Cape Cod Custom Builder | REEF Cape Cod's Home Builder

Is your stock portfolio suffering from a case of the Corona virus?

Posted by REEF Cape Cod's Home Builder on Fri, Feb 28, 2020

Given the recent decline in global stock values, based on the anticipated spread of the Corona virus, we thought it might be a good time to remind people about the value of residential real estate as an investment. In a recent article published by Investopedia, it was determined that an investment in residential real estate has outperformed the stock market by almost 2 to 1 since 2000. That's right - on average, residential real estate has provided an annual return of 10.71% , vs. 5.43% for stocks.

When you consider the fact that Cape Cod has long been a high demand real estate market, and currently mortgage rates are at historic lows, this might be the perfect time to own property on Cape Cod. Now all investments involve risk, but based on the information above, a sound investment in a quality residential property has provided better returns over the last 20 years.

If you'd like to read more about investing in real estate click here: Reasons To Invest in Real Estate

If you are considering buying a property on Cape Cod, and building or renovating your exiting property, click here to download our Construction Cost Guide

Looking for Land on Cape Cod? Click here to download our Guide to Buying Land on Cape Cod

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Tags: Real Estate Investment

Tired of the Stock Market? - try Investing in Real Estate on Cape Cod

Posted by REEF Cape Cod's Home Builder on Thu, Oct 25, 2018

Investing in the stock market can be risky! Especially when you consider what is going on globally. If you are waking up today and seeing the impacts of an overvalued stock market, you might want to find another way to diversify your portfolio. A great investment to consider is Real Estate, especially on Cape Cod. Market demand is high, for both existing homes and new construction, and with the Baby Boomers swiftly moving into retirement, we are seeing a steady stream of home buyers in the Cape Cod area. We have also seen high demand for waterfront and water view custom homes in almost every town on Cape Cod.

When compared to the stock market, Real Estate provides a much more consistent and predictable return on investment. If you are considering investing in Real Estate, or Building, Renovating, or Buying a home on Cape Cod, give us a call to find out how REEF can help!

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Tags: Real Estate Investment

Great Kitchen Ideas for your Cape Cod Home

Posted by REEF Cape Cod's Home Builder on Wed, Apr 26, 2017

Been spending a lot of time inside? How’s your kitchen looking? Time for a little updating? As we approach another Cape Cod Summer, many folks are taking a second look at the heart of their home…the kitchen.

Ready to get inspired? Here are some great resources for thinking and planning for your 2015 kitchen overhaul. Modern; classic; warm hardware tones – who knew?

These photos and design sites for fresh new kitchen ideas are bound to get your juices flowing, and your kitchen plans going!

Modern Kitchen Ideas 2015 for your Cape Cod Home

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HGTV's Best Kitchens for Cape Cod

Cape Cod Custom Kitchen by REEF Custom Builders Dennis Modern Custom Kitchen By REEF Builders Truro Cape Cod Kitchen Design by REEF Custom Builders Chatham

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Fresh Kitchen Design Trends for 2015

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Tags: cape cod waterfront homes, renovation cape cod, construction costs on cape cod, coastal building, cape cod custom builder, cape cod custom homes, new home on cape cod, Construction Costs, Real Estate Investment, kitchen design, kitchen, Kitchens

Attention Investors! - REEF Designed and built home sells in 2 weeks!

Posted by REEF Custom Homes on Thu, Oct 20, 2016

The REEF team was asked to design and build a contemporary home, with clean lines and modern finishes in Truro. The owners worked with Jim Hagerty our lead designer and developed a clean contempory look using high quality, low maintenance materials. The project moved over to the construction team a year ago and REEF's building team did agreat job executing the plan. The owners wanted to recover their investment quickly and put the house on the market as soon as the landscaping work was complete. The results - a full price offer within 2 weeks of hitting the market! The owners have just purchased a second property and have engaged the team at REEF to design and build a second custom home! The outer cape offers great investment opporutnities, especially with new, high quality construction, and a beautiful contemporary design. If you are thinking of designing, or building a custom home in Truro, or anywhere on Cape Cod, consider a team with proven results! Consider REEF Custom Builders!

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Tags: Real Estate Investment, custom home design, Contemoorary Design, Modern Design

Tired of the Stock Market - try Investing in Real Estate on Cape Cod

Posted by REEF Cape Cod's Home Builder on Fri, Jun 24, 2016

Investing in the stock market can be risky! Especially when you consider what is going on globally. If you are waking up today and seeing the impacts of the Brexit vote on your stock portfolio, you might want to find another way to diversify your portfolio. A great investment to consider is Real Estate, especially on Cape Cod. Market demand is high, for both existing homes and new construction, and with the Baby Boomers swiftly moving into retirement, we are seeing a steady stream of home buyers in the Cape Cod area. We have also seen high demand for waterfront and waterview custom homes in almost every town on Cape Cod.

