We have noticed a consistent trend towards remodeling over the last few years, and according to the National Association of Home Builders, remodeling has surpassed new construction for the last three years in a row. There are many factors that are contributing to this trend which are outlined in this article by David Crowe, Chief Economist at the NAHB. Remodeling Vs. New Construction. The challenge still comes when balancing a major remodel or renovation project versus building new.  Building codes have probably had the biggest impact on the cost of a major remodel, especially here on the Cape, and there is definitely a detailed financial analysis required for both scenarios. REEF has found that the costs of a major re-model can sometimes exceed those of comparable new construction.  If you are thinking about a remodeling or renovation project, click here to contact us for a free consultation CONTACT US

   2011 was an interesting year in real estate on Cape Cod. Properties in good locations retained much of their value, while many people looking for raw land to build a new home felt that prices were too high. At REEF we regularly monitor lot sales, and have noticed some interesting trends.  First, many of the lots that were on the market for the last several years have come off the market, probably waiting to be re-listed in the spring to take advantage of the larger pool of buyers. More importantly, we have seen many lot prices drop over the last year or so, as sellers are more motivated to move their inventory. 

  If you are thinking of building on Cape Cod, now is a great time to take a hard look at what is available for land.  It is imporant to work with a competent real estate agent, and get a company like REEF involved early in the process.  Custom building on raw land can be a complicated process for a buyer, especially with all of the factors involved.  It is critical to have a team that is familiar with all of the zoning, septic, permitting and legal hurdles so the process can be smooth and predictable.  Contact us today if you are thinking of purchasing a lot... you would be surprised how easy the process can be with REEF on your side. CONTACT US

If you would like to search the Cape and Islands MLS for land click here:-MLS Property Search

REEF also has lots listed for sale in Dennis, MA click here: FOR SALE

  With the rising cost of energy, and the push towards high efficiency building and mechanical systems, we are always looking at innovative technology.  Often times, new products and systems may not be ideal in their infancy, but they are indicators of trends in the marketplace, and give a glimpse of the types of things that will become commonplace in the near future.  We came across this heating system by the Steffes corporation that uses a type of heat sink to store electrically produced heat during off-peak demand hours, and then releases that heat to the home over the next 24 hour period.  This takes advantage of the lower electricity rates charged by many utility companies at night. Although this system may not be ideal for every scenario, we like the concept and think we will see more of it in the future.  Here is a link http://www.steffes.com/off-peak-heating/forced-air-furnaces.html

Honda also has a very interesting heating system which uses a cogeneration concept to produce electricity and heat from a single fuel source.  It is called a Climate Energy Micro-CHP system, which has been used in Japan for the last several years. It is a combination of a conventional furnace, and single cylinder internal combustion engine.  There is a substantial (30%) savings in heating and electrical usage in homes with this type of unit.  Here is sime more information on this unique concept: HONDA

 

If you have questions regarding your home energy efficiency or want to discuss other trends in the marketplace please click here: -Request Info

 Now that the new year is finally here... you might want to include some of these ideas into your remodeling project. 

http://www.deweyfiremen.com/new-home-remodeling-trends-for-2012-and-beyond/

   We have noticed over the last several years that customers are moving away from the large, elaborate homes, and asking for smaller, well-designed, and planned homes that contain less, but more efficient space.  As people move towards retirement, their needs for large great rooms, formal dining rooms etc, are less critical.  Most of the homes we have built have been in the 1200 - 2000sf range for the last several years.  Our customers focus on well designed living / kitchen spaces, a reasonably sized master suite, and additional flex space that can serve as an office or a bedroom to accommodate summer guests.  Here is an interesting article we found looking at national trends towards smaller homes.  Smaller home trends

REEF has also designed some smaller homes as part of our standard portfolio called the Cottage Collection... click here -Cottage Plans

We have been working with a customer for the last few weeks who owns a unique property on the outer cape. The lot overlooks an inlet and working harbor, but is very small. The challenge for us was to maximize the views of this special location, while meeting the smaller footprint required for this site.  Also, the owner had asked for some contemporary features both inside and outside which was a welcome change from our usual traditionally styled home designs. So here is what we came up with.  Let us know what you think!  -Request Info

  With the popularity of the green construction movement over the last few years REEF has been asked to identify, assess, and install various renewable energy systems on our projects.  In an effort to stay ahead of the curve, REEF invested in its own photovoltaic solar system on the office in West Dennis.  So far it has been a great investment, with a total return of about 5 years.  What many of our customers don't know is that there are really two means of financial return afforded by alternative energy systems. The first is what is known as "net metering", which means that you only pay for the electricity that is used over and above what is produced by the solar system. In our case, our monthly electric bills were reduced by well over 50%.  The second part is the brokering and re-sale of "SREC's" (Solar Renewable Energy Credits).  Many states mandate the amount of renewable energy that must be provided to the grid, forcing the utility companies to purchase energy from newewable sources.  Bottom line... not only did we reduce our monthly electric bills we actually get paid for producing the same energy. 

Here are a couple of tips if you are thinking about investing in a renewable energy system for your home:

1) Investigate your local zoning by-laws to find out the limitations. Solar systems are generally acceptable, wind turbines may not be allowed

2) Find a local company that is as familiar with the incentives, grants and programs available as they are with the products they provide.

3) Look at all of the financing, grant, metering and pay options available, and have all of the applications and approvals in place before you start your project.

Here is a picture of our solar system in West Dennis

If you have any questions about renewable energy systems for your next project feel free to contact us here  CONTACT US

Check out our new photo album on Facebook. This was a home we recently completed in Orleans, MA... click here!

 

http://www.facebook.com/pages/REEF-Cape-Cods-Home-Builder/319857238039751

 

  A couple of years ago, the EPA instituted new lead regulations covering work in homes built prior to 1978.  After years of study, it was determined that the dust created from renovation and remodeling work in homes with lead paint was the leading cause of lead poisoning in children and adults. The dust created during construction project is much more readily absorbed into the body, as opposed to large peeling paint chips, which had been thought to be the leading cause in the past.

  So what is the big deal about these new regulations? The safety, training, and work environment requirements add significant, if not prohibitive cost to any work being performed in an environment that contains lead.  The work area must be sealed from the rest of the house, tradesmen are requiured to wear full suits, and respirators, and the work area must be thoroughly cleaned, and wiped down daily.  There are ways to mitigate these costs, but if lead is present in the home, there is really no simple or inexpensive solution to the problem. 

Here are some links from the National Association of Home Builders, and the EPA with additional information:  http://www.nahb.org/generic.aspx?genericContentID=118467

http://www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/renovaterightbrochure.pdf

 We found this video clip from ABC news regarding the impact of purchasing American-made products on the job market.  The building industry in general is a huge consumer of durable goods, and as such,  a small commitment to increasing the use of American-made products can have a dramatic impact on employment, and the overall economy.  REEF will commit to seeking out American-made products at every opportunity!!

 

Click here to watch the video: http://cdnapi.kaltura.com/index.php/kwidget/wid/0_04vzdsr5/uiconf_id/5590821