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

  Here are some interior shots of a new home that we have been working on for a few months in Dennis, MA.  This week we are installing the kitchen, finishing the interior trim work, and getting ready to install the plumbing fixtures.  This home is located in our Dr. Stanton Rd. neighborhood, and has a traditionally-styled exterior, with an open floor plan, and some more contemporary styling inside. If you would like to see more of this home, please click here -Request Info

    REEF Realty often partners with land owners, and those seeking land on Cape Cod, to design custom homes that can meet the unique characteristics of the lot.  Here is a new plan we came up with for one of the lots currently for sale on Dr. Stanton Rd. in Dennis, MA.  These lots range in price from the mid to high $200's.  Let us know what you think!

If you are thinking of purchasing a lot on Cape Cod, click here and find out how we can help: -Request Info

  We thought this was appropriate given the season. Just a little reminder to be safe for the holidays...

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/611.pdf

So the weather has been cooperating with us this fall, and we have been moving along nicely on this new home in Wellfleet, MA.  This project is unique, as the site posed a few challenges due to its proximity to the coastal bank. When building anywhere near the water, the permitting process will involve approval by the local conservation commission.  The conservation commission's input will influence things like lot coverage, site drainage and septic locations, vegetation preservation or removal.  REEF was able to work with its team of engineers and the commission to negotiate an exceptional location for this house, which allowed the preservation of critical environmental concearns, while maximizing the views of Wellfleet Harbor.  Here are some photos from the site this week. The house has been insulated, and we are starting to sheetrock and plaster today.... If you have a property on Cape Cod with a challenging site like this, click here to see how REEF can help you!! CONTACT US

REEF is starting another new home in Dennis, MA!.  This home is a custom designed, traditionally styled, cape with about 3,000sf of living area.  Here are some photos of the foundation installation yesterday, along with a rendering of the finished product. Follow our blog to watch this project!!!

   We have seen land prices fall somewhat over the last few years, and we can say with some certainty, that the prices are about as low as they are going to get. With the bottom of the market here, many people are thinking about purchasing a piece of land to build their new home.  This is a great idea, given the economy, permitting environment, and favorable lending rates.  However, there are some things you definitely want to think about before purchasing a piece of raw land.

1. Get a Building Permit before you close on the property
2. Understand all of the zoning, and other regulatory issues that apply to a certain property. (Historic, septic, conservation etc.)
3. Make sure you can build what you want to build, where you want to build it on the lot.  A good design/build contractor can help with this
4. Find out about the cost of construction prior to committing to the purchase. What you think the house will cost you vs. what it will actually cost you may not be the same
5. Find a team of professionals to help you.  A good realtor, working with a competent design/build contractor like REEF can point you in the right direction, and assemble the other experts you will need.

Here is some additional information from about.com

http://homebuying.about.com/od/secondhomes/qt/102507_buyland.htm

Check out our facebook page to see some great kitchen and bath photos from recent projects.

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.331575326867942.97951.319857238039751&type=3

Did you know that the state of Massachusetts is currently considering mandatory fire sprinlker systems for homes? There has been a lot of debate about this issue over the last year or so. Arguments can be made for or against this requirement, but the bottom line is clear, it is another hurdle for builders, and adds unnecessary cost for the consumer.  This proposed regulation will impact new construction and remodeling if it is approved.  It is hard enough and expensive enough to build in this state as it is, let's not make it any harder.  Here is some info from the Home Builder's Association of Massachusetts

http://hbama.com/archives/1881