Fall 2016 AHCC

ENHANCE YOUR CURB APPEAL P. 36 WINTER SURVIVAL KIT FOR TREES P. 44

Home Builders & Remodelers Association of Cape Cod Fall / Winter 2016
capecodbuilders.org
2016 BRICC AWARDS
DESIGN SHOWCASE HOMEOWNER’S
RESOURCE GUIDE
CHOOSING THE
RIGHT COUNTERTOP

TIPS FOR FIXING
A LEAKY BASEMENT

InNpnEroWovdhautocimvtees

COMPLIMENTARY









AT HOME ON CAPE COD LETTER TO OUR READERS

www.capecodbuilders.org Building with
OFFICERS Experience
President
Matthew Anderson WELCOME TO OUR 12TH ISSUE OF AT HOME ON CAPE COD. 
Anderson Framing & Remodeling As our association has grown, we have found it a little more challenging
1st Vice President/Treasurer each year to publish our magazine in-house. We want to ensure a quality
Peter Kimball publication with quality content. In order to maintain and grow our
AP Kimball Construction audience, we made the wise choice to partner with a professional magazine
2nd Vice President/ Secretary publisher based on Cape Cod—Lighthouse Media Solutions.
Trevor Meyer Lighthouse Media Solutions (LMS) is a digital multimedia company that
Meyer and Sons, Inc works closely with businesses to create strategic branding and custom
Immediate Past President marketing solutions to reach a target audience, from web development
Mike Duffany and video production to content marketing and magazine publishing. As
M. Duffany Builders the owner and publisher of 13 magazine brands, including two home titles
Executive Officer —Southern New England Home and Home Remodeling South Coast, Cape
Christine Duren & Islands, South Shore—we believe Lighthouse Media Solutions is uniquely
BOARD OF DIRECTORS qualified to help us keep building At Home on Cape Cod magazine.
YEAR DENOTES TERM EXPIRATION We are pleased to be working with Lighthouse Media Solutions and trust
Warren H. Brodie ‘18 you will enjoy all of the informative articles featured in this issue. 
Law Offices of Warren H. Brodie
John Cotton ‘18 Sincerely,
First Citizens’ Federal Credit Union
Brian Harding ‘17 MATTHEW ANDERSON
Andersen Windows President, Home Builders & Remodelers
Stephen Klug ‘17 Association of Cape Cod
Fine Building & Finish
Benjamin LaMora ‘17
Lineal Construction Inc.
Timothy Sawyer ‘17
BLFR Architects Inc.
Tony Shepley ‘17
Shepley Wood Products
Jack Stevenson ‘18
Mid-Cape Home Centers

PUBLISHER
Christine Duren
[email protected]
EDITOR
Rachel Arroyo
[email protected]
ART DIRECTOR
Eric Brust-Akdemir
[email protected]
Produced by:

www.lhmediasolutions.com

On the cover:
Photo by Brian Vanden Brink
Design and Construction: Polhemus
Savery DaSilva Architects Builders

4 . FALL WINTER 2016 / AT HOME ON CAPE COD



AT HOME ON CAPE COD

TABLE OF CONTENTS

20

And the winners are...

BRICC AWARDS 2016

38 12

52

INDUSTRY NEWS HEATING
8 State of the 34 Energy Saver 101
Building Industry Home Heating
The Home Builders & Remodelers
HOME IMPROVEMENT
Association saw several victories this 36 Counting on Curb Appeal
year on Beacon Hill. Home sellers have only one chance to

BUILDING COMMUNITY make a first impression.
12 Family Business Digs
Deep to Deliver Big LANDSCAPE
Equipment dealer Bobcat of Bourne 38 Reclaiming Cape Cod’s
Native Shores
offers sales, service and customer Replacing invasive plant species with
satisfaction.
native ones yields a bounty of benefits
16 Steely Determination for the local environment.
Make Architectural Metalworking is
44 Winter Survival Kit for Trees
cutting, welding, grinding and
polishing sheets of metal into dynamic TRENDS
sculptures, functional furniture 48 Countertop Craze
and more. How four popular materials stack up

HOME BUILDING & 52 Marketplace
REMODELING Innovative products for the home
18 A Healthy Home Begins
in the Basement 56 Homebuilders’
Experts offer strategies for keeping Resource Directory

the lowest level of the home dry 62 Ad index
and safe.
64 Housing Matters
HB&RACC
20 BRICC Awards
A showcase gallery of this

year’s winners.

