The building and construction industry is changing rapidly, and new products are being introduced to the market constantly.   On Cape Cod, traditional styling, and the old shingle-style homes are benefiting from many of these new products.  Advances in composites and plastics are allowing builders and designers to create homes that are low-maintenance, long-lasting, and still have that traditional Cape Cod style.  New energy efficiency requirements are also driving development of advanced, high-efficiency heating and cooling systems for your new home, and when combined with the latest in insulation and building envelope technology can provide a level of energy efficiency never imagined in the past.  Each year, Professional Builder Magazine comes out with its 101 Best New Products list and this year’s list does not disappoint.   From interiors, to windows and doors, and even outdoor living ideas, this list provides some great ideas for your new Cape Cod Home, addition, or renovation.

101 Best New Products

Whether you’re building your dream kitchen from the ground up, or re-facing existing cabinets, the choice of cabinet pulls and knobs is important. These small parts play a vital role in the function of your cabinetry, and can really help set the tone for the heart of your home. Here’s some great ideas and insights to help you select the right knobs and pulls for the cabinets in your Cape Cod home.

Kitchen cabinet knobs for your Cape Cod home

Kitchen cabinet knobs for your Cape Cod home

Home Remodeling Magazine was so impressed with this REEF home, it became a feature article. We took a 400 square foot cottage built in 1942, and turned it into a wonderfully special summer home, right on the Barnstable Harbor beach. Years of effort finally resulted in the necessary permits, and quality construction of this idyllic Cape Cod retreat.

It’s worth a read:

“Persistence pays off.    Now, three years after they moved in, the retired couple can relax on their back porch with a cup of tea—as grandchildren happily frolic in the yard—and savor the view that stretches across Barnstable Harbor all the way to the dunes at Sandy Neck Beach.”

REEF creates a idyllic waterfront family cottage

We're getting lots of requests for more project photos. Here's a bungalow near Mayflower Beach that we were asked to replace. Our design team created a 4 Bedroom home with 3 Full Baths and 1 Half Bath to fit on the small lot. The finish carpenters are on site now creating some beautiful toucehes to the interior. I'll post that work in the future.

We started this project in September, and it will be ready for occupancy in April.

 The new home offers views of Cape Cod Bay from the updstairs deck and windows.

We'll be done before May, ready for move-in and summer fun! Walk to the Beach and Gina's Restaurant!

Kitchen design is always evolving, which is why REEF spends so much time keeping abreast of new ideas and trends. Some hot topics of late: neutral finishes, warm touches, new interpretation of country style, nature and natural textures, gourmet cooking features and induction cooktops. Our new homes on Cape Cod always feature a wonderful, sometimes fabulous, kitchen. Here’s some insight into what’s trending for 2013.

Kitchen Design Trends for 2013

Creating special spaces for our customers is one of the real joys here at REEF Builders. Lots of time and attention is paid to bathrooms. A Master or Guest Suite, or Cape Cod Cottage is not complete without comfortable, pleasant bathrooms. A bathroom renovation is an exciting task. But before jumping to choosing the latest tile or bathtub design, there are some less exciting things to consider so your project turns out just the way you dream it. Because renovating a bathroom can be overwhelming, time-consuming and costly, here is a simple 15-point checklist to make sure that your project stays on track and the renovation runs smoothly.

15 Point Checklist for your new Cape Cod Bathroom

Ever wondered what the new trends might be for design in spaces around the home? Whether you building a new residence, or sprucing up your longtime home, it’s interesting to discover what manufacturers and designers see as the emerging trends. These are largely based on homeowner’s needs and style preferences. Here’s some interesting insight, and a host of ideas, for projects you may want to consider.

Home Trends for 2013

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