What is a Coastal Resource Area? What defines a wetland? Why are wetlands important? What does the Conservation Commission do? What is their jurisdiction?

Many, if not most, of the custom homes we design, permit, and build are located near a wetland, or in a flood zone. Enjoying views of a marsh, bay, or ocean from the comfort of your own home is for some a primary reason for living on Cape Cod.

But how do you build a house near a marsh without endangering environmentally sensitive areas? Local Conservation Commissions play an important and powerful role ensuring that vital wetlands are protected for future generations.

Here’s a handy guide explaining the Wetland Protection Act and how Conservation Commissions help protect valuable resource areas:

 Guide to the Wetlands Protection Act

  Guide to the Wetlands Protection Act

Easter was always a special time for us growing up on Cape Cod. Days getting warmer…you could almost smell summer right around the corner. Easter egg hunts – both inside and outside – were the highlight!

There are a bunch of Easter celebrations on the Cape. There’s even a special Sunrise Service at Chatham Light.

Special traditions, like coloring eggs with Mom, offer great memories and wonderful opportunities for family fun. Here’s some creative and easy ways to color eggs, and a list of Easter celebrations on Cape Cod:

7 special ways to Celebrate Easter on Cape Cod

How to make really cool Easter Eggs!

Homemade Easter Egg dyes

7 special ways to Celebrate Easter on Cape Cod

Real estate on Cape Cod and throughout the United States benefits from low interest rates. Many Buyers have been able to secure their first home, vacation home near the beach, or retirement home here on sunny Cape Cod with the help of historically low interest rates.

There is change in the wind:

The Federal Reserve on Wednesday moved to the verge of raising interest rates for the first time since the economy fell into recession more than seven years ago.

The Fed says any move is not imminent, but it’s wise to stay abreast of any pending changes. Here’s the New York Times article about the Fed meeting on Wednesday:

NY Times reports that Fed may increase interest rates soon

NY Times reports that Fed may increase interest rates soon

Pot Holes galore! This record-breaking snowfall and never-ending winter has wreaked havoc on our Cape Cod roads, sidewalks, and shallow footings. This might be "shut the barn door after the horse gets out" kind of information, but how do frost heaves work? And how can I protect my home from frost heave damage?

Frost heaves are thought to function due to the formation of an ice lens. Though the surface of the earth reflects the current temperature outside, the temperature of the soil rises the lower it gets underground. When the surface ground freezes, a frost line forms where the temperature in the earth departs from freezing temperatures. At the frost line, groundwater freezes, forming a thin sheet of ice called an ice lens. As water turns to ice, it expands. The expansion of the ice lens causes the surface soil to bulge upward, resulting in a frost heave.

Here is more information to better understand how frost heaves work, and how you can prevent them in the future:

How to prevent Frost Heaves at your Cape Cod Home

How to prevent Frost Heaves at your Cape Cod Home

How to prevent Frost Heaves at your Cape Cod Home

The melt is happening! Yes! I saw some of my front lawn today!!

Boston may have ended the season just 2 inches shy of the all-time snowfall record, but I bet Cape Cod went well over the top. Just last week we got a foot of snow…AGH!

If this endless winter has you pining for warm weather, here’s some ideas to get your mind to thaw. Raised-bed gardens are a great way to enjoy fresh veggies and flowers without tearing up your whole lawn. They are easy to assemble, prepare, and plant, and it’s wonderful to get your hands into that warm summer earth.

Here are a few ideas for raised-bed gardens for your Cape Cod home. Let the thaw begin!

How to build a Raised Bed Garden for your Cape Cod Home

How to build a Raised Bed Garden for your Cape Cod Home

Energy costs are increasing, in some cases dramatically. Many of our Customers seek to include as many “green” components as possible in their new home design, including energy generation systems.

Solar power cells and electricity generating systems have come a long way in the past ten years. Frequently we incorporate these systems into our designs for custom homes. Solar systems have become stable, reliable, and truly cost effective.

So what about wind power? There’s been plenty of wind turbine development and installation happening. Hundreds of acres of industrial wind farms have been created. How about residential wind turbines? Can I put a wind turbine on my new home?

It’s not as simple as the wind-powered whirligig you may have watched in your Grandparents’ yard. Wind turbines need wind. Not just any wind, but the nicely flowing, smooth, laminar kind. That kind of wind cannot be found at 30 feet height. It can usually not be found at 60 feet. Sometimes you find it at 80 feet. More often than not it takes 100 feet of tower to get there…

Here’s some great information on the pros and cons of residential wind turbines:

Wind Turbines for your Cape Cod Home

Wind Turbines for your Cape Cod Home

Occasionally we’ll have a Customer who MUST have an amenity or design feature in their home that we know is just…unfortunate. Sometimes we just can’t talk them out of it. So the Customer gets what they want, regardless of its trendiness.

