Planning an addition to your home can be a fun and exciting process.  The dreams of new and additional space for you Cape Cod Home can allow room for entertaining and guests, especially in the busy Summer season. There are some things to think about as part of the Remodeling, and Addition process, that can prevent problems down the road.  Here are some factors we take into consideration when designing and building an addition here at REEF:

1. What are the real needs for the additional space?
2. Does it make sense to "built out" or "build up"?
3. Is there sufficient space on the lot for the desired addition?
4. Do you plan on living in the house during the project?
5. Are there other impacts on utilities, grading, or the septic system?
6. Does the project make sense given the condition of the existing structure?

All of these factors come into play as part of our comprehensive planning process, and can mean the difference between a successful project that meets the owner's budget and design expectations. Sometimes, depending on the size and cost of the addition,  it may even make sense to look at tearing down the house and building a complete new home.

Here is an article we found from HGTV.com that has some other tips about planning your addition: Building Up or Out

   A garage addition is a great way to add value to your property by providing additional storage, parking, and sometimes living space.  The challenge is that often times a custom garage design is needed to properly fit a lot or existing home.  At REEF, Cape Cod's home Builder, we provide complete design, permitting and construction services to accomplish this type of project. Here are some recent projects and custom designs we have completed for our customers.  If you are thinking of a garage addition or detached garage for your home, please click below to contact us:

    REEF is a Design / Build company and as such, our project team owns the project performance and finished product right from the start.  When considering design, use of spaces, and ideas for expansion, people often become trapped in two dimensions.  Taking advantage of all of the possibilities of your property can have dramatic results.  Instead of adding a 2nd story on a home with a sloping lot, why not add a 2nd story on the lower basement side of the house, and maximize the available space and slope. In many cases, this can save money and time, especially when considering expensive retaining walls or foundations to  support a new structure. 

 We found this interesting article from HOUZZ.com that took a plain old colonial and really turned it into something unique. With the right design team and a little thinking outside the box, you could have the same results. Here is the article: http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/2584837/list/My-Houzz--New-England-Add-On-Provides-Privacy--Views

    This year, REEF has had several request to build attached and detached garages on existing homes.  In all cases, owners needed additional storage, and had sufficient space on their lots. These projects are very simple, and can be completed in 2-3 months, including permitting.  At REEF, Cape Cod's Home Builder, we can design these projects in house and quickly move them into the construction phase. These projects are simple, and the results are fantastic!!

If you are considering a garage, renovation or remodeling project, click below to contact our team:

Here are some pictures of a project we completed this spring: 

Before:

After:

We recently completed a garage/breezeway addition on RT 134 in Dennis. The new garage was

designed and built with the intent to match the existing house.  This project took just under eight

 weeks to complete.

BEFORE

AFTER

   There is nothing more inviting than a well-designed window seat.  With a little planning, a window seat can be a as functional as it is comfortable. Often times extra storage bins or drawers can be added into the base of the seat, creating a great place for books, pictures, or blankets. This Old House has provided some ideas on for different window seat designs here:

This Old House - Window Seats

If you are thinking of renovating or remodeling home, come examine the possibilities with REEF!

Top Five Cape Cod Kitchen Renovation Must-Haves

If you have a kitchen remodeling project in your future and are looking to get the most out of your new space..., we have five features you won’t want to exclude from your home renovation. Compiled by a team of expert home remodeling contractors in Raleigh, NC, our Top Five list is sure to send chefs of all abilities into a joyous tizzy thinking about these sizzling kitchen remodeling must-haves.

Must-Have #5 – Undercounter Sink

A kitchen remodeling upgrade that has come to be expected with most home remodeling projects these days.  Undercounter sinks come standard with most natrual stone (granite) and engineered stome (quartz)countertops.  Though integrated sinks in solid surface products like Corian and cultured marble are used often, they don't hold quite the same interest with buyers when it comes to a remodeling upgrade.

Kitchen Remodeling Must-Have #4 – French Door Refrigerator

Appliances always compete with upgraded countertops, as the most appealing part of a kitchen remodeling project, and of course, the refrigerator is the King Pin. As the appliance that will be used the most frequently and by the most people, the refrigerator must be functional and flawless to win your renovation a home remodeling award. A fridge can easily lure or deter potential buyers, and something about seeing those shiny side-by-side handles covering an expansive and easy-to-access chiller seems to call for extra dollars from buyers. A home improvement upgrade that doesn’t even need a kitchen renovation project to be implemented, French Door refrigerators are an easy and must-have upgrade that simply cannot be excluded if you are undertaking a kitchen remodel.

Kitchen Remodeling Must-Have #3 – Custom Tile Backsplash
Whether it’s natural stone, colorful or decorative patterns, your kitchen backsplash is a blank canvas that offers an opportunity for you to flex your artistic muscles and bring color, life and remodeling design to your space. Don’t let the opportunity to introduce interest to your kitchen remodeling project pass you by by overlooking your backsplash; instead, get creative and bring life to the most functional space in the house! Showing attention to this artful area will grab buyers’ interest and is sure to wow your guests…and you won’t get the most out of your kitchen remodeling project from buyers if you exclude an upgraded tile backsplash from your list.
 

 Kitchen Remodeling Must-Have #2 – A Free-Standing Island

Adding a free-standing island not only brings functional work and eating space to your project; it also means you’ve got a roomy kitchen that can accommodate a large fixture, which is a second great reason for potential buyers to love your kitchen. If you’ve ever turned on HGTV and watched shows featuring the best of kitchen remodeling projects, you’re sure to notice the award-winning remodels all include free standing islands (complete with pendant lighting & often a built-in cooktop…see above and note how our list has come full circle). It will offer additional storage and workspace, give the kids a comfortable and casual spot to pull up and enjoy their snacks, and help define your kitchen area if you’re lucky enough to have an open floor plan.

Kitchen Remodeling  Must-Have #1 – Quartz Countertops
Natural Stone Countertops are a popular choice of material when remodeling. Now, the latest and definitely greatest product on the market is engineered Quartz, which incorporates natural material with manmade products and results in the strongest and most durable countertop material on the market. With more variation in a slab than Corian but less than most granite products, engineered Quartz is a clean, contemporary and easy-to-look-at product that is winning over kitchen remodelers across the country. It is far less fragile than granite and won’t chip or fleck, and won’t scratch, stain or scar the way Corian or other solid surface countertops will. It’s practically indestructible and, for hearty cooks  everywhere, is the remodeling material of choice.

--Engaging our Services

adapted from GreyHouse Inc.  http://www.greyhouseinc.com/news/1/24/