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/

   On Cape Cod, everyone always thinks of shingled, traditionally styled homes.  However, there are a number of modern-styled homes, especially on the outer Cape. Custom Home Builders often look to modern styling to identify trends, and new and innovative ways to use materials. We came across this slideshow of homes that recently won the George Matsumoto competiton for modern design in California.  These homes are stunning, innovative, and remarkably simple in their form. Click Here to view the slideshow:

http://www.builderonline.com/design/modernist-house-design-competition-winners.aspx

If you are thinking of designing a modern home, please contact REEF today... and see what we can do for you!

   Planning and permitting your new home, remodeling or renovation project can be the most challenging part of the process. At REEF, Cape Cod's Home Builder, we provide complete, design, planning, and permitting services as part of our construction process. Any project, even the most simple, have several layers of permitting and design that must be addressed properly for the project to be a success.  Things like building codes, zoning by-laws, historic districs, conservation and wetlands, septic systems and energy efficiency all come into play.  Our team of experts has the experience, and technical knowledge to make the entire process predictable. 

If you are thinking of building a new home or remodeling on Cape Cod, you should take a minute and download our Critical Plannign Guide below:

And this could be your new home!

   With an aging population, and tough economic times, many families are opting to bring multiple generations under one roof. Many of the towns on Cape Cod allow in-law apartments through a special permit, and the process is fairly simple.  An in-law apartment also enhances the value of the home over the long term.  If you are thinking of investing in an In-Law apartment for your home, or building a New Custom Home with an apartment. Contact us for a free consultation. 

Here is an article from MSN Money that talks a little about the process: http://realestate.msn.com/how-to-add-a-mother-in-law-apartment

  The housing market has been in a real slump for the last several years.  As a Custom Home Builder, Remodeling, and Design firm on Cape Cod, we have felt this impact over the last several years.  Despite the consistent draw of people to the Cape, especially for retirement, we have found that people need to sell their primary residences off Cape to make the move.  Recently, the National Association of Home Builders published their outlook for 2012 and all signs are positive for the housing industry. In fact 2012 may be the first year in the last 7 for positive housing activity.  If you are thinking of building your new home on cape cod, or renovating or remodeling that old cottage, now is a great time to start planning your project!

Here is the full article from Builderonline.com: http://www.builderonline.com/housing-data/growth-looks-good.aspx