Outdoor living is a big part of Cape Cod. We are constantly designing new, bigger, and more exciting ways for our customers to live outside. Today’s outdoor spaces include relaxing water features, gourmet kitchens, expansive bar areas, and multiple levels. Often the focus is as much on outside amenities and living as it is on the interior spaces! Here’s some amazing decks to consider as you begin to plan your Cape Cod home.

Amazing Deck Designs

Many of the homes we design and build have an emphasis on wonderfully relaxing spaces. Frequently our customers seek to create an oasis of escape, with a focus on comfort and flow. Personal spaces like bedrooms, bath rooms, living rooms, and even kitchens are receiving more attention to detail than simply creating the space. Here are great samples of how using texture, color, patterns and other simple touches can increase the comfort and enjoyment of bedroom sanctuaries.

Cozy Cape Cod Cottage Style Bedrooms

Let's face it: you've got to do laundry. So you might as well have some fun with it! No longer is the laundry area hidden down in the basement. Most of our customers want a 1st floor laundry, perhaps off the Kitchen, or even in the Master Suite of their Cape Cod home. Wherever the location, the Laundry Room is bound to be "in the mix" much more so than in years past. Here's some great ideas to make your laundry room an enjoyable place to be.

Coolest Laundry Room Ideas

Windows are bigger than ever today. They play an increasingly important role in helping our customers maximize the value of their home by welcoming light, opening vistas, and creating interesting, inviting spaces. There are myriad options, from decorative to functional. Some of the energy efficient models may even qualify for energy rebates. Many of our customers build or re-buld their homes around views of Cape Cod Bay, Vineyard or Nantucket Sound, marshes and bogs. Here are some great ideas for using windows to create truly special spaces.

Factors to Consider when Choosing Windows

So now that things have settled after the election, there should be a little more predictability in the marketplace.  If you have been sitting on the sidelines, waiting to see where the Real Estate market would settle, especially on Cape Cod, you know that demand is on the rise and things are beginning to steadily improve.  The big question, therefore, is should you Build your home on Cape Cod now, or wait?  The answer to that question is simple: Build Now!  Real estate prices have stabilized, and are still at lower levels than the past, providing value in the marketplace.  Also, building codes are continuing to change, increasing the cost of construction 5-15% with each new revision.  All of the data is positive, and there is still time to take advantage of low interest rates, and reasonable property prices. 

Here is an article from HSH.com that talks about some other factors:  Why Build Now?

REEF published a similar article this year

Don't miss the boat! This could be the year you Build, Renovate or Remodel your Cape Cod Dream Home!

   The Commerce Department released it's September statistics for new home starts and building permit activities.  New Home construction was up 15% from August, and building permits are rising at the same level.  The level of activity in September signifies an 82.5% increase from all time lows seen in 2009! So what does this mean for your New Home, Renovation, or Remodeling project on Cape Cod? Well it means demand for qualified and experienced contracting services is on the rise, and that material prices will be on the move as well.  Since last year at this time, REEF has witnessed an 8% increase in construction materials prices for the average home.  So if you have been thinking of Building, Remodeling or Renovating on Cape Cod, now is a great time to start and take advantage of still low costs and low interest rates! Here is the full article from Yahoo Finance: Construction Starts Up

If you are thinking of starting your project click here to see how we can help:

   This is an interesting time in the Building, Remodeling, and Renovation Business on Cape Cod and across the nation! Prices have been very low for the last 4+ years, and all indications are that the recession is nearing an end.  Labor and material prices are still at historic lows, but that trend is seeing an end...  If you are thinking of Building a New Home, Remodeling, or Renovating on Cape Cod, then you must download our Fall 2012 Guide: Why Build Now!. 

Click Here to Download:

   REEF, Cape Cod's Homebuilder has been involved in the Cape Cod Real Estate market for over 25 years.  With nearly 1,500 projects completed, and daily interaction with real estate professionals and property owners, REEF has seen all of the ups and downs of the market cycle. Over the last 7 years, Cape Cod Real Estate has declined in value, just like many areas in the country.  However, we here at REEF feel we are approaching the end of the cycle.  So, if you are thinking of buying, Building, or Remodeling your Cape Cod Home, NOW is a great time to act. 

Here is an article from boston.com that talks about buying on the Cape: Buy NOW on Cape Cod

If you would like to know what your project may cost, take a look at REEF's 2012 Construction Cost Guide by clicking below:

  Over the last several months, we have continued to see positive signs in the building industry.  Home prices are rising, building permits are increasing, and the market is seeing a renewed interest in real estate as a sound investment.  A a Custom Home Builder here on Cape Cod, our experience has been much the same.  Demand for Custom Homes, Renovations, and Remodeling have increased dramatically over the last 4-5 months. As the market recovers, people have found the ability to mitigate the risk associated with building a home on Cape Cod, given the fact that mortgage rates are low, property values have settled and become stable.  This is an exciting time for builders across the country, especially for those who had the financial strength to weather the storm. Meanwhile, there have also been significant advancements over the last couple of years in building technologies, materials, and techniques that have allowed new homes to be built quickly and efficiently.

Here is an article from Builderonline.com that looks at the increase in residential construction across the country: http://www.builderonline.com/economic-conditions/signs-of-life.aspx