What Homeowners Should Know Before Their Next Project
On a recent episode of the Jersey Shore podcast, host Lisa Mazzuca sat down with Barbara Farley from Chap Construction in Bayville, New Jersey.
The conversation pulled back the curtain on how a true family business runs complex coastal builds, keeps remodeling projects on schedule, and now supports homeowners with mechanical service and financing through Chap Mechanical.
If you plan to build or renovate at the Jersey Shore, here’s the straight talk from that discussion—plus practical next steps to get your project moving.
From Two Brothers to a Multigenerational Team
Chap Construction started in 1972 when brothers Chuck and Hap Lang began helping neighbors with plumbing, electrical, and small repairs. Renovations and additions followed, then custom homes. In 2009, Hap’s son, Randy Lang, took the helm and continues to run the company today. Two of Randy’s sons work in the business, and extended family—including Barbara—help steer day-to-day operations. That continuity translates into consistent standards, quick decisions, and a culture that treats clients like part of the crew.
The mindset is simple: respect the home, respect the schedule, and keep communication clear. That’s how you stay in business for five decades—and it’s why so many Ocean County homeowners return to Chap for their second or third project.
Why Chap Meets Deadlines Others Miss
In the interview, Barbara made one point crystal clear: deadlines aren’t internal goals at Chap; they’re promises to clients. If the team says your bath remodel wraps by October 1, they hit October 1. The key is control over the schedule. Chap carries in-house licensed pros for plumbing, HVAC, electrical, and carpentry, so there’s no waiting for a third party to “fit you in.”
That structure eliminates the most common cause of delays—subcontractor bottlenecks. Every morning, seasoned tradespeople meet with apprentices to coordinate tasks, materials, and inspections. It’s a blend of veteran know-how and the next generation learning the ropes that keeps momentum steady from demo to punch list.
Licensed, In-House Trades and a Registered Apprenticeship
Randy is a licensed master plumber and HVAC technician. Chap also employs a licensed electrician, multiple licensed HVAC techs, and several team members who are test-ready for their licenses. On top of that, Chap runs a registered apprenticeship program with the State of New Jersey. For homeowners, this matters for three reasons:
When one company signs the checks of the trades showing up at your house, accountability is built in.
Custom Homes That Are Truly Custom
Chap doesn’t build spec homes. Every new build starts with a client’s plans and ends with a turnkey delivery tailored to the owner’s taste, lifestyle, and lot realities. The team handles everything from demolition and permitting to finishes and final walk-through. You make the selections; Chap orchestrates the rest.
Barbara shared a story that proves “custom” isn’t marketing fluff. One client splurged on a $7,000 kitchen faucet. Another prioritized a high-end toilet that ran close to five figures. Chap’s approach is to give realistic allowances, then help clients decide where to invest and where to save. It’s your home; the budget should follow your priorities.
Case Study: A No-Road Rebuild in Point Pleasant
The podcast highlight was a 1,400-square-foot demo and rebuild in Point Pleasant—inside a pedestrian enclave with no vehicle access. No road. No on-site material staging. Just a locked gate and a long walkway with homes on each side.
Here’s how Chap delivered the home on a tight timeline:
Start in January. Turnover in July. That’s smart logistics and disciplined planning, not luck. It also illustrates Chap’s comfort with tight lots, coastal constraints, and all the nuances that come with building at the Jersey Shore.
Renovations, Additions, and Coastal Expertise
Chap is known for custom homes on the barrier island and mainland, but the company does a heavy volume of renovations and add-a-levels in Toms River, Brick Township, Point Pleasant, Lavallette, Ortley Beach, Seaside Park and Heights, Bayville, Manasquan, and beyond. The team’s coastal experience includes:
- House lifting and foundation work for flood mitigation
- Historic details blended with modern systems
If your project lives near salt air, high winds, and strict codes, you want a builder who speaks that language fluently.
