FAQ

Your asked questions

General Questions

Who owns Barrier Island Property Management?

Barrier Island Property Management is owned and operated by David Brown. David was born in Beachwood, has lived in Ocean County his entire life, and now resides in Pine Beach. With 20 years of hands-on maintenance experience, he started this company to provide reliable, trustworthy property care to his neighbors and community.

Are you licensed and insured?

Yes, we are fully licensed and insured. Our New Jersey Home Improvement Contractor license number is 13VH13895400. We carry liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage to protect both our team and your property.

How long have you been in business?

While Barrier Island Property Management is a newer company, David Brown brings over 20 years of professional maintenance experience to every job. He’s worked on Shore homes throughout Ocean County and has seen just about every issue that can affect properties in our coastal environment.

What areas do you serve?

We serve Pine Beach and surrounding Ocean County communities including Beachwood, Ocean Gate, Island Heights, Toms River, Bayville, Seaside Heights, Seaside Park, Lavallette, and Berkeley Township. If you’re nearby but not sure if we cover your area, just give us a call.

How do I get started?

Getting started is easy. Just give us a call at (732) 575-5533 or fill out the contact form on our website. David will personally discuss your needs and, if helpful, schedule a time to visit your property for a free estimate. There’s no pressure and no obligation.

Services & Pricing

How much do your services cost?
Our pricing varies depending on the specific services you need and the size/condition of your property. We believe in transparent, upfront pricing with no hidden fees. Contact us for a free estimate, and we’ll provide clear pricing before any work begins. You’ll never be surprised by your bill.
Do you offer free estimates?
Yes! We provide free, no-obligation estimates for all our services. David will visit your property, discuss your needs, and provide a clear quote. If you decide to move forward, great. If not, there’s absolutely no pressure.
Do you require contracts or long-term commitments?
We offer both one-time services and ongoing arrangements depending on your needs. For services like home watch, many customers prefer a regular schedule, but we’re flexible. We don’t lock you into long-term contracts — we earn your continued business by providing great service.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept cash, checks, and all major credit cards. For ongoing services, we can set up convenient automatic billing. We’ll work with whatever payment method is easiest for you.
Do you charge for service calls or site visits?
Initial consultations and estimates are always free. For ongoing home watch customers, regular property checks are included in your service plan. Emergency or unscheduled visits may have additional charges, which we’ll always discuss with you beforehand.

Home Watch

What is home watch service?
Home watch is a service where we regularly visit and inspect your property when you’re not there. We check for issues like water leaks, pest problems, storm damage, HVAC malfunctions, and security concerns. After each visit, we send you a detailed report with photos so you always know how your property is doing.
How often do you check on properties?
We offer flexible scheduling based on your needs. Most customers choose weekly or bi-weekly visits. During peak storm season or extended absences, more frequent checks may be recommended. We’ll work with you to find a schedule that gives you peace of mind.
What do you check during a home watch visit?
During each visit, we walk through the entire property checking: water supply and plumbing for leaks, HVAC system operation, signs of pests or rodents, window and door security, appliance status, mail and package accumulation, exterior conditions, and any issues from recent weather. We document everything with photos and send you a detailed report.
Can you pick up my mail or packages?
Absolutely. We can collect mail, bring in packages, and even arrange to have items stored securely. Accumulated mail and packages on a porch can signal that no one’s home, so this is an important security consideration.
What happens if you find a problem during a check?
If we discover an issue, we contact you immediately and explain the situation. For urgent problems (like a water leak), we can take immediate action to prevent further damage. For non-urgent issues, we’ll discuss options and can arrange repairs if you’d like us to handle it. You’re always in control of decisions about your property.
Do you have access to my home?
Yes, we’ll need access to perform thorough property checks. Most customers provide a key or access code. We treat this responsibility seriously — your trust is everything to us. Keys are securely stored and never labeled with addresses.

