It looks like remodeling activity is definitely on the rise!.  The BuildFax remodeling index has shown an increase of over 20% from December 2010 to December 2011. Investments in older properties is driving the trend, and it bodes well for increased residential construction activity in 2012.  We are confident that materials and labor prices will be on the move as well to adjust for increased demand. 

Now is a great time to plan and begin your project, beat the rush and take advantage of low recession pricing.

See article here: http://www.calculatedriskblog.com/2012/02/residential-remodeling-index-increases.html

If you have a question about starting your next remodeling or new construction project, click below to ask one of our experts!

  Bathrooms are definitely one of the areas that our customers invest a lot of time and effort in designing.  The myriad of options available can make this a tough process, not to mention that manufacturers are constantly coming out with new and innovative products for the bathroom.  When planning your bathroom renovation, or the baths in your new home, take the time to get educated on the products and materials available. 

  There is a lot of good information in this article from the U-T San Diego newspaper regarding bathroom trends for 2012.  They cover everything from paint colors to digital showers... click here to see the full article.  2012 Bathroom Design Trends

If you have questions about your next bathroom project and need some advice, click here to ask one of the experts at REEF!

      We have just published a new article in response to a commonly asked question: "How long will my project take to complete."  Planning a new home project can have several steps, and here at REEF we have a great process in place to provide a predictable and reliable answer to that question.  Often times customers have tabled a great project because the design and permitting steps alone where too overwhelming.  Since REEF is a design/build company, we can take some of the mystery out of the process.  Click below to get more information on permitting and construction schedules for your project!

   The Metlife Mature Market Institute recently conducted a study on trends for homeowners in the 55+ age category. The results were surprising, and indicative of an increasingly independent lifestyle for senior homeowners.  This study discusses the desire for many to age-in-place at their current home. We have seen numerous requests for smart aging renovations in our client base over the last several years.  Small things like wider hallways and doors, bathroooms that could accommodate wheelchair access are often requested by our clients. 

  These ideas are easy to accommodate as part of a new home or renovation project.  However, attempting to make these livability upgrades quickly after a serious illnes or accident can be challenging and expensive.  You can download the metlife report here: 55+ Buyer Trends Study

If you have questions about making your home more comfortable as you approach retirement click below to schedule a free consultation:

   Even though you may be moving into a completely new home, with everything under warranty, there are some basic things that everyone should know when it comes to owning a new home.  At REEF, we conduct a thorough walkthrough with our customers, identifiying critical items, such as water main locations, electrical service locations, HVAC and other filters that must be changed regularly, septic system location and maintenance, and general maintenance tips for their new home. 

  Realtor.com has published an article identifying tips for new homeowners that we felt covered some basic, but important items: seven-helpful-tips-for-new-homeowners

If you have questions about your new or old homes, and want to ask an expert, you can always contact us at REEF by clicking below:

Wefound this article on remodeling projects that seem to have survived the recession. It looks like aging in place, in-law apartments, outdoor enhancements, and smart kitchens are still good investments, despite the economic times.  Remodeling, additions and renovation work have been a large part of our business over the last year or so.  Here is the article from US News: recession-home-remodeling-trends

If you have questions about your next remodeling or construction project... ask one of the pro's here at REEF - just click below:

    Looks like some new trends are emerging at the International Builder's show in Orlando.  See link from Yahoo Real Estate to discover the latest trends.  One of the most interesting points is the turn back towards smaller, more efficiently-designed homes. It looks like crafstman-style homes are seeing a resurgence, while other styles, such as the classic split level are all but gone.

Click here for more: What's Hot in Homes for 2012

   With all of the recent changes to the energy code, there has been a resurgence in concerns about houses being  too "tight."  Many people believe that the key to long term building health is the fact that many older homes, with there inherent leaks and drafts allowed fresh air to move through the home.  That theory is somewhat true, and actually even more critical now as the new energy code is based on eliminating uncontrolled air infiltration.  Proper insulation, use of vapor and air barriers, along with some mechanical ventilation guarantees a healthy indoor environment. 

 Here is an article from Fine Homebuilding that discusses various ways to achieve a healthy air quality, while still achieving the critical energy efficiency requirements of today's building codes.

Do Houses Need To Breathe?

    The biggest challenge with energy efficiency and green initiatives is to determine the actual return on investment. If done properly, energy efficiency improvements can result in substantial, tangible savings on your day to day energy use.  Our friends at Cotuit Solar and Cape Light Compact have provided a basic chart discussing general return perior for certain improvements.

See Below

ENERGY AND $ SAVING IDEAS 

In the following list, the higher the level, the more cost effective the choices are for reducing energy use in your house/business. So, ideally, one should exhaust the possibilities at the highest level before implementing lower level actions.

PAYBACK IN YEARS and ACTION

0: Get a free energy audit (Cape Light Compact: 800-797-6699), lower house thermostat setting, combine/minimize automobile trips, replace lawn area with garden or natural landscape.

½ - 2: Solar Pool Heat Installation.                     

1-5: Add Attic Insulation; Replace Light Bulbs & Appliances with more energy efficient ones.

3-7: Solar Domestic Hot Water Installation using tax credits.

3-8: Add Window Quilts or Thermal Shades; Install a Wood/Pellet Stove.

5-7: Groundwater Source Cooling/Dehumidifying.

6-8: Wind Power and/or Photovoltaic Solar Installation using MTC (Massachusetts Technology Collaborative) incentive money and tax credits.

6-10: Replace Heating Equipment/Automobile with updated, more efficient technology.

10-15: Reside Building with added insulation & new windows.

15-20: Install Solar Space Heating

 

If you have questions about your next home improvement project please click below for more information:

   People always want to know  "How Much Will This Cost?" so they can make important finacial decisions early in the process.  In an effort to assist in this process at an early stage, REEF has published a 2012 Guide to Current Construction Costs on Cape Cod.  This article provides unit costs per square foot for several different types of projects ranging from cottages, to custom homes and renovations. Click below to recieve your free copy!