REEF, Cape Cod's Homebuilder has been involved in the Cape Cod Real Estate market for over 25 years.  With nearly 1,500 projects completed, and daily interaction with real estate professionals and property owners, REEF has seen all of the ups and downs of the market cycle. Over the last 7 years, Cape Cod Real Estate has declined in value, just like many areas in the country.  However, we here at REEF feel we are approaching the end of the cycle.  So, if you are thinking of buying, Building, or Remodeling your Cape Cod Home, NOW is a great time to act. 

Here is an article from boston.com that talks about buying on the Cape: Buy NOW on Cape Cod

If you would like to know what your project may cost, take a look at REEF's 2012 Construction Cost Guide by clicking below:

 We get a monthly news letter from Bob Sheldon, a realtor in Eastham.  Looks like more good news for the Eastham Real Estate Market.  Sales have increased 39% since last year, and activity for land, homes and condominiums is strong.  If you have been waiting for the market stabilize, and are thinking about buying, building or renovating your home in Eastham.  Now is a great time to make your move!

Here is Bob's news letter: Bob Sheldon - September Update

   Building a custom home, or a renovation project can be an exciting process, and there are many new products on the market that can really enhance the functionality, design and utility of your new space.  Housingzone.com recently published their 101 Best New Products for 2012, featuring products ranging from flooring, to lighting, and everything in between.

Click Here to see there picks: 101 Best Products for 2012

If you have any questions about these products, or are planning a project, please click below to contact us:

   Living Rooms are always a challenge. All of the things that are required such as  picking furniture, paint colors, home entertainment systems are all important decisions. The living room is the space where you spend a lot of your time with your friends and family, especially in a new Custom Home or after a Remodel or Addition.  Here are 25 ideas from decoist.com that might help in the decision making process. 

 25 Great Living Room Ideas

  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.