We have been working with a customer for the last few weeks who owns a unique property on the outer cape. The lot overlooks an inlet and working harbor, but is very small. The challenge for us was to maximize the views of this special location, while meeting the smaller footprint required for this site.  Also, the owner had asked for some contemporary features both inside and outside which was a welcome change from our usual traditionally styled home designs. So here is what we came up with.  Let us know what you think!  -Request Info

  With the popularity of the green construction movement over the last few years REEF has been asked to identify, assess, and install various renewable energy systems on our projects.  In an effort to stay ahead of the curve, REEF invested in its own photovoltaic solar system on the office in West Dennis.  So far it has been a great investment, with a total return of about 5 years.  What many of our customers don't know is that there are really two means of financial return afforded by alternative energy systems. The first is what is known as "net metering", which means that you only pay for the electricity that is used over and above what is produced by the solar system. In our case, our monthly electric bills were reduced by well over 50%.  The second part is the brokering and re-sale of "SREC's" (Solar Renewable Energy Credits).  Many states mandate the amount of renewable energy that must be provided to the grid, forcing the utility companies to purchase energy from newewable sources.  Bottom line... not only did we reduce our monthly electric bills we actually get paid for producing the same energy. 

Here are a couple of tips if you are thinking about investing in a renewable energy system for your home:

1) Investigate your local zoning by-laws to find out the limitations. Solar systems are generally acceptable, wind turbines may not be allowed

2) Find a local company that is as familiar with the incentives, grants and programs available as they are with the products they provide.

3) Look at all of the financing, grant, metering and pay options available, and have all of the applications and approvals in place before you start your project.

Here is a picture of our solar system in West Dennis

If you have any questions about renewable energy systems for your next project feel free to contact us here  CONTACT US

Check out our new photo album on Facebook. This was a home we recently completed in Orleans, MA... click here!

 

http://www.facebook.com/pages/REEF-Cape-Cods-Home-Builder/319857238039751

 

  A couple of years ago, the EPA instituted new lead regulations covering work in homes built prior to 1978.  After years of study, it was determined that the dust created from renovation and remodeling work in homes with lead paint was the leading cause of lead poisoning in children and adults. The dust created during construction project is much more readily absorbed into the body, as opposed to large peeling paint chips, which had been thought to be the leading cause in the past.

  So what is the big deal about these new regulations? The safety, training, and work environment requirements add significant, if not prohibitive cost to any work being performed in an environment that contains lead.  The work area must be sealed from the rest of the house, tradesmen are requiured to wear full suits, and respirators, and the work area must be thoroughly cleaned, and wiped down daily.  There are ways to mitigate these costs, but if lead is present in the home, there is really no simple or inexpensive solution to the problem. 

Here are some links from the National Association of Home Builders, and the EPA with additional information:  http://www.nahb.org/generic.aspx?genericContentID=118467

http://www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/renovaterightbrochure.pdf

 We found this video clip from ABC news regarding the impact of purchasing American-made products on the job market.  The building industry in general is a huge consumer of durable goods, and as such,  a small commitment to increasing the use of American-made products can have a dramatic impact on employment, and the overall economy.  REEF will commit to seeking out American-made products at every opportunity!!

 

Click here to watch the video: http://cdnapi.kaltura.com/index.php/kwidget/wid/0_04vzdsr5/uiconf_id/5590821

  Here are some interior shots of a new home that we have been working on for a few months in Dennis, MA.  This week we are installing the kitchen, finishing the interior trim work, and getting ready to install the plumbing fixtures.  This home is located in our Dr. Stanton Rd. neighborhood, and has a traditionally-styled exterior, with an open floor plan, and some more contemporary styling inside. If you would like to see more of this home, please click here -Request Info

 

    REEF Realty often partners with land owners, and those seeking land on Cape Cod, to design custom homes that can meet the unique characteristics of the lot.  Here is a new plan we came up with for one of the lots currently for sale on Dr. Stanton Rd. in Dennis, MA.  These lots range in price from the mid to high $200's.  Let us know what you think!

If you are thinking of purchasing a lot on Cape Cod, click here and find out how we can help: -Request Info

  We thought this was appropriate given the season. Just a little reminder to be safe for the holidays...

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/611.pdf

So the weather has been cooperating with us this fall, and we have been moving along nicely on this new home in Wellfleet, MA.  This project is unique, as the site posed a few challenges due to its proximity to the coastal bank. When building anywhere near the water, the permitting process will involve approval by the local conservation commission.  The conservation commission's input will influence things like lot coverage, site drainage and septic locations, vegetation preservation or removal.  REEF was able to work with its team of engineers and the commission to negotiate an exceptional location for this house, which allowed the preservation of critical environmental concearns, while maximizing the views of Wellfleet Harbor.  Here are some photos from the site this week. The house has been insulated, and we are starting to sheetrock and plaster today.... If you have a property on Cape Cod with a challenging site like this, click here to see how REEF can help you!! CONTACT US

REEF is starting another new home in Dennis, MA!.  This home is a custom designed, traditionally styled, cape with about 3,000sf of living area.  Here are some photos of the foundation installation yesterday, along with a rendering of the finished product. Follow our blog to watch this project!!!