About Hamilton's Hamilton Square

I'm often asked when it's time to call a home inspector. Since you're asking the question, then that's the first sign that you may need an inspector.

In certain cases, it just makes good sense to call a professional home inspector. For instance, I was recently asked to help solve a problem with a water leak. The house was located on the Jersey shore and every spring just as it was getting hot, a water stain would develop on the kitchen ceiling. I was called in after numerous contractors had charged hundreds of dollars to "repair" the leak. The general contractor replaced the window and flashing around the window in the bathroom over the kitchen. The plumber had replaced the internal components (guts) of the bathtub faucet and water supply lines. The second plumber replaced the bathtub drain pipe and repaired the loose toilet. The roofer had quoted some thousands of dollars to tear off and replace the 5-year old conventional shingle roof.

At the point I was called, the homeowner was understandable quite frustrated. All of these professionals had "found" and repaired the source of the problem, yet the stain on the kitchen ceiling continued. Before they re-shingled the roof, they decided to have a professional home inspector come and inspect the house. After careful inspection of the house, it was noted that the air handler for the air conditioner was in the attic and a tear in the insulation around the suction line caused condensation to develop when the unit was turned on. The small amount of condensation was dripping and showed up two floors down on the kitchen ceiling. An $8 new insulation pipe wrap solved the problem much to the homeowners delight.

I recently bumped into the homeowner and I inquired about the kitchen ceiling. They had repainted and the leak had disappeared. They couldn't stop thanking me.

If you are in doubt, give us a call. Phone consultations are free and we're happy to discuss your problem and what we think will help solve it.

Sayen Gardens is located in Hamilton Twp., NJ., in the "Heart" of Hamilton Square. It consists of 27 acres of botantical gardens, paths, a lake, creek and Sayen House.

Located on the corner of Mercer Street and Hughs Drive, this part of the garden is a recent addition within the past 6-7 years. Weddings are performed at this Gazebo and it provides a shady spot for resting during a long walk.

The paths lead from the Gazebo to the Bridge and a creek that runs thru the property.

There are plenty of places to stop and enjoy the scenery or have a picnic, read a book, meditate, and take photos.

The water fountain is a nice addition to the park on those warm days, the double one is great for adults and the little ones.

The Park Entrance leads to the older part of Sayen Gardens. It is open dusk to dawn, pets are not allowed and if you are going to take photos for a wedding, you need to obtain a permit from Hamilton Twp.

This is the brick walkway leading to the rest of the gardens, depending on the season, it is flanked by perenials.

Frederick Sayen Built his home in 1912 with his wife, Anne Mellon Sayen of the Philadelphia Mellon Family. The home is open to the public on Mothers Day and also available for rental for receptions and other events.

The Sayen House is built in a "Bungalow" Style in reflection of the Arts and Crafts Movement that swept the country in the early 1900'a.

This is one of the Gardens to the rear of the house.

Here is the interior Gazebo, another site for weddings and wedding photographs, a quiet place to visit and enjoy the quiet views and flowers.

Fountain inside of the Court Yard by the Gazebo.

There is a large pond in the middle of the garden with a fountain and water flowers on it.

I hope you enjoyed your visit to Sayen Gardens, for more information and photos, visit it on line. It is such a beautiful place, every photo taken of Sayen Gardens will show a different perspective or season of the year. To truly appreciate the gardens, if you are in the area, stop and smell the flowers.

Photos taken by Christine O'Shea

Copywrite Christine O'Shea all rights reserved