Here’s some great examples of design trends to avoid in 2015…and beyond! Times change. A desk or workspace in the kitchen used to be a very popular feature…but who needs a place in the kitchen for the phonebook and appointment book? Naked windows and mirrored surfaces have seen their day too.

Check out this short list before you commit to those brass bathroom fixtures…

10 Home Design Trends to Ditch in 2015

10 Home Design Trends to Ditch in 2015

The winter wonderland that is Cape Cod has rain in the forecast. Great! A melt! But then a deep freeze. With 2+ snow on the ground...

Homes are designed and built with grading that moves water away from the foundation. However, a foot of snow all around the house totally compromises the drainage plan. Snow piles will keep melting water from flowing away from the foundation. Instead, the water will saturate the earth, and try to penetrate into the basement.

A Federal Emergency Management Agency press release warns people against leaving snow near their homes.
--Make sure downspouts carry water several feet from your house to a well-drained area. - About 2,500 gallons of water will come from a 1,000 square foot roof with one foot of snow depth across the roof. This much water may cause problems if allowed to drain next to the house.
--Move snow on the ground away from the house. Water from the snow may cause a wet basement if allowed to run down along the basement wall. If the ground is sloped 1 inch per foot near the house, moving the snow just 3-5 feet from the house will reduce problems.
--Examine and clean your sump pump, if you have one. Test your sump pump by pouring water into the pit. Make sure the discharge hose carries the water several feet away from the house to a well-drained area. Also make sure that the pipe is on sloped ground so it drains to prevent it from freezing.
--Remove snow from around rural yards to minimize soft, wet soil conditions. Remember that a 20-foot diameter 10-foot high pile of snow contains about 2,600 gallons of water. Move the snow to well-drained areas.

Ice Dams on your roof can cause serious damage to your home:

Here are answers to Frequently Asked Questions:

Q. I already have an ice dam on my roof. What should I do about it?
A. If you can reach the roof safely, try to knock the ice dam off with a roof rake, or cut a channel through the ice to allow standing water to drain. If you cannot reach the roof safely, consider hiring a contractor to remove it. Another method is to fill a nylon stocking with calcium chloride ice melt and place it vertically across the ice dam so that it melts a channel through the dam. If you try this method, make sure you can safely position the ice melt on your roof, and make sure to use calcium chloride, not rock salt. Rock salt will damage your roof. Also be aware that shrubbery and plantings near the gutter or downspout may be damaged.

Q. I have an ice dam. How can I tell if it has caused damage inside my home?
A. Look for water stains or moisture in the attic or around the tops of exterior walls on the top floor. Just because an ice dam is present does not necessarily mean water has penetrated the roof membrane. However, it is always best to remove ice dams before they have the opportunity to cause damage.

Q. I have giant icicles hanging off my gutters. What should I do?
A. Look carefully at where the ice is. If the icicles are confined to the gutters and there is no water trapped behind them, this does not indicate the presence of an ice dam. However, large icicles can pose a danger to people when they fall off. Try to safely knock the icicles off from the ground, making sure not to stand directly beneath them. If you cannot reach them safely from the ground, consider hiring a contractor to help.

Q. What else can I do to protect my home?
A. An easy way to help snow and ice drain off your roof is to make sure the area around your downspouts is clear. This will make it possible for your gutters to drain when snow does melt. It will also help prevent flooding when the snow and ice melts.

Q. What types of damage should I be concerned about?
A. Interior water damage from ice dams is very common after heavy snow followed by frequent periods of melting. Ice dams occur because the eaves (the overhangs at the edge of your roof) tend to be colder than the rest of the roof. When water melts off the main part of the roof and reaches the eaves, it may re-freeze there and create a dam that prevents water from draining off the roof. The water can then back up underneath the roof shingles and make its way inside your home. Structural damage can also occur when the weight of snow and ice exceeds the load-bearing capacity of your roof. This is most often the case with flat roofs, older buildings, or structures whose integrity may already be compromised.

Q. How do I know if there is too much snow and ice on my roof?
A. The answer depends on a number of factors, including the roof type, construction technique, and age and condition of the structure. As a rule of thumb, if there is more than a foot of heavy, wet snow and ice on your roof, you should try to have it removed.

