My name is Bob Sharpe and my company is Sharpe Construction. I specialize in new home construction, primarily on Long Beach Island. I have been involved in every aspect of new home construction and renovations for the past 25 years on Long Beach Island and the surrounding mainland communities. I live in West Creek, NJ (otherwise known as the mainland in these parts) with my wife and 3 children. West Creek is a small rural community in Eagleswood Township which is southwest of Long Beach Island and about a 15 minute drive to Long Beach Island.

     I have built approximately 25 new homes on Long Beach Island in just the last few years. I am currently in the process of completing two new homes on Long Beach Island at this time, they are as follows: #20 E7th St in Beach Haven and #9W 17th St in North Beach Haven.  I am very proud of the fact that long after these homes are completed I continue to have an ongoing relationship with my clients. "Every job is a referral." I get great satisfaction in checking in with my clients periodically to see how they are doing and to follow up on anything in general that may need to be addressed. I pride myself on my quality of workmanship and attention to detail. My approach in construction is in exhibiting the ability to adapt to the constant and ever changing situations which occur on a daily basis in the building business. I refuse to compromise on the quality of a home that I build or take so called short cuts. I use quality and time proven methods, products and materials on my jobs. As the saying goes, "If it ain't broke don't fix it." I am constantly researching the building trade as far as new techniques, material and products and always keep an open mind as to new ideas and suggestions. You do have to keep up with the times and constantly stay on top of things. At the same time, I am in no big hurry or will not rush to use the latest and greatest products or materials when they are first introduced. Let someone else experiment with them or work the bugs out. New does not always equate with best. I prefer dealing with things that have proven themselves over time. I have a reputation to protect that I have built upon over the years. I do not want unnecessary call backs for problems that could have been avoided early on or any unhappy customers. I have worked hard over the years to maintain a high degree of standards and professionalism in my line of work and my reputation in the construction business means everything to me.

     I feel what really sets me apart from many of the other area builders is that I really am a builder and yes  I do actually build. I am hands on during every stage, phase and aspect of the job. Any trades people or sub-contractors that I use during the building process have been with me for years and continue to be because they meet my standards or criteria and share my work ethic. I am proud to say I am a builder not a "developer". The difference being a developer usually can be found sitting in an office all day scheduling things, making phone calls or manipulating a calculator. They are trying to figure out how to charge for extras, upgrades or change orders.  This always will run up the cost of the build in the end. They are basically a glorified organizer or scheduler not hands on in the field. I am always on the job site with my tool belt on, building and making decisions on the job as they arise. I can make changes as needed, when needed. I have an excellent working relationship with many of the architects on the Island. I am involved constantly with changes and improvements during the building process and confer with the architect and homeowner on a regular basis. I have worked with all of the building departments and construction officials on and off the Island. If you are not familiar with them and what is expected as far as the local building codes and zoning you are headed for problems which is what happens to many builders from out of this area that come down for the first time and attempt to get the process started. I am not saying that builders from out of the area are not qualified to build here. There are unique conditions and special circumstances attributed to this specific area that must be recognized, known and adhered to when building on a barrier island or in close proximity to the coastline. Building and zoning laws in addition to local ordinances are constantly changing. Many local builders and architects have had their their hands full dealing with these issues sometimes on a daily basis. Someone from out of the area that is unfamiliar with these circumstances would be out of their element and way in over their heads in no time. I have on occasion been approached by builders from out of the area that had started a build on the island and their project had been stopped by the local building departments for various reasons. Usually, it was a building code or zoning violation and were looking for advice or guidance on how to handle the situation. The bottom line, just know that mistakes are usually very costly and result in lengthy delays. The best advice I can give is not only to take the time to get to know the builder you may decide on but also what subcontractors does he use for various phases of the job?. How long have they been in business or with him? Are they from the area and know what they are doing? Are they reputable or simply low bidders and what does that say about the quality of the work on your home that you will be getting in the end?       

     I put everything up front in writing in a simple and easy to understand contract form for my customers. I will not low bid a job just to secure a contract. This does happen from time to time in this area and then the customer is hit near the end of a job with a large "EXTRAS" charge or overruns so just beware when negotiating any contract. My policy is to keep things simple and as uncomplicated as possible. Everything is spelled out and addressed. Any changes are noted up front and are agreed to in writing by myself and the customer in the form of a change order. No work is done unless it is agreed to by all parties and signed off on. The building process does not have to be a stressful or traumatic event. I know that I am not the least expensive nor am I the most expensive builder in the area. I do strive to be competitive with other quality builders in the area. I am a firm believer that you get what you pay for. I do not get every job that I bid on, no one does and that is for a variety of reasons. Some potential customers have asked if I could bid a job cheaper or match a cheaper bid from another builder. I am not a low bid contractor. I try to work within a certain framework and guidelines when bidding on a job. I will not compromise the integrity of a job with inferior materials, products or workmanship. This only leads to disaster in the end and no one is happy. I will move on to another job versus lowering my standards. I encourage customers to educate themselves to as much of the building process as possible. Everyone gains from this, the homeowner and the builder both benefit greatly. Remember, any builder can make a home look attractive or dress it up at the completed stage. It is what is usually referred to as curb appeal. A home is so much more than the cosmetics or amenities. To get years of enjoyment from your new home and for it to appreciate in value it will always be about how well the home is built, the quality of materials and products used and the attention to detail. Many times people that buy or build a home do not know what they are getting into until it is too late and they are locked into a bad purchase or contract. I feel one of my strongest attributes is communication with a client. I break down the entire building process from the very beginning to the very end. This leaves no doubt as what to expect and what is involved keeping everyone informed at all times. Everyone wants the best value for their money.

     I work hard to insure the job comes in on time and at the agreed upon contract price. If there are any additional charges my clients know this up front and way in advance, no last minute surprises. Not all changes come with a hefty price tag and many can be made during the construction process within reason and sometimes without even incurring additional costs. I always weigh out all of my options and keep things within perspective concerning a build. I always try to maintain a degree of flexibility and keep an open mind. The biggest factor in customer relations is getting back to the customer in a reasonable and acceptable amount of time. Listening to a customers input is paramount to a successful relationship and the lines of communication should always be kept open. Customer satisfaction is what I strive for and "every job should be a referral". I furnish references and testimonials upon request. I hope this information has given you a little insight as to who I am, the type of home I build and what I expect from myself and my company as a building professional. Good luck on any future decisions you may make regarding a new home or renovation. If I can be of any service feel free to contact me at any time at my business number (609) 296-3509 or e-mail me at bobthebuilderlbi@verizon.net. Thanks for visiting my website.

                                                                           Bob Sharpe