Get A Start On Maintenance

August 1, 2002 by
Filed under: #10: August 2002 

We once again would like to remind all owners that in accordance with our Association’s documents, no exterior changes may be made without written approval from the Board of Trustees. This includes the installation of new decks, replacement of roofs, windows, garage doors and siding, or any other exterior modification that replaces or enhances existing components.

The attached listing was compiled to assist you with your own property inspection and give you another perspective of some of the things that you should be reviewing. The Board and management would be happy to answer any questions that you may have in this regard. We are here to assist you and would gladly review your concerns with you or assist you in trying to obtain the appropriate contractor. All contractors must be insured and have workers compensation insurance in order to protect you and the Association from any possible claims.

Pruning: Maintaining the shrubbery and trees within your enclosed backyard area is a homeowner’s responsibility.

Green Thumb Services Joe Bianco (732) 297-3333
Growing Concern Mark Janiek (732) 821-5526
Tamke Tree David Cohn (800) 822-3537
TreeTech Kevin Schebelia (732) 725-0706

Gardening: Maintaining the grass area inside of your fenced-in yard is a homeowner’s responsibility. These contractors can also assist you in the design of patios, decks, stonework, etc. within your backyard area.

DeVries Landscaping Joe (732) 297-1244
Fama Landscaping Louis Fama (732) 545-8070
Green Thumb Services Joe Bianco (732) 297-3333
Growing Concern Mark Janik (732) 821-5526

Decking: The wooden decks that are inside your enclosed backyard area, as well as on the upstairs of certain homes, are a homeowner’s responsibility to maintain. It is evident that certain decks are in need of repair and, in some cases, are dangerous in their existing conditions. No new decks may be installed without submitting written plans to the Board of Trustees for review and approval in writing.

Bob’s Home Maintenance Bob Bersch (609) 259-3472
Professional Maint. Plus Chris Kosty (732) 381-4646

Fencing: The wooden fencing and the wooden lanai is the homeowner’s responsibility.

American Fence Systems Jesus Molina (732) 442-0440
Blackstone Lumber (732) 821-1761 (South Brunswick)
Professional Maint. Plus Chris Kosty (732) 381-4646
Rutgers Fence Bob (732) 294-9410
The Home Depot Milltown (732) 432-0500 (Milltown)

Brickwork: The brickwork on the unit, as well as the front stairs to some units and the concrete at the front entrance, as well as the concrete apron outside the garage door, is the homeowner’s responsibility.

Harval General Contracting Marc Brien (201) 672-5248
Professional Manta. Plus Chris Kosty (732) 381-4646
Tomaselli & Son Sal Tomaselli (732) 297-4815

Garage Doors: The garage doors are the homeowner’s responsibility. They may be replaced with doors that are insulated and maintenance free as long as the color of the door is the same dark brown color and the style of the door is the same as the others in the community.

Edison Overhead Doors (732) 985-2100
Neptune Door Co. (732) 922-4626
Overhead Door Company (800) 722-5785
Petra Overhead Doors Co (732) 721-3319

Chimney Cleaning/Cap Replacement: The chimney should be cleaned after burning a cord of wood in order to avoid a chimney fire. It is also evident that the chimney caps are rusting, and many have been reported to be leaking. These should be inspected and replaced as necessary.

All American Chimney Dennis Kuhn (201) 927-3899
Chelsea Chimney Sweep (908) 283-2624
Complete Fireplace Service David Walker (732) 866-4101
Homestead Chimney Inc Robb Stasyshyn (800) 242-7668

Roofing: The roof over your home is the homeowner’s responsibility. Many of the homes are showing signs of premature shingle failure, and approximately 10 units have been re-roofed. The shingles look like “potato chips” the way they are curling up. If you re-roof your unit, the contractor that you use may be able to get a credit or refund for you because of this premature shingle failure. The shingles are manufactured by GAF, and replacement shingles should match the color of the existing shingles on your roof. Management has a color sample of these shingles in their offices. Contact EPM if you need assistance in matching the color.

Aiese Contracting Corp Lou Aiese (732) 290-1333
Bell Roofing Rich Calisti (609) 588-8332
Professional Maint. Plus Chris Kosty (732) 381-4646
Thermo Side (609) 228-4686

Siding: Prior to painting the unit, any siding that may be rotted, cracked or warped should be repaired or replaced as necessary. It should also be powerwashed prior to painting/staining in order to remove mildew and stain. Stainable caulking should be applied where necessary at minor cracks and around joints, windows and doors, and all nails that have popped should be re-nailed.

Bell Roofing Rich Calisti (609) 588 5700
Bob’s Home Maint. Bob Bersch (609) 259-3472
Professional Exteriors Gus Revuelta (732) 288-9512
Professional Maint. Plus Chris Kosty (732) 381-4646
Thermo Siding Lester Krol (609) 228-4686
Times Siding Dean Carman (732) 269-4740

Windows: The windows in the community are the owner’s responsibility. They may either be replaced as an entire unit for more energy efficiency, or the glass may be replaced due to the seals being worn and creating moisture between the two panes of glass. Replacement windows must be approved by the Board of Trustees in writing and must match the existing windows in the community.

Blackstone Lumber Steve Charney (732) 254-5550 (East Brunswick)
Windows & Doors Galore David Sengi (609) 581-1740

Glass Replacement:

Ben Franklin Glass (732) 249-1223 (Somerset)
Bumper’s Glass (732) 846-9385 (New Brunswick)

Painting: It is recommended that the exteriors of the homes are painted every three years. Powerwashing is recommended prior to painting, and two coats of stain will protect the siding which will lead to the avoidance of premature replacement.

A+ Painting Ken Addone (908) 246-0796
Accent Painting (908) 914-8895
All Seasons Painting AI Ossanna (908) 821-7247
Professional Touch Gene Francisco (908) 263-1510

Gutters/Leaders: Inspections have identified that many gutters have come loose from the fascia boards, or need to be re-strapped, or the leader has pulled away from the building and needs to be re-strapped, or the elbow at the bottom is missing. Gutters should also be cleaned out every fall in order to prevent ice-damming in the winter.

Bradley Gutters (732) 238-2727
Flow Rite (732) 257-3221
Jay Kay Gutters (732) 794-3172
My Gutterman (800) 750-1085
Stormmaster (732) 521-4989

General Exterior Carpentry: General wood replacement, deck repair/replacement

Professional Maint Plus Chris Kosty (732) 381-4646
RTB Contracting Robert Bridgman (732) 388-1333
The Final Touch Barb Comuntzis (800) 438-0319

Plumbing: The homes in our community are at the age where the hot water heater should be carefully checked for rusting. If it rusts through, your home will be flooded, and your personal belongings will suffer severe water damage.

Dale’s Plumbing & Heating (732) 238-8788 (East Brunswick)
Jack Dolan & Sons (732) 247-2763
RupCoe Plumbing & Heating (732) 545-7999 (New Brunswick)

Many of the contractors listed above will provide discount for the use of their services to Riverbend owners. The contractor you use is your choice. These are suggestions only.

August 2002 Newsletter Contents

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