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Top Tips to prepare your Cape Cod home for Winter

Posted by REEF Cape Cod's Home Builder on Wed, Oct 21, 2015

We all know it's coming...Summer was great...Fall is wonderful...and ol' man Winter is on his way. How will your home fare the storm season? I know I'll be stowing the porch furniture soon.

Nationwide has a great site with Winter Preparation Tips:

Nationwide Insurance Tips for Cape Cod Homes

Here's some Top Tips from the NAHB:

To help prepare your home for the winter weather, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Remodelers has provided home maintenance tips that are designed to increase energy-efficiency and decrease the chance of emergency repairs.

  • Check for gaps in insulation or crawl spaces that expose pipes to cold air and the risk of freezing and bursting.
  • Have your heating system checked by a licensed technician before cold weather requires daily use.
  • Block drafts around doors, windows and baseboards with weather stripping, window film and caulk to control heat loss.
  • Install storm doors and windows to improve energy-efficiency and keep drafts at bay.
  • Get chimneys cleaned by an experienced chimney sweep to prevent the risk of a fire from buildup or blockages.
  • Spray door locks with powdered-graphite lubricant to prevent freezing and sticking.
  • Set ceiling fans to rotate clockwise to force rising warm air back towards the floor.

Tags: cape cod custom homes, custom home

Design Trends for New Homes 2012

Posted by Matthew Teague on Thu, Jun 14, 2012

     So what does the future hold for house design? Trends are moving towards more contemporary interiors, traditional but highly detailed exteriors, and flexible and fun living spaces that allow families to enjoy time together both inside and outside the home.  Builderonline.com recently published an article covering design trends for new homes in 2012.  As a Custom Home Builder on Cape Cod, we are constantly looking to identify trends that are not only popular, but make sense both aesthetically and financially. This article discusses new concepts like the "Family Triangle" and viewing outdoor living spaces as an extension of the indoor space. If you are thinking of building a new home on Cape Cod,

Click here to read the full article: http://www.builderonline.com/design/eight-design-trends-for-fresh-elevations-updated-interiors_1.aspx

Traditional Exterior:

New home in Dennis, MA

Contemporary Interior

Contemporary by REEF

Tags: House Design, custom home, Interior Design

Wiring your Home for the Future

Posted by Matthew Teague on Fri, May 18, 2012

    Technology changes quickly, and that stands true for wiring your home.  Over the last several years, we have have seen wiring needs change for custom homes and renovations.  The days of a traditional phone jack in every room are out, especially on the Cape Cod, where summer residents don't want or need a permanent home phone line.  There are many innovations on the market now that will bring the entire home into the digital age.  We have even heard talk of appliances that can communicate over the internet, letting you know when dinner will be ready, or when your laundry is done. However, we feel the future of home entertainment and automation will be wireless.

   In the past, we have done extensive home automation systems with full structured wiring.  These systems are nice, and can control everything from home theater to HVAC and lighting. However, these systems are extremely expensive, and after a few years, they too become outdated.

Here is an article from ThisOldHouse.com discussing the future of wiring for the home. 

http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/article/0,,197963,00.html

 

Tags: building a home, custom home, custom home builder, home theater

What is Hot and What is Not in 2012 Home Designs

Posted by Matthew Teague on Wed, Feb 08, 2012

    Looks like some new trends are emerging at the International Builder's show in Orlando.  See link from Yahoo Real Estate to discover the latest trends.  One of the most interesting points is the turn back towards smaller, more efficiently-designed homes. It looks like crafstman-style homes are seeing a resurgence, while other styles, such as the classic split level are all but gone.

Click here for more: What's Hot in Homes for 2012

Tags: House Design, custom home, house trends

Before and After Photos - Cottages and Small Homes

Posted by Matthew Teague on Wed, Feb 01, 2012

Check out our facebook page for before and after photos of some recent projects. If you are thinking about upgrading that tired old cottage, please contact us today!

http://facebook.com/capecodbuilder

 

Click me

Tags: renovation, cottage plans, remodeling, custom home, cottage

10 Custom Home Trends for 2012

Posted by Matthew Teague on Wed, Feb 01, 2012

   Things are changing in 2012.  More of our customers are seeking value based designs and improvements that provide functionality, and flexible use of spaces.  Builder magazine recently published an article about the top 10 custom home trends for 2012. Bonus rooms, sunrooms / screened porches, exterior upgrades and garages are all on the top of the list. So far this year we have seen several requests for finished rooms over garages, finished basments with open, flexible spaces, and room additions that can serve multiple purposes.

    The current design trends are evolving into a lifestyle driven home, where you don't see things like formal dining rooms, separate living rooms, or dens. Most of the demand we have seen has been for open living spaces, where families and friends can gather and entertain with all of the important amenities in one place. 

Click here to see the article and slideshow from Builder Magazine :10 Custom Home Design Trends for 2012

If you are considering a project this year, and would like more information, click here for a no obligation consult:

Click me

Tags: Cape Cod Builder, House Design, custom home

Newest Architectural Products

Posted by Matthew Teague on Thu, Dec 08, 2011
So this is one of my favorite times of the year, when everyone comes out with their predictions and evaluations on the best products, trends, and ideas in our business.  Here is the 2011 product review by Architectural Record: hhttp://archrecord.construction.com/products/productreports/2011.asp  Now some of these products are not directly related to the residential construction, remodeling and renovation business. However, you will see these ideas translated into residential styles and trends over the next few years.

Tags: new homes, green construction, Cape Cod Builder, custom home, builder cape cod, residential construction

Kitchen Remodeling, Renovation

Posted by Matthew Teague on Tue, Dec 06, 2011
Most customers spend a lot of time and effort on getting their kitchen exactly right.  But with the myriad of kitchen cabinets, countertops, plumbing fixtures and appliances on the market, the process can be overwhelming. We have found a team approach works best, coordinating the kitchen supplier, appliances sales team, and plumbing fixture supplier all together. Here is a link to the kitchen expert we rely on to make this happen.  http://atlantickitchenandbath.com/

Tags: renovation, remodeling, home improvements, custom home, kitchen

New Home in Chatham

Posted by Matthew Teague on Fri, Dec 02, 2011

Thinking about building a new home in Chatham, check out these photos of a recently completed project by REEFhttp://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.326363164055825.97235.319857238039751&type=3&l=6fff6610d7Click meClick me

Tags: custom home, cape cod, house designs, New home, REEF, chatham

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