Remodeling magazine has come out with it's annual report on remodeling projects costs and the return on investment.  There is a lot of great information in their report, and we feel the costs are very reflective of the current market conditions.  See their link to the report for the Boston area here:Remodeling Magazine - Boston cost report .

If you are thinking of a remodeling, renovation or new construction project and you want to explore all of the possibilities, click below to ask your question. The answer may surprise you!!

   We have done some creative things with the homes we design and build here at REEF, however, sometimes even we need a little inspiration for our next great idea. We found this article on the top 10 most luxurious homes in the world.... enjoy!

10 Most Luxurious Homes in the World

Update on Fire Sprinklers for New Homes

The Massachusetts Board of Building Regulations and Standards met earlier this month to discuss the adoption of Residential Fire Sprinkler Systems. There are strong arguments on both sides of the issue, but the bottom line is added cost, and minimal benefits.   Here is a report on the meeting from the Boston Globe:

Globe Staff  

December 13, 2011

Firefighters and home builders today argued at a Board of Building Regulations and Standards hearing on installing fire sprinklers in newly constructed homes.

At the hearing, held in the State House, much of the debate came down to cost: Officials from fire departments around the state argued that the sprinkler systems, which can cost thousands of dollars to install, would save lives and limit property damage.

But developers and construction managers said that sprinklers have not been proven to be any more effective in saving lives than smoke detectors. The added cost, they continued, would discourage potential homeowners from settling in Massachusetts, and would raise the cost of affordable housing.

The proposed amendment to the state’s model code would not mandate that sprinklers be installed in every newly-constructed one- or two-family home in the state. Instead, it would be part of a “stretch code,” which encourages cities and towns to adopt the change.

At a press conference before the hearing in front of the Massachusetts Firefighter Memorial, James M. Shannon, the president of the National Fire Protection Association, said the sprinklers help to extinguish or retard fires, which would allow more time for families to evacuate, and would also reduce risks to firefighters entering burning buildings.

“This is really about not only public safety, but it’s also a huge firefighter safety issue,” Sherman said.

So far, California, Maryland, and South Carolina are the only states that have enacted a statewide measure to require fire sprinklers in newly-built homes.

“It’s high time Massachusetts joins the list of forward-thinking states that mandate automatic fire sprinklers in new home construction,” said Thomas Burnett, president of the Massachusetts Call/Volunteer Firefighters Association, during the hearing.

But Doug Pizzi, a spokesman for the Home Builders Association of Massachusetts, said after the press conference that the state should focus its fire safety efforts on ensuring that all homes in the state have working smoke alarms. That would also help keep firefighters safe, he said: If everyone quickly evacuates a burning house, firefighters do not need to enter.

The added cost of fire sprinklers — he estimated that they cost about $10,000-$15,000 per home — would also raise the cost of affordable housing units, making it more difficult for residents with low incomes to pay for their own homes, Pizzi said.

“We’d drive a lot of people right out of the ability to get that home,” he said.

Martine Powers can be reached at mpowers@globe.com. Follow her on Twitter @martinepowers.

Here are some pictures of a rendering we did for a new home in Dennis, MA.  Renderings are a great tool to help customers visualize the finished product... check these out!

  Now that the holidays are behind us, many people begin to think about their new home or remodeling projects.  There are many factors that come into play when making the decision to start a large project.  The biggest hurdle for many people  right now is the uncertain economy.

Despite this uncertainty, there are a number of really great reasons to start your project now:

1. Materials are still reasonbly priced, and lumber is at historical lows.
2. Labor market is available and willing to negotiate
3. Banks are still lending at very favorable rates

Thes are just a few reasons, that are covered in our free informational download.  Click the button below to find out more!

Positive news about the housing market is becoming easier to find. 

A recent article for the NAHB (National Association of Home Builders) reveals that, "The number of housing markets showing measurable improvement nearly doubled in January with the addition of 40 new metros to the National Association of Home Builders/First American Improving Markets Index (IMI), released today.  The IMI now boasts 76 improving markets, up from 41 in December, with 31 states and the District of Columbia represented by at least one entry.The index identifies metropolitan areas that have shown improvement from their respective troughs in housing permits, employment and house prices for at least six consecutive months."

To View the Entire article on the NAHB website, click on the link below;

http://www.nahb.org/news_details.aspx?newsID=14478

From fall whale watches with the family - to quiet, lazy summer days;

From an afternoon on one of the Cape's more than forty golf courses - to an early morning sunrise near one of the Cape's twenty or so Lighthouses;

From a day of deep sea fishing - to a few hours at one our amazing herring runs;

From dining on some of the best seafood in the world, at some of the best restaurants in the world - to enjoying a BBQ with friends in the comfort of your own backyard;

From dunes to dunebirds; From beaches to summer baseball;

Whatever your reasons for loving life here on Cape Cod, however far away you might be,

We look forward to helping you design and build your home, be it for vacation or year round enjoyment.-Request Info

   Now that we are in the throes of winter here in the northeast, we wanted to offer some tips on preventing ice dams.  Ice dams are caused when ice forms at the roof edges and gutter line, and prevents the natural flow of water off a roof.  They can cause thousands of dollars in damage as the water flows into the house in an irregular pattern, showing up over windows, in ceilings and running down the inside of walls. 

Amica and the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety offer these tips:

• Make sure the ceiling is airtight, so warm, moist air doesn’t flow into the attic space.
• Increase ceiling and roof insulation to minimize the amount of heat that rises into the attic.
• Use weather-stripping around entryways to the attic.
• Seal around attic ducts, light fixtures, chimneys and fans to prevent heat from melting snow.
• Make sure the attic is well ventilated so that any warm air is replaced with cold outside air.
• Clean debris from gutters and drains to allow for proper drainage.

One of the best ways we have found to prevent ice dams, is to use a self-adhereing ice and water shield at all roof edges, valleys and other critical roof / wall intersections. Although it adds some cost up front, it is insignificant comparted to the damage and hassle invloved in repairing the results of an ice dam.  If you are thinking about remodeling, renovating or building a new home, please contact us to talk about ways of preventing this common problem: CONTACT US  

If you have any other questions concerning your home... visit our Ask Capecodbuilder page and let's see if we can help!

  Often times, especially on Cape Cod, the biggest hurdle for homeowners is how to get their project off the ground. Whether you are buying a lot, tearing down a house, or remodeling, the challenge is alway how to start. Here are some suggestions.

1. Write down a list of wants vs. needs for your project
2. Hire a reputable design-build contractor who can assemble the team of experts needed to make the project a success.
3. Discuss budget early in the process, working with a design/build contractor is the best way to project a reasonable budget so there are no surprises.
4. Work with a local lender and the building team to ensure realistic financing options.  Bankers are ready and willing to lend, but local banks have much more flexibility and know the unique characteristics of the Cape.
5. Permits need to be the first priority after the exterior design work is complete, especially if you are purchasing land.  NEVER buy a vacant lot without a valid building permit.
6. Make decisions on all of the details before you start work.  Picking out cabinets, paint colors, roofing, siding, flooring and all of the other finish components is critical if you want accurate pricing and timely completion of the work. 
7. The team approach works! - Take the time to investigate all of the players involved and find a team that you feel comfortable with and that has the track record that can guarantee the success of your project.

This is just a brief synopsis of the key steps involved in a successful project.  If you are thinking of starting a new construction or renovation project on Cape Cod and have any questions, click here to talk to one of REEF's experts!

Check out photos of our recently-completed project in Orleans!!

http://www.facebook.com/CapeCodBuilder