Over the last several months, we have continued to see positive signs in the building industry.  Home prices are rising, building permits are increasing, and the market is seeing a renewed interest in real estate as a sound investment.  A a Custom Home Builder here on Cape Cod, our experience has been much the same.  Demand for Custom Homes, Renovations, and Remodeling have increased dramatically over the last 4-5 months. As the market recovers, people have found the ability to mitigate the risk associated with building a home on Cape Cod, given the fact that mortgage rates are low, property values have settled and become stable.  This is an exciting time for builders across the country, especially for those who had the financial strength to weather the storm. Meanwhile, there have also been significant advancements over the last couple of years in building technologies, materials, and techniques that have allowed new homes to be built quickly and efficiently.

 

Here is an article from Builderonline.com that looks at the increase in residential construction across the country: http://www.builderonline.com/economic-conditions/signs-of-life.aspx

    Smartly-designed bathrooms are a nice feature in a home.  With home design moving towards multi-generation living, showers are a big issue.  We have done several homes recenlty with open showers, and flush floors that can accommodate wheelchair access. Also, if the showers are well-designed, no shower door is needed to capture the water.  These types of showers are expensive and time consuming to do in an existing home, but are fairly easy and straight forward in a new home or addition.  By lowering the floor appropriately in the bathroom, the tile floors can be pitched towards open drains, eliminating the traditional shower curb, door or curtain.   It also makes the bathroom really easy to clean!

Here is an article from houzz.com with some great ideas: http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/2504909/list/Doorless-Showers-Open-a-World-of-Possibilities

    We came across this article by the New York times that provides an in-depth review of the current state of the real estate market on Cape Cod.  Cape Cod builders are always looking for signs of the health of this market, as it is a strong indicator of demand for new costruction, remodeling and renovation services. Custom home and custom renovation requests are on the rise, and we have noticed strong demand in the last two quarters.  With all of these indicators, now might just be the time to make an investment in your Cape Cod home while prices and interest rates are still at historic lows!

Click here to read the full article from the New York Times: http://www.nytimes.com/ref/realestate/greathomes/GH-capecod.html

    As a custom builder, we are often asked to examine green technologies as part of the design and construction process.  We have found that the "net-zero" home concept is not really a financially feasible option yet, but we have discovered several technologies that can significantly reduce the operating costs of the home with a reasonable initial investment. We here at REEF belive so strongly in this technology that we invested in 5 Kilowatt photovoltaic system for our own office building, and we can tell you first hand that the results have been great!.   Here is an interesting article from Inman News that points out some green technologies that you can use today to reduce the long term cost of operating your home...

Green Homes Give Back

 

If you would like to discuss the possibilities of green construction in your next custom home, remodeling or renovation project, click below to ask one of our experts!

    As a custom home builder on Cape Cod, we are constantly asked when is the right time to invest in new home or major renovation project.  Many of our clients have spent most of their adult life working towards their goal of retiring to the Cape full or part time, and they want to know that investing their life savings will provide a return on the investment.  In response to that we have offered the fact that in general, real estate has always been a sound investment, and we thought the chart below was rather interesting.  It shows that real estate has out-performed the major financial markets by almost 2 to 1 over the last 12 years!  So, if you are thinking of investing in real estate, now might be the best time ever!!!

  The Massachusetts Board of Building Regulations and Standards is working on changing the building code yet again!  This pending change involves adoption of the IECC 2012 Energy Code.  Massachusetts has been operating under the 2009 version of the IECC Code for approximately the last two years.  When the 2009 version was implemented, there was a 3-5% increase in building costs.  Based on the available information, custom builders will see at least another 2-4% increase.   The Home Builder's Association of Massachusetts has prepared an article outlining the provisions of the new code. There are dramatic increases in energy efficiency, insulation required to make new homes and major renovations compliant.  As a custom builder on Cape Cod, REEF has prided itself in training its staff on the requirements of these ever-changing regulations. It looks like this new code will be adopted in July 2012.  Here is the full article from the Home Builders Association of Masssachusetts: MA to adopt IECC 2012 Energy Code

 

If you have questions regarding how this change may impact your new custom home, renovation, or remodeling project, click below to contact one of our experts!

  

   Often, due to the historic nature of the Cape Cod area, house designs are sometimes limited to the traditional.   We have often looked to more cutting edge homes to see the latest trends and styles in interior and exterior design.  Below is a home featured on Freshome.com for its unique yet simple styling. Both the exterior and interior of this home display some exceptional features that could inspire your next project... Click here for the full article and more photos: http://freshome.com/2012/03/25/eccentric-details-showcased-by-modern-villa-in-athenes/