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

    Kitchen and bathroom remodeling still top the list of remodeling and renovation projects nationwide. As a custom home builder and remodeling contractor, REEF often performs this type of work.  With the current economic conditions, the market has changed, and value-oriented customers are seeking ways to get more for their dollar.   We found a great article from Housingzone.com that provides input from remodeling contractors across the country on planning and executing your project.  There is a lot of great information here. 

http://www.housingzone.com/design/kitchen-and-bath-solutions-top-remodeling-firms

  In the past, REEF has always promoted new and exciting designs, products and features for new homes, renovation and remodeling.  So today, we thought we might try something different. We came across a very interesting article on MSN Real Estate that talks about 10 home trends that are quickly losing popularity.  Ranging from things like 2-story living rooms, to fancy jetted tubs, this article highlights the trends that builders and realtors are seeing across the country.  Custom homes often become a mix of features that customers have seen and liked elsewhere, but some of those choices don't make practical sense over the long term. 

Click below to see the article, you might be surprised: http://realestate.msn.com/kiss-these-10-once-popular-home-features-goodbye?#2

   REEF has started a site on Pinterest to show off some of our work, and highlight innovative new products and designs in the custom home building world.   Follow along and see updates and new photos daily!

Click here to see the site: http://pinterest.com/capecodbuilder

   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 real estate market is still at an all time low.  Many homes in desireable areas are available at a much lower price than ever before.  As a custom home builder, REEF is often brought in to assess existing properties for their future renovation or remodeling potential. With home prices so low,  purchasing  an existing him and investing in a major renovation might begin to make sense.  The most important item for many of our customers is the ability to design a home for an "aging in place" lifestyle.   This is not a new concept, but in the past, it was almost cost-prohibitive to invest in a major project to meet the "aging in place" concept.    Below is an article from in-lawsuite.com that discusses the possibilities, and provides some tips for smart investments in an existing home. 

Click here to read te article: Benefits of renovation for aging-in-place

If you would like to know more about an aging in place renovation, click below to contact one of our experts:

    Today REEF is making a FREE project planning guide available for those considering a new construction or renovation project.  This guide provides the critical information that homeowners need to know if they want to have a successful project.  This free guide covers the planning process, budgeting, and permitting, all of which are key to a smooth, worry free construction and building process.    If you are planning a new construction project, tear-down and re-build, or even a simple renovation, you need this information. Click below to download your free copy!!

       People often ask us what a renovation of a home might look like.  We found this article in Southern Living with a gallery of a recently renovated cape-style home.  There are some great design ideas in this article, and even though the home is located in the Atlanta area. You can really see their New England and Cape Cod styles shine through in their final results.

Cape Cod Renovation-Decorating Ideas