Welcome to the Cape Cod Builder blog

Looking for Land on Cape Cod?

Posted by REEF Cape Cod's Home Builder on Wed, Jan 08, 2020

Happy New Year!  If you have been waiting to find the perfect piece of land on Cape Cod for your new home, now is the time!   There are hundreds of vacant lots available and we have seen prices decrease dramatically over the last year.  We are constantly receiving inquiries about land on Cape Cod, where to buy, what's buildable, and what can be built, etc.  Over the last few years, we have been pleasantly surprised to see how many great lots are available  here on Cape Cod.  Each piece of property on Cape Cod is unique and often times will come with several layers of regulatory requirements that can increase construction costs, limit design, or extend a design and permitting timeline for several months. 

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So how do you know what you can build before you buy?    In response to this question we've just published an informative guide that will help many people better understand the opportunities and risks associated with buying land on beautiful Cape Cod.

 

Here are some helpful links:

Click Here to Download our Guide to Buying Land On Cape Cod

Click here to download our Construction Cost Guide - so you know what to expect for current building cost!

 

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Once you have found your lot, you should know what the cost per square foot might be for your new Cape Cod Custom Home - click here to download our Construction Cost Guide

If you are considering building a custom timber-framed home - click here to find out more about building with the Timberpeg system

 DSC02386Chatham, Custom Builder, Custom Home, Chatham Builder

 If you are considering an investment in a waterfront home or property in close proximity to a beach, or wetland, then you will definitely appreciate the information available in our Waterfront Property Guide

Click to download our Waterfront Property Guide

REEF Builders Waterfront Custom Home, Master Bathroom

REEF Builders, custom kitchen, cape cod           

 

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It's a great time to buy. Let REEF help you build your Cape Cod home.

Tags: Cape Cod Builder|Cape Cod Custom Homes|beach house, building a home, cape cod, Real estate, buying land, cape cod home|natural gas|cape cod real estate|cap, waterfront custom home, waterfront

Brewster Bay View Beach House

Posted by REEF Cape Cod's Home Builder on Thu, Oct 24, 2019

We're proud to present our latest project- the Brewster Bay View Beach House. This home was designed, permitted and built by our talented team here at REEF Builders. In addition to the exceptional location, on Cape Cod Bay in Brewster, this home features over 6,000sf of living space, and a 3 car garage with a room underneath the car bays. REEF was involved in this project from day one, meeting with the owner and real estate agents to discuss possibilities and development potential and created an effective and efficient permitting strategy and design that allowed our customers to maximize the home size and location on the site. The permitting process for this home took just about 1 year to complete, as we pursued permits for both the house and an extensive beach nourishment protocol, allowing the owner to protect their investment from the wave action inherent to this site.

The final results were fantastic and we are thrilled to have been part of this project!

 

If you are looking for waterfront property on Cape Cod, we would highly recommend downloading both our Waterfront Property Guide and our Guide to Buying Land on Cape Cod

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Tags: custom home design, waterfront property guide, waterfront custom home

Guide to Buying Land on Cape Cod

Posted by REEF Cape Cod's Home Builder on Fri, Oct 04, 2019

We are constantly receiving inquiries about land on Cape Cod, where to buy, what's buildable, and what can be built, etc.  Over the last few years, we have been pleasantly surprised to see how many great lots are available  here on Cape Cod.  Each piece of property on Cape Cod is unique and often times will come with several layers of regulatory requirements that can increase construction costs, limit design, or extend a design and permitting timeline for several months. 

Photo Nov 09, 11 45 24 AM

 

So how do you know what you can build before you buy?    In response to this question we've just published an informative guide that will help many people better understand the opportunities and risks associated with buying land on beautiful Cape Cod.

 

Click Here to Download our Guide to Buying Land On Cape Cod

 

097-161006-COIR Photo_01.jpgDSC02375

Once you have found your lot, you should know what the cost per square foot might be for your new Cape Cod Custom Home - click here to download our Construction Cost Guide

If you are considering building a custom timber-framed home - click here to find out more about building with the Timberpeg system

 DSC02386Chatham, Custom Builder, Custom Home, Chatham Builder

 If you are considering an investment in a waterfront home or property in close proximity to a beach, or wetland, then you will definitely appreciate the information available in our Waterfront Property Guide

Click to download our Waterfront Property Guide

REEF Builders Waterfront Custom Home, Master Bathroom

REEF Builders, custom kitchen, cape cod           

 

IMG_9303.jpg

097-161006-COIR Photo_03.jpg

It's a great time to buy. Let REEF help you build your Cape Cod home.