Q. How should I remove the snow and ice that has accumulated from my roof?
A. If you have a flat roof that is easily reached from an interior stairway, you may want to shovel the roof. Remember to put safety first any time you are on a roof, especially one that is covered in snow and ice. If you have any doubt, leave it to the professionals. If you have a sloped roof, it may be possible to remove the snow and ice using a roof rake, a long-handled tool designed specifically for this purpose. Stand on the ground and pull as much of the snow off the eaves as you can safely reach. It is not necessary to remove all the snow; removing the first three to four feet of snow closest to the gutters will help alleviate these issues.

Q. What if I can’t reach the roof at all?
A. Many homebuilders, landscaping and roofing contractors, and property maintenance companies will remove snow and ice from roofs. Before hiring a contractor, check references. Always be sure your contractor is insured and bonded. We do not recommend using a ladder in snowy and icy conditions. This can be extremely dangerous and is best left to professionals.

Q. How do I keep this from happening again next year?
A. Using a roof rake to clear the first three to four feet of snow from your roof immediately after each winter storm is an effective approach to preventing ice dams from forming. Ultimately, the best prevention for ice dams is to eliminate the conditions that make it possible for them to form in the first place. Making sure your attic is well insulated will help prevent the melting-and-freezing cycle that causes ice dams to form.

Forward this to your friends and neighbors to keep everybody safe!

This beautiful custom Cape was recently designed, permitted and constructed by REEF Cape Cod’s Home Builder. After the final cleaning, we took some photos. Yes, there is more than 2 feet of snow on the ground, but this home, like every REEF home, was delivered on time and on budget.

Eastham is a very cool little town on Cape Cod. The east coast of Eastham is all National Seashore, with miles of pristine ocean beach. Our Customers desired a home with a traditional look and feel, but with amenities to accommodate their modern, family lifestyle. The open floor plan is graced by lots of energy efficient Andersen windows, a positive-heat gas fireplace, a hard-wired alarm system, and a Nest “Smart” thermostat. And one-floor living, with 1st floor Master Suite and separate Laundry Room, means they will be enjoying this beautiful home for a long, long time.

Have a look at the project photos on our Houzz.com site:

Recent REEF-Built Home in Eastham on Cape Cod

Recent REEF-Built Home in Eastham on Cape Cod

Recent REEF-Built Home in Eastham on Cape Cod

More snow coming! The enormous amount of snow has caused roof collapses throughout eastern Massachusetts. The Massachusetts Department of Public safety has just released an Advisory concerning Snow Loads on Roofs:

Here is a great list of Do’s and Don’ts, Tips, etc.    Safety first!

Public Safety Advisory On Potential Roof Collapses
Dangers Associated With Heavy Snow Loads on Roofs

The recent prolonged cold weather and repeated snowstorms have contributed to severe roof load conditions. Compounding the situation is the short-term weather forecast of potentially two more snowstorms over the next few days.

Homeowners, tenants, and businesses need to be cognizant of the danger posed by heavy snow loads on roofs, and the warning signs of potential structural weaknesses. In some instances, the risks posed by accumulated snow on roofs can be mitigated by safely removing snow from roofs of both commercial buildings and homes. Because temperatures are expected to remain cold for at least the next few days, and more snow may fall as early as this Thursday, efforts should be undertaken now to safely remove snow from roofs.

Removing snow from rooftops will minimize the likelihood of structural collapse. Flat and low pitched roofs, most often found on industrial buildings, but are also used in certain home designs, are at the greatest risk of buckling under heavy snow and ice accumulations.
Lower roofs, where snow accumulates from higher roofs are also vulnerable.

Tips for Homeowners in removing snow and ice from roofs and other areas

• DO's

• Use a snow rake for pitched roofs (available at most hardware stores) to remove snow from your roof.
• Start from the edge and work your way into the roof.
• Try to shave the snow down to a 2 or 3 inches on the roof instead of scraping the roof clean, which will risk damage to your shingles or other roof covering.
Keep in mind that any metal tool could conduct electricity if it touches a power line.
Also, metal tools will do more damage to your roof.
Shovel snow from flat roofs throwing the snow over the side away from the building.
Most plastic shovels are better, except for the ones with curved blades-those too will do some damage to your roof.
• Remove large icicles carefully if they're hanging over doorways and walkways. Consider knocking down icicles through windows using a broom stick.
• Wear protective headgear and goggles when performing any of these tasks.
• Consider hiring professionals to do the job. The combination of heights plus ice makes this one of the more dangerous house chores.
• If you don't hire professionals, at least have someone outside with you in case anything does go wrong
• Keep gutters and drains clean, free of ice and snow and keep downspouts clean at ground level.

