The State of Massachusetts is going to adopt a new building code starting in January 2017.  Since 2010, the building code has changed several times and many of those changes were dramatic and have resulted in significant increases in the cost of new homes, remodeling and additions throughout the state.  Designing and building on Cape Cod was further impacted by the adoption of the "Windborne Debris Zone" which required the use of impact resistant windows  and doors or storm shutters for all homes within 1 mile of the shore.

   The changes that are forthcoming with the 9th Edition of the Massachusetts Building Code (780 CMR) in 2017 are not quite as dramatic for new custom homes, and some of the changes serve to reduce the cost of design and construction. For instance, the "Windborne Debris Zone" will now be eliminated, and the geographical areas requiring impact resistant windows and doors will be substantially reduced.

There are some things that will add costs.  The 9th Edition will require more stringent design and construction methods for homes located in flood zones.  The new mapping available, allows officials to clearly determine a "Coastal A" flood zone, which is subject to wave action of 1.5-3'.  The code will now require design and construction of homes resistant to wave action in this zone, which can dramatically increase engineering and construction costs.   The State is also slated to adopt the "Existing Building Code" which will have substantial impacts on the design and costs associated with renovation and remodeling projects, as it provides different thresholds which can trigger other improvements not required in the past, such as insulation, mechanical systems, or structural systems, which were previously considered "grandfathered" or "non-conforming conditions.  2017 is the first year this Existing Buildng Code will come into play and we will wait and see where the true impacts are of these new regulations.

If you are considering designing or building a custom home on Cape Cod, this code change is something you will want to pay attention to these code changes as they will definitely impact the final cost and design of your new Cape Cod Home!

Here's a good summary of the pending code changes from the Board of Building Regulations and Standards: Summary of 9th Edition Building Code

One of the biggest drivers of construction costs over the last 4 or five years has been new regulations and standards for construction.  The state of Massachusetts has undergone numerous code changes since  2010 and each change has only served to increase construction costs.  The regulatory changes started with the implementation of the high wind zones on the Cape and most recently the building industry has adopted the latest International Building and Energy Codes which totally change the way homes are built when compared to past codes.   When you combine the impact of these changes with material prices that have increased about 25% over the last 5 years, it is easy to figure out why any type of construction work is so expensive. 

The homes we are building now are much more airtight and have much better energy performance than in the past, but at what cost?  Air quality will continue to be an issue in the future, and controlled fresh air exchange will be the key to a healthy indoor environment.

So how do you build for a reasonable cost?  We strongly believe that the key is efficient design and use of spaces and a constant look to the future and new products and materials that can bring the cost back into the realm of possibility.   Partnering with a Design-Build firm such as REEF, will also be important, because of the access to real time cost data and daily interaction with the various regulatory agencies that enforce these new codes.

The National Association of Home Builders recently released a study that shows the specific impact of regulations on new homes.  Did you know that almost 25% of the cost of your new home is directly attributed to regulatory issues?  If you want to find out more, please below

Regulations Add $84,671 to the cost of your new home!

*** This new post should correct any tecnhical issues we had with the last one! - now you should be able to download the guide or be sent an email with a link to the document***

if you don't receive it for some reason, please call 508-394-3090 and we'll send a copy directly

2016 has been an intersting year so far with several changes in the marketplace!  Custom home projects are still in high demand,  along with major renovations and additions. It seems like everyone still wants to improve their home on the Cape Cod.  Costs are changing with the marketplace, and things like new code changes, new local regulations, materials and labor costs all have an impact.  This year, we have completed several finely appointed custom home projects, and we have found a new partner to keep construction costs low, in some cases 20-30% less than the current market!  So if you want to find out how much your new home project will cost  - Download our new 2016 Construction Cost Guide!

2016 has been an intersting year so far with several changes in the marketplace!  Custom home projects are still in high demand,  along with major renovations and additions. It seems like everyone still wants to improve their home on the Cape Cod.  Costs are changing with the marketplace, and things like new code changes, new local regulations, materials and labor costs all have an impact.  This year, we have completed several finely appointed custom home projects, and we have found a new partner to keep construction costs low, in some cases 20-30% less than the current market!  So if you want to find out how much your new home project will cost  - Download our new 2016 Construction Cost Guide!