Tags: Cape Cod Builder|Cape Cod Custom Homes|beach house, building a home, cape cod, Real estate, buying land, cape cod home|natural gas|cape cod real estate|cap, waterfront custom home, waterfront

Cape Cod 4th of July Events!

Posted by REEF Cape Cod's Home Builder on Tue, Jul 02, 2019

Looks like it is going to be a great week for 4th of July vacationers here on Cape Cod for 2019! There really is nothing like watching the fireworks display from your favorite beach on a warm summer evening with friends and family. Here's a list of 4th of July 2019 Fireworks displays  around Cape Cod .

You've been visiting the Cape your whole life, isn't it time you stayed?

Planning your next Cape Cod Vacation? Check out the REEF Summer Rental on Barnstable Harbor

 

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Mashpee, MA

Date: July 1, 2019 (rain date July 2nd)

Time: Around 8:45 p.m.

Place: Mashpee Middle/High School

Insider's Tips: The fun begin at 5 p.m. with a whole evening of food, rides, games, music, and activities for the entire family. Concerned about traffic and parking? Take a (free) shuttle ride from Old Barnstable Road to/from the festivities! 


Orleans, MA

Date:  July 6, 2019 (rain date July 7th)

Time: Dusk

Place: Rock Harbor

Insider's Tip: You can also see the Rock Harbor fireworks display from nearby Skaket Beach. The Cape Cod Bay beaches in Brewster and Eastham offer views of the big boomers, too. They'll be off at a distance, but still fun to see.

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Sandwich, MA

Date: July 4, 2019 (tentative date)

Time: Around 9:30 p.m.

Place: Shawme Pond

Insider's Tip: This special fireworks display is the culmination of a full day of activities in Sandwich that include a street parade, a boat parade, a 3-mile race and picnic. 

 

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Falmouth, MA

Date: July 4, 2019 (rain date July 5th)

Time: Dusk

Place: Falmouth Heights Beach

Insider's Tip: Do you have a portable radio? Be sure to bring it with you, and tune to PIXY 103 (102.9 FM) to hear the music that accompanies the fireworks.

* Important - Be sure to check out Falmouth PD's parking and road closure info before you go, and plan accordingly!

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Hyannis, MA

Date: July 4, 2019 (rain date August 31st)

Time: Dusk

Place: Lewis Bay

Insider's Tip: The best viewing spots are the beaches around Hyannis Harbor and on the West Yarmouth beaches along Lewis Bay. Pack a picnic basket for dinner and stake out your spot in late afternoon. Or have a bite to eat at a nearby restaurant, then walk to the beach for the fireworks show. (Don't forget your cover-up clothes. It gets chilly on the beach after sunset, even in July!)


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Provincetown, MA

Date: July 4, 2019

Time: Dusk

Place: Provincetown Harbor

Insider's Tip: For a very special experience, watch the fireworks from onboard a ship in the Harbor. On July 4th, Dolphin Fleet offers whale watch plus fireworks cruises as well as a fireworks-only cruise. These cruises are very popular, so reserve your spot early. (Dolphin Fleet: 1-800-826-9300)

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Onset-Wareham, MA

Date: July 6, 2019 (rain date July 7th)

Time: Dusk

Place: Onset Beach & Bay

Insider's Tip: The village of Onset is on the "mainland" side of the Cape Cod Canal, just over the bridge. It's an absolutely gorgeous little village, and well worth a visit!

Thinking of building or renovating your home on Cape Cod - click here to find out current construction costs on Cape Cod!

 

Tags: 4th of July, Summer Events Cape Cod

North Truro Contemporary Custom Home By REEF

Posted by REEF Cape Cod's Home Builder on Thu, Jun 13, 2019

We are proud to present our latest project, a stunning contemporary custom home in North Truro. This 2600sf home features 4 bedrooms with 3.5 baths and clean modern lines throughout. This site also allowed for sweeping views of Cape Cod Bay and Provincetown harbor as it is located on the top of a rolling hill near the center of Truro. This home was designed and built by the team at REEF Builders. If you are considering building a new home on Cape Cod, click here to find out what your new home might cost: Construction Cost Guide for Cape Cod Interested in finding out more about REEF homes and looking for a place to spend your summer vacation on Cape Cod? Click here to rent one of REEF's newly completed homes: REEF Summer Rentals

 

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Tags: Contemoorary Design, Modern Design

Tips to prepare your Cape Cod Summer Rental

Posted by REEF Cape Cod's Home Builder on Wed, Jun 05, 2019

It's that time of year! School is out, and summer is coming and it is time to get your Cape Cod Summer rental ready for your guests. Here are some tips for preparing your rental home this year that might make your life a little easier!

