This spring REEF Field Supervisor Wesley Price, was commissioned by the Wequassett Resort, to design and build a Children's Pirate Ship Buffet Table. The project took about six weeks to complete.  The exterior of the boat was built entirely of reclaimed Western Red Cedar.  The floor and countertops are built of reclaimed Antique Heart Pine. 

The vessel can now be seen, from time to time, sailing around the grounds at the Wequasset on Pleasant Bay.

Follow the link below to watch a brief time lapse video of the entire project from frame to finish.  Shiver me Timbers!

http://youtu.be/Bs3Ypa0hfZI

Thanks to Jim Hagerty, Vice-President at REEF, for providing the intial sketches of the project, as well as the scale drawings.

Thanks to Dave Gilbert of Centerville and his dog Cora, for help during construction.

Thanks to Helen Doane for the decorative painting, www.twodecorativepainters.com 

Thanks to Gatekeepers Property Management for providing the trailer to transport the vessel upon completion.  http://www.gatekeeperspropertymanagement.com/

 

 

 

 

 

  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

   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

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

So this is one of my favorite times of the year, when everyone comes out with their predictions and evaluations on the best products, trends, and ideas in our business.  Here is the 2011 product review by Architectural Record: hhttp://archrecord.construction.com/products/productreports/2011.asp  Now some of these products are not directly related to the residential construction, remodeling and renovation business. However, you will see these ideas translated into residential styles and trends over the next few years.