The National Association of Home Builders recently announced the winners and top design trends for the the Best in American Living Awards at the national show in Orlando in January. If you are considering designing or building your custom home this year these are definitely some trends you'll want to consider.

Here are a few from the list - and some pictures from our custom homes:

1. Benches and Nooks - custom built-ins are always a great way to blend function and storage

1. Big Showers and Tubs - large showers have been in style, but oversized tubs are making a comeback!

1. Board and Batten - a nice traditional look - inside or outside

1. Shiplap - Walls and Ceilings

These are just a few of the examples of the top design trends for 2017. Click here if you would like to read more!

Interior and exterior finishes are an important part of our architectural design program here at REEF. When you work with our team we take the time to discuss certain options and trends that will meet the design intent and the budget. If you are intrested on our custom home design or building services, please contact us today!

 

 

Here's some very important information that you should know if you ever plan or building, remodeling or even owning a home here on Cape Cod! The State of Massachusetts has been working to adopt the International Code Council Building and Energy Codes since 2008/2009, moving away from our old "Version 6" of the building code, which had been in place for several years and was unique to the state. Since 2008, the state has moved quickly to not only adopt the International Code Council regulations, but to continue to update those regulations so we can be on par with many other states allowing us to use the latest and greatest versions of the code.

You may also have noticed that the cost of construction has also increased dramatically during that time, and a fair amount of that cost of building or remodeling a home can be attributed to the energy code compliance requirements of the IECC. Well as of this year, 2017, the state is planning to finalize the code versions using the 2015 codes, with Massachusetts amendments.

So what does this all mean? Under the 2015 Codes, we will now be held to the an extremely high standards of energy efficient construction in all new homes and renovations. If you are lucky enough to live in a "Stretch" energy code town (Such as Truro, Mashpee, Wellfleet and Provincetown) your project will have to meet the highest standards of construction in the state. Furthermore the 2015 codes provides energy rating credits for "green" power generation, i.e. solar panels or windmills, and may mandate design requirements such as a "solar ready" roof areas, which means roofs will have to have designed for future solar installations and provisions for electric vehicle chargers in every new home.

State of MA Energy Code Update and Summary

Overall, it's a great step towards energy efficiency and promotes renewable resources and green technology for new homes. Although these sorts of provisions will have a cost, visual and aesthetic impact, there will be net long term benefits from these new regulations.

If you are considering designing and building a new custom home, vacation home, major renovation or addition, you'll want to know how these regulations will impact your project. Feel free to reach out to the team at REEF today for your initial consultation. Click here to Contact us!

 

The new year is a great time to do research on upcoming trends in our industry. If you follow any residential design news, this is the time of year for industry trade shows, such as the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS) the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) and the International Builders Show (IBS) These shows often feature the leaders in new technology, trends and style that will influence design and style of your custom home, renovation or addition project for years to come.

Here are a few links to 2017 trends that we have come across over the last few weeks. Looks like Color and Texture are definitely on trend if you are considering designing, building, or renovating your home.

2017 Design Trends - ElleDecor

Pantone's 2017 Color Trends

Vogue's 2017 Design Trends

 

If you are considering a custom home, addition, renovation or other project here on Cape Cod, please consider our team here at REEF!

 

REEF is proud to be selected as one of the winners of the 2016 BRICC Awards Established in 2012, the BRICC Awards are presented biennially to outstanding builders, remodelers, architects, designers, and other housing-related professionals. Featuring over 40 categories, the BRICC Awards encompasses all facets of the residential building and remodeling industries, including sales, marketing, design, and landscaping.. From overall design to sustainability, the awards program offers categories for individuals and businesses of all size

REEF Was selected as one of the silver award winners for Excellence in New Home Construction for our Northside Bayview project. We would like to thank our hard working team of designers, project managers, subcontractors and staff for a job well done! We would also like to send a special thank you to our customers who put their faith trust in our team to turn their vision into reality.

If you are considering designing and building a custom home on Cape Cod, please consider REEF for your next project!

If you are designing or building a Custom Home, Pinterest is a great resource for ideas and insprication for your project.  We often use private Pinterest boards as idea books with our customers to share interior and exterior design ideas.  If you haven't done so lately - take a look at our Pinterest Page here: Cape Cod Builder on Pinterest

 

 

    Like any trend, seasonal decorating styles change every year. This year, we have seen a definite trend toward a more casual, simple lifestyle in the designs and finishes of our expertly crafted custom homes.   Clean, simple and neutral materials are the goto choice for furnishings and accessories, and we thought it might be fin to look at some winter and holiday design ideas for your home.  We have posted articles like this over the last 5 years and it has been interesting to watch trends and styles change year to year.

If you are wondering what your holiday theme might be - here are some ideas

1) Neutral / Organic Holiday Decorating

2) Front Door Decorations for Christmas

And last but not least - Coastal / Beach themed Christmas Decor

If you are considering designing or building a new custom home, or if you are considering a major renovation or addition to your existing home here on Cape Cod, contact us today to see what REEF Custom Builders can do for you

The REEF team was asked to design and build a  contemporary home, with clean lines and modern  finishes in Truro.  The owners worked with Jim Hagerty our lead designer and developed a clean contempory look using high quality, low maintenance materials.  The project  moved over to the construction team a year ago and REEF's building team did agreat job executing the plan. The owners wanted to recover their investment quickly and put the house on the market as  soon as the landscaping work was complete.  The results - a full price offer within 2 weeks of hitting the market!  The owners have just purchased a second property and have engaged the team at REEF to design and build a second custom home!   The outer cape offers great investment opporutnities, especially with new, high quality construction, and a beautiful contemporary design.   If you are thinking of designing, or building a custom home in Truro, or anywhere on Cape Cod, consider a team with proven results!  Consider REEF Custom Builders!

We are very excited to be able to share photos from another one of our recent waterfront custom home projects in Chatham. This project was built on the existing froundation of the previous home on the property, and the site offered numerous challenges in permitting and during construction.  The design is meant to allow unfettered views of the lake, and provide an open and airy feel within the main living areas.  This project was a challenge for our design and building teams - but the results speak for themselves.   If you are considering designing or buildign  a custom home in the Chatham area, REEF has the exptertise, talent and resources to make your ideas a reality.

 Click Here for Chatham Lakefront Retreat Gallery

You've been coming to the Cape your whole life, isn't it time you stayed?

 

 

We are so excited to share the photos of the waterfront custom home that REEF designed and built in Brewster!  This project had several challenges, limited space, conservation restrictions, but the results speak for themselves.  Simple, clean, tasteful design by Jim Hagerty, REEF's princpal designer and great execution by our entire contract team.  Starting with the demolition and foundation, right through the finishing details, our team gave 100% on this project and the results speak for themselves!.  If you are considering designing or building a custom home on Cape Cod, let REEF provide the design expertise, teamwork and craftsmanship  to turn your idea into reality!  You've been coming to the Cape your whole life, isn't it time you stayed?

Click here to see the gallery on Facebook: Brewster Beach House

Here's a few fun links of various project that we have been working on this summer.  We have several jobs finishing up, and are starting our next round of custom home projects for the 2016-2017 building season!  Our design team has also been very busy with new custom home  projects as we approach the fall.  

Click below to see what we've been up to!

 

REEF's Summer Vacation

 

 

If you are considering designing and building your Cape Cod Custom Home - REEF has the experience and team to make your dreams a reality! 

"You've been coming to the Cape your whole life.  Isn't it time you stayed?"