1) Keys / Access Control - Keys can be a problem for a summer rental owner, especially if your tenants lose them while spending a day on the beach our out fishing. Consider using wi-fi controlled automated door locks which can be managed through an app, and new codes can be assigned to each new tenant. These locks will pay for themselves quickly and guarantee a good experience for your renters.

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2) Entertainment - Make sure to provide things to do on a rainy day, especially for guests with children. Consider having books available for both children and adults, along with some board games or playing cards. Your guests will appreciate the thought and the fun family time spent playing together!

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3) Internet / TV - Clearly post wi-fi passwords for your guest to access the internet and use a wi-fi router with remote monitoring so you as the owner can confirm the internet service is working without having to be at the property. TV's should be simple to operate and should offer options for both live TV and streaming services for guests of all ages.

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4) Safety - No one wants to let a safety issue ruin a great summer vacation here on Cape Cod. Owners should provide a complete first aid kit in each home and should clearly mark the location for guests. Bumps, scrapes and bruises happen, and a good first aid kit can allow quests to address these minor issues without having to leave the home. Owners should also provide and clearly mark the location of fire extinguishers, for inside the house and outside as well. If the property has gas grill, or fire pit, a fire extinguisher is a must and should be mounted outdoors in a visible location.

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If you are looking for your Cape Cod Summer Rental - look no further! You can spend your vacation in a brand new REEF home, overlooking Barnstable Harbor! Click here to find out more! : REEF Summer Rental on Barnstable Harbor

Update - now DENNIS! - Yarmouth, Harwich and Orleans, and BREWSTER! Adopt Stretch Energy Code for 2019

Posted by REEF Cape Cod's Home Builder on Wed, May 22, 2019

May 22nd Update:   Add Dennis to the list of towns who have now adopted the Stretch Energy Code.  The town of Dennis voted to adopt the Stretch Code at the town meeting on May 7th, 2019.  The new provisions of the Stretch Code will be enforced for all new construction permits issued July 1st 2019 or after.

 

May 9th update! Add the town of Brewster to the list of Stretch Energy Code Towns!  The town of Brewster voted to adopt the Stretch Energy Code at town meeting on May 6th, 2019, and the new energy code will be enforced starting July 1, 2019 for all new construction projects! 

More towns on Cape Cod voted to become Green Communities in 2018, which means they have also approved adoption of the enhanced energy code know as the Stretch Energy Code. As of January 1, 2019, Yarmouth, Harwich, and Orleans will now be enforcing the Stretch Energy Code, which applies primarily to new residential construction in those towns.

what is the Stretch Energy Code? Basically it is an enhanced energy code that requires the highest level of energy code compliance for new residential construction and some major renovations. You can find more information here: https://www.mass.gov/service-details/building-energy-codes

Which towns have elected to participate in the Stretch Code Program?

On Cape Cod:  Wellfleet, Truro, Mashpee, Provincetown, Orleans, and Harwich, Yarmouth

 

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How does it impact your project? That's easy, this program means that building a new home or undergoing a major renovation in these towns will cost you more money. Extensive building monitoring and testing is required, advanced insulation techniques must be used, and the total energy consumption of the home must be approved prior to issuing the building permit. This program also generally requires the highest efficiency heating and cooling equipment, can often limit the size and type of appliances to be used, and it may require green energy production such as solar or wind energy to offset the energy consumption in the home.

 

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If you are considering building your new home on Cape Cod, please Contact Us today to see how we can help!

