Ocean County

Between Toms River, Brick, Jackson and the barrier island communities there is an enormous amount of housing that faces the weather head on. Wind-rated siding installation, corrosion-resistant fasteners and roof details that account for driven rain are standard here, not optional extras.

There is also a large amount of 1970s and 1980s development in the western half of the county, much of it on its original siding. Those are straightforward, satisfying projects where the house looks twenty years younger by the end of the week.