Things are changing in 2012.  More of our customers are seeking value based designs and improvements that provide functionality, and flexible use of spaces.  Builder magazine recently published an article about the top 10 custom home trends for 2012. Bonus rooms, sunrooms / screened porches, exterior upgrades and garages are all on the top of the list. So far this year we have seen several requests for finished rooms over garages, finished basments with open, flexible spaces, and room additions that can serve multiple purposes.

    The current design trends are evolving into a lifestyle driven home, where you don't see things like formal dining rooms, separate living rooms, or dens. Most of the demand we have seen has been for open living spaces, where families and friends can gather and entertain with all of the important amenities in one place. 

Click here to see the article and slideshow from Builder Magazine :10 Custom Home Design Trends for 2012

If you are considering a project this year, and would like more information, click here for a no obligation consult:

Finishing your Cape Cod basement is one of those easy to justify home decisions that will offer years of use and enjoyment.  Here are our top eight reasons for opting to finish your basement.

8. COMFORT - A well insulated basement is usually the coolest place in your home during the summer months and the warmest in the winter months and can help reduce heating and cooling costs throughout the rest of the house.

7. ENTERTAINMENT - From simple TV rooms to more luxurious rooms, a finished basement is a place where many people will congregrate.  Pool tables, game rooms and lots of space help make a finished basement perfect for entertaining.

6 .INCOME - Finished basement space may be able to be used to produce rental income thereby helping to offset the the cost associated with construction

5.FAMILY - Whether accomodating them for a meal or a month, many people need more space to house extended family.  They can also make great playrooms for the kids and grandkids.

4.SPACE - Large, spacious rooms and ample lighting can make basements very beautiful and inviting.

3. RETURN ON YOUR INVESTMENT: According to Remodeling Magazine’s annual Cost vs Value Report, your basement project typically returns about 70 percent of the original cost. In terms of space and quality of living, you also get a huge return on your investment: If you own a 2000 square foot home and finish your basement, you may get 1000 square feet of extra space. That’s a 50 percent increase in space.  As a result, that extra space increases the market value of your home substantially and makes your home more attractive to potential buyers. A finished basement can improve the marketability of your home.

2.FLEXIBILITY - Unlike your main level, where often you only have a limited floor plan to choose from, the design of your basement allows a greater degree of design autonomy

1. VALUE - A finished basement offers the best value, per square foot of any other remodeling project

adapted from an article by http://www.upscaledownstairs.com

adapted from an article by http://www.integrityhomecontractors.com

If you are interested in finishing your basement, please contact our small project division by clicking below!

Remodeling magazine has come out with it's annual report on remodeling projects costs and the return on investment.  There is a lot of great information in their report, and we feel the costs are very reflective of the current market conditions.  See their link to the report for the Boston area here:Remodeling Magazine - Boston cost report .

If you are thinking of a remodeling, renovation or new construction project and you want to explore all of the possibilities, click below to ask your question. The answer may surprise you!!

   We have done some creative things with the homes we design and build here at REEF, however, sometimes even we need a little inspiration for our next great idea. We found this article on the top 10 most luxurious homes in the world.... enjoy!

10 Most Luxurious Homes in the World

Here are some pictures of a rendering we did for a new home in Dennis, MA.  Renderings are a great tool to help customers visualize the finished product... check these out!

Positive news about the housing market is becoming easier to find. 

A recent article for the NAHB (National Association of Home Builders) reveals that, "The number of housing markets showing measurable improvement nearly doubled in January with the addition of 40 new metros to the National Association of Home Builders/First American Improving Markets Index (IMI), released today.  The IMI now boasts 76 improving markets, up from 41 in December, with 31 states and the District of Columbia represented by at least one entry.The index identifies metropolitan areas that have shown improvement from their respective troughs in housing permits, employment and house prices for at least six consecutive months."

To View the Entire article on the NAHB website, click on the link below;

http://www.nahb.org/news_details.aspx?newsID=14478

This week we have launched a new feature on our website.... REEF's "Ask Cape Cod Builder" page.  There are a lot of questions out there regarding home construction, renovation, design, permitting and remodeling, so we felt it would be a helpful resource for homeowners in need of information.  So if you have a question about your next project... visit our home page, blog or just click here:

 Check out our facebook page to see new photos of a cottage renovation in Eastham, MA

Cape Cod Builder - Facebook Page

    We have noticed a large uptick in inquiries for our construction services since the last large stock market dip in August.  People are struggling with where to put their money, and real estate has always been a sound investment, especially on Cape Cod.  People's perception of the marketplace has a lot to do with their willingness to make the decision to invest.  Unfortunately, most of the news you hear on a daily basis covers the negative market conditions, and the impending failure of the European financial system.  US news recently published this article on the real estate market, which supports our position that now is a great time to build. http://finance.yahoo.com/news/whats-store-housing-market-2012-221458067.html