach experience.

Though light on amusements and attractions when compared to Wildwood, Crest, like Wildwood and North Wildwood, offers free beach access as well as entertainment throughout the summer.

Source by: brick.patch.com