The Commerce Department released it's September statistics for new home starts and building permit activities.  New Home construction was up 15% from August, and building permits are rising at the same level.  The level of activity in September signifies an 82.5% increase from all time lows seen in 2009! So what does this mean for your New Home, Renovation, or Remodeling project on Cape Cod? Well it means demand for qualified and experienced contracting services is on the rise, and that material prices will be on the move as well.  Since last year at this time, REEF has witnessed an 8% increase in construction materials prices for the average home.  So if you have been thinking of Building, Remodeling or Renovating on Cape Cod, now is a great time to start and take advantage of still low costs and low interest rates! Here is the full article from Yahoo Finance: Construction Starts Up

If you are thinking of starting your project click here to see how we can help:

   Today, when people think of countertops for their New Kitchen or Bathroom project, they think of Granite, Corian, or other solid surfaces.  Formica and other laminates are really a thing of the past, and the variety of styles, colors, and options available with solid surfaces provide unlimited potential.  So what are the next trends in countertops? How about things like recycled glass, reclaimed wood, stainless steel or even pewter.  Freshome.com has put together a top 10 list of the latest and greatest countertop materials that you might want to consider for your New Home, Renovation, or Remodeling project.  Click Here:  10 Hottest Countertop Trends

   Glass has served it's traditional role in homes for hundreds of years.  Whether as a window or door, Glass has proven itself as an effective weather barrier and inexpensive way to let natural light into a space.  Over the last 20 years, advanced glass materials have been used as cook tops and even counter tops, but this is not the end of the line for this material.  Corning is working on new advanced types of glass that will provide unimaginable options for your new home in the future.  In the very near future, you will see things light light-sensitive glass that can shade a room on a sunny day, or even glass countertops that can serve as a display for your computer or smart phone.  Here is a video we found from Corning that gives you a peek at what is next for Glass...It is not just for windows anymore, and if you are thinking of building a Custom Home on Cape Cod, you should take a look!

   Fall is a great time to take care of those necessary, but not so fun home maintenance tasks to get your home ready for winter. Here are a few things you should be thinking about:

1. Check smoke detectors and replace batteries
2. Have your chimney cleaned
3. Have your heating system and hot water heater serviced
4. Change HVAC filters
5. Repair or replace damaged screens and windows
6. Clear leaves around your foundation and flower beds.

MSN Real Astate has a thorough checklist for each season, and you can click here to see what they recommend for October: October Home Checklist

If you have things that you need done around your home, and need some help, REEF has created a small projects division that can handle these repairs for you! Click below to see how we can help you:

   When building a New Home, or Remodeling your existing home, a big part of the design process should focus on the heating and cooling systems.  New building and energy efficiency codes are requiring performance of both the mechanical systems and the building envelope that are far exceed anything seen in the past. The Department of Energy recently held the Building America Technical Update meeting in Denver and discussed current issues and future trends in building mechanical systems. It looks like there will be systems available in the future that could reduce overall heating and cooling energy requirements by as much as 90%. They also discussed innovative ideas like radiant floor cooling? Sounds interesting, and it is definitely something we here at REEF, Cape Cod's Home Builder will continue to investigate.

Here is the full article from builderonline.com: Energy Efficiency Update

Universal design is a popular concept in home planning.  It was known over the years as "aging in place" or "accessible" design.  The Universal Design program takes a more broad approach to dealing with issues associated with an aging population. Considerations range from hallway and door widths, to kitchen layouts and appliance selections. The bottom line is this: with some smart planning for your new home, or renovation project, you can have a space that will be liveable for every stage of your life.  Here is an article from housingzone.com that discusses the new trends and ideas in universal design: Universal Design

If you want to find out how Universal Design ideas might work in your new home contact us by clicking below:

Stainless Steel kitchen appliances have been a popular trend for at least 25 years.  Most of the kitchen projects we do here at REEF, Cape Cod's Home Builder have stainless appliances, but recently we have seen a move towards other colors. Black and white appliances are becoming popular again, and some manufacturers are even attempting finishes like aluminum, copper and oil rubbed bronze.  Here is an article from MSN Real Estate that discusses these new trends.  Some of these finishes might be a little wild for your taste, but the article does shed light on what the kitchens of the future will look like.

Here is the full article: Death of Stainless Appliances?

   Kitchen Cabinets are always a featured item in a New Home, or Remodeling Project. There are hundreds of styles, colors, and wood species available to homeowners from hundreds of suppliers, both nationally and internationally. Here are some ideas with a modern twist that might help you when designing your next Kitchen.  Builderonline.com has compiled a slidshow of some modern and traditional kitchens that demonstrate a great blend of style and function. 

Click here to see the slide show: Kitchen Design

    We do a lot of work with local realtors on Cape Cod, consulting on projects of all types ranging from New Construction, Custom Homes, and Renovations.  Often times, when a buyer is looking at a lot for sale, we will get involved early in the process to determine design and permitting requirements for the lots.  One of the firms we do a lot of work with is Oldcape/Sotheby's.  Oldcape has offices in Harwich, Orleans and Brewster and has a great team of realtors that can help in both the buying and selling process. If you are thinking of buying a lot, or building a new home on Cape Cod, Oldcape / Southeby's and REEF are a great team.

Here is a link showing their current listings on Cape Cod: What's For Sale on Cape Cod?

   Fall is by far the best season on Cape Cod. Warm days, cool evenings, and even a few afternoons at the beach are just some of the things we enjoy here in the fall. One of the best ways to enjoy this season is with an outdoor living space.  If you are building a New Home, Renovation, or Remodeling, you should consider some type of outdoor living space, such as a screened porch, patio, or covered pergola.  There are hundreds of options which range from a basic covered deck to elaborate spaces with fireplaces and full kitchens.  Here is a slideshow from Builderonline.com that talks about the benefits of an outdoor living space: Outdoor Living Spaces