With all of the recent changes to the energy code, there has been a resurgence in concerns about houses being  too "tight."  Many people believe that the key to long term building health is the fact that many older homes, with there inherent leaks and drafts allowed fresh air to move through the home.  That theory is somewhat true, and actually even more critical now as the new energy code is based on eliminating uncontrolled air infiltration.  Proper insulation, use of vapor and air barriers, along with some mechanical ventilation guarantees a healthy indoor environment. 

 Here is an article from Fine Homebuilding that discusses various ways to achieve a healthy air quality, while still achieving the critical energy efficiency requirements of today's building codes.

Do Houses Need To Breathe?

    The biggest challenge with energy efficiency and green initiatives is to determine the actual return on investment. If done properly, energy efficiency improvements can result in substantial, tangible savings on your day to day energy use.  Our friends at Cotuit Solar and Cape Light Compact have provided a basic chart discussing general return perior for certain improvements.

See Below

ENERGY AND $ SAVING IDEAS 

In the following list, the higher the level, the more cost effective the choices are for reducing energy use in your house/business. So, ideally, one should exhaust the possibilities at the highest level before implementing lower level actions.

PAYBACK IN YEARS and ACTION

0: Get a free energy audit (Cape Light Compact: 800-797-6699), lower house thermostat setting, combine/minimize automobile trips, replace lawn area with garden or natural landscape.

½ - 2: Solar Pool Heat Installation.                     

1-5: Add Attic Insulation; Replace Light Bulbs & Appliances with more energy efficient ones.

3-7: Solar Domestic Hot Water Installation using tax credits.

3-8: Add Window Quilts or Thermal Shades; Install a Wood/Pellet Stove.

5-7: Groundwater Source Cooling/Dehumidifying.

6-8: Wind Power and/or Photovoltaic Solar Installation using MTC (Massachusetts Technology Collaborative) incentive money and tax credits.

6-10: Replace Heating Equipment/Automobile with updated, more efficient technology.

10-15: Reside Building with added insulation & new windows.

15-20: Install Solar Space Heating

 

If you have questions about your next home improvement project please click below for more information:

   People always want to know  "How Much Will This Cost?" so they can make important finacial decisions early in the process.  In an effort to assist in this process at an early stage, REEF has published a 2012 Guide to Current Construction Costs on Cape Cod.  This article provides unit costs per square foot for several different types of projects ranging from cottages, to custom homes and renovations. Click below to recieve your free copy!

So, since it is Friday, and we thought we should do something a little fun.  We came across this article from Architectural Digest featuring Celebrity Kitchens.  So if you want to know where Sir Elton John cooks his breakfast, or where Sting makes his midnight snack... here you go!

Celebrity Kitchens

If you are thinking about your next remodeling or kitchen project and you want to find out more about what is possible, click here:

   There is nothing more inviting than a well-designed window seat.  With a little planning, a window seat can be a as functional as it is comfortable. Often times extra storage bins or drawers can be added into the base of the seat, creating a great place for books, pictures, or blankets. This Old House has provided some ideas on for different window seat designs here:

This Old House - Window Seats

If you are thinking of renovating or remodeling home, come examine the possibilities with REEF!

Check out our facebook page for before and after photos of some recent projects. If you are thinking about upgrading that tired old cottage, please contact us today!

http://facebook.com/capecodbuilder

   Things are changing in 2012.  More of our customers are seeking value based designs and improvements that provide functionality, and flexible use of spaces.  Builder magazine recently published an article about the top 10 custom home trends for 2012. Bonus rooms, sunrooms / screened porches, exterior upgrades and garages are all on the top of the list. So far this year we have seen several requests for finished rooms over garages, finished basments with open, flexible spaces, and room additions that can serve multiple purposes.

    The current design trends are evolving into a lifestyle driven home, where you don't see things like formal dining rooms, separate living rooms, or dens. Most of the demand we have seen has been for open living spaces, where families and friends can gather and entertain with all of the important amenities in one place. 

Click here to see the article and slideshow from Builder Magazine :10 Custom Home Design Trends for 2012

If you are considering a project this year, and would like more information, click here for a no obligation consult:

Finishing your Cape Cod basement is one of those easy to justify home decisions that will offer years of use and enjoyment.  Here are our top eight reasons for opting to finish your basement.

8. COMFORT - A well insulated basement is usually the coolest place in your home during the summer months and the warmest in the winter months and can help reduce heating and cooling costs throughout the rest of the house.

7. ENTERTAINMENT - From simple TV rooms to more luxurious rooms, a finished basement is a place where many people will congregrate.  Pool tables, game rooms and lots of space help make a finished basement perfect for entertaining.

6 .INCOME - Finished basement space may be able to be used to produce rental income thereby helping to offset the the cost associated with construction

5.FAMILY - Whether accomodating them for a meal or a month, many people need more space to house extended family.  They can also make great playrooms for the kids and grandkids.

4.SPACE - Large, spacious rooms and ample lighting can make basements very beautiful and inviting.

3. RETURN ON YOUR INVESTMENT: According to Remodeling Magazine’s annual Cost vs Value Report, your basement project typically returns about 70 percent of the original cost. In terms of space and quality of living, you also get a huge return on your investment: If you own a 2000 square foot home and finish your basement, you may get 1000 square feet of extra space. That’s a 50 percent increase in space.  As a result, that extra space increases the market value of your home substantially and makes your home more attractive to potential buyers. A finished basement can improve the marketability of your home.

2.FLEXIBILITY - Unlike your main level, where often you only have a limited floor plan to choose from, the design of your basement allows a greater degree of design autonomy

1. VALUE - A finished basement offers the best value, per square foot of any other remodeling project

adapted from an article by http://www.upscaledownstairs.com

adapted from an article by http://www.integrityhomecontractors.com

If you are interested in finishing your basement, please contact our small project division by clicking below!

  There is increasing demand in the market place for remodeling and renovations.  We have experienced a substantial increase in requests for these types of projects over the last several months.  Here is an article from Housing Zone.com that summarizes a Wall Street Journal report about the upward trend in the remodeling market.

http://www.housingzone.com/financials/remodeling-showing-signs-recovery

If you have questions about your next remodeling or renovation project, contact our small projects divison by clicking below!

REEF is proud to annouce that it has launched the REEF Small Projects Divison.  The focus will be on remodeling, renovation, maintenance, and home improvement projects.  You may not be ready to add on to your house, but we have found that many of our customers still have a need for smaller projects on a regular basis. So if you are thinking of a kitchen renovation, a new deck, or an exterior facelift, please click below to contact us!