About R.J. Aley Building & Remodeling

Judson Aley founded R.J. Aley Building & Remodeling L.L.C in 1996 and specializes in remodeling projects with fine attention to conservation and the environment, craftmanship and architectural detail, and historic preservation / restoration.

Jud grew up around construction (his dad was a contractor in the Westport/Weston area). Although his dad did new construction, Jud was always a fan of historic buildings. The house Jud grew up in was a 1918 Dutch colonial house and his grandparents lived in a 1790s farmhouse, which Jud feels had a great impact on his desire to preserve old buildings.

After high school, where Jud's favorite and best subject was history, he went on to get a degree in landscape design. While at school, instead of living on campus, he rented an old farmhouse, further deepening his respect for historic buildings. In his free time, he would drive around and check out old buildings.

Later, Jud went to SCSU and got a BA in History with an Art History minor. In 1996, he started his own construction company with another carpenter and an Isuzu Trooper. Jud now has six carpenters on staff, including Jorge Lugo and Caesar Lopez (who are both working on the Boardinghouse). He doesn't want his company to grow so big that he can not make site visits and have a hands-on involvement with every project. Some contractors do historic preservation because they must. Jud is the opposite; he does preservation project because he loves to.

One of his first projects was adding a master bath suite to an 1898 Victorian for architect David Barkin. David is an accomplished (and award winning: see CPN May/June 2007) historic architect and had a great influence on Jud. David imparted a sense of respect for the building as a living entity, placing importance on not only its original appearance, but also its evolution over time.

“Be respectful of the history of the house, whatever period it may be from.”

Certifications

EPA LRRP compliant with Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting per Environmental Protection Agency Regulations

NAHB Certified Green Builder

BPI Building Analyst

Professional Memberships

National Trust for Historic Preservation

Remodeling Contractors Association

Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation

National Association of the Remodeling Industry

New Haven Trust for Historic Preservation

National Association of Home Builders

Preservation Trades Network

Fully insured

R.J. Aley Building Contractor L.L.C. carries full workers compensation as well as liability insurance and will provide an insurance certificate upon request.

Licenses

CT. Lic. # 570003
Westchester Lic. # WC13151H02