Constructing Coastal New Jersey Vacation Dreams into Realities
Like surfers to the swell or sailors to the sea, building is in Greg Pouliot’s blood.
Pouliot, a homebuilder on the Jersey Shore, has been priding himself on constructing his clients’ vacation homes for the last 40 years through his New Jersey company, Crown Homes. The third-generation builder grew up surrounded by fellow constructors, his father and his grandfather, who held building careers which included the construction of apartments, warehouses, and commercial and residential properties. “How could I not get started in custom home building?” he said. “My father was a huge influence in my career, guiding me from single family homes right through building developments.”
Pouliot said that even at age 89, his father was still beside him restoring Long Beach Island after Superstorm Sandy, where they worked days after the storm hit, knowing how much work would need to be done. Besides the changing real estate market and enjoyments of the highs and struggles of the lows, Hurricane Sandy, which pummeled New Jersey in 2012, brought forth huge trials. He said, “Superstorm Sandy created building challenges that have never been seen before.”
However, it’s these types of challenges that come with maintaining a portfolio of over 700 homes. At the end of the day, he says that he loves what he does and understands what his clients need. “I stay in this business because it’s who I am, it drives me. I enjoy the challenge and am passionate after 40 years of building homes. I enjoy looking at the finish line in the rear-view mirror knowing that I completed the project.”
With custom homes ranging from 3,000 to over 10,000 square feet and locales including Alpine, Cape May, Long Beach Island and Rumson, Crown Homes says that they stand apart because they feel that they provide an unparalleled attention to detail. The company chooses to stay on-site everyday because in their experience, this ensures a satisfied client 100 percent of the time.
Although Pouliot has found his passion in home-building, he experiences frustrations in the working process as any other professional would. He said that some of his biggest challenges are communicating what he visualizes to his client and going against his gut when his clients insist on a certain idea. “For me, so much of the process is in my head. Where a client may see the architectural drawing, I see all the interior areas, the exterior spaces, the assets of the property and the flaws. This can be difficult for me to communicate, but I haven’t had a client yet who has been disappointed with the end product.”
“That is not to say mistakes haven’t been made,” Pouliot continued, “But I will always come back and make it right. Things happen in construction that are out of my control, but every client has my phone number and every client knows I’ll pick up their call. Once the home is complete, my job is not over. The day after home completion, or years later, my clients know I stand by my work.”
Further, Pouliot said that in his 40 years of home building, he has rarely had to apologize for delays. Although timelines can vary in the building of a custom home, most projects are completed within six months from the time a permit is received. He feels that these efficient timelines allow his clients the ability to enjoy their new summer homes more quickly than they expected when they initially signed up for construction.
“As almost all of my work is currently second home shore homes, I know what I build is meant to be a relaxing getaway for family and friends to make memories. Customizing each area of the home to ensure an environment of luxury and ease is a challenge, but I love it.”
Crown Homes also says that they stand apart from other shore-builders by providing the total package and being involved in every aspect of the process. They also assist in selecting a lot, choosing an architectural design that maximizes space and views, and performing actual construction of the home, incorporating acute attention to detail.
Kevin and Anna Errico, past clients of Crown Homes, said, “We chose Greg because of the work he has done. His group is very professional and I like working with Greg. He has a wonderful personality and he tries to guide you in the right way. I would definitely recommend Greg and plan on using him to build my next house.”
The company’s goals are accomplished due, in part, to the team that Crown Homes employs, being that Pouliot hand-picks them based on their talent. A majority of the core team has been with the Crown Homes owner since he began building in the beach communities where, as he states, they have “have developed a great flow that enables each vendor to show off their specific expertise while staying out of each other’s way.”
Carol Hannum, real estate agent, said, “The quality of Greg’s work is over the top. Everything from the tile work to the trim is in perfect, perfect condition. I have recommended Crown Homes to a few of my clients and they have been very happy.”
Crown Homes has not gone without recognition throughout the years. Besides reviews from clients, the company has received recognition from the Shore Builders Association FAME Awards and the New Jersey Builders Association Annual SAM Awards. It is also a multiple recipient of the Best Custom Home, Best Outdoor Living Space and Best Custom Home Over $1 million, among other awards. Greg Pouliot has also served as President and Life Director of the New Jersey Builders Association and President of the Metropolitan Builders Association.
Pouliot said, “Even after 40 years of construction, Crown Homes is still driven, dedicated and determined to build the most beautiful, luxurious and efficient beach homes out there.”
To learn more about Crown Homes, call Greg Pouliot at (609) 389-0199 or visit CrownHomesLBI.com.
