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/

   So all signs are pointing to a resurgence of a strong housing and residential real estate market.   Inventories are low, demand is increasing, and credit is available and inexpensive. After spending several years in a stagnant "correcting" market, builders are seeing demand for new homes.  As a custom builder on Cape Cod, we often look to news like this to forecast our demand for the coming year.  This stabilization of the housing market means that existing homes are selling at a reasonable price and time period, which is important, as many of our customers are waiting to sell their existing homes before they invest in their retirement home on Cape Cod.  As the market pace increases, so will demand for materials and labor, which will begin to increase over the next year or so.   Bottom line: Now is a great time to build!!

Here is the complete article from FoxBusiness:  http://www.foxbusiness.com/economy/2012/05/09/as-housing-sector-recovers-signs-sustainability-emerge/

      This is an important question to ask when you are considering a major renovation or remodeling project on Cape Cod.  Renovation costs are skyrocketing, especially for antiquated homes that may require substantial additional work to meet all current structural, mechanical, and enery codes.  The real underlying value for properties on Cape Cod is the land and the location. So often times, when compared to the value of a remodeling, a new home of comparable size may not be much more expensive, and in some cases, could be less expensive.  Something to think about for your Cape Cod Home. Here is an article from about.com with some advice on a teard-down project.

http://homebuying.about.com/od/investmentproperties/qt/92707_TearDown.htm