Dream Homes Ltd.
Atlantic Northeast Construction LLC
Nearly Famous Rebuilding Blog –
1-27-17
Hi Sandsters –
Hope all is well with you today.
Today I’ve got a ton of stuff for you. I have a recap of the last week, which was filled with seminars, awards, social engagements and events. (Quite a bit more activity than I am used to, but now that I have my Golden Hometown Hero Cape, I am bearing up under the pressure.) We bring back the Hall Of Shame and feature the Shore House Lifting Miscreants (Thanks Bill Gephardt for great comments on Facebook about how to pick an established contractor). There’s a whole bunch of interesting items for your consideration today.
***One of the more interesting items I include is a copy of one of our Estimate / Scope of Work, which shows you what a proper scope of work should look like, and the minimum standard that you should accept. If you are considering purchasing anything more complex than an 8’ x 16’ deck, you need to look at this and revise your expectations accordingly. It adds a few pages to this week’s blog, but if it helps you, it’s definitely worth the read.
We’ll talk about last week’s Nearly Famous Rebuilding Seminar, we’ll congratulate Kathy Dotoli, Esq. for her Top Ten in NJ Award for Customer Satisfaction, we’ll talk about our Hometown Hero Award from Brick, and we’ll mention the 2 Caravans where I spoke, which were sponsored by Gary Migliazza from City Abstract.
Finally, with absolutely no finesse or sense of style, we present lots of videos for your viewing pleasure. I’ve been trying to pay for someone to create landing pages in WordPress so I could group all our video together, but that seems to be beyond our capacity for some reason. (We manage multiple complex systems with 1000 steps and 50 simultaneous moving parts in each project, but unless I learn how to fix our blog page, we can’t seem to get it in order. Sigh. Help me, please.)
Anyway, here we go….to a galaxy far, far away….you can see me yakking away below if you didn’t get to the last seminar.
A Whole Bunch of Videos….Some fun, some helpful, some enlightening, some educational…
Here are 2 wonderful testimonials from two of our clients, who spoke at the Rebuilding seminar last week.
https://youtu.be/Wlq32ccpmrY Pat Daly
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRp22IiCw-U Al Gashler
Thank you both – I’m honored that we’ve could help you!
Videos from the 1/18/17 Rebuilding Seminar – From Vince
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gWX162QRlAs&t=6s Vince Simonelli – Change orders and Hometown Hero!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDEoyrqhV6Y Vince Simonelli – Being your own General Contractor – Elevations, flood insurance time frames, the cost / benefit equation
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6cAMXlXHq8s Vince Simonelli – Communication with your Builder & ICC funds
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KVwDlrfqxf0 Vince Simonelli – Why We are Raise Our Homes!
Here’s a video of Dan Wheaton, Architect, who we work with on several our projects…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8KWmN3eq4BM Dan Wheaton, Architect
Thieves and Lowlifes – The Hall of Shame
Breaking News!!!
Shore House Lifters FINALLY Charged by the Division of Consumer Fraud! Bye Bye Paul & Paul !!
(Unfortunately it’s a civil charge, and not criminal, which is a real shame. These guys did the same thing, over and over and over again…)
These guys deserve all they get and more for the pain and aggravation & loss they’ve caused so many people. They knew what they were doing. Assholes.
$1.2 million in theft – I’ve been warning people about this for 2 years.
Price Home Group – Interesting article – Another Interesting Group of Thieves –
Paraphrase: Do you guys really need to take $20,000 – $30,000 a month each in salary immediately, when you opened the company with $10,000?
Nearly Famous Rebuilding Seminar –Wednesday a week and a half ago on January 18th, 2017 we held our last Rebuilding Seminar, which was a great success. Since then we’ve taken on 2 new clients, one of whom we are rescuing from the infamous J&N Contracting. We also had 2 of our current clients attend and give us wonderful testimonials, which was a fantastic experience. Those videos are above if you want to view them. The seminar continues to be the most effective method for people who are just starting their projects, or who have been abandoned by other contractors to get answers and chart a path going forward. We’ve been holding them for 4 years now, we’re the only ones who make the effort and it is well worth it based on the number of people we’ve helped.
Our next Nearly Famous Rebuilding Seminar will be held on the Ides of March, which is Wednesday March 15th, 2017 from 6 pm at the Tuscan Bar and Grill on Hooper Avenue in Toms River, across from the Ocean County Mall. We’ll focus on Sandsters that are early in the process, and have not completed design work, or chosen a builder or architect. We offer engineering & architectural design advice, RREM guidance at the initial stages, and help with choosing the right builder or contractor. Please call to reserve a space if you would like to attend since refreshments will be served and space is limited.
