Kitchens are probably the biggest feature in today's home and remodeling projects. REEF has designed and installed over 1,000 kitchens over its 26 year history as Cape Cod's leading home builder and remodeling contractor.  Here is a gallery of some of the kitchens we have done over the past few years.  If you are thinking about Remodeling, or Renovating your Cape Cod Home, or Building a Custom Home on Cape Cod, contact us today:

   Prices for existing homes have continued to rise this summer.  July marked the 5th consecutive monthly increase for year over year sales data.  This is good news and shows continued strength in the housing market. 

As a custom home builder on Cape Cod, many of REEF's customers are selling their existing homes to  retire here on beautiful Cape Cod.  With low interest rates, and rents on the rise, the housing market has begun a consistent upward trend, allowing people to sell their homes at a higher price.  The favorable interest rates also help the construction / renovation market as construction loans are also available at similarly low rates.  If you are thinking of building a new home on Cape Cod or Renovating your existing home click here to find out what it might cost:

Here is the full article from residentialpros.com: Home Prices on the Rise

   Designing a home can be a fun and exciting process. Here at REEF, since we are a Design / Build firm, our customers are involved in every step of the  the design process, from a blank page to a highly detailed desgin.  However, once the house is built, the decorating choices inside can have a dramatic impact on the overall heel of the home.  We found a great article from Decoist.com that provides some simple rules for interior decor.  Choosing colors and furnishings that enhance the space is just as important as designing the overall floor plan.  

Click here for the full article: http://www.decoist.com/2012-08-27/3-basic-home-decor-rules-you-may-have-forgotten/

  We came across this list of 50 Great Ideas for your Home Office inspired by Pinterest... The home office is a very important feature in New Homes and Renovation Projects, and is quickly replacing the formal dining or living room in homes. 

Click here to see the full article: http://www.onlinecollegecourses.com/2012/08/23/50-fabulous-pinterest-ideas-for-your-home-office/

TREEHOUSES

     Few buildings have the ability to inspire awe and imagination like a treehouse.  Anyone who has ever climbed a tree knows there is a unique feeling that comes with being elevated.

     Treehouses have long been hideouts and getaways for children, but over the last quarter-century, there has been a shift towards making treehouses accessible across a much broader poplulation. 

     Today's treehouses are built using specially engineered bolts and hangers to ensure safety and minimize tree damage.  Even with the new engineering the feeling hasn't changed.

     So for the kid in all of us, I have put together a gallery of some of my favorite treehouses. For a more in depth view into the world of treehouse design and construction visit Tree top builders   Enjoy!

above picture from http://www.emformarvelous.com

above picture from http://www.emformarvelous.com

What is Cogeneration?

I have a friend in central New Hampshire who heats her house all winter long with a wood stove.  What makes this notable is that her wood stove is also set up to meet her hot water demands.

This type of cogeneration is not that unusual, however, the practicality of this type of system is limited.

A more conventional and scalable cogeneration system, takes advantage of natural gas or propane as the fuel source.  As the fuel burns electricity is generated.  The waste heat produced from combustion is captured and used for water heating, space heating, pool and spa heating, and absorption chilling.

This type of combined heat and power system, or (CHP) has major potential commercial and residential applicability.

Currnet manufacturers of cogeneration systems include some well known companies, such as Honda http://world.honda.com/cogenerator/ and Cummins http://www.cumminspower.com/en/solutions/cogeneration/  As with any home energy system, a careful cost-benefit analysis must part of the analysis to determine the right way to meet your homes energy demands.

The home energy options that once were considered to be peripheral are now becoming more mainstream. This can be traced directly to these system's capacity for increased energy efficiency, their reduced environmental impact, and thier long term investment sensibility. 

HOME DESIGN Apps for your

iPhone and Android

If you woke up this morning, smiled and thought, 'I would really love a more technologically saavy way to design and decorate my house', then you may be happy to know that Home Design Applications available for your Iphone, Ipad or Android Device have arrived en masse.

Follow the link below to learn about a some of my favorites using Android technology:

1. Home Design

2. Home Architecture and Design

3. Interior Design Gallery HD

http://www.androidzoom.com/users/wprice/list/favorites

If you are an Iphone and Ipad users I recommend trying http://home3dapp.com/

I have only used this application briefly, but was very impressed with its capabilities.  It is also user friendly. 

Have fun with the design and photo galleries!

DESIGN BUILD

Welcome to Cape Cod Builder's Blog

The importance of utilzing a competent Cape Cod Builder for your construction project cannot be overemphasized.  This will go a long way toward avoiding costly mistakes and unnecessary stress.

A thorough, knowledgeable, thoughtful and skilled Builder., will ensure that your project is designed according to your personal likes and dislikes.  The Builder must be fully licensed and should make certain that each specialty trade is licensed, insured, and well referenced.  References are one of the best ways to assure that you receive the quality and attention to detail that you expect for your project.

Equally as vital as established subcontractor relationships, are the alliances that a G.C. has built with its vendors and suppliers.   These should be long-term relationships characterized by high standards of customer service (including integrity, trustworthiness, and the ability to communicate well), reliability, accessibility, and competitive pricing.

Finally, an above average Cape Cod Builder should:

-be punctual;

-understand the permitting process

-have a mastery of the building code

-ask the right questions;

-listen attentively

-help educuate their clients on products and processes

-And be personable!!

Here are a few Before and After photos of some Renovation and Remodeling projects completed by REEF, Cape Cod's Home Builder. Click below to see what REEF could do for you!

    At REEF, Cape Cod's Home Builder, many of our projects are for second homes that are near or on any one of Cape Cod's fantastic beaches.  These Custom Homes, or Remodeling Projects, are meant to be a fun gathering place for friends and family throughout the summer months.  We came across an interesting article on Decoist.com that highlights the 3 "Must-Haves" for any beach house.  They are fairly simple concepts... but they do make sense:

1. A Sand Room
2. A wooden deck
3. Plenty of outdoor storage

There are also several other great ideas in this article, so click below to take a look:

http://www.decoist.com/2012-08-15/3-things-every-beach-home-needs/