Here is an article with some tips for your next renovation project.  Here are some tips for projects that actually provide a return on your investment.

Each year, real estate industry experts put together a list of the home renovation projects that give you the biggest bang for your buck. They, of course, are basing their measurements on which home improvement & renovation projects add the most monetary value to your home. The top home improvement projects on their lists usually include things like replacing your entry door with a steel-reinforced door or general cosmetic improvements.

If you’re planning to sell your house soon and want to do a home renovation project that will increase the likelihood of sale or add value to your home, they’re offering good advice. For those who intend to stay in their homes, though, a new steel door may not be quite the bang they want for their buck. If you’re looking for a home improvement project that will increase your enjoyment of your home, consider these renovations, additions and improvements instead.

Add a Bathroom

Want to instantly relieve morning tensions and bring peace to your home? Hire a contractor to add a bathroom to your house. The right contractor will work with you to reduce the costs by locating your new lavatory where you have to run the least amount of pipe. Your new bathroom doesn’t have to be a luxury-laden master bath to make your house a more pleasant place to live.

Kitchen Renovation

Updating your kitchen with new appliances, an island dining center and a new layout can turn the mealtime hassle into a fun social activity. Some kitchen updates are DIY-worthy. Others, like taking down walls to open out a pantry, require skilled trade workers. You can find an experienced and trustworthy local contractor online to help you create an efficient kitchen layout that turns mealtime chores into family activities.

Build on a Deck

Wooden decks are among the few home renovation projects that fit both ROI lists. You can recoup up to 80 percent of your investment in an outdoor deck in added value to your home. If your reason for taking on a home improvement project is to increase your enjoyment in your home, you’ll get a whole lot of enjoyment out of a new deck. With the right contractor, a deck project can be surprisingly affordable, and you’ll enjoy the results for years to come.

Home Additions

Got kids moving back home or parents living nearby that you worry about? Fitting an extended family under a single-family roof can cause all sorts of strain on relationships. While most people wouldn’t think to turn to a professional contractor for relationship counseling, their services can be exactly what you need to relieve stress. Home additions that add on a contained mother-in-law apartment or guest house provides both ends of the extended family with privacy and personal space – an invaluable way to get more pleasure from your home.

From simple cosmetic improvements to full-on home renovation projects, a local professional contractor can make your life easier and your home more enjoyable. Pick the project that will make your house feel more like the home you love and find a skilled contractor to bring it to life.

Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the world’s MOST popular internet marketing companies on the web.

     This is always a fun question.... and the simple answer is this... if you are doing more than cosmetic work, painting, floors etc... then you should have a permit.   Permitting a project can be challenging for homeowners.  With the various code changes that have occurred over the last few years, even homeowners may require expert help for even small projects.  Anything that involves opening the sheet rock should have a building permit, especially when performing mechanical, plumbing and electrical changes, and definitely when the work involves structural changes.

     Of course, in many areas on Cape Cod, there are other permitting requirements for your home.  Any work outside the home that changes the appearance requires a historic commission permit.  In some towns, there are even requirements for historic approval of landscape changes.  Any time there is a change to the footprint of the home, such as a deck or addition, a site plan must be submitted to confirm that the new work will not encroach on zoning setbacks or property lines.  Many towns do have an express permitting program, which makes permitting small projects like replacement windows, roofing, and siding quick and easy, even in historic districts. 

      So if getting a permit is so difficult, wouldn't it be easier to just do the work, especially if it is inside and no one will see?  The answer is NO!  Often times people will finish attic spaces, renovate or finish basements, or convert areas to bedrooms.  This happens frequently, and often times is not caught by local inspectors.  However, the problems start when the owner goes to sell the home, and the title V septic inspection occurs.  With specific definitions of bedrooms, new, un-permitted finished rooms could be considered additional bedrooms, requiring a full upgrade of the septic system when the house is sold.  This is an expensive and painful process, which is often the cause of failed attempts to sell a home, and reduced purchase prices to cover the cost of repairs. 

If you have questions about permitting your next project, large or small, consult with an expert.  You can contact one of the experts at REEF any time by clicking below!