Congratulations again to Kathy! We’d like to offer a special congratulation to Kathleen Dotoli, a worker’s compensation and disability attorney in Toms River. Kathy regularly gives an excellent consumer protection presentation at our Rebuilding Seminars Kathy was recognized with a very prestigious award – she was voted one of the Top Ten Attorneys in NJ for Client Satisfaction in the area of Disability Law. Way to go Kathy – much deserved!!
You can find out more about Kathy Dotoli and her legal practice at https://www.facebook.com/TomsRiverWorkersCompLawyer/
Dream Homes Team and Vince Simonelli – Hometown Hero Award in Brick Township!
The Hometown Hero ceremony was last Friday, January 20th at 7 pm at Brick High School. I received a Golden Hometown Hero Cape (which I wearing 24 hours a day since then.) You’ll be able to recognize me on the street since I’ll probably be the only guy walking around with a Golden Cape and sandals.
I gave a short speech, thanking our great Dream Homes team, Bob Steimle for nominating us and the teachers and administration in Brick Township for holding such a great program.
Needless to say, we’re quite proud of the nomination! This award is given in Bricktown to people and companies who do nice things to help people in need. Our great team has helped an unfortunate Sandster – a good guy named Bob Steimle. Thanks for the kind words and recommendation Bob! I’m happy we could help.
Dream Homes is very honored to receive the Hometown Hero award. It represents the spirit of who we are and we hope to embody that spirit every day going forward.
Mission Statement and Comment: We’re here to help you when no one else will. We regularly handle the messiest, most unpleasant, real estate, construction and renovation situations. We do the projects that no one else can do, and help people finish their projects and get back in their homes. If you’re stuck and can’t figure out how to proceed, call us and we’ll do our best to help you.
There’s Real…and then there’s Memorex…(am I dating myself again??)
Sandsters, here’s What an Estimate and Scope of Work is Supposed to Look Like…
(Forgive the formatting mistakes, I just grabbed a spreadsheet and copied it in to the blog. If they make you crazy, email me and I’ll send you a spreadsheet with a sample scope of work.)
Estimates for custom or semi- custom new homes should be 3-5 detailed pages, as well as a standard features list. Elevation projects should have scopes of work between 4 – 8 pages, and they should be extremely detailed. If they are not detailed, the person who did them does not know your project well enough to build it.
Atlantic Northeast Construction LLC
A wholly owned subsidiary of Dream Homes Ltd.
314 S. Main Street, Forked River, NJ 08731
Mailing: PO Box 627, Forked River, NJ 08731
1/25/2017 Office: 609 693 8881 Fax: 609 693 3802 Cell: 732 300 5619
Estimate Scope of work Happy Homeowner
123 Satisfied Street, All Over, NJ
Description: This elevation project shall include completing the helical pile foundation and installing a new grade beam, as per plan. Concrete block will be installed and a new floor system will be constructed.
The house will be lowered onto the new floor, and all necessary bolts, straps and connections will be made.
Reinstall the existing furnace & boiler and new hot water heater in their old locations on the new floor system.
Install new hot water baseboard in new bedroom and repair hot water baseboard in cedar room.
We will install engineered wood flooring in the entire house, except sun & utility room, which will be ceramic tile.
A new bathroom with shower will be built and the existing kitchen will be reinstalled.
A new composite 38′ x 8′ wraparound deck w/vinyl rail will be built in the rear with stairs built to grade.
A new composite 4’x6′ composite deck w/vinyl rail will be built in the front, with stairs built to grade.
The existing electrical service will be elevated to > BF +1, as required.
All utilities will be reconnected from the street, and all electric, gas, water and sewer will be reconnected at the house.
Most importantly, at the end of your project, you will be our 1592nd satisfied homeowner since 1993.
Detail SCOPE OF WORK
Preparation, Mobilization & Elevation, as appropriate
Submit plans, surveys, plot plan, building & zoning permits, as needed
Mobilize equipment and machinery, prepare site
Disconnect/cut and cap water/sewer
Lower house onto new foundation.
