We found an interesting solution to the aging in place concept.  As a Home Builder on Cape Cod, we are often asked about in-law or accessory apartments.  This can be an expensive proposition, when considering all of the code and permitting requirements for a legal apartment.  As and alternative, a company called MedCottage has come up with a 284sf self contained structure that can be moved on to your lot and contains all of the amenities needed for your aging parent.  There is a lot of data that touts the benefits of having an elderly loved one cared for by family members. This MEDCottage makes that process very quick and easy, and is a good alternative to the complications of a renovation or remodeling project to complete an in-law apartment.  

Here is the full article from msnbc.com: http://www.cnbc.com/id/47251900/?page=2

  Renovating, Remodeling or building a new home is a process that can involve emotional and rational decision making. Balancing needs versus wants, achieving a certain look or feel to a space can be difficult and every decision involves money.  If you look at the process from a purely financial perspective, there are some improvements that add value to a home, and there are many that provide little to no return, and even some that can detract from the existing value of your property.  As a Custom Builder on Cape Cod, we often assist in making these decisions, and try to provide the benefit analysis of different design ideas. Certain renovation projects like updating a kitchen, replacing windows and siding are often a good idea, but some projects such as adding a pool, or creating unique, but unappealing spaces may not create value in the home.

Here is a great article from The Street.com which talks about projects that might hurt the value of your property: Value Killing Home Renovations

      This is an important question to ask when you are considering a major renovation or remodeling project on Cape Cod.  Renovation costs are skyrocketing, especially for antiquated homes that may require substantial additional work to meet all current structural, mechanical, and enery codes.  The real underlying value for properties on Cape Cod is the land and the location. So often times, when compared to the value of a remodeling, a new home of comparable size may not be much more expensive, and in some cases, could be less expensive.  Something to think about for your Cape Cod Home. Here is an article from about.com with some advice on a teard-down project.

http://homebuying.about.com/od/investmentproperties/qt/92707_TearDown.htm

    REEF has been building, and remodeling homes on Cape Cod for over 25 years.  New customers always aproach us with some important questions, like why choose REEF, and  how should one go about hiring a general contractor or custom builder for their project.  To answer these questions, we have come up with a guide for homeowners to help them through the process. REEF's Guide to Hiring a General Contractor or Builder, takes a look at the traditional desing / bid process, and provides an outline of how to begin a new project, and build a project team.   The guide also talks about the advantages of REEF's design/build process, and how it can lead to a better overall project experience.  

Click below to download this new guide!

   The Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University has revently published its Leading Indicator for Remodeling Activity assessment, and things are really looking up.  After two years at historic lows, the outlook is  promising for remodelers, and custom home builders, with an expected increase of 5.9% by the end of the year.  As discussed in previous posts, we here at REEF, Cape Cod's Home Builder, have seen increased demand for remodeling and renovation services over the last several months.  So what does this mean for the consumer? A few things:

1. Increased demand will result in increased material and labor costs
2. Builders and remodelers will begin to develop a backlog, delaying execution of projects
3. Now is a great time to begin planning your next project and beat the rush!

Here is the full article from remodeling.hw.net: http://www.remodeling.hw.net/economic-conditions/lira-remodeling-spending-up-almost-6-by-years-end.aspx

  Here is an article with some tips for your next renovation project.  Here are some tips for projects that actually provide a return on your investment.

Each year, real estate industry experts put together a list of the home renovation projects that give you the biggest bang for your buck. They, of course, are basing their measurements on which home improvement & renovation projects add the most monetary value to your home. The top home improvement projects on their lists usually include things like replacing your entry door with a steel-reinforced door or general cosmetic improvements.

If you’re planning to sell your house soon and want to do a home renovation project that will increase the likelihood of sale or add value to your home, they’re offering good advice. For those who intend to stay in their homes, though, a new steel door may not be quite the bang they want for their buck. If you’re looking for a home improvement project that will increase your enjoyment of your home, consider these renovations, additions and improvements instead.

Add a Bathroom

Want to instantly relieve morning tensions and bring peace to your home? Hire a contractor to add a bathroom to your house. The right contractor will work with you to reduce the costs by locating your new lavatory where you have to run the least amount of pipe. Your new bathroom doesn’t have to be a luxury-laden master bath to make your house a more pleasant place to live.

