Check out our facebook page to see new photos of a cottage renovation in Eastham, MA
The Design, Build and Renovation of a home requires an integrated systems approach. Ideally the entire process, from design to construction, has been planned so as to maximize an efficient timetable for project completion. Equally important is ensuring that the resulting home is a healthy environment for its occupants.
Systems Approach Can Save Money
"Applying the principles for a healthy home, to design, construction and renovation, does not have to result in significant cost increases. By understanding interactions between building systems, we can identify cost saving trade-offs that improve building performance."
The link below directs you to a booklet which offers valuable insights into some key aspects and design criteria to consider prior to starting your project. Some of the major design considerations are related to:
1. water
2. air
3. combustion
4. dust
5. creatures.http://www.eere.energy.gov/buildings/building_america/pdfs/db/32114.pdf
Although this pamphlet is intended for those in the construction industry, it's content is relevant and accessible to homeowners.
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Tags: renovation, green homes, House Design, building on cape cod
We have noticed a consistent trend towards remodeling over the last few years, and according to the National Association of Home Builders, remodeling has surpassed new construction for the last three years in a row. There are many factors that are contributing to this trend which are outlined in this article by David Crowe, Chief Economist at the NAHB. Remodeling Vs. New Construction. The challenge still comes when balancing a major remodel or renovation project versus building new. Building codes have probably had the biggest impact on the cost of a major remodel, especially here on the Cape, and there is definitely a detailed financial analysis required for both scenarios. REEF has found that the costs of a major re-model can sometimes exceed those of comparable new construction. If you are thinking about a remodeling or renovation project, click here to contact us for a free consultation CONTACT US
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Tags: renovation, remodeling, cape cod, building
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
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Tags: renovation, remodeling, Cape Cod Builder
We thought this was appropriate given the season. Just a little reminder to be safe for the holidays...
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Tags: renovation, remodeling, Cape Cod Builder, builder cape cod, builders
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
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Tags: new homes, renovation, remodeling, bathrooms, Kitchens, Tile, REEF
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
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Tags: new homes, renovation, remodeling, Cape Cod Builder, builder cape cod
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
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Tags: new homes, renovation, remodeling, home improvements, green construction
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/
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Tags: renovation, remodeling, home improvements, custom home, kitchen
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.
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Tags: new homes, renovation, remodeling, home plans, house plans, cottage, new construction, plans