Demo & Removal
Demo / saw cut existing slab as needed, to install new pilings and footings for piers
Foundation – Pilings
Install and certify 8″ steel helical piles, up to 15′ in depth, up to 3 piles
Foundation – Concrete
Exterior concrete block 8″x16″, new, < 15 courses
Install Smart Vent or equivalent flood vents, up to 8 vents
Bolts, rebar, strapping, all necessary hardware
Install concrete lintels over foundation openings, as required
Apply smooth mortar parge coat to all exterior concrete block
Engineered fill, to elevate crawl to outside grade (per cubic yard), 1 load, 20 cubic yards
16″x16″ concrete block piers, pilasters or steel lolly columns, < 3 pcs.
8″x16″ CMU block piers/pilasters, < 6 pcs.
Footings for piers, 24″x 24″ x 18″ dig, form, rebar, concrete, < 3 pcs
Footing/grade beam, 24″x18″, form, rebar, concrete
12″ concrete sonotube footings for exterior platform & stairs, < 14 pcs
4″ concrete slab under house, patch as needed, < 400 SF
Install 2 x 2 patio blocks at bottom of stairs/entries, 4′ x 4′ or as needed, front & rear
Framing & general carpentry
Repair/replace sill plate – 2″ x 6″ treated lumber
Install H 2.5 hurricane clips from girders to new floor/ceiling joists, roof rafter, for code
Install triple 2″ x 8″ girders/joists, for girders, as per plan
Install triple 2″ x 10″ joists under house, create girder, as per plan
Remove door to exterior in utility room, patch in sheathing, sheetrock & siding.
Pin in closet, left rear of house, insulate, repair siding and sheathing
Floor System & Platforms
Build / raise AC platform / brackets, exterior, 2 pcs or wider
Elevated 2″ x 8″ floor system, with 3/4″ t&g sub floor, < 960 sq ft
Elevated 2″ x 10″ floor system, with 3/4″ t&g sub floor, < 250 sq ft
Windows
Install new Silverline double hung 36″ x 46″ window, lower level, 4 pcs
Material allowance: $200 per window
Garage Doors
Install 1/2 HP garage door opener, 1 pc(s).
Install new 8′ x 7′ Clopay or Haas garage door, vinyl, insulated, allowance $900 per door
Doors
Install new exterior 36″ door(s), from garage & basement, 2 pcs
Install new 72″ Silverline or American Craftsman sliding glass door, 1st floor, 1 pc(s)
Material allowance: $800 per door
Siding, Gutters & Leaders, Cultured Stone, Trim Board
Repair and replace siding, match existing as closely as possible
Note: Cedar Impressions in front, and standard vinyl siding in rear and sides
Extend / install new, gutter downspouts and leaders, < 80 LF
Install new Certainteed siding, below existing, < 900 sq ft
Includes corners, starter strip, J channel, faschia
Install new Cedar Impression siding in front of house, < 200 square feet
Extend down to 2′ from grade
Roofing
Not included in the scope of this estimate – to be estimated separately as needed
Insulation
Install faced R19 Insulation, in floor, as needed, < 1220 sq ft
Sheetrock & cement board
Repair sheetrock cracks, as needed, ready for paint
Install 2 layers 5/8″ sheetrock, garage ceiling
Install 1 layer 1/2″ sheetrock for walls, lower 4′ throughout house
Interior – General
Reinstall existing kitchen, sink, appliances, counters
Install new vanity, sink, faucet, toilet, shower valve & diverters
Tile surround with tile bed
Tile allowance is $2 per sq ft (floor & wall)
Fixture allowance for vanity, sink & faucet: $400
Install floor drain w/overflow pan for washer, new laundry room (if required)
Supply and Install baseboard molding, as needed, < 220 LF
Install chair rail in sunroom, as needed, < 55 LF
Carpet & Flooring
Install 3/4 oak hardwood throughout house, < 1000 sq ft
Note: Homeowner to supply engineered hardwood flooring
Install tile in sun & utility room, $2.00 psf material allowance, up to 340 sq ft.
Install underlayment – 1/4″ plywood for bath
Paint
Paint new sheetrock 2 coats, lower walls where repaired
Stain sunroom in rear, walls, < 500 sq ft
Plumbing, HVAC & other mechanical
Repair baseboard heat as needed, sunroom
Install new baseboard heat in garage/MBR, to existing boiler, < 40 linear feet
Lower and reconnect outdoor shower, plumbing only – leave structure at grade
Insulate pipes w/foam under floor, as needed
Reconnect washer & dryer – in new laundry room
Lower hose bib(s), 1 pc.
