The mild winter has really been great this year on Cape Cod, and everyone has spring fever! Not bad for mid February.  Generally in our area we wait until at least late March to start landscaping, but this year might buck that trend. We have looked around for some new and exciting landscape features to work into our new home and renovation projects, and found some from Better Homes and Gardens.   They have put together a slideshow of the top landscape trends for 2012 and some of them are really great.... take a look!

Landscape trends for 2012

If you have questions about your next new home, remodeling or renovation project, click below to ask one of our experts!

The latest foreclosure statistics came out yesterday and there was a significant jump from December, nationwide.  Massachusetts saw a 57% increase.  This might be a perfect opportunity to purchase that Cape Cod Home at a substantial discount, and still leave money available to renovate or remodel so you can have the house of your dreams. Foreclosures may also be great candidates for a tear down and rebuild project, as the cost basis and location may merit a substantial investment. 

Here is the complete article from Builderonline.com: Foreclosures Up In January

If you are thinking of purchasing a foreclosure on Cape Cod, and you would like a free assessment of the remodeling or renovation potential of the property, click below to schedule a free consultation.

   Here is a good slideshow and article from Builder magazine about new product that provide a lot of style, without a lot of cost.  Think about using some of these on your next remodeling, renovation, or new home project. Enjoy!

High Style at Low Cost

 It looks like remodeling activity is definitely on the rise!.  The BuildFax remodeling index has shown an increase of over 20% from December 2010 to December 2011. Investments in older properties is driving the trend, and it bodes well for increased residential construction activity in 2012.  We are confident that materials and labor prices will be on the move as well to adjust for increased demand. 

Now is a great time to plan and begin your project, beat the rush and take advantage of low recession pricing.

See article here: http://www.calculatedriskblog.com/2012/02/residential-remodeling-index-increases.html

If you have a question about starting your next remodeling or new construction project, click below to ask one of our experts!

  Bathrooms are definitely one of the areas that our customers invest a lot of time and effort in designing.  The myriad of options available can make this a tough process, not to mention that manufacturers are constantly coming out with new and innovative products for the bathroom.  When planning your bathroom renovation, or the baths in your new home, take the time to get educated on the products and materials available. 

  There is a lot of good information in this article from the U-T San Diego newspaper regarding bathroom trends for 2012.  They cover everything from paint colors to digital showers... click here to see the full article.  2012 Bathroom Design Trends

If you have questions about your next bathroom project and need some advice, click here to ask one of the experts at REEF!

      We have just published a new article in response to a commonly asked question: "How long will my project take to complete."  Planning a new home project can have several steps, and here at REEF we have a great process in place to provide a predictable and reliable answer to that question.  Often times customers have tabled a great project because the design and permitting steps alone where too overwhelming.  Since REEF is a design/build company, we can take some of the mystery out of the process.  Click below to get more information on permitting and construction schedules for your project!

   The Metlife Mature Market Institute recently conducted a study on trends for homeowners in the 55+ age category. The results were surprising, and indicative of an increasingly independent lifestyle for senior homeowners.  This study discusses the desire for many to age-in-place at their current home. We have seen numerous requests for smart aging renovations in our client base over the last several years.  Small things like wider hallways and doors, bathroooms that could accommodate wheelchair access are often requested by our clients. 

  These ideas are easy to accommodate as part of a new home or renovation project.  However, attempting to make these livability upgrades quickly after a serious illnes or accident can be challenging and expensive.  You can download the metlife report here: 55+ Buyer Trends Study

If you have questions about making your home more comfortable as you approach retirement click below to schedule a free consultation:

   Even though you may be moving into a completely new home, with everything under warranty, there are some basic things that everyone should know when it comes to owning a new home.  At REEF, we conduct a thorough walkthrough with our customers, identifiying critical items, such as water main locations, electrical service locations, HVAC and other filters that must be changed regularly, septic system location and maintenance, and general maintenance tips for their new home. 

  Realtor.com has published an article identifying tips for new homeowners that we felt covered some basic, but important items: seven-helpful-tips-for-new-homeowners

If you have questions about your new or old homes, and want to ask an expert, you can always contact us at REEF by clicking below:

Wefound this article on remodeling projects that seem to have survived the recession. It looks like aging in place, in-law apartments, outdoor enhancements, and smart kitchens are still good investments, despite the economic times.  Remodeling, additions and renovation work have been a large part of our business over the last year or so.  Here is the article from US News: recession-home-remodeling-trends

If you have questions about your next remodeling or construction project... ask one of the pro's here at REEF - just click below:

    Looks like some new trends are emerging at the International Builder's show in Orlando.  See link from Yahoo Real Estate to discover the latest trends.  One of the most interesting points is the turn back towards smaller, more efficiently-designed homes. It looks like crafstman-style homes are seeing a resurgence, while other styles, such as the classic split level are all but gone.

Click here for more: What's Hot in Homes for 2012