Here is a sildeshow previewing some of the products that will be featured at the Architectural Digest Home Design Show in NYC on March 22nd.  This show features new products and is focused on design professionals and consumers.  They also feature independent product designers and artists who provide unique furnishings and fixtures to the industry.

Click here to see the slideshow from Builderonline.com

Architectural Digest Home Design Show

If you have questions about these or other new products on the market, please feel free to contact us by clicking below.

The single biggest reason most bathrooms need to be remodeled is due to moisture damage. Slow and steady moisture accumulation if left untreated can cause structural damage and result in the growth of mold. This type of insidious, slow developing decay can be prevented by using smarter construction methods when developing bathroom plans. By including the following five steps in your bathroom plans you will greatly reduce the chances of moisture issues in your new bathroom.

1] Tubs and showers should be located on interior walls -
It's a good idea to make certain that your new bathroom plans do not include running supply and drain lines in an exterior wall where they are subject to extreme temperature variations. These temperature fluctuations can produce moisture in the wall around the areas where the plumbing is located and should be avoided if at all possible.

2] Vent out moisture -
If your bathroom plans include whirlpool tub or a steam shower you must not forget that these luxury items can create enormous amounts of steam in the bathroom. You should look for a high capacity super quiet bath fan and don't be afraid to spend more for a high quality unit. Make certain that the new fan is ducted through an exterior wall by the shortest path possible. Most of all run the fan. If you have large steam producers such as a whirlpool or steam shower, turn the fan on while taking a bath or steam. Afterwards, close the door to the room and leave the fan on for a minimum of 30 additional minutes.

3] Toilet sweat... don't sweat it -
Condensation on the toilet tank is typical in the summer months especially in homes where air conditioning is not used. The least expensive way to control this excess moisture is by using a tank insulation kit. Another option is to install an anti sweat valve to supply just enough hot water to the tank to keep condensation from forming.

4] Eliminate Shower Stall Leaks -
The best way to prevent grout leaks in your shower is to eliminate grout lines on floor altogether. Many types of one piece shower pans are available to prevent the possibility of your shower floor grout leaking in the future. Depending on the manufacturer and material custom shapes and sizes are available to fit any shower size and shape.

5] Build a Better Bathroom Wall -
Bathroom walls must be designed to work well with the particular climate of a given region. The climate will determine exactly where a vapor barrier is to be placed within the wall during construction. Since moisture generally travels from a warmer to a cooler area, if you live in a Northern climate the vapor barrier would be installed on the inside of the ceiling and wall framing while breathable, permeable exterior sheeting is then used on the exterior. This will allow for any moisture entering the wall space to escape. A local building pro will be able to best help design the right wall system for your new bathroom plans.

These five tips will help make sure your bathroom plans come together with dryness and lower maintenance cost as a priority.

If you have questions about your next bathroom project... click below to contact one of our experts.

We found this article from CNN Money about how to get better remodeling bids.  Developing a realistic budget is key to a smooth process.  We use a lot of these techniques as part of our processes.  However, our most valuable tool is experience, and the high volume of historical data we have from almost 1500 successful projects here on Cape Cod.  Check out this article for some great information...Remodeling Bid

If you have questions about your next remodeling project, click here to get in touch with one of REEF's experts

     Remodeling has been in high demand this spring!! Many people are choosing to make smart investments in their existing homes with either a kitchen addition, master suite upgrade or new spaces over their existing garages or basements. It is good to see the market picking up, and we are happy to see the positive impact on the jobs market.  See this article from Businessweek for more information

http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-02-23/construction-jobs-rebound-amid-pick-up-in-u-s-home-remodeling.html

 It looks like remodeling activity is definitely on the rise!.  The BuildFax remodeling index has shown an increase of over 20% from December 2010 to December 2011. Investments in older properties is driving the trend, and it bodes well for increased residential construction activity in 2012.  We are confident that materials and labor prices will be on the move as well to adjust for increased demand. 

Now is a great time to plan and begin your project, beat the rush and take advantage of low recession pricing.

See article here: http://www.calculatedriskblog.com/2012/02/residential-remodeling-index-increases.html

If you have a question about starting your next remodeling or new construction project, click below to ask one of our experts!

  Bathrooms are definitely one of the areas that our customers invest a lot of time and effort in designing.  The myriad of options available can make this a tough process, not to mention that manufacturers are constantly coming out with new and innovative products for the bathroom.  When planning your bathroom renovation, or the baths in your new home, take the time to get educated on the products and materials available. 

  There is a lot of good information in this article from the U-T San Diego newspaper regarding bathroom trends for 2012.  They cover everything from paint colors to digital showers... click here to see the full article.  2012 Bathroom Design Trends

If you have questions about your next bathroom project and need some advice, click here to ask one of the experts at REEF!

So, since it is Friday, and we thought we should do something a little fun.  We came across this article from Architectural Digest featuring Celebrity Kitchens.  So if you want to know where Sir Elton John cooks his breakfast, or where Sting makes his midnight snack... here you go!

Celebrity Kitchens

If you are thinking about your next remodeling or kitchen project and you want to find out more about what is possible, click here:

   There is nothing more inviting than a well-designed window seat.  With a little planning, a window seat can be a as functional as it is comfortable. Often times extra storage bins or drawers can be added into the base of the seat, creating a great place for books, pictures, or blankets. This Old House has provided some ideas on for different window seat designs here:

This Old House - Window Seats

If you are thinking of renovating or remodeling home, come examine the possibilities with REEF!

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

  There is increasing demand in the market place for remodeling and renovations.  We have experienced a substantial increase in requests for these types of projects over the last several months.  Here is an article from Housing Zone.com that summarizes a Wall Street Journal report about the upward trend in the remodeling market.

http://www.housingzone.com/financials/remodeling-showing-signs-recovery

If you have questions about your next remodeling or renovation project, contact our small projects divison by clicking below!