Here is an article about the 2012 New American Home, which is the featured home for the National Association of Home Builders.  This year's home displays new and innovative design trends, products and features that will become commonplace in the industry over the next few years.  Take a look at the article and video... and find inspiration for your next home or remodeling project.

2012 New American Home

If you have any questions about the products or techniques used in this home or others you may have seen, feel free to contact us.

  Looks like the Cape Cod real estate market is on the move. See this article from the Barnstable Patriot.... Now is still a great time to buy!!

Barnstable Patriot, Real Estate Trends

If you are thinking of building or remodeling as part of your next real estate investment, click below for a helpful guide to construction costs.

The single biggest reason most bathrooms need to be remodeled is due to moisture damage. Slow and steady moisture accumulation if left untreated can cause structural damage and result in the growth of mold. This type of insidious, slow developing decay can be prevented by using smarter construction methods when developing bathroom plans. By including the following five steps in your bathroom plans you will greatly reduce the chances of moisture issues in your new bathroom.

1] Tubs and showers should be located on interior walls -
It's a good idea to make certain that your new bathroom plans do not include running supply and drain lines in an exterior wall where they are subject to extreme temperature variations. These temperature fluctuations can produce moisture in the wall around the areas where the plumbing is located and should be avoided if at all possible.

2] Vent out moisture -
If your bathroom plans include whirlpool tub or a steam shower you must not forget that these luxury items can create enormous amounts of steam in the bathroom. You should look for a high capacity super quiet bath fan and don't be afraid to spend more for a high quality unit. Make certain that the new fan is ducted through an exterior wall by the shortest path possible. Most of all run the fan. If you have large steam producers such as a whirlpool or steam shower, turn the fan on while taking a bath or steam. Afterwards, close the door to the room and leave the fan on for a minimum of 30 additional minutes.

3] Toilet sweat... don't sweat it -
Condensation on the toilet tank is typical in the summer months especially in homes where air conditioning is not used. The least expensive way to control this excess moisture is by using a tank insulation kit. Another option is to install an anti sweat valve to supply just enough hot water to the tank to keep condensation from forming.

4] Eliminate Shower Stall Leaks -
The best way to prevent grout leaks in your shower is to eliminate grout lines on floor altogether. Many types of one piece shower pans are available to prevent the possibility of your shower floor grout leaking in the future. Depending on the manufacturer and material custom shapes and sizes are available to fit any shower size and shape.

5] Build a Better Bathroom Wall -
Bathroom walls must be designed to work well with the particular climate of a given region. The climate will determine exactly where a vapor barrier is to be placed within the wall during construction. Since moisture generally travels from a warmer to a cooler area, if you live in a Northern climate the vapor barrier would be installed on the inside of the ceiling and wall framing while breathable, permeable exterior sheeting is then used on the exterior. This will allow for any moisture entering the wall space to escape. A local building pro will be able to best help design the right wall system for your new bathroom plans.

These five tips will help make sure your bathroom plans come together with dryness and lower maintenance cost as a priority.

If you have questions about your next bathroom project... click below to contact one of our experts.

We found this article from CNN Money about how to get better remodeling bids.  Developing a realistic budget is key to a smooth process.  We use a lot of these techniques as part of our processes.  However, our most valuable tool is experience, and the high volume of historical data we have from almost 1500 successful projects here on Cape Cod.  Check out this article for some great information...Remodeling Bid

If you have questions about your next remodeling project, click here to get in touch with one of REEF's experts

We recently completed a garage/breezeway addition on RT 134 in Dennis. The new garage was

designed and built with the intent to match the existing house.  This project took just under eight

 weeks to complete.

BEFORE

AFTER

 On February 14th the Massachusetts Board of Building Regulations and Standards voted against requiring mandatory fire sprinkler systems in homes.   Many of the professional building organizations had opposed this change based on the expens, risk and other problems associated with this change. 

  See the attached article from FireEngineering.com to see the reaction from the fire safety community.

Reaction to Fire Sprinklers

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

This month we are featuring clients Joe and Theresa Trombetta of Trombetta's Window Boxes. Etc.

   As owners and operators of

Trombetta's Flower Shop and

Greenhouses in Northborough,

Ma., Joe grew a large variety

of cut flowers and potted

plants. Theresa ran the full

service, for all occasions

flower shop, servicing

Northborough and surrounding

towns.

 After over 40 years in

business, Joe & Theresa semi

retired to Cape Cod where they resumed their talents with Trombetta's Windowboxes, Etc. 

Their offerings include plantings and containers for all seasons, and custom orders for both

residential and commercial customers.  Happy Spring

Joseph and Theresa Trombetta

Trombetta's Window Boxes, Etc.

East Dennis, MA

(508) 385-9367

    We found these interesting and innovative building and home designs. Great inspiration for your next project, although we will acknowledge that they are a little over the top!  Enjoy

http://villageofjoy.com/50-strange-buildings-of-the-world/

     The real decision makers, when it comes to home design, style and functionality. We have found that men are great with the "big picture" but women prefer to focus on the details.  Things like functionality of living spaces, smart use of storage and seating areas, good bathroom design are all areas at which women excel.  We found some helpful tips in the 10 Commandments of Woman-centric Design.  See below:

   The National Association of Realtor published its updated sales numbers last week and the results were great.  There was 4.3% increase in sales last month, and inventory is down to 2005 levels. With a 6 month backlog of inventory, the housing market seems well on its way to recovery.  The only bad news was that the large volume of foreclosures would still hold prices down.  Of course that is bad news for sellers, but still great news for buyers.   Locally we have seen activity pick up substantially over the last few months, with more and more requests to renovate or remodel newly-purchased homes.

Click here to read the whole article from the Chicago Southtown Star: Housing Market Looking Up