Tips for Homeowners in removing snow and ice from roofs and other areas

• DON'T's

• Unless approved by a registered professional engineer, don't add your weight or the weight of equipment to the roof.
• Don't use a ladder since ice tends to build up on both the rungs of the ladder and the soles of your boots.
• Don't use electric heating devices like hair dryers or heat guns to remove snow and ice.
• Don't use open-flame devices to remove snow and ice.
According to Meteorologist Tony Petrarca, a cubic foot of dry snow weighs about seven pounds, while a cubic foot of wet snow weighs anywhere from 12 to 18 pounds. So, if it's possible, hire someone to help with all of the snow clearing.
How to Recognize Problems with Roofs
• Sagging roofs
• Severe roof leaks
• Cracked or split wood members
• Bends or ripples in supports
• Cracks in walls or masonry
• Sheared off screws from steel frames
• Sprinkler heads that have dropped down below ceiling tiles
• Doors that pop open
• Doors or windows that are difficult to open
• Bowed utility pipes or conduit attached at ceiling
• Creaking, cracking or popping sounds
Other Safety Tips for Homeowners
• Make sure smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are working.
• Check outside fuel and dryer exhaust vents, making sure that they are not obstructed by snow or ice. Never use cooking equipment intended for outside use indoors as a heat source or cooking device. Never use your oven for heat.
• Clear snow away from furnace and dryer exhaust vents to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Ice dams can cause major damage to a home or building. Ice dams occur after a heavy snowfall, followed by several days or even weeks of very cold weather. An ice dam is a wall of ice that forms at the edge of the roof, usually at the gutters or soffit. When it forms, the water backs up behind the ice dams and creates a pool. This pool of water can leak into your home and cause damage to your walls, ceilings, insulation and other areas.

Please refer to the following link where WT Phalen Insurance provides additional information and guidance about how to cope with ice dams.

http://www.wtphelan.com/index.cfm/pid/10799/cdid/10903

• Space heaters need space, so use them in a 3-foot circle of safety; free of anything that may catch fire. Space heaters are not designed to replace your central heating system; they are only designed to provide a little extra heat on a temporary basis. So be sure to turn them off when you leave room or go to bed at night.

• Clear snow away from downspouts so water has a place to go.
• Do not be tempted to use a heat gun or open flame torch to melt the ice; the risk of starting a fire is huge.
• Also, please remember to shovel-out fire hydrants in\around your area in case of emergency. See the Massachusetts Emergency Management web link below for additional information about winter and fire safety tips.

http://www.mass.gov/eopss/agencies/mema/

• If you feel you are in immediate danger, get outside and call 9-1-1.

Tips for businesses in removing snow and ice from roofs and other areas

• DO's

• The same tips apply. However, if you are going to use a snow blower, make sure that it has been approved by a structural engineer to be used on a roof, and that the blower is set to a high level above the roof so as not to damage roof membrane.
• Use a snow rake for pitched roofs (available at most hardware stores) to remove snow from your roof.
• Start from the edge and work your way into the roof.
• Try to shave the snow down to a 2 or 3 inches on the roof instead of scraping the roof clean, which will risk damage to your shingles or other roof covering.
Keep in mind that any metal tool could conduct electricity if it touches a power line.
Also, metal tools will do more damage to your roof.

Shovel snow from flat roofs throwing the snow over the side away from the building.
Most plastic shovels are better, except for the ones with curved blades-those too will do some damage to your roof.

• Remove large icicles carefully if they're hanging over doorways and walkways.
• Wear protective headgear and goggles when performing any of these tasks.
• Keep gutters, downspouts and drains clean.
How to Recognize Problems with Roofs in Commercial Buildings
• Many of the same apply - added
• Sagging roof steel - visually deformed
• Severe roof leaks
• Cracked or split wood members
• Bends or ripples in metal supports
• Cracks in walls or masonry
• Cracks in welds of steel construction
• Sheared off screws from steel frames
• Sprinkler heads pushed down below ceiling tiles
• Water puddles where it never has before
• Doors that pop open
• Doors or windows that are difficult to open
• Bowed utility pipes or conduit attached at ceiling
• Creaking, cracking or popping sounds
What to do if you have problems
• Call your local building or fire official.
• If there is imminent danger, evacuate the building and call 911.
What other assistance is available?
• Many fire departments have regional technical rescue teams available to local departments in case of collapse.

• Massachusetts Task Force 1 is an Urban Search and Rescue Team in Beverly. The team is comprised of Police, Fire, EMS and Civilians who respond to major disasters under a contract with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Currently there are 150 people on the MATF-1 team.

Sincerely,

Department of Public Safety