If you are considering building a new custom home in Truro, then you will definitely want to pay attention to the changes being proposed in the town right now. There are two proposals pending to restrict future home sizes in both the Seashore and Residential Districts within the town. These are most likely a reaction to the infamous Kline house which was the subject of several law suits over the last few years.

These new restrictions will definitely impact future design and home construction in the town of Truro if adopted.

Click below for more information

Proposed Zoning Restrictions- Truro

Here's a home we finished last year in Truro we'll see if it can be built again?

If you are considering designing and building your new custom hom in Truro or anywhere on Cape Cod, please Contact Us Today!

Over the last week we have made some good progress on what is probably the most important part of the work involved in building on this waterfront home site. Our design, engineering and environmental team was able to negotiate some sand replenishment and fencing down on the beach to protect the owner's investment in their new custom home. The first step was to demolish the old house at the site (always fun to watch)

 

A post shared by REEF Custom Builders (@thecapecodbuilder) on Apr 14, 2017 at 5:37am PDT

The sand replenishment plan has 2 phases, first, the construction of a very robust oak and green heart sand fence, set on large pilings dug several feet into the beach.

The 2nd phase involves using the excavated clean sand from the future foundation, and placing it behind the fence. As you can see from the photos, this operation involves some detailed coordination and several pieces of heavy equipment on both the home site and the beach below. As the excavator gathers the sand above from the foundation hole, it is cast down to the beach where smaller machines install it behind the fence. The theory here is that the fence will reduce wash out of the sand on the beach during winter storms, providing a stable building platform and high level of protection for the future home. Based on the sensitive nature of this site, permitting and planning for this phase alone has taken well over 6 months. Our team was able to get permission from the town board of selectmen to access the beach from a nearby landing. However, we are only allowed to access the beach for a very short time, so good coordination with the subcontractor team is critical.

The next steps will be to finalize the architectural details and begin home construction.

Building A Waterfront Home

REEF is starting another waterfront custom home project next week. We are planning a multi-part series on our blog over the next several months documenting the specific challenges and unique requirement of building on the ocean. This project is a great opportunity to look at the various phases of construction, and how the complex permitting, engineering and environmental management teams come together to create the final product.

We will begin next week with the erosion control, demolition and clearing phases at the site, tearing down the existing structure and preparing the site for the new home. Even more exciting is the fact that this project will also have a substantial beach and sand replenishment component, where we will go in and support the existing bank at the water's edge using a combination of sand and sand retention fencing.

Look for regular updates over the coming week and throughout the summer. Our design team, lead by Jim Hagerty and Sara Hamilton, has been working with our engineering and environmental consultants over the last year to bring this custom home project to this point. The architectural design is nearly complete, so we'll begin construction of the home in the early summer. Here's what we'll be starting with:

 If you are interested in building a waterfront home - click here to download our Waterfront Property Guide

When searching for a custom home builder, or custom home design team here on Cape Cod, there are several choices a homeowner can make in the process.  There are several designers and builders here on Cape Cod, but it is important to get out and  see what current and past customers have to say about their overall experience.  Here are the things you'll to ask  about the team you are working with!

Was the designer attentive to the customers needs?

Was the design and building team providing sound advice based on knowledge and experience with zoning, building codes and other regulations?

Was the builder able to deliver a project on time and on budget?

Was the team respectful, professional and did they provide timely and accurate communication on the project?

Did the builder or designer provide several references, both past and current?

After over 30 years in business, and having designed and built over 1500 custom home projects, renovations and additions here on Cape Cod, the REEF team understands that the quality of the project is directly connected to the quality of the team you work with.

Click here to see recent reviews of our work!

If you want to see what we are working on today - check out our Facebook and Instagram pages.

We have published our 2017 Construction cost guide! 2017 Will be a dynamic year in the construction business, with pending building code changes, lumber price increases, and a scarcity of skilled labor. We have continued to see a high demand for vacant lots this year as well, as the aging housing inventory on the Cape, and low supply of quality existing homes has prompted a boom in new construction.