   REEF just launched their new board on Pinterest this week!!! We will be pinning items we find interesting in architecture, custom homes, remodeling or renovation.

Here is the link to our page!!!

http://pinterest.com/capecodbuilder/

    Here are some new products that were featured at the Architectural Digest Home Design show in New York City.  This show has become the trend setter for interior design, fixtures and appliances for the last several years.  Some of the products and fixtures will become common place in custom homes in the near future.  There are some great ideas here... enjoy

Architectural Digest Home Show

    We came across this article by the New York times that provides an in-depth review of the current state of the real estate market on Cape Cod.  Cape Cod builders are always looking for signs of the health of this market, as it is a strong indicator of demand for new costruction, remodeling and renovation services. Custom home and custom renovation requests are on the rise, and we have noticed strong demand in the last two quarters.  With all of these indicators, now might just be the time to make an investment in your Cape Cod home while prices and interest rates are still at historic lows!

Click here to read the full article from the New York Times: http://www.nytimes.com/ref/realestate/greathomes/GH-capecod.html

   We have enjoyed some great weather this year, allowing REEF to deliver several project way ahead of schedule. Spring has also come early and has us thinking about our favorite activites on the Cape.  The herring have started to run, which means the great fishing is not far behind.   We thought posting a couple local tide charts might get everyone thinking about all of the great fun the Cape offers when the warm weather is here.

Here is a great link from massharbors.com

Massharbors tides

Bass River Tides

    Recently the CEO of JP Morgan announced 9 reasons the housing market is headed towards recovery.  Citing facts like steady population growth, reduced inventory, and steady job growth, CEO Jaime Dimon has a positive outlook on the market place.  As home builders on Cape Cod, REEF understands that information like this will not immediately translate into increased demand in our unique market.  However, since many of our customers make their investments in their Cape Cod homes based on the ability to sell their primary residence, things are looking up.  

Here is the full article from Housingzone.com: 9 Signs Housing is in Recovery

    Outdoor living spaces are becoming more and more poplular, especially with custom homes on Cape Cod.  The marketplace for items like outdoor kitchens, grills, patios, and fireplaces has exploded over the last several years.  Many of the manufacturers have responded with modular, easy to install products that retain the permanent look of masonry or exotic hardwoods that the consumer is looking for.  With the growth of the market, costs have come down and availability of these products is expanding.   The landscaping and outdoor living areas are unfortunately one of the last things that our customers plan for, and sometimes fail to budget properly to achieve their needs.  The demand for these products and well designed landscape or hardscape areas is growing.  Below is an article from Housingzone.com showing the increased popularity of these items.  If you are planning your new home on Cape Cod, you should definitely consider some outdoor living spaces!

survey-outdoor-living-plays-larger-role-selling-new-homes

Here is a photo of one of our recently completed homes with some of these features

    As a custom builder, we are often asked to examine green technologies as part of the design and construction process.  We have found that the "net-zero" home concept is not really a financially feasible option yet, but we have discovered several technologies that can significantly reduce the operating costs of the home with a reasonable initial investment. We here at REEF belive so strongly in this technology that we invested in 5 Kilowatt photovoltaic system for our own office building, and we can tell you first hand that the results have been great!.   Here is an interesting article from Inman News that points out some green technologies that you can use today to reduce the long term cost of operating your home...

Green Homes Give Back

If you would like to discuss the possibilities of green construction in your next custom home, remodeling or renovation project, click below to ask one of our experts!

   The real estate market is still at an all time low.  Many homes in desireable areas are available at a much lower price than ever before.  As a custom home builder, REEF is often brought in to assess existing properties for their future renovation or remodeling potential. With home prices so low,  purchasing  an existing him and investing in a major renovation might begin to make sense.  The most important item for many of our customers is the ability to design a home for an "aging in place" lifestyle.   This is not a new concept, but in the past, it was almost cost-prohibitive to invest in a major project to meet the "aging in place" concept.    Below is an article from in-lawsuite.com that discusses the possibilities, and provides some tips for smart investments in an existing home. 

Click here to read te article: Benefits of renovation for aging-in-place

If you would like to know more about an aging in place renovation, click below to contact one of our experts: