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!

   Congress has taken action to promote energy efficiency by banning incandescent lights.  Despite the initial costs, and apprehension towards the new CFL or LED light bulbs, this mandate has caused the market to respond with some incredibly innovative products.  Some of these new light bulbs consume less than 10% of the energy used with incandescent bulbs, and have a working life that is dramatically improved.   Here is an article from Architectural Record and a slide show that highlights some of the new products that meet the energy efficiency standards: http://archrecord.construction.com/products/ProductFocus/2012/1202-Light-Bulbs/

  So you have been waiting for the real estate market to hit rock bottom... well then you now may be your chance!!  Check out this article from Yahoo finance. Home prices are at their lowest point since 2002, and are down 34% from their highs of 2006. Check out the article here: Home Prices Hit New Lows

 

So now is the time to take advantage of the market place and build or renovate your Cape Cod Dream Home!!!!!

   The National Association of Homebuilders created a design collaborative to address smart kitchen design for the modern family.  There are some great ideas here for your next project.  Here is the full article from housingzone.com

Modern Design Concepts

 

If you would like to incorporate these concepts into your next project contact us and let us show you how!

 

  

   Often, due to the historic nature of the Cape Cod area, house designs are sometimes limited to the traditional.   We have often looked to more cutting edge homes to see the latest trends and styles in interior and exterior design.  Below is a home featured on Freshome.com for its unique yet simple styling. Both the exterior and interior of this home display some exceptional features that could inspire your next project... Click here for the full article and more photos: http://freshome.com/2012/03/25/eccentric-details-showcased-by-modern-villa-in-athenes/

 

   We are always presented with the challenge of designing and building well-appointed, efficiently designed homes that fit the unique constraints of the small lots typically found on the Cape.   We found this article from Housingzone.com that provides some good ideas that will help you design your next "small home that lives large" Check it out!

docs/small homes that live large.pdf

 Good news from the housing market.  It looks like the existing home market is on the move. Sales were up almost 9% last month as compared to sales in Februrary 2011.  Median prices were also up slightly. 

Click here to see the entire article from housingzone.com :Home sales up 8.8%

 

If you are thinking of purchasing a home or land on Cape Cod, now is a great time to get back into the market! Since existing inventory is at all time low prices, it is the perfect time to buy and start planning your renovation or remodeling project.  Click below if you are looking at a property and have questions!

    Today REEF is making a FREE project planning guide available for those considering a new construction or renovation project.  This guide provides the critical information that homeowners need to know if they want to have a successful project.  This free guide covers the planning process, budgeting, and permitting, all of which are key to a smooth, worry free construction and building process.    If you are planning a new construction project, tear-down and re-build, or even a simple renovation, you need this information. Click below to download your free copy!!

 

  Interesting article on the latest and greatest on kitchen technology. This is a peek into the future of kitchens.

 

http://freshome.com/2012/03/01/what-is-the-future-of-kitchen-technology/