Posted on Wed, May 16, 2012
The Massachusetts Association of Realtors published its real estate market index, noting that this month it reached an all time high. The President of the association indicated that this increase was due to improving confidence in the marketplace, and a strong spring sales season. This index increased 86% from April 2011, which is a great sign for people waiting to sell their home. The dream of many of our customers is to sell their primary residence, and use the equity earned to build their custom home on Cape Cod. Well, if you have been waiting, now may be a great time to begin the process.
Here is the complete article from Cape and Plymouth Business Magazine:
http://www.capeplymouthbusiness.com/news/show/2359
Posted on Tue, May 15, 2012
Now that spring is here, and summer is just around the corner, we felt that a little outdoor inspiration might be in order. Building a custom home on Cape Cod doesn't end at the walls and the roof. Creating a unique landscape, with some special features can really make the difference between the average and the exceptional. We found this great feature article from Freshome.com with ideas that might inspire your next landscaping project. We hope you enjoy!
http://freshome.com/2012/05/14/38-garden-design-ideas-turning-your-home-into-a-peaceful-refuge/
Posted on Mon, May 14, 2012
So all signs are pointing to a resurgence of a strong housing and residential real estate market. Inventories are low, demand is increasing, and credit is available and inexpensive. After spending several years in a stagnant "correcting" market, builders are seeing demand for new homes. As a custom builder on Cape Cod, we often look to news like this to forecast our demand for the coming year. This stabilization of the housing market means that existing homes are selling at a reasonable price and time period, which is important, as many of our customers are waiting to sell their existing homes before they invest in their retirement home on Cape Cod. As the market pace increases, so will demand for materials and labor, which will begin to increase over the next year or so. Bottom line: Now is a great time to build!!
Here is the complete article from FoxBusiness: http://www.foxbusiness.com/economy/2012/05/09/as-housing-sector-recovers-signs-sustainability-emerge/
Posted on Fri, May 11, 2012
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
Posted on Thu, May 10, 2012
One of the most challenging items for a custom home builder, or customer is deciding on an appropriate landscape budget. Landscaping is one of those things that is always left to do at the last minute, and often times, there is not enough money set aside to meet the customer's goals. Good landscaping doesn't always have to be expensive, but if you don't plan ahead, that dream home with the paver patio, large green lawn, and lush planting may not be a reality. A great way to save money, and still get a classic look is with a gravel driveway. Gravel driveways, or gravel / shell mix driveways are common on Cape Cod, and are an inexpensive alternative to paving, cobblestones, or manufactured pavers.
Here is a great article from Houzz.com discussing the advantages of gravel:
http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/1577301/list/Gravel-Driveways--Crunching-the-Pros-and-Cons
Posted on Wed, May 09, 2012
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
Posted on Tue, May 08, 2012
The building and remodeling industry is constantly changing. Whether building codes, new products, materials, or techniques, something new is always around the corner. Massachusetts is going to adopt a new building code in July 2012 that will raise the bar on energy efficiency. This new code covers not only insulation, windows, and HVAC systems, but also energy efficient lighting. Under this new code, at least 75% of the lighting in your new home will have to be high efficiency. The cost of high efficiency lighting in a new home or renovation can be expensive. But as custom builders, who struggle with controlling costs on a daily basis, we were happy to see this new bulb from Phillips. This light has a working life of at least 20 years!! So for a reasonable additional cost, you can almost guarantee worry free lighting for the lifespan of the new home.
Here is the full article on this new light: 20 Year Light Bulb
If you are thinking of a new home, renovation, or remodeling project on Cape Cod this year, you should definitely contact us to see how this new code may impact your project. Click below to talk to one of our experts!
Posted on Mon, May 07, 2012
The Warren Group recently published their Massachusetts Real Estate sales statistics for the month of March. Sales are up an notable 20% from March 2011 marking the 9th consecutive month of increased sales. So what does this mean to REEF, a custom home builder on Cape Cod? It provides clear indication that demand is increasing, and that the market is supporting sound investments in real estate. If you are thinking of a new home, or remodeling project, you should probably take steps to start the process now. As demand increases, there will be corresponding increases in material, labor and other costs. These indicators coupled with the pending building code change in July can only lead to increased costs for consumers.
Here is the article from the Cape Cod Times: http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120424/NEWS11/120429886
Posted on Fri, May 04, 2012
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!
Posted on Thu, May 03, 2012
As Cape Cod's leading custom builder, we are constantly asked for suggestions on what is most popular in home design and construction. Whether renovating or building new we have found some consistent trends. Here is our list of most popular features:
- 1st floor master suite
- Open kitchen / dining / living spaces
- Additional flex space that can serve as bedroom or office area
- Energy efficient, yet cost effective heating and cooling systems
- Low maintenance exteriors
Recently the Wall Street Journal published the results of a Better Homes and Gardens survey about this same topic. Here are their results:
- Separate laundry room
- Additional storage / walk-ins / closet built-ins
- Outdoor living spaces
- Additional bedroom with separate bath
- Everyday eating space in kitchen
- Home Office / Workspace
- Upgraded bathrooms
You can view the full article here:http://articles.marketwatch.com/2012-04-11/finance/31319268_1_laundry-space-new-space-storage-space
These are all things you definitley want to consider when planning your next new home or renovation or remodeling project. If you want to see how some of these concepts might fit into your future plans, click below to contact one of our design or construction experts at REEF