Building your own custom home in Ocean County is exciting. This area of New Jersey has a lot to offer and is a very popular area to build. This area was also subject to Hurricane Sandy back in 2012. Both of these factors have affected designs of custom homes. From material choice to standing-out while blending-in, home builders in Ocean County like Monetti Custom Homes have real talent. Only with beautiful designs and experience can a builder compete in this market. Homeowners that are investing as much money as they are, along with their time and worry, want a home that is a show stopper. At the same time, neighborhoods popular for custom homes also tend to have a general design one might classify as coastal. Custom home owners want their home to stand out, but not in a bad way. Planning appropriately for the area is crucial to a successful design.
Extreme Weather Resistance
The first thing many home builders in Ocean County take in to consideration is what materials will be used. This has become an extremely important topic following the destruction left after Hurricane Sandy. Where aesthetic used to take the front seat on design, now functionality and safety are often priority number one. That being said, with the increase in popularity of weather-resistant materials, there is also now a wider variety of options. Take hurricane glass for example. It now comes in many designs and colors to suit just about any design. Strong materials like concrete are the only option when it comes to foundations and framing. One last weather induced damage offense is to raise the home onto stilts. Many areas at the shore require homes to be raised a certain amount. This helps prevent flooding damage by eliminating the possibility completely.
Siding and Other Exterior Options for Home Builders in Ocean County
The materials chosen for the exterior of a home is an important decision at the shore. The reason for this is that salt water in the air can wreak havoc on certain building materials. Rotting, rusting, and corrosion are all hazardous effects of salt water on building materials. Selecting the right home builder in Ocean County is very important to ensure that they are knowledgeable about materials and building treatments that help ward off the negative impact of the sea air. Many custom home builders use either treated wood, fiber cement board, or composite wood.
Cedar
The most commonly used wood for siding on a beach house is cedar. Cedar has many advantages. One, it is light which makes it easy to work with. Two, it is good at insulation due to its structure and density. Lastly, and probably most interestingly, it is naturally water resistant. This does not mean you can skip treating it. Any sort of protection will help the cedar siding last for generations. Other woods can be used, but they absolutely must be specially treated in order to withstand the salt air.
Fiber Cement Board
Fiber cement board is another popular siding option. This is very popular in areas that are prone to hurricanes. It is obviously difficult to work with given its weight. This can extend timelines because it takes longer to install. Your builder should point this out and make the appropriate changes to your design if you select this option. However, the biggest draw of fiber cement board is that it is virtually indestructible. Plus, it doesn’t just resist damage due to weather, but it is non-combustible as well. It is becoming more popular which means there are many more options on the market making this option easy to customize.
Composite Wood
Lastly, composite wood is a hearty option for siding on a beach house. Composite wood is not vinyl siding. Rather, it is scrap wood that is compressed and sealed with resin. Due to this treatment, it is nearly impenetrable to insects, weather, and mold. Similar to the fiber cement board, there are countless options where composite wood siding is concerned. Other positive aspects of composite wood siding is its price, the ease of installation, and the fact that some products on the market today are hard to tell the difference between it and real wood siding. Therefore, you get all the benefits of composite siding with the look of wood without having to deal with the drawbacks of natural wood siding.
Expert Home Builders in Ocean County Can Personalize Your Design
The best home builders in Ocean County are so knowledgeable that they can take numerous ideas that you have and blend them into a design that you could only dream of. It is necessary to make your home custom to you where it stands-out as your home while not standing-out in as a visual eye-sore in the neighborhood. Meaning, an expert custom home builder won’t let you build a log cabin on the beach. There are certain design elements that make a home coastal appropriate. Whether it is color or materials, a home designed for the shore needs to look like it belongs there. Plus, there are added concerns for homes at the beach. Selecting the wrong builder can be detrimental to your home and therefore your family’s safety. Do your research and only select the most experienced, professional, talented home builder in Ocean County.
Sustainable and Energy-Efficient Features in Custom Homes
Sustainability and energy efficiency are becoming major priorities for custom home builders in Ocean County. With the increasing cost of utilities and a growing awareness of environmental impact, many homeowners are looking for ways to make their homes more energy-efficient while maintaining a stunning coastal design. Luckily, advancements in building materials and smart home technology have made it easier than ever to create a home that is both eco-friendly and cost-effective.
One of the most significant trends in energy-efficient coastal homes is the use of solar power. Solar panels are a great investment for Ocean County homeowners. They not only reduce reliance on the grid, but also provide long-term savings. Many custom builders now integrate solar panels seamlessly into roof designs to maintain aesthetic appeal while maximizing energy capture. Some even incorporate battery storage systems to ensure backup power in case of outages.
Insulation and ventilation are also key factors in an energy-efficient home. High-performance windows, insulated doors, and advanced weatherproofing techniques help regulate indoor temperatures, reducing the need for constant heating and cooling. Many builders are now using spray foam insulation and energy-efficient HVAC systems to enhance comfort while lowering energy costs.
Water efficiency is another consideration for custom home builders at the shore. Features like rainwater harvesting systems, low-flow plumbing fixtures, and drought-resistant landscaping help conserve water while keeping the property looking beautiful year-round.
Finally, smart home technology is making it easier to manage energy consumption. Homeowners can now control lighting, heating, cooling, and security systems from their smartphones, optimizing energy use and ensuring their homes stay secure—even when they’re away.
By incorporating sustainable and energy-efficient features, Ocean County’s top home builders are designing homes that offer long-term value, resilience, and reduced environmental impact—all while maintaining the elegance and style expected in a coastal home.