Kitchen Renovation

Updating your kitchen with new appliances, an island dining center and a new layout can turn the mealtime hassle into a fun social activity. Some kitchen updates are DIY-worthy. Others, like taking down walls to open out a pantry, require skilled trade workers. You can find an experienced and trustworthy local contractor online to help you create an efficient kitchen layout that turns mealtime chores into family activities.

Build on a Deck

Wooden decks are among the few home renovation projects that fit both ROI lists. You can recoup up to 80 percent of your investment in an outdoor deck in added value to your home. If your reason for taking on a home improvement project is to increase your enjoyment in your home, you’ll get a whole lot of enjoyment out of a new deck. With the right contractor, a deck project can be surprisingly affordable, and you’ll enjoy the results for years to come.

Home Additions

Got kids moving back home or parents living nearby that you worry about? Fitting an extended family under a single-family roof can cause all sorts of strain on relationships. While most people wouldn’t think to turn to a professional contractor for relationship counseling, their services can be exactly what you need to relieve stress. Home additions that add on a contained mother-in-law apartment or guest house provides both ends of the extended family with privacy and personal space – an invaluable way to get more pleasure from your home.

From simple cosmetic improvements to full-on home renovation projects, a local professional contractor can make your life easier and your home more enjoyable. Pick the project that will make your house feel more like the home you love and find a skilled contractor to bring it to life.

Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the world’s MOST popular internet marketing companies on the web.

     This is always a fun question.... and the simple answer is this... if you are doing more than cosmetic work, painting, floors etc... then you should have a permit.   Permitting a project can be challenging for homeowners.  With the various code changes that have occurred over the last few years, even homeowners may require expert help for even small projects.  Anything that involves opening the sheet rock should have a building permit, especially when performing mechanical, plumbing and electrical changes, and definitely when the work involves structural changes.

     Of course, in many areas on Cape Cod, there are other permitting requirements for your home.  Any work outside the home that changes the appearance requires a historic commission permit.  In some towns, there are even requirements for historic approval of landscape changes.  Any time there is a change to the footprint of the home, such as a deck or addition, a site plan must be submitted to confirm that the new work will not encroach on zoning setbacks or property lines.  Many towns do have an express permitting program, which makes permitting small projects like replacement windows, roofing, and siding quick and easy, even in historic districts. 

      So if getting a permit is so difficult, wouldn't it be easier to just do the work, especially if it is inside and no one will see?  The answer is NO!  Often times people will finish attic spaces, renovate or finish basements, or convert areas to bedrooms.  This happens frequently, and often times is not caught by local inspectors.  However, the problems start when the owner goes to sell the home, and the title V septic inspection occurs.  With specific definitions of bedrooms, new, un-permitted finished rooms could be considered additional bedrooms, requiring a full upgrade of the septic system when the house is sold.  This is an expensive and painful process, which is often the cause of failed attempts to sell a home, and reduced purchase prices to cover the cost of repairs. 

If you have questions about permitting your next project, large or small, consult with an expert.  You can contact one of the experts at REEF any time by clicking below!

   The National Association of Homebuilders created a design collaborative to address smart kitchen design for the modern family.  There are some great ideas here for your next project.  Here is the full article from housingzone.com

Modern Design Concepts

If you would like to incorporate these concepts into your next project contact us and let us show you how!

 Good news from the housing market.  It looks like the existing home market is on the move. Sales were up almost 9% last month as compared to sales in Februrary 2011.  Median prices were also up slightly. 

Click here to see the entire article from housingzone.com :Home sales up 8.8%

If you are thinking of purchasing a home or land on Cape Cod, now is a great time to get back into the market! Since existing inventory is at all time low prices, it is the perfect time to buy and start planning your renovation or remodeling project.  Click below if you are looking at a property and have questions!

    A recent article by the Boston Globe highlighted cautious optimisim among the CEO's of the nation's largest homebuilders.  A combination of demand, price cuts, and general economic improvement have allowed these builders to reduce their backlog, and generate an increase in new sales.  The CEO's were reluctant to definitively project a strong and sustainable upswing in the marketplace, but the signs are positive. This data, along with the information about the strength of the remodeling market, give some positive indicators to the marketplace. On Cape Cod, we have seen significant increased demand for remodeling and new homes. 

Click here for the article:

http://www.housingzone.com/ihome-building-ceos-cautious-optimism-2012

If you are thinking about a remodeling, tear-down or new construction project on Cape Cod, click below to find out what your project might cost.