Welcome to the Cape Cod Builder blog

Remodeling Trends for 2012

Posted by Matthew Teague on Tue, Jan 03, 2012

 Now that the new year is finally here... you might want to include some of these ideas into your remodeling project. 

http://www.deweyfiremen.com/new-home-remodeling-trends-for-2012-and-beyond/

Tags: remodeling, home improvements, cape cod

Renovation Rules Everyone Should Know

Posted by Matthew Teague on Tue, Dec 20, 2011

 

  A couple of years ago, the EPA instituted new lead regulations covering work in homes built prior to 1978.  After years of study, it was determined that the dust created from renovation and remodeling work in homes with lead paint was the leading cause of lead poisoning in children and adults. The dust created during construction project is much more readily absorbed into the body, as opposed to large peeling paint chips, which had been thought to be the leading cause in the past.

  So what is the big deal about these new regulations? The safety, training, and work environment requirements add significant, if not prohibitive cost to any work being performed in an environment that contains lead.  The work area must be sealed from the rest of the house, tradesmen are requiured to wear full suits, and respirators, and the work area must be thoroughly cleaned, and wiped down daily.  There are ways to mitigate these costs, but if lead is present in the home, there is really no simple or inexpensive solution to the problem. 

Here are some links from the National Association of Home Builders, and the EPA with additional information:  http://www.nahb.org/generic.aspx?genericContentID=118467

http://www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/renovaterightbrochure.pdf

Tags: renovation, remodeling, Cape Cod Builder

Christmas Safety Tips

Posted by Matthew Teague on Fri, Dec 16, 2011

  We thought this was appropriate given the season. Just a little reminder to be safe for the holidays...

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/611.pdf

Tags: renovation, remodeling, Cape Cod Builder, builder cape cod, builders

Kitchens and Baths

Posted by Matthew Teague on Fri, Dec 09, 2011

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

Tags: new homes, renovation, remodeling, bathrooms, Kitchens, Tile, REEF

Residential Fire Sprinklers

Posted by Matthew Teague on Fri, Dec 09, 2011

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

Tags: new homes, renovation, remodeling, Cape Cod Builder, builder cape cod

Small Spaces, cottages

Posted by Matthew Teague on Thu, Dec 08, 2011
Given the fact that they are not making any more land here on Cape Cod, we are faced with the challenge of designing homes on very small lots.  Most of our customers still want functional spaces, style, and all of the amenities of a large home, but in a smaller package. Here are some ideas for small spaces from This Old House that you might want to consider. http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/small-home-space  Also our Cottage Collection has a lot of these features in traditionally-styled homes-Cottage Plans

Tags: renovation cape cod, Cape cod builders, remodeling, Cape Cod Builder, house plans

Heating and Cooling Efficiency

Posted by Matthew Teague on Wed, Dec 07, 2011
Given the green construction trends, and building codes requiring higher energy efficiency, many customers consider a complete heating system upgrade as part of a major renovation or remodeling project.  The Energy Star program provides a lot of good information and tips to improve your existing system, without a substantial cost... Click here to find out more. http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=heat_cool.pr_hvac

Tags: new homes, renovation, remodeling, home improvements, green 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 Harwich, MA

Posted by Matthew Teague on Fri, Dec 02, 2011
Here are photos of a home we completed a few months ago in Harwich, MA. This house features stunning design, exceptional spaces, and REEF was proud to be a part of it!!!http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.326370830721725.97238.319857238039751&type=3&l=55509206ad

Tags: new homes, remodeling, Cape Cod Builder, new construction, REEF, Harwich

House Designs, Renderings

Posted by Matthew Teague on Fri, Dec 02, 2011

 Many of our clients spend a lot of time with us designing a home that will have the aesthetic, functional and livability features that they have always wanted. However, seeing a house plan in two dimensions on a piece of paper is dramatically different than seeing it built.  To help in this process, our team can provide detailed renderings of the interior and exterior of the home, to include  a virtual interior view.   Here are some plans we did recently for our customers so they can better visualize the finished product.

 

Lot 5 Dr Stanton model 3D resized 600Lot 8 Dr Stanton model 3D resized 600

Tags: new homes, renovation, remodeling, home plans, house plans, cottage, new construction, plans

Subscribe to Email Updates

Latest Posts