Looking for the perfect builder to build your custom home? Discover how we collaborate with you from start to finish to turn your dream into reality.
Building a home near or in Brigantine is different then other towns, it requires navigating strict FEMA flood codes, sandy soil conditions, and intense salt air environments. You need a builder who understands the science behind the structure.
Led by Ted McHugh, a degreed expert in Construction Management and Engineering Technology, McHugh Builders brings a commercial level of organization to residential construction. We don’t just build homes that look beautiful on Day 1; we engineer homes that stand strong against nor’easters and salt spray for decades to come.
At McHugh Builders, our design process starts with your vision. We work closely with you to create a home that reflects your style and needs. From concept to final plans, we ensure every detail is just right.
We handle all the permits planning, and codes so you don’t have to worry. Our team coordinates with local authorities to keep your project on track. We take care of the paperwork, making the process smooth and stress-free.
Our skilled team brings your home to life with quality craftsmanship. We use the best materials and keep you informed throughout the build. You can trust us to deliver on time and within budget.
After construction, we ensure everything is to your liking. Our post-construction services include final inspections and addressing any concerns. We’re here to support you long after you move in.
Many builders cut corners where you can’t see them. We believe those are the most important parts of a coastal home.
Structural Integrity: We go beyond code with engineered structural hold-downs and continuous load paths to secure your home against hurricane-force winds.
Foundation Expertise: Whether your lot requires deep-driven timber piles or helical systems, we manage the entire geotechnical process to ensure your home sits on solid ground.
Smart Details: From mounting electrical meters on PVC blocks to protect your siding, to using high-grade stainless steel fasteners that resist corrosion, our specs are written for the coast.
If you are new to Brigantine or nearby areas, you might wonder why so many custom homes feature the kitchen and great room on the top floor. This isn’t an accident; it is a strategic design choice for coastal living, often called “Reverse Living.”
At McHugh Builders, we specialize in this layout to unlock the full potential of your lot.
Capture the Views: On a barrier island, the best views aren’t at street level—they are above the dune line. By placing your Kitchen, Dining, and Living Room on the top floor (as seen in this project), you gain panoramic sightlines of the Atlantic Ocean or the Bay while you cook and entertain.
Privacy & Light: Street-level living can feel exposed. Elevating your main gathering spaces moves you away from the noise of the sidewalk and bathes your home in natural sunlight, unobstructed by neighboring fences or hedges.
Vaulted Volume: With the main living area on the top floor, we can design dramatic cathedral ceilings that follow the roofline. This creates an airy, spacious feel that simply isn’t possible on the ground floor.
Integrated Outdoor Living: Notice the wrap-around decks on the upper level. In an upside-down home, your indoor living space flows seamlessly onto these elevated decks, capturing the sea breeze where it’s strongest.
If you are new to Brigantine or nearby areas, you might wonder why so many custom homes feature the kitchen and great room on the top floor. This isn’t an accident; it is a strategic design choice for coastal living, often called “Reverse Living.”
In Brigantine, the outdoors is an extension of your living room. But coastal outdoor spaces need to be more than just wood planks nailed together; they need to be engineered for harsh weather and high-end entertainment. We make the most out of your lot by incorporating luxury outdoor integrations seamlessly with the interior of your home.
As seen in this custom build, we treat your decks and terraces as primary living zones.
Multi-Level Entertaining: This project showcases how we maximize vertical space. From the shaded ground-level patio to the expansive second-story dining terrace and the private rooftop sundeck, we create distinct “zones” for every time of day.
Integrated Plunge Pools: Why take up your entire backyard? We specialize in integrating elevated plunge pools (like the one visible here) directly into the deck structure. This requires precise structural engineering to handle the immense weight of the water—something our team manages in-house.
Fiberglass & Composite Decking: We build with materials that resist the salt. The seamless fiberglass decking shown here provides a waterproof roof for the patio below while offering a smooth, barefoot-friendly surface that won’t splinter or rot.
When you get a McHugh built home, you get a gorgeous living space that’s engineered to last. Explore our portfolio below!
Let’s meet at your lot. We offer complimentary site feasibility consultations to help you understand what is possible for your property.
Ready to begin designing a home you will love? Reach out today and Ted McHugh will be in touch very soon!
Building a custom home is a major commitment and you deserve to know exactly what we will need from you and how we will operate during your project. Here are honest answers to the questions we hear most often from Brigantine homeowners.
From the moment we break ground to the day we hand you the keys, a typical timeline is 9 to 12 months. However, the pre-construction phase (permits, architectural design, and zoning variances) can add 3–6 months before construction begins. We work closely with the City of Brigantine to keep your paperwork moving so we can start building as soon as possible.
While most of our clients already own their lot (or are tearing down an existing home), we frequently help clients evaluate land before they buy. We offer Site Feasibility Consultations where we meet you at a prospective property to discuss what can actually be built there. We check for "undersized lot" restrictions and flood zone implications so you don't buy a property that can't support your dream home.
You can, but you don't have to. We are happy to build from plans you already have. If you haven't started yet, we can recommend several trusted local architects who specialize in Brigantine coastal codes. We often collaborate with architects during the design phase to "value engineer" the plans—ensuring the design matches your budget before you pay for final blueprints.
Yes. We are a full-service General Contractor. If you are doing a "tear-down and rebuild," we handle the entire demolition process, including utility disconnects, asbestos abatement (if required), and debris removal. We leave you with a clean slate, ready for your new foundation.