Seasonal Preparation

Why do I need to winterize my Shore home?
Winterizing protects your property from freezing temperatures, which can cause pipes to burst and result in catastrophic water damage. Even if your home has heat, power outages during winter storms can quickly lead to freezing conditions. Proper winterization also protects against pest intrusion, humidity issues, and storm damage.
What does winterization include?
Our winterization service includes: draining all water lines and water heater, adding antifreeze to drains and toilets, shutting off the main water supply, setting thermostats appropriately, securing outdoor furniture and items, checking windows and doors for proper sealing, inspecting the roof and gutters, and setting up the property to minimize issues during your absence.
When should I winterize my Shore home?
We recommend winterizing before temperatures consistently drop below freezing, typically late October to early November in our area. Don’t wait until the last minute — schedule early to ensure availability, especially before expected cold snaps or storms.
What does summer opening include?
Our summer opening service includes: turning on the main water supply slowly and checking for leaks, testing all faucets, toilets, and appliances, turning on and testing the air conditioning, opening windows to air out the property, checking for any pest activity, inspecting for any winter damage, and testing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Basically, we make sure everything is ready so you can arrive and start enjoying your summer.
How far in advance should I schedule seasonal services?
We recommend booking 2-4 weeks in advance for seasonal preparation services. Spring and fall are our busiest times, and scheduling early ensures you get your preferred dates. For summer openings, many customers book in early April for May visits.

Storm Preparation

What do you do to prepare a property for a storm?
Our storm preparation includes: securing or storing outdoor furniture, cushions, and loose items; checking that shutters or storm panels are in place; ensuring gutters and drains are clear; checking sump pump operation; moving valuables away from windows; and documenting property condition before the storm with photos. We’ll also make sure emergency supplies are accessible.
Can you check my property after a storm?
Yes, post-storm inspections are one of our most important services. After conditions are safe, we’ll visit your property to assess any damage, document issues with photos, prevent further damage if possible (like covering broken windows), and coordinate emergency repairs if needed. We’ll keep you informed every step of the way.
How quickly can you respond after a storm?
We prioritize post-storm checks and typically begin inspections as soon as conditions are safe, usually within 24-48 hours after a storm passes. Customers with ongoing home watch service receive priority response. We’ll contact you immediately if we find any significant damage.
Do you handle storm damage repairs?
Yes, we can handle many storm damage repairs ourselves and coordinate larger jobs with our network of trusted contractors. This includes temporary fixes to prevent further damage, cleanup, and permanent repairs. We’ll provide clear estimates before starting any repair work.
How did Shore homes hold up during Hurricane Sandy?
Hurricane Sandy was devastating for our area, and David was here working through the aftermath. That experience taught us exactly what Shore homes need to survive major storms and what to look for when assessing damage. We’ve applied those lessons to how we prepare properties and respond to storms today.

Service Areas

Do you service Long Beach Island (LBI)?
Our primary service area is Pine Beach and the northern Ocean County barrier island communities. LBI is outside our typical service range. However, if you have a property there and are interested in our services, give us a call and we can discuss whether we might be able to help.
Do you service Toms River?
Yes, we serve Toms River and many of its waterfront communities. Toms River is just minutes from our base in Pine Beach, making it convenient for regular service visits.
How far will you travel for a job?
We primarily serve Ocean County communities within about 15-20 miles of Pine Beach. This includes Pine Beach, Beachwood, Ocean Gate, Island Heights, Toms River, Bayville, South Seaside Park, Seaside Park, Seaside Heights, and Lavallette. For one-time projects, we may travel further — just ask.
Do you service commercial properties?
Our focus is on residential property management and home services. We may be able to help with small commercial properties on a case-by-case basis. Give us a call to discuss your specific situation.

Working With Us

Will I be working directly with David?
Yes. When you call Barrier Island Property Management, you’re talking to David — not a call center or scheduling department. David personally oversees all work on your property and is your direct point of contact. This personal approach is core to how we operate.
How do you communicate with customers?
We adapt to whatever works best for you. Most customers prefer text messages for quick updates and email for detailed reports with photos. We’re also happy to call if you prefer talking things through. After each home watch visit, you’ll receive a detailed report so you always know how your property is doing.
What if I need something outside your regular services?
Just ask. If it’s something we can help with, we will. If it’s outside our expertise, we’ll tell you honestly and try to point you toward someone who can help. We’d rather give you good advice than take on a job we can’t do well.
Do you have references?
Absolutely. We’re happy to provide references from current customers. You can also see our reviews on Google and Facebook. We’ve built our business on trust and word-of-mouth, and our reputation is everything to us.
What makes you different from other property managers?
A few things: First, we’re truly local — David was born here and lives here. Second, you work directly with the owner, not employees or subcontractors. Third, we’re small by choice, which means personalized attention for every customer. Finally, we believe in honest, straightforward communication. No sales pitches, no pressure, no surprises.
What if I'm not satisfied with your work?
Your satisfaction matters to us. If something isn’t right, tell us and we’ll make it right. We stand behind our work. Our goal isn’t just to complete a job — it’s to earn your trust and your continued business.
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