 

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Tags: energy code, stretch energy code

Barnstable Harbor Summer Rental House

Posted by REEF Cape Cod's Home Builder on Mon, May 20, 2019

 

We are thrilled to be able to share these pictures of the beautiful custom home, designed and built by REEF Builders overlooking Barnstable Harbor. This custom home features 2200sf, 4 bedrooms, 3 baths with a large screend porch, and custom fire pit which is the perfect spot to spend a week with your family and friends. Bring your boat too! this house has great views of the inner harbor, and is right across the street from the free town boat ramp. Spend the day at Millway beach, or get a boat ride out to Sandy Neck.  The Hyannis Whale Watch boat is also docked across the street, a great afternoon trip for the kids!  Barnstable Harbor also has several charter fishing boats available, and you can cook your catch on the outdoor grill! Several restaurants and shops are  also within walking distance to this home and you could spend your Cape Cod vacation here and never have to get in your car!

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If you are thinking of designing and building a custom home with REEF Builders, this is a great opportunity to live in one of our homes!

Here's a link to the summer rental listing! Summer Rental - The Cape House at Barnstable Harbor

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Update - now Yarmouth, Harwich and Orleans, and BREWSTER! Adopt Stretch Energy Code for 2019

Posted by REEF Cape Cod's Home Builder on Thu, May 09, 2019

May 9th update! Add the town of Brewster to the list of Stretch Energy Code Towns!  The town of Brewster voted to adopt the Stretch Energy Code at town meeting on May 6th, 2019, and the new energy code will be enforced starting July 1, 2019 for all new construction projects! 

More towns on Cape Cod voted to become Green Communities in 2018, which means they have also approved adoption of the enhanced energy code know as the Stretch Energy Code. As of January 1, 2019, Yarmouth, Harwich, and Orleans will now be enforcing the Stretch Energy Code, which applies primarily to new residential construction in those towns.

what is the Stretch Energy Code? Basically it is an enhanced energy code that requires the highest level of energy code compliance for new residential construction and some major renovations. You can find more information here: https://www.mass.gov/service-details/building-energy-codes

Which towns have elected to participate in the Stretch Code Program?

On Cape Cod:  Wellfleet, Truro, Mashpee, Provincetown, Orleans, and Harwich, Yarmouth

 

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How does it impact your project? That's easy, this program means that building a new home or undergoing a major renovation in these towns will cost you more money. Extensive building monitoring and testing is required, advanced insulation techniques must be used, and the total energy consumption of the home must be approved prior to issuing the building permit. This program also generally requires the highest efficiency heating and cooling equipment, can often limit the size and type of appliances to be used, and it may require green energy production such as solar or wind energy to offset the energy consumption in the home.

 

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If you are considering building your new home on Cape Cod, please Contact Us today to see how we can help!

 

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Tags: energy code, stretch energy code

Enjoy this Chatham Vacation Home at a fraction of the price!

Posted by REEF Cape Cod's Home Builder on Fri, May 03, 2019

Here's a groundbreaking opportunity to own a luxury Chatham vacation home a at a fraction of the total cost! REEF is proud to share this opportunity for the first time on Cape Cod. This stunning new home is being offered through collective asset ownership with the Lifestyle Asset Group. What does this mean?

With the collective asset ownership model, you could enjoy full use of this property for 3-4 weeks a year for as little as $253,750, plus taxes and fees. This would allow enjoyment of a property valued at $2.7M without the full burden of the maintenance and operation of a home that would otherwise be empty for several months of the year. The property is owned through an LLC and the asset is held for 8 years. At the end of the ownership period, the property is offered for sale, often times with significant appreciation on value. These collective asset opportunities are only offered in select vacation areas throughout the world such as Hawaii, Florida, California and the Caribbean Islands.

To find out more, here's a link to the offering with detailed information on the investment, pricing and frequently asked questions about collective asset ownership:

73 Rowland Dr. Chatham - Collective Asset Ownership Opportunity

Collective Asset Ownership - How Does it Work?

For More information about this property please email us at info@capecodbuilder.com

 

 
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REEF Builders offers complete design build services, along with exclusive real estate services for customers seeking exclusive waterfront properties on Cape Cod. We specialize in design, permitting and construction of projects in complex environments and other environmentally sensitive areas. If you are looking for other real estate opportunities for your Cape Cod vacation home, please visit our Real Estate Services page.

Thinking of building on Cape Cod? you might want to download our Construction Cost Guide or our Waterfront Property Guide which are great planning tools if you are interested in building or renovating on Cape Cod.

Looking for a summer rental? Check out or latest summer rental offering overlooking Barnstable Harbor - The Cape House at Barnstable Harbor

 

 

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