Install hose bibs, 1 rear left, 1 front garage, 1 covered porch
Add washer and dryer location to new laundry, addition
Reroute all water lines into floor joists
Reconnect / reset furnace on new floor
Reconnect boiler
Install new 50-gallon hot water heater
Electrical: Install exterior waterproof outlet box, front & rear stairs, needed for code, 2 pcs
Install wiring and ceiling lights in basement, 4 pcs.
Install switches as per new plan, < 2 pcs
Install exterior lights, front and rear, homeowner to provide fixture, 2 pcs.
Junction box for garage door openers
Install smoke detector(s) / CO2, basement, < 1 pc(s)
Lower & reconnect electrical meter and service as required
Platforms, Entries, Stairs & Rails, Elevators & Lifts
New 38′ x 4′ wraparound Trex composite deck, vinyl rail & stairs to grade, 13 steps, < 220 SF New 4′ x 6′ platform & stairs w/vinyl rail to grade, front,
Install additional 4′ x 17′ section, rear, including pilings or footings, < 180 SF
Note: Stairs to be from platform at hot tub end of deck towards house, 12 steps
Install additional 4′ x 20′ section, left rear, including pilings or footings, < 80 SF
Trex composite decking, revise plan, 12 steps towards right
Lead Remediation
Not included in the scope of this estimate – to be estimated separately as needed
Asbestos Remediation
Not included in the scope of this estimate – to be estimated separately, as needed
Landscaping, Fencing & Pavers
Not included in the scope of this estimate – to be estimated separately as needed
Miscellaneous & Finish
Repair exterior sheathing after lift, < 100 sq ft
Reconnect electric, plumbing & gas to house
Reconnect water and sewer to house after elevation
Final cleaning – construction & site
Jobsite dumpster, or remove debris – one 30 yard
Temporary toilet
Insurance: general liability, worker’s compensation
esign / Survey stage – In addition to Scope of Work (By Dream Building or others)
Engineering & architectural design – foundation, footing and piers, entries
Survey work – foundation as-built, final survey & final flood elevation certificate
Design stage – In addition to Scope of Work
Elevation, foundation, and all items as per the scope of work above:
Design/Survey stage
Total – entire project – all items as per scope of work above
Notes & Comments – General
- This estimate is based on installation of new grade beam and concrete block, as per plan.
- This estimate is based on plans and engineered drawings dated 11/7/13 and may change if plans change.
2a. This estimate based on raising the house to approximate finished floor elevation 12.85 from previous FF elevation 4.3 (NAVD 88)
- This estimate is valid for 30 days, after which prices may fluctuate based on market conditions.
- This estimate does not include township zoning or building permits, which are estimated to be < $1500
4a. This estimate includes 1 dumpster. Additional dumpsters billed at $675 each.
4b. If permits are issued between October 1st and February 28th, an additional cost of $400 will be added to winterize plumbing in house.
- This estimate does not include landscape, sprinkler repair, or fence, yard, driveway or sidewalk restoration, except as noted.
- This estimate does not include paver/driveway removal/replacement, except as noted.
- Fill (in addition to 1 load included) that is needed to elevate crawl or grade will be billed at $24 per C/Y, or $480 per load.
- All decking & stairs in front & rear to be Trex Select composite with white trim, and vinyl railing.
- Additional flood vents shall be billed at $185 per vent, if required by township.
- This estimate does not include movement of utility poles or electric, cable or phone wires at the street.
- Contractor is not responsible for structural defects in the fireplaces or chimneys. Repairs shall be estimated as needed.
- Contractor is not responsible for plumbing leaks caused by poor winterization. Repairs shall be estimated as needed.
- Though care will be taken when removing and resetting hard surface counters, contractor is not responsible for damage to same.
Homeowner Signature: _________________________________________
Contractors Signature : _________________________________________ Date
Atlantic Northeast Construction LLC
Terms and Conditions
Licensed Building company: Atlantic Northeast Construction LLC
License information: New Home Builder License #: 045894 Home Improvement Contractor Registration #:13VH07489000
Project start and duration: This project is estimated to take no longer than 150 days from receipt of building permit and will start
upon receipt of building permit from township. Receipt of certificate of occupancy shall constitute completion of project.
Any items remaining on a punch list shall be completed within 30 days.
Deposit & Cancellation: From the date of the signing of this agreement, the homeowner may cancel within 3 days for any reason.
Notice of cancellation should be signed and in writing and either fax or email notification is acceptable.
