Do you love homes? Architecture? Design? Decorating? We do too!

One of the best parts about building custom homes is planning and designing the flow of spaces, with each area comfortably leading to the next. It sounds easy, but challenges are presented in virtually every design. Developing a floor plan that accommodates the whole “wish list”, maximizes the opportunity on a specific land parcel, and meets budget criteria takes skill and experience.

Here is a home tour on Houzz.com that presents excellent solutions to all those challenges. This water view home offers commanding views of Cape Cod Bay, and spaces that bring the outside inside. You can view a dozen projects from this link to REEF Cape Cod’s Home Builder, awarded Best of Houzz.com 2014!

Sandwich Bay View Photo Home Tour on Cape Cod

Sandwich Bay View Photo Home Tour on Cape Cod

All of the custom homes we design and build are special. But this Brewster home presented some real challenges. Promising views of Cape Cod Bay, the building site was squeezed between a marsh and an old cranberry bog. Our Customers had some very specific requirements, and every board and commission was involved, including the Conservation Commission.

The result is a pleasantly calm home with an open floor plan, stellar views, several living areas, 4 bedrooms including a 1st floor Master Suite, expansive mahogany deck overlooking the marsh and Cape Cod Bay, and a 2-bay garage. Wow!

This 3 minute video tour is worth a watch. And it’s the first time we used the drone! On the video page you can click on REEF Cape Cod Builder to visit our YouTube channel for more and longer videos. Enjoy!

Video Tour of New Home by REEF Builders on Cape Cod

Video Tour of New Home by REEF Builders on Cape Cod

There are a few iconic events here on Cape Cod. The Wellfleet Oyster Festival is a standout!
It’s happening this weekend: October 18 -19, 10AM – 5 PM

Cape Cod for Columbus Day weekend? Let’s go!

October is one of the best months to enjoy Cape Cod. The weather is great, and the crowds are gone. The sun is still warm for kayaking and beach hikes, and that little chill in the air makes a great excuse for a quiet dinner by the fire.

It seems every town and village has a festival of some sort. Lots of Farmer’s Markets and yard sales. There’s plenty to do, including simply relaxing on the beach with a friend.

Here’s some great resources for Columbus Day activities on the Cape. Enjoy!

Heritage Museum Behind-the-Scenes Auto Tour

Cape Cod Travel Events Calendar

Yarmouth Seaside Festival on Cape Cod

How did they build that? Ever wonder how they turn thousands of trees into millions of board feet of lumber and siding? Science and technology play a big part of developing, creating, and delivering the products we use every day building homes on Cape Cod.

Here’s a short and informative video on how Louisiana Pacific (LP) processes raw lumber into building products that will last for many years. It’s amazing to see!

The Science behind products for your Cape Cod Home

The Science behind products for your Cape Cod Home

Storms galore! We’ve been watching extreme weather happen all over the world. Cape Cod has certainly experienced its share of storms over the years. Nobody wants the nightmare of home destruction and property damage. But how best to protect your Cape Cod home?

Here are some great ideas from the Institute for Business and Home Safety and Professional Remodeler. The list includes everything from impact resistant windows, increasing hinges on doors, and ensuring that your roof is properly attached to walls.

With some great links to government and independent sources offering techniques and information about protecting your favorite asset – your Cape Cod Home!

Protect your Cape Cod Home against Storms

Protect your Cape Cod Home against Storms

REEF Cape Cod’s Home Builder…who are they? You’ve seen our houses, noticed our signs in front of newly build homes, but who actually gets the work done?

How do I learn about what is available? How are costs determined? Who designs the homes? How do I make all my selections: flooring, tile, paint colors, etc.? How long does it take?

Here’s a brief video introducing the REEF team. They describe the home building process, and help people understand just how easy and fun building or renovating can be!

Meet the Team at REEF Builders

Meet the Team at REEF Builders

FEMA’s new Flood Insurance Rate Maps have rocked a lot of boats. They were officially put in place on July 17, 2014. Land Owners, Home Owners, Sellers and Buyers are all paying close attention to the new Flood Maps. But how do you determine if a property is in the AE Zone, V Zone, X Zone…?

FEMA has improved their web site: https://msc.fema.gov/portal

FEMA's new Flood Map web site for Cape Cod

Simply type in a property address and the corresponding map will be recommended. Click on the green VIEW icon to the left, and the map of the area including the concerned address will be retrieved and presented. On this screen you can zoom in to the specific property, print the map, etc. The maps carry legends and Base Flood Elevation information, so with a little inspection you can gain a lot of information.

It’s still a little clunky to use, but it’s the coming from the source: you are viewing FEMA’s actual Flood Map, not some interpretation or other satellite view.

Of course, if you need help or want information on building or renovating in a Flood Zone, just call us here at REEF Cape Cod’s Home Builder: 508-394-3090, any time, every day.

FEMA's new Flood Map web site for Cape Cod

What happens when you launch a piece of 2x4 lumber at a window? Why would you do such a thing?

Cape Cod is surrounded, literally, by water. Many of the homes we build are located on or near Cape Cod’s bays, sounds, and the Atlantic Ocean. The materials employed in the construction of our homes are crucial to their longevity and lasting value. Azek boards, special vents, architectural shingles, are all examples of components that are critically important to a successful build.

Windows and doors are frequently the only thing standing between the interior of a lovely REEF-built home and nature’s wrath. REEF often uses Andersen windows and doors in the construction of our fine homes. They are high quality, durable, attractive windows that stand the test of time. Impact Resistant windows are required for many locations, including those within 1 mile of the ocean.

What does Impact resistant mean? Here’s a great video from Andersen documenting their testing techniques, including launching an 8 foot 2x4 at 50 feet per second at a window…Ouch!

Andersen Windows tests their products for Cape Cod Homes

Andersen Windows tests their products for Cape Cod Homes

Yesterday I visited a site for a Customer. It was a beautiful morning, full of sun with a light breeze. Winding down roads off the beaten path, I turned the corner and came upon an amazing beach. Wow. I’ve lived on Cape Cod since I was a kid, and I have my favorite beaches. But this discovery made me remember how glorious the Cape can be, and how great it is to explore beyond your daily route.

Many of us think “my beach is the best.” I’m sure you’re right! I know my favorite beach is fabulous. But here’s another take on the Best Beach: I suggest that there are Best Beaches all over Cape Cod. Each has its own features and surprises, its own unique specialness. Great tide pools? Sunsets? Surf?

Here’s a couple reports with lists of Best Beaches on Cape Cod. Did your Best Beach make the list?

Cape Cod's Best Beaches

TripAdvisor's list of Cape Cod's Best Beaches

Cape Cod's Best Beaches

TripAdvisor's list of Cape Cod's Best Beaches