Cape Cod Custom Builder | REEF Cape Cod's Home Builder

Accessory Dwelling Units and why you want one on Cape Cod

Posted by REEF Cape Cod's Home Builder on Wed, Jul 15, 2015

From the Dept. of Housing and Urban Development (HUD): "Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU's) — also referred to as accessory apartments, second units, or granny flats — are additional living quarters on single-family lots that are independent of the primary dwelling unit. The separate living spaces are equipped with kitchen and bathroom facilities, and can be either attached or detached from the main residence."

ADU’s are not to be confused with rental housing. Many communities restrict ADU’s to family use only, and don’t allow housing units created under the ADU guidelines to be used as rental units.

In any event, ADU’s are a creative, efficient, and fun way to enhance the lives of all concerned. Aging parents get the support of nearby family members, while the affordability of ADU’s benefits everybody.

This HUD case study cites Barnstable and Wellfleet as communities that have been progressive in their approach to the development of ADU’s (page 12).
It’s worth a look:

HUD Case Study on ADU's, including Cape Cod

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HUD Case Study on ADU's, including Cape Cod

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How to get rid of pesky Fruit Flies on Cape Cod

Posted by REEF Cape Cod's Home Builder on Wed, Jul 08, 2015

It’s a common problem: You walk into your Cape Cod kitchen one day to find it buzzing with pesky little fruit flies zipping about your fruit bowl, or worse, floating lifeless in your guest’s glass of red wine. You’re not a slob, and you don’t leave your doors open, so where the heck do these things come from and why? And more important, how do you kill fruit flies?

Common house fruit flies have an incredibly short life span. In just a week, the eggs turn from larvae to pupae to adults. That’s why it always seems as though they show up out of nowhere in your kitchen.

Here are some links to simple recipes and home grown techniques to keep your Cape Cod home free of pesky flies!

Good Housekeeping recipes to kill Fruit Flies on Cape Cod

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How to get rid of pesky Fruit Flies on Cape Cod

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Fireworks on Cape Cod!

Posted by REEF Cape Cod's Home Builder on Tue, Jun 30, 2015

God Bless America! July 4th is upon us, and it’s time to celebrate America!

What does America mean to you? Well if you’re reading this then you’re probably on Cape Cod, headed to the Cape, or wish you were here right now! Wherever you are, soon you’ll be celebrating the birth of our nation, and all the independence that makes the U.S.A. so very special.

And what will you do to celebrate? Enjoy a day at the beach? Climb Provincetown Monument? Catch a big fish and fire up the grill? Whatever you choose, the choice is yours – Thanks to America!

Here’s a schedule of parades and fireworks around the Cape. And a link to a good calendar of events for July and beyond. Happy Birthday America!

Fireworks and Parades Schedule for Cape Cod towns

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Cape Cod Events July 2015

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Design Trends for your Cape Cod Home

Posted by REEF Cape Cod's Home Builder on Wed, Jun 24, 2015

Our homes are an expression of our personalities and lifestyle. Whether you’re planning on building a new home, updating your Cape Cod cottage, or staging your existing home for sale, it’s great to have a fresh look at what’s trending in home design.

Outdoor living, dedicated “drop zones”, and “healthy” homes are all part of modern home design.

Browsing these ideas is an easy way to keep in touch, plus many of the images include clickable links to the products illustrated. Very cool!

Have a look, and share your ideas with the design team at REEF Builders when you’re ready to build your new Cape Cod home!

Design Trends for your new Cape Cod Home

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Design Trends for your new Cape Cod Home

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Design Trends for your new Cape Cod Home

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The Wellfleet Drive-In Cinema and more Cape Cod summer fun!

Posted by REEF Cape Cod's Home Builder on Thu, Jun 18, 2015

How do you know it’s summer on Cape Cod? The Wellfleet Drive-In Movie Theater is open!

And the Cape Cod Baseball League starts up again!

Once a staple of American culture, there aren’t many drive-in theaters left. The Wellfleet cinema opens…now, and closes after the summer season. And it is amazing how many major league players have spent a summer or two playing ball in “The Cape League”.

