One of the most challenging items for a custom home builder, or customer is deciding on an appropriate landscape budget.  Landscaping is one of those things that is always left to do at the last minute, and often times, there is not enough money set aside to meet the customer's goals.  Good landscaping doesn't always have to be expensive, but if you don't plan ahead, that dream home with the paver patio, large green lawn, and lush planting may not be a reality.  A great way to save money, and still get a classic look is with a gravel driveway.  Gravel driveways, or gravel / shell mix driveways are common on Cape Cod, and are an inexpensive alternative to paving, cobblestones, or manufactured pavers. 

Here is a great article from Houzz.com discussing the advantages of gravel:

http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/1577301/list/Gravel-Driveways--Crunching-the-Pros-and-Cons

    Kitchen and bathroom remodeling still top the list of remodeling and renovation projects nationwide. As a custom home builder and remodeling contractor, REEF often performs this type of work.  With the current economic conditions, the market has changed, and value-oriented customers are seeking ways to get more for their dollar.   We found a great article from Housingzone.com that provides input from remodeling contractors across the country on planning and executing your project.  There is a lot of great information here. 

http://www.housingzone.com/design/kitchen-and-bath-solutions-top-remodeling-firms

   The building and remodeling industry is constantly changing.  Whether building codes, new products, materials, or techniques, something new is always around the corner.   Massachusetts is going to adopt a new building code in July 2012 that will raise the bar on energy efficiency.  This new code covers not only insulation, windows, and HVAC systems, but also energy efficient lighting.  Under this new code, at least 75% of the lighting in your new home will have to be high efficiency.   The cost of high efficiency lighting in a new home or renovation can be expensive.  But as custom builders, who struggle with controlling costs on a daily basis, we were happy to see this new bulb from Phillips.  This light has a working life of at least 20 years!! So for a reasonable additional cost, you can almost guarantee worry free lighting for the lifespan of the new home.

Here is the full article on this new light: 20 Year Light Bulb

If you are thinking of a new home, renovation, or remodeling project on Cape Cod this year, you should definitely contact us to see how this new code may impact your project.  Click below to talk to one of our experts!

   The Warren Group recently published their Massachusetts Real Estate sales statistics for the month of March. Sales are up an notable 20% from March 2011 marking the 9th consecutive month of increased sales.  So what does this mean to REEF, a custom home builder on Cape Cod?  It provides clear indication that demand is increasing, and that the market is supporting sound investments in real estate.   If you are thinking of a new home, or remodeling project, you should probably take steps to start the process now.   As demand increases, there will be corresponding increases in material, labor and other costs.  These indicators coupled with the pending building code change in July can only lead to increased costs for consumers. 

Here is the article from the Cape Cod Times: http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120424/NEWS11/120429886

    REEF has been building, and remodeling homes on Cape Cod for over 25 years.  New customers always aproach us with some important questions, like why choose REEF, and  how should one go about hiring a general contractor or custom builder for their project.  To answer these questions, we have come up with a guide for homeowners to help them through the process. REEF's Guide to Hiring a General Contractor or Builder, takes a look at the traditional desing / bid process, and provides an outline of how to begin a new project, and build a project team.   The guide also talks about the advantages of REEF's design/build process, and how it can lead to a better overall project experience.  

Click below to download this new guide!

    As Cape Cod's leading custom builder, we are constantly asked for suggestions on what is most popular in home design and construction.  Whether renovating or building new we have found some consistent trends.  Here is our list of most popular features:

1. 1st floor master suite
2. Open kitchen / dining / living spaces
3. Additional flex space that can serve as bedroom or office area
4. Energy efficient, yet cost effective heating and cooling systems
5. Low maintenance exteriors

Recently the Wall Street Journal published the results of a Better Homes and Gardens survey about this same topic.  Here are their results:

1. Separate laundry room
2. Additional storage / walk-ins / closet built-ins
3. Outdoor living spaces
4. Additional bedroom with separate bath
5. Everyday eating space in kitchen
6. Home Office / Workspace
7. Upgraded bathrooms

You can view the full article here:http://articles.marketwatch.com/2012-04-11/finance/31319268_1_laundry-space-new-space-storage-space

These are all things you definitley want to consider when planning your next new home or renovation or remodeling project. If you want to see how some of these concepts might fit into your future plans, click below to contact one of our design or construction experts at REEF

  In the past, REEF has always promoted new and exciting designs, products and features for new homes, renovation and remodeling.  So today, we thought we might try something different. We came across a very interesting article on MSN Real Estate that talks about 10 home trends that are quickly losing popularity.  Ranging from things like 2-story living rooms, to fancy jetted tubs, this article highlights the trends that builders and realtors are seeing across the country.  Custom homes often become a mix of features that customers have seen and liked elsewhere, but some of those choices don't make practical sense over the long term. 

Click below to see the article, you might be surprised: http://realestate.msn.com/kiss-these-10-once-popular-home-features-goodbye?#2

   Spring is an exciting time of year for custom builders and renovation contractors.   Manufacturers present their new products at industry and trade shows across the country. Recently the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show was held and here are some of the featured products.  Check out this article and slideshow from Builderonline.com :http://www.builderonline.com/products/new-kitchen-and-bath-products-to-make-life-easier.aspx

   REEF has started a site on Pinterest to show off some of our work, and highlight innovative new products and designs in the custom home building world.   Follow along and see updates and new photos daily!

Click here to see the site: http://pinterest.com/capecodbuilder

    Building a custom home on Cape Cod can be a daunting process, however, one of the biggest hurdles is managing the budget.  Value engineering is a term often used to describe the process of re-working a design to meet budget constraints.   This is a great process, but it is very hard to do late in the design process, when costs have gone out of control.  Costs are controlled one dollar at a time, through a combination of design, construction techniques, and selection of finishes and fixtures. It is almost impossible to shave $100,000 off of a $300,000 project.  A better approach is to set a budget of $200,000 and drive the project to that goal at each stage of the design and selection process.  

 Since REEF is a design/build company, we assist in developing the budget expectation, and take ownership of the budget throughout the construction process.  Managing expectation is the key to a sucessful project, a good finished product, and satisfied customers.

Here is a great article with some tips for value engineering your home project from housingzone.com: Value Engineering a Custom Home

If you want to know what your budget might look like for your next project, click below to download our construction cost guide: