Outdoor living spaces are becoming more and more poplular, especially with custom homes on Cape Cod.  The marketplace for items like outdoor kitchens, grills, patios, and fireplaces has exploded over the last several years.  Many of the manufacturers have responded with modular, easy to install products that retain the permanent look of masonry or exotic hardwoods that the consumer is looking for.  With the growth of the market, costs have come down and availability of these products is expanding.   The landscaping and outdoor living areas are unfortunately one of the last things that our customers plan for, and sometimes fail to budget properly to achieve their needs.  The demand for these products and well designed landscape or hardscape areas is growing.  Below is an article from Housingzone.com showing the increased popularity of these items.  If you are planning your new home on Cape Cod, you should definitely consider some outdoor living spaces!

survey-outdoor-living-plays-larger-role-selling-new-homes

 

Here is a photo of one of our recently completed homes with some of these features

    As a custom builder, we are often asked to examine green technologies as part of the design and construction process.  We have found that the "net-zero" home concept is not really a financially feasible option yet, but we have discovered several technologies that can significantly reduce the operating costs of the home with a reasonable initial investment. We here at REEF belive so strongly in this technology that we invested in 5 Kilowatt photovoltaic system for our own office building, and we can tell you first hand that the results have been great!.   Here is an interesting article from Inman News that points out some green technologies that you can use today to reduce the long term cost of operating your home...

Green Homes Give Back

 

If you would like to discuss the possibilities of green construction in your next custom home, remodeling or renovation project, click below to ask one of our experts!

   The real estate market is still at an all time low.  Many homes in desireable areas are available at a much lower price than ever before.  As a custom home builder, REEF is often brought in to assess existing properties for their future renovation or remodeling potential. With home prices so low,  purchasing  an existing him and investing in a major renovation might begin to make sense.  The most important item for many of our customers is the ability to design a home for an "aging in place" lifestyle.   This is not a new concept, but in the past, it was almost cost-prohibitive to invest in a major project to meet the "aging in place" concept.    Below is an article from in-lawsuite.com that discusses the possibilities, and provides some tips for smart investments in an existing home. 

Click here to read te article: Benefits of renovation for aging-in-place

If you would like to know more about an aging in place renovation, click below to contact one of our experts:

    This question was posed to REEF a few months ago: Can you build a new home for under $100,000? We accepted the challenge, and were able to come up with a design for this customer's lot that we can build, turn-key, for under $100,000.  Over the next few months, we will provide photos and updates from the site, covering daily and weekly progress.  This home is small, but it meets the customers needs and is tastefully designed and well appointed on the inside.  As a custom builder on Cape Cod, we see all types of projects, ranging from basement renovations, additions, new homes and luxury homes.  This challenge was something that we had always wanted to take on, and through smart design, and some innovative planning, our team has come through once again! 

 

Be sure to follow along over the next several weeks and see how we do! 

 

If you are wondering how much your next project might cost, click below to download our construction cost guide!

    The consept of universal design is a relatively new term in the custom home business.  It bridges the gap between standard design and fully handicapped accessable design.  The focus of this design concept is to provide homes that provide functional, and safe spaces across a wide range of needs. The idea that a home could have universal appeal for a young family or a retiring couple is unique in custom home building. Manufacturers have responded with many innovative products that make it easier to achieve this broad design appeal. Here is an article from Housingzone.com describing a few of the key products that builders are using in new home and renovation projects.

Universal Design - Kitchens and Baths

 

If you would like to examine these concepts further for your next new home or remodeling project click below to ask one of our experts.

     There are several key home features that we have found almost all buyers seek... 1st floor bedrooms, open and functional living spaces, room for expansion, and of course value.  As a custom home builder on Cape Cod, we serve a broad marketplace, from young families, to couples seeking to build their retirement home, so it is hard to find a plan that works for everyone.  We came across this article from Housingzone.com which highlights 6 very popular home designs.  The appeal of these plans ranges from smart design, well planned living spaces, and of course curb appeal.  There are some really great ideas here that you may want to work into your next home project. 

 

6 Best Selling Home Plans

 

If you are looking for a custom home on Cape Cod, or if you would like to discuss some of these ideas for your next project.... please click below to ask one of the experts at REEF.

 

   If you are considering building your new custom home on Cape Cod, then there is one critical piece of information that you will want to know... how much will a custom home cost?   REEF is a custom builder on Cape Cod, and offers complete design/build services for new construction, remodeling, and tear-down and re-build projects.   We have recently produced a construction cost guide which will give potential clients a good idea of what their project might cost.  We have tailored the information to suit basic small homes, through highly detailed, well-appointed custom homes, and renovation projects.  This is critical information for potential customers who are planning a project over the next several months.   Click below to download our guide!!!

 

Welcome to our monthly installment in our series on Locally Owned Businesses.

This month we are featuring West Bend Music, located at 314 Main Street in West Dennis, about 100 yards from our office at REEF.

"West Bend Music prides itself in its diversity in teaching students of all ages."  The talented and personable instructors/owners (from left to right below) Monica Rizzio, Demetrius Becrelis, Clayton March and Alex Becrelis offer private lessons in over 15 different instruments, including piano, violin, clarinet, banjo, ukulele, saxophone and mandolin. The instructors at West Bend also offer lessons in Music Theory, song-writng and voice.

West Bend Music is also home to Cape Cod's first and only Ukelele Shop. Seen in the picture below is a group of Uke students at the Cultural Center of Cape Cod.

 

You can visit their website at www.westbendmusic.org or call them at 508 394 8600

They can be reached via email at info@westbendmusic.org and are open Monday-Thursday from 2:00pm - 8:00pm

Enjoy the Music!

    As a custom home builder on Cape Cod, we are constantly asked when is the right time to invest in new home or major renovation project.  Many of our clients have spent most of their adult life working towards their goal of retiring to the Cape full or part time, and they want to know that investing their life savings will provide a return on the investment.  In response to that we have offered the fact that in general, real estate has always been a sound investment, and we thought the chart below was rather interesting.  It shows that real estate has out-performed the major financial markets by almost 2 to 1 over the last 12 years!  So, if you are thinking of investing in real estate, now might be the best time ever!!!

  The Massachusetts Board of Building Regulations and Standards is working on changing the building code yet again!  This pending change involves adoption of the IECC 2012 Energy Code.  Massachusetts has been operating under the 2009 version of the IECC Code for approximately the last two years.  When the 2009 version was implemented, there was a 3-5% increase in building costs.  Based on the available information, custom builders will see at least another 2-4% increase.   The Home Builder's Association of Massachusetts has prepared an article outlining the provisions of the new code. There are dramatic increases in energy efficiency, insulation required to make new homes and major renovations compliant.  As a custom builder on Cape Cod, REEF has prided itself in training its staff on the requirements of these ever-changing regulations. It looks like this new code will be adopted in July 2012.  Here is the full article from the Home Builders Association of Masssachusetts: MA to adopt IECC 2012 Energy Code

 

If you have questions regarding how this change may impact your new custom home, renovation, or remodeling project, click below to contact one of our experts!