The Cape has grown to offer a wonderful year-round quality of life, but there are still many businesses that mark the beginning of summer by opening their doors. Here are some links to the Cape League, Wellfleet Cinemas, and a great list of To-Do’s on Cape Cod this summer:

Wellfleet Drive-In Movie Theater and Flea Market

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Cape Cod Baseball League 2015 Schedule

Things to do on Cape Cod this summer

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How to move a 400 ton Lighthouse on Gayhead Cliff near Cape Cod

Posted by REEF Cape Cod's Home Builder on Thu, Jun 11, 2015

In 1844 a lighthouse was built on the Gayhead Cliffs of Martha’s Vineyard. For over a century she has helped to keep innumerable vessels away from certain peril, guiding them past Martha’s Vineyard and on to Cape Cod and Buzzard’s Bay, or safely out to sea. Erosion of the cliffs was threatening this great landmark. The end was near, so funds were raised, and the lighthouse saved.

So how do you move 400 tons of 171 year-old brick and mortar, standing hundreds of feet in the air, 129 feet back from the edge of a cliff? “Very carefully” you might answer. The actual move is really an amazing success story. It’s estimated that the move, which was just in the nick of time, will keep the lighthouse safe for 150 years or more. Great story. Great photos:

How to move a Lighthouse - Martha's Vineyard on CBS

Gayhead Lighthouse

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The full story - a great read.

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How to move a Lighthouse - Martha's Vineyard on CBS

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Outside entertaining for your Cape Cod Home

Posted by REEF Cape Cod's Home Builder on Wed, Jun 03, 2015

It’s a beautiful, sunny Cape Cod day. You’re just back from the beach, ready to relax and refresh. Sit around the kitchen table? No way! Outdoor entertaining is where we all want to be, feeling the breeze, forgetting the winter.

Making the most of Cape Cod means living outdoors. Casual, comfortable space with room for everybody is an important part of a wonderful Cape Cod experience.

Here are some easy-to-create outdoor entertaining spaces, complete with fire pits, indoor-outdoor living, and a multi-level approach to arranging conversation and living zones. Great ideas…Enjoy!

Outdoor entertaining spaces for your Cape Cod home

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Outdoor entertaining spaces for your Cape Cod home

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Garden makeovers for your Cape Cod Home

Posted by REEF Cape Cod's Home Builder on Wed, May 27, 2015

Overgrown side yard? --> Create a hidden patio.
Unsightly air conditioner? --> Lush, low maintenance grasses.
An average yard? --> An exceptional backyard.

Does your Cape Cod home say “Welcome”? Or “Please Help”? Many yards have an area or two that is crying for attention. Why not maximize the livability of your place by taking the landscape up a notch or two?

Here are some great ideas and motivating examples of yards that have been transformed from ugly to exceptional. And it doesn’t take that much time, energy or money to create a very inviting, livable outdoor space:

Great Garden Makeover Ideas

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Great Garden Makeover Ideas

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Best DIY Home Security Systems for your Cape Cod Home

Posted by REEF Cape Cod's Home Builder on Tue, May 19, 2015

Summer fun is around the corner. Off to the beach, or the lake, or antiquing…all your belongings are at home, or maybe way back home. While you’re having fun, make sure your stuff will be home when you return. Our custom homes include an integrated security system, but even your antique Cape Cod cottage can be easily protected.

Good security systems are far more affordable and easier to install than even just a few years ago. Wireless technology has the bugs pretty much worked out. Place the sensors, download the app, program the settings, and you’re protected.

Here’s a review of the 5 best Do-It-Yourself security systems on the market. They all have their strengths. Check here to find the system that’s right for you. And then off to the beach!

Best DIY Security Systems for your Cape Cod Home

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Best DIY Security Systems for your Cape Cod Home

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Best DIY Security Systems for your Cape Cod Home

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20 Party-Ready Kitchens in pictures for your Cape Cod home

Posted by REEF Cape Cod's Home Builder on Thu, May 14, 2015

Cabin fever may be behind us, but after such a long, cold winter…who’s ready to party?! It seems there’s pent-up demand for some relaxing time with friends. And where will this party happen? Most likely the kitchen will be involved, if not the center of activity.

Great kitchen spaces are important for any successful home design. Considerations include light, space, and ease of access…but what about accommodating gatherings for relaxed, fun get-togethers?

Here’s some photos of wonderfully “Party-Ready” kitchens. Chances are you’ll find some great ideas for your space!

20 Party-Ready Kitchens in pictures for your Cape Cod home

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