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Tags: Real Estate Investment

How can REEF Builders guarantee the price before construction begins?

Posted by REEF Cape Cod's Home Builder on Wed, Sep 09, 2015

Many of the folks I talk with are incredulous that REEF Builders guarantees the build cost and the occupancy date of their new homes. “How can you do that?” is a common question.

At REEF the Design – Build process is very carefully managed, and the cost of every process and fixture is captured. REEF invests a lot of time into understanding the conditions at the site, as well as developing comprehensive design specifications with and for the Home Owners. Ensuring that there are “no surprises” is crucially important to exceeding Customers’ expectations.

Watch as Brewster Home Owners share their experience. This brief video helps explain why REEF Builders consistently exceeds their Customers’ expectations, whether a simple cottage or oceanfront estate:

Cape Cod Homeowners describe their experience with REEF Builders

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Cape Cod Homeowners describe their experience with REEF Builders

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Best Security Systems for your Cape Cod Home

Posted by REEF Cape Cod's Home Builder on Thu, Sep 03, 2015

It’s back to school, and back to work! You’ll be gone from home for most of the day… We don’t like to think about it, but crime is never going to go away. The nicer your Cape Cod home, the more it is a target for unsavory types.

Every home we design and build includes a security system. They don’t have to be expensive to be effective. But what if your home is already built? What’s the best security system for you?

Here’s some great research into residential security systems, what works, and what doesn’t. Over 60 hours of research went into this report, and the findings are easy to understand:

Best Security Systems for your Cape Cod Home

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Best Security Systems for your Cape Cod Home

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Off the Grid --> Power and Heat your Cape Cod home with a CHP

Posted by REEF Cape Cod's Home Builder on Wed, Aug 26, 2015

Ready to get “off the grid”? Tired of paying high electricity rates, and wondering if the next storm will take out your power? Combined Heat and Power (CHP) units are gaining popularity around the world. The technology is not entirely new, but the application is changing the source of electricity and heat for many forward-thinking homes and offices.

CHP units use natural or propane gas powered engines to produce electricity, while channeling the heat by-product to warm hot water or heat interior living space. The result is economic savings, reduced environmental impact, and energy independence.

The units are compact, quiet, and clean. This short video will get you up to speed on CHP’s – part of the solution to the world’s growing energy needs, and an interesting alternative for your Cape Cod home!

Power and Heat your Cape Cod home with a CHP" target="_blank">Off the grid --> Power and Heat your Cape Cod home with a CHP

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Power and Heat your Cape Cod home with a CHP" target="_blank">Off the grid --> Power and Heat your Cape Cod home with a CHP

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Laundry Room ideas for your Cape Cod Home

Posted by REEF Cape Cod's Home Builder on Wed, Aug 19, 2015

The Kitchen may be the heart of the home, but the Laundry Room pumps out the clean linen and clothes. Let’s face it, you probably spend more time in the Laundry Room then you’d like. The summer clothes line is handy, but there is no replacement for the washing machine. Virtually every REEF designed and built home offers a 1st floor Laundry, some of them with a view!

With a little creativity you can create a Laundry Room that even the kids will enjoy. Here’s some great ideas to take your Laundry Room from dingy to dynamite!

Laundry Room ideas for your Cape Cod Home

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Laundry Room ideas for your Cape Cod Home

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What is a Blower Door Test on my Cape Cod Home?

Posted by REEF Cape Cod's Home Builder on Thu, Aug 13, 2015

Many of our Customers are surprised to learn how very technical and highly regulated the residential building industry has become. Much of the increase in the cost of building homes is attributable to new regulations and codes.

Of course these regulations are designed to protect consumers, and ensure that homes are well built and energy efficient. But the fallout is often higher build costs.

The building code update issued in July 2014 required a maximum of 3 Air Changes per Hour (ACH) in any newly built home. The prior building code allowed about 7 ACH, so the new code meant that homes were required to be twice as “tight”, allowing less air in and out of the home.

How does one measure ACH? A Blower Door Test.

Professional energy auditors use blower door tests to help determine a home's airtightness. These are some reasons for establishing the proper building tightness:
*Reducing energy consumption due to air leakage
*Avoiding moisture condensation problems
*Avoiding uncomfortable drafts caused by cold air leaking in from the outdoors
*Determining how much mechanical ventilation might be needed to provide acceptable indoor air quality.

A blower door is a powerful fan that mounts into the frame of an exterior door. The fan pulls air out of the house, lowering the air pressure inside. The higher outside air pressure then flows in through all unsealed cracks and openings. The auditors may use a smoke pencil to detect air leaks. These tests determine the air infiltration rate of a building.

Blower Door Tests are now a regular part of the home building process. Here’s a look at the how this test is actually performed:

Blower Door Testing 101 for your Cape Cod Home

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