When Barbara Farley stepped to the podium at the recent OCBA luncheon, she brought with her more than five decades of family craftsmanship. CHAP Construction – born in 1972 from the partnership of brothers Chuck (“Chap”) and Hap Laing—still operates under the very same EIN number today.
That continuity tells you everything you need to know about the firm’s ethic: finish every job as if the client were a cousin, then stay available long after the final check clears.
From Pipe Wrenches to Full-Scale Builds
- Early days – Chuck and Hap started with plumbing and electrical repairs, then moved into bathroom and kitchen makeovers, decks, porches, and whole-house renovations.
- Custom homes – As reputation grew, so did project size; new construction soon joined the service list.
- Leadership hand-offs – Hap kept the doors open when Chuck pursued other ventures. In 2009 Hap’s son, Randy Laing, assumed daily operations, ushering in digital drafting, tighter energy standards, and a formal apprentice pipeline.
- Third generation – Randy’s sons Drew and RJ are now essential personnel in Chap Mechanical, right alongside seasoned supervisors.
Two Brands Under One Roof
Last year the Laings launched CHAP Mechanical to spotlight the service side that many property owners never realized existed. The mechanical division handles:
- HVAC installs and emergency calls
- Plumbing repairs—from leaky faucets to boiler change-outs
- Whole-house generators (two on-staff Generac-certified techs)
- Coleman heating/cooling systems with 10-year parts guarantee
Need a hot-water heater swapped or an air-handler tuned? You can now ring CHAP Mechanical directly and skip the “who does what” confusion.
Design-Build, Permit to Punch-List
Sign a contract with CHAP and the office staff drive the paperwork: permits, utility mark-outs, architectural drawings, inspections, materials. Homeowners pick finishes, write progress checks, and enjoy the ride. An in-house design adviser – even attends selections meetings – helps clients lock in flooring, cabinets, tile, and paint without overwhelm.
Apprentice Friendly, Veteran Ready
Field crews blend licensed tradespeople with entry-level apprentices enrolled in CHAP-sponsored programs for electrical, HVAC, and plumbing licenses. That approach keeps experience on site, while cultivating tomorrow’s talent.
Work in Progress: Summer 2025
- Normandy Beach oceanfront – Six bedrooms, four baths, 20-ft multi-panel slider; construction paused for local moratorium, resumes after Labor Day.
- Seaside Park K Street infill – New single-family with pool, dual kitchens, four-plus baths.
- Local lifts and bath remodels – Smaller projects continue throughout Ocean County.
What Clients Say
“Tenant called, problem fixed—simple as a text.” — Bob Ott, OCBA member
“Walk-in shower leak vanished and the space was spotless when the crew left.” — Cathy Mulhearn, OCBA member
Ready for Your Project?
From a quick faucet swap to a ground-up coastal build, CHAP Construction and CHAP Mechanical bring family integrity and licensed expertise to every address.