Despite these pending changes, investments in expertly designed, and exceptionally crafted custom homes have a great long term potential return!

Here are some of the other trends we are seeing:

• Smaller, more efficiently designed floor plans
• Stronger demand for energy efficiency upgrades like solar, spray foam insulation etc.
• Finished or partially finished basement areas, which provides additional living area at a lower unit cost
• Highly detailed exteriors on smaller homes, with enhanced trim, window upgrades for both durability and style
• Demand for homes with contemporary styling, both inside and out
• Strong demand for waterfront or walk to water homes, with solid return on investment.
• Continued stream of new and more stringent regulations that will continue to increase cost, but will provide for much more efficient homes in the future

REEF Builders provides complete design / build services for your Cape Cod home project. We offer expert architectural design and permitting services, along with complete construction services from start to finish. If you are considering building a new Custom Home, or planning an addition or renovation on your existing home. Contact REEF Today!

Click here to download our 2017 Construction Cost Guide!

We've seen it coming over the last few years, but now it's here. If you are thinking of building your new Cape Cod Home, there is no better time than right now. We are seeing major increases in materials prices and a serious skilled labor shortage not only on Cape Cod, but also nationally. When you combine these latest issues with the ever-increasing regulatory environment, it is easy to see why the cost of construction has gone up substantially over the last 5 years. However, with low inventory of existing homes on Cape Cod, and an aging housing stock in need of major repairs or upgrades, building a new home on Cape Cod is still a sound investment.

How do you protect yourself if you are planning a major renovation or custom home project for 2017?

1. Work with established designers and builders who understand the marketplace and have the resources available to manage the labor issues
2. Set a strategy for design and permitting that can allow for an expedited start of construction
3. Pre-purchase materials if possible
4. Thoroughly plan your project to ensure quick and accurate execution
5. Minimize waste and use modern production techniques such as off site panelization of major components (walls, roofs etc)

Here's some recent information from the National Association of Homebuilders discussing these Challenges for 2017

If you are considering Building your custom home on Cape Cod, there is no better time than right now! Contact us today to see how we can help!

If you are considering designing and building a custom home over the next year, you should take some time to understand some of the major cost components and how they can impact the overall cost of construction. Over the last few years, most construction cost increases have been driven by substantial regulatory change, and an overall shortage of labor vs. demand. Lumber, which accounts for 10-20% of the overall cost of a custom home has remained fairly steady over the last year or two. We did just get news from our team at Shepley Wood Products that lumber prices are expected to increase over the next year, namely due to lumber agreements between the US and Canada. Here's an explaination:

Softwood Lumber Agreement Information

With the Softwood Lumber Agreement (SLA) between the US and Canada coming to a close and the possibility of a duty being imposed on Canadian lumber imports , we as consumers can expect to see price increases on both Canadian and domestic timber over the next few months. Speculators typically try to create panic in the market place about sharp price escalation to drive impulse purchasing and some mills have already imposed price increases out of knee jerk reaction. However, historically, sharp rises like this have been short lived and adjust quickly as the United States and Canada find compromise in the name of doing business.

We recognize how disruptive economic change like the end of the SLA can be to business, so in an effort to reduce its impact, Shepley Wood Products is making the following commitments.

• We will buy right and leverage our average inventory value to ensure our prices are always better than market. Well planned purchasing allows us to take the edge off of sharp market changes.
• We will buy enough inventory to keep your projects well supplied
• We will not over buy inventory, allowing us to more quickly lower prices as the market corrects
• We will not drop our price hold commitment below 30 Days
• We will always be forthcoming about market conditions and make sure you have the most recent and accurate information.

Click Here for More Information

Bottom Line: IF you are considering designing and building your custom home or retirement home, or even a major renovation project here on Cape Cod expect to pay more over the next year as lumber prices increase in reaction to this news about the Softwood Lumber Agreement.

We are expecting prices to change 3-5% over the next few months, and we are already seeing prices move 1% or so this month.

If you have any questions, please feel free to email us at sales@capecodbuilder.com

Once we get more information, we'll issue a new Construction Cost Guide for spring of 2017

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!