Check out photos of our recently-completed project in Orleans!!

http://www.facebook.com/CapeCodBuilder

  With the popularity of the green construction movement over the last few years REEF has been asked to identify, assess, and install various renewable energy systems on our projects.  In an effort to stay ahead of the curve, REEF invested in its own photovoltaic solar system on the office in West Dennis.  So far it has been a great investment, with a total return of about 5 years.  What many of our customers don't know is that there are really two means of financial return afforded by alternative energy systems. The first is what is known as "net metering", which means that you only pay for the electricity that is used over and above what is produced by the solar system. In our case, our monthly electric bills were reduced by well over 50%.  The second part is the brokering and re-sale of "SREC's" (Solar Renewable Energy Credits).  Many states mandate the amount of renewable energy that must be provided to the grid, forcing the utility companies to purchase energy from newewable sources.  Bottom line... not only did we reduce our monthly electric bills we actually get paid for producing the same energy. 

Here are a couple of tips if you are thinking about investing in a renewable energy system for your home:

1) Investigate your local zoning by-laws to find out the limitations. Solar systems are generally acceptable, wind turbines may not be allowed

2) Find a local company that is as familiar with the incentives, grants and programs available as they are with the products they provide.

3) Look at all of the financing, grant, metering and pay options available, and have all of the applications and approvals in place before you start your project.

Here is a picture of our solar system in West Dennis

If you have any questions about renewable energy systems for your next project feel free to contact us here  CONTACT US

Check out our new photo album on Facebook. This was a home we recently completed in Orleans, MA... click here!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/REEF-Cape-Cods-Home-Builder/319857238039751

    REEF Realty often partners with land owners, and those seeking land on Cape Cod, to design custom homes that can meet the unique characteristics of the lot.  Here is a new plan we came up with for one of the lots currently for sale on Dr. Stanton Rd. in Dennis, MA.  These lots range in price from the mid to high $200's.  Let us know what you think!

If you are thinking of purchasing a lot on Cape Cod, click here and find out how we can help: -Request Info

So the weather has been cooperating with us this fall, and we have been moving along nicely on this new home in Wellfleet, MA.  This project is unique, as the site posed a few challenges due to its proximity to the coastal bank. When building anywhere near the water, the permitting process will involve approval by the local conservation commission.  The conservation commission's input will influence things like lot coverage, site drainage and septic locations, vegetation preservation or removal.  REEF was able to work with its team of engineers and the commission to negotiate an exceptional location for this house, which allowed the preservation of critical environmental concearns, while maximizing the views of Wellfleet Harbor.  Here are some photos from the site this week. The house has been insulated, and we are starting to sheetrock and plaster today.... If you have a property on Cape Cod with a challenging site like this, click here to see how REEF can help you!! CONTACT US

REEF is starting another new home in Dennis, MA!.  This home is a custom designed, traditionally styled, cape with about 3,000sf of living area.  Here are some photos of the foundation installation yesterday, along with a rendering of the finished product. Follow our blog to watch this project!!!

   We have seen land prices fall somewhat over the last few years, and we can say with some certainty, that the prices are about as low as they are going to get. With the bottom of the market here, many people are thinking about purchasing a piece of land to build their new home.  This is a great idea, given the economy, permitting environment, and favorable lending rates.  However, there are some things you definitely want to think about before purchasing a piece of raw land.

1. Get a Building Permit before you close on the property
2. Understand all of the zoning, and other regulatory issues that apply to a certain property. (Historic, septic, conservation etc.)
3. Make sure you can build what you want to build, where you want to build it on the lot.  A good design/build contractor can help with this
4. Find out about the cost of construction prior to committing to the purchase. What you think the house will cost you vs. what it will actually cost you may not be the same
5. Find a team of professionals to help you.  A good realtor, working with a competent design/build contractor like REEF can point you in the right direction, and assemble the other experts you will need.

Here is some additional information from about.com

http://homebuying.about.com/od/secondhomes/qt/102507_buyland.htm

Check out our facebook page to see some great kitchen and bath photos from recent projects.

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.331575326867942.97951.319857238039751&type=3

Did you know that the state of Massachusetts is currently considering mandatory fire sprinlker systems for homes? There has been a lot of debate about this issue over the last year or so. Arguments can be made for or against this requirement, but the bottom line is clear, it is another hurdle for builders, and adds unnecessary cost for the consumer.  This proposed regulation will impact new construction and remodeling if it is approved.  It is hard enough and expensive enough to build in this state as it is, let's not make it any harder.  Here is some info from the Home Builder's Association of Massachusetts

http://hbama.com/archives/1881