Visit the Lavallette Showroom
Chap maintains its main office and warehouse in Bayville and operates a convenient showroom at 1501 Grand Central Avenue, Lavallette. Walk-in hours:
- Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 9:00–5:00
- Saturday–Sunday: 10:00–4:00
You can stop in, share your project details, and start the conversation. It’s an easy first step if you’re still gathering ideas or want help mapping out the path from concept to permits to construction.
Meet Chap Mechanical: HVAC, Plumbing, Electrical, and Financing
A big announcement from the episode: Chap Mechanical, the company’s dedicated service division, is now a year old and expanding. Homeowners often know Chap for luxury builds and major remodels but aren’t aware that the same in-house trades handle service calls, replacements, and preventive maintenance.
Services include:
- Boilers, furnaces, heat pumps, ductwork (with custom duct fabrication)
- Code-compliant electrical upgrades and repairs
Here’s a budget-friendly change: Chap Mechanical now offers financing for HVAC replacements and similar mechanical upgrades. When a compressor fails in July or a boiler dies in January, most families don’t have thousands sitting idle. Financing makes it possible to restore comfort quickly without derailing other priorities. This is new for Chap’s service side and reflects what homeowners asked for most.
Clean Sites and Respect for Your Home
Barbara emphasized something every homeowner cares about: jobsite cleanliness. Chap’s crews clean up daily and keep materials organized. You won’t drive past a Chap site and see debris blowing across the street. That discipline protects the project, keeps neighbors happy, and signals the level of care carried through to the details you can’t see—like fasteners, flashing, and seals.
Deep Roots and Real Community Impact
Chap Construction’s story runs through Ocean County. The founders grew up in Pine Beach, attended Toms River schools, and built a business that’s still family-run. That local DNA shows up in their support for Caring for Children, a charity born from the Ocean County Business Association (OCBA). Barbara now leads the nonprofit, which provides toys, food, and essentials to Ocean County kids during the holidays and beyond, plus back-to-school backpacks for children in foster care.
The need has grown. Donations from the annual OCBA golf outing and local sponsors keep the program going. It’s hands-on, neighbor-to-neighbor support—another example of how Chap invests in the place it calls home.
Timing: Why You Should Start Now
If you plan to build or undertake a major renovation, now is the moment to engage. Chap ramps up after Labor Day, when island homeowners prefer minimal disruption in prime summer months. The company is currently booking new construction into spring 2026. That may sound far out, but the steps between “idea” and “hammer swing” take time:
- Architectural plans and structural review
- Selections and allowances
- Engineering for coastal or lift requirements
- Municipal approvals and permits
- Utility coordination
Starting the conversation today means your plans and permits can be ready in time for a spring start.
How Chap Guides You Through the Process
Many homeowners don’t know where to begin. That’s normal. Chap’s team will:
- Review your goals and budget
- Recommend architects, engineers, or surveyors as needed
- Develop accurate allowances based on your style and priorities
- Create a realistic schedule tied to inspections and lead times
- Coordinate in-house trades to maintain momentum
This is the benefit of a single, accountable partner with every major trade under one roof. Less finger-pointing, more progress.
Service Areas Across the Jersey Shore
Chap serves the greater Ocean County region—including Toms River, Brick Township, Point Pleasant, Manasquan, Bayville, Lavallette, Seaside Park, Seaside Heights, Ortley Beach—and extends into parts of Monmouth County.
From oceanfront custom builds to mainland additions and kitchens, the team brings the same standards, the same people, and the same schedule discipline.
Ready to Talk About Your Project?
If you’re planning a custom home, addition, kitchen or bath remodel, house lifting, roofing and siding, or you need help with HVAC, plumbing, or electrical, Chap is ready to help you map out the next step.
From “no-road” rebuilds to whole-home renovations and routine service, Chap Construction delivers with in-house licensed pros, coastal expertise, and a commitment to finish on time. Bring your vision. The team will bring the plan—and the crew to make it happen.