Should this agreement be properly cancelled, any deposit money shall be returned in full within 30 days
Deposit upon signing shall be 5% of contract, with payments to be made as per our payment schedule.
Legal, billing & changes: Homeowner agrees that any dispute which they may choose to pursue arising from this agreement shall be
settled by arbitration or under any applicable new home warranty. Any necessary arbitration shall occur in Ocean County, NJ.
Invoices are due upon receipt and shall be based on the pricing above in each category.
Balances over 30 days may be subject to legal and collection fees and interest at 1.0% per month.
Invoices past due may cause your project to be delayed. Contractor reserves the right to stop working until payments are current.
Payment to contractor shall not be contingent upon receipt of funds from any outside source.
Changes to the scope of work must be in writing and may incur a $250 charge per change order.
Homeowner agrees that images of the project may be used in various advertising venues, including print, internet and mailing.
Items cannot be removed from the scope of work without written agreement from both parties. Homeowner shall not work on or have any
contractors work on the project without written consent from Atlantic Northeast Construction LLC.
Entry on property during construction: Homeowner agrees that for insurance reasons, Client will not enter project site during construction
without a representative from Atlantic Northeast Construction LLC
By signing this estimate, I Vincent Simonelli, Member, affirm that the information within is true and accurate, that I’m an authorized representative
of Atlantic Northeast Construction LLC and can bind the entity to this estimate. I have visited and examined the project site and have examined
any existent plans & specifications, and will execute this contract and perform all its items and conditions and will provide, furnish and deliver.
Reminder: If you’ve been ripped off by any dishonest contractor and are stuck, call us and we’ll help you. You may qualify for a $2000 credit towards your project.
Yeah, We Do That for You… This was an excellent (if I do say so myself) article from the 1/8/17 blog, which received much positive response from many people. If you missed it, go back and read it now at http://blog.dreamhomesltd.com
Definitions & Important Considerations That Can Delay Your Project: See previous blogs
Remember – if you have a specific question, send me an email or a text. Don’t wait for a seminar or a site visit to clarify a point. Whether you are Dream Homes/Atlantic Northeast Construction client or not, I’ll always try and help you or guide you in the right direction. If you’ve sent an email or left a voice mail and haven’t received a response, try and contact me again. Messages are lost occasionally.
Note to Sandsters: Though I write this blog to help guide Sandsters and others through the maze that is any reconstruction project, we actually do what I write about. Dream Homes Ltd. and Atlantic Northeast Construction LLC are new home builders and general contractors who are actively renovating and reconstructing projects up and down the shore. We supervise and manage elevation projects & house moves, demolish and build new homes, and develop and build entire new neighborhoods. In the past 23 years, we’ve completed over 1500 new homes, 150 elevation projects and 500,000 square feet of commercial buildings. We work with private clients as well as Path B clients in the RREM program. Call, text or email to set up an appointment for a free estimate on your rebuilding project.
That’s all for today Sandsters. I hope my words helps you move forward and I hope to see you at the seminar later tonight. As always, call or write with any questions.
Regards,
Vince Simonelli
Dream Homes Ltd.
Virtual Learning Company Inc. (Nasdaq VRTR)
Atlantic Northeast Construction LLC
New Home Builder #045894
Home Improvement Contractor #13VH07489000
PO Box 627
Forked River, NJ 08731
Office: 609 693 8881 F: 609 693 3802 Cell: 732 300 5619
Email: vince@dreamhomesltd.com
Website: www.dreamhomesltd.com
Blog: http://blog.dreamhomesltd.com
Twitter: #foxbuilder
The Region’s Most Trusted Builder 
Hi Vincent
Over the last 2 years I have been checking in on your blog weekly and found it very helpful, while we are not in your area, the information you have provided regarding the program and the situations others you have encountered found themselves has been enlightening and very helpful in letting us know we were not alone in the difficulties we faced during this.
We recently finished our project and have our paperwork submitted to the DCA for final approval and release of the retainage funds.
What was most helpful was you pointing out time and time again that, us as homeowners need to take full ownership and responsibility for the project, not the project manager or the GC. That certain guidlines need to be followed to see this through and stay compliant within the scope of work.
I just wanted to commend you on doing this and let you know that the information you provided and time you took helped me and I imagine many others even though we were not in the shore area, keep up the efforts as it really helps more than you know.
Best Regards Cyril Coffey
Thanks Cyril – Your comments are appreciated and it’s great to know I was of some help.
Good luck back in your home!
Vince