So, with the new energy code looming, that basically makes new homes and major renovations more air tight than ever, people are asking us if houses need to breathe.  The answer is yes, and it is more important now than ever. Houses need a mechanism in place to allow warm moist air to move out of the house in a controlled and predicatable fashion. There are only two ways to do that, first is to have bath fans run continously when people are in the house.  The second is with a heat recovery ventilator, that brings fresh air into a house, and evacuates air at a set rate.  Our experience has been that the heat recovery ventilator, although more expensive than the bath fan solution, is a much better way of controlling fresh air exchange in a home.

Here is an article on the subject from housingzone.com : http://www.housingzone.com/green-energy-efficiency/building-science-do-houses-need-breathe

   There is so much literature out there telling people what they should do in their new home or renovation project, but not a whole lot if information talking about what they shouldn't do.  Customers hire a Custom Home Builder to create their dream home, especially when building a new home on Cape Cod.  But often times, customers try too hard to incorporate all of the design tips they have seen throughout the years.  Here is an interesting article that covers mistakes people make when designing their kitchens.  The kitchen is probably one of the most important spaces in a new custom home or renovation project, and a well designed kitchen will be an inviting space that can have timeless style and great functionality.  Just some things to think about for your next project. 

Here is the full article from Yahoo! : http://shine.yahoo.com/at-home/biggest-kitchen-design-mistakes-160000075.html

     Custom Builders are constantly asked questions about green construction, and sustainable or environmentally friendly products.  There are two distinct sides of the green construction concept.  Firste ther are green products, which are generally from renewable or sustainable resources, and also products that are healthy for the indoor environment.  Second is green building technology which consists of advanced insulation and waterproofing techniques, and high efficiency, or sustainable heating, cooling, and power generation systems.

      Our experience over the last several years has taught us that despite the innovative technology used in developing many of these products, many of these products and techniques are still unproven. The Green Building movement is still in its infancy, and there have been several problems with moisture, mold, and building envelope failures over even a short period of time.  At REEF, we have taken the time to assess and evaluate many of the current and future green building concepts, and we have found proven, yet highly efficient and safe products that work. Our team of experts prides themselves in staying current on Green trends and techniques.

     There are several Green Building concepts that we really like.  As a matter of fact, 3 years ago, REEF invested in photovoltaic solar panels on our own office building here on Cape Cod, and the results have been fantastic! 

Here is an interesting article from Risk Magazine that highlights some of the current problems with green building products.

http://www.natlawreview.com/article/inexperience-and-unproven-products-risks-sustainable-construction

     The National Association of Realtors announced that existing home sale prices were up 10% in April compared to last year.  This is the largest year over year gain since 2006.  A sure sign that things are really beginning to move in a positive direction. Building a custom home is always a challenging decision, and with many of our customers waiting to sell their primary residence to build their New Home on Cape Cod, this is great news.  REEF has seen demand for custom building increase steadily this year, and we are gearing up for a busy 2012-2013 season. 

Here is the complete article from housingzone.com: http://www.housingzone.com/industry-data-research/existing-home-sales-biggest-gain-prices-2006

If you are thinking of building your new home on Cape Cod, now is a great time to start the process.  Click below to contact one of our experts with your questions!

    Smartly-designed bathrooms are a nice feature in a home.  With home design moving towards multi-generation living, showers are a big issue.  We have done several homes recenlty with open showers, and flush floors that can accommodate wheelchair access. Also, if the showers are well-designed, no shower door is needed to capture the water.  These types of showers are expensive and time consuming to do in an existing home, but are fairly easy and straight forward in a new home or addition.  By lowering the floor appropriately in the bathroom, the tile floors can be pitched towards open drains, eliminating the traditional shower curb, door or curtain.   It also makes the bathroom really easy to clean!

Here is an article from houzz.com with some great ideas: http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/2504909/list/Doorless-Showers-Open-a-World-of-Possibilities

    Things have changed for home builders over the last several years.  Trends are moving away from the large trophy type homes, and more towards designs that offer practical livability, efficient design, and style where it counts.   Builder magazine recently produced an article that highlights the fact that modern lifestyles have changed much more quickly than home designs.  One of the biggest demands now is for a design that supports multi-generational living.  As a  custom home builder and home designer, REEF often responds to needs such as these with creative, and innovative solutions for space and functionality. 

Here is the full article from builderonline.com

http://www.builderonline.com/design/the-makings-of-the-next-great-new-home-design.aspx

    Technology changes quickly, and that stands true for wiring your home.  Over the last several years, we have have seen wiring needs change for custom homes and renovations.  The days of a traditional phone jack in every room are out, especially on the Cape Cod, where summer residents don't want or need a permanent home phone line.  There are many innovations on the market now that will bring the entire home into the digital age.  We have even heard talk of appliances that can communicate over the internet, letting you know when dinner will be ready, or when your laundry is done. However, we feel the future of home entertainment and automation will be wireless.

   In the past, we have done extensive home automation systems with full structured wiring.  These systems are nice, and can control everything from home theater to HVAC and lighting. However, these systems are extremely expensive, and after a few years, they too become outdated.

Here is an article from ThisOldHouse.com discussing the future of wiring for the home. 

http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/article/0,,197963,00.html

    Summer is basically here, and with all of the family planning on visiting your Cape Cod home, we thought it might be a good idea to look for some design ideas for summer living.  Designing a custom home is more than just lines on a page, and the end product is a comibination of spaces, colors and furnishings.  If you want to give you home that summer look, here are some ideas from Freshome.com

http://freshome.com/2010/07/10/5-easy-summer-decor-ideas-for-your-home/

   The Massachusetts Association of Realtors published its real estate market index, noting that this month it reached an all time high.  The President of the association indicated that this increase was due to improving confidence in the marketplace, and a strong spring sales season. This index increased 86% from April 2011, which is a great sign for people waiting to sell their home.  The dream of many of our customers is to sell their primary residence, and use the equity earned to build their custom home on Cape Cod.  Well, if you have been waiting, now may be a great time to begin the process.

Here is the complete article from Cape and Plymouth Business Magazine:

http://www.capeplymouthbusiness.com/news/show/2359

    Now that spring is here, and summer is just around the corner, we felt that a little outdoor inspiration might be in order.  Building a custom home on Cape Cod doesn't end at the walls and the roof.  Creating a unique landscape, with some special features can really make the difference between the average and the exceptional.  We found this great feature article from Freshome.com with ideas that might inspire your next landscaping project.  We hope you enjoy!

http://freshome.com/2012/05/14/38-garden-design-ideas-turning-your-home-into-a-peaceful-refuge/