6 . FALL WINTER 2016 / AT HOME ON CAPE COD

AT HOME ON CAPE COD / SPRING SUMMER 2016 . 7

INDUSTRY NEWS

The Home Builders & Remodelers Association of
Massachusetts saw several victories this year on Beacon Hill.

BY ROB DUCA

W ith the drafting of the 9th Edition of the Massachusetts State Building Code taking place
during the past year, homeowners and consumers across the state faced the prospect of
significant changes that could have increased building costs and derailed construction.
But as the final draft awaits approval, the Home Builders & Remodelers Association of Cape
Cod and of Massachusetts can take pride in a series of critical legislative victories, subject to
Gov. Charlie Baker’s signature, that resulted in perhaps the most successful session ever for the
residential construction industry in the state.

8 . FALL WINTER 2016 / AT HOME ON CAPE COD

“We really appreciate the efforts of the Baker INDUSTRY NEWS
Administration in recognizing the role that home-
building has in the Commonwealth, not only from a Among the important legislative victories during the
housing production standpoint but from an economic recent session is a “Starter Home Program” that will
development standpoint,” said John Smolak, chairman provide financial incentives to cities and towns to
of the Government Affairs Committee. adopt “smart growth zoning districts;” the extension
for special zoning permits; and new legislation
The 9th Edition draft regulations that will allow home improvement contractors and
are currently under review by the
Executive Office of Administration and subcontractors to pay registration,
Finance. Following the completion of renewal fees and Guaranty Fund fees by
the review, a public hearing will be credit card.
scheduled. Following a comment period,
the Board of Building Regulations and The “Starter Home Program” has been
Standards (BBRS) can make adjustments enacted by state senators and signed by
to the draft code. BBRS members will Governor Baker. It is designed to spur
then approve the final content of the single-family housing by providing towns
9th Edition. The publication date is and cities with zoning incentives ranging
unknown at this time. from $10,000 to $600,000, depending on
the size of the starter home zoning district.
However, the 9th Edition is not anticipated to have a These homes must have a maximum
six-month concurrency period during which developers square-footage of 1,850 and must be
could proceed under the new or previous version of the sited on a lot no larger than one-quarter acre. There
State Building Code. A building code application filed would also be a $3,000 housing production payment for
before the effective date of the 9th Edition will continue each unit built. The law would require that 20 percent
to be governed by the 8th Edition. The builder then has of the units be set aside for sale to persons and families
all time periods normally associated with plan review earning no more than 100 percent of area median
and approval following the filing of a permit application.  income. There is also an open space requirement.

“Towns and cities could do all this before, but there was
no financial incentive,” Smolak said. “This differs from

AT HOME ON CAPE COD / FALL WINTER 2016 . 9

INDUSTRY NEWS

affordable housing programs, because it is
also designed to hit the middle class market
that has sort of been lost in the housing
programs.”

The administration’s Economic
Development Act also includes an
amendment that extends from six to 12
months the period of time a permit holder
must begin construction under a building
permit or begin to exercise the rights
granted by a special permit, which provides
additional time to secure financing and
begin construction without the fear of
zoning changes. In addition, the term for
special permits would be extended from two
to three years, which is especially critical
during times of economic downturn.

Changes to the energy code will include a
mandatory blower test on every new house
and mandatory mechanical ventilation that
could increase building costs as much as
$2,500.

However, the final draft of the 9th Edition
could be significant more for what was
removed than what is being proposed.
This is where the association earned its
most critical victories. Among the key wins
was removal of energy legislation that
would have mandated electrical vehicle
charging in all residential vehicles and
structures and a home scoring and energy
rating process for homes; the adoption of
comprehensive zoning reform that would
have resulted in significant impediments to
the homebuilding permitting process; and
an amendment that would have required the
installation of automatic sprinklers in new or
substantially renovated one- and two-family
dwellings.

If not for the successful lobbying efforts,
homeowners would have been required
under the new code to wire new residential
construction for electrical vehicles,
regardless of whether they ever planned to
purchase an electric car. Under the energy
rating proposal, homeowners would have
been required to pay for a home energy
inspection prior to sale.

With the removal of the sprinkler proposal,
Massachusetts remains one of 47 states that
do not mandate sprinklers in one- and two-
family residential dwellings , but leaves the
decision up to the homeowner.

10 . FALL WINTER 2016 / AT HOME ON CAPE COD

INDUSTRY NEWS

‘Right now, the changes are manageable,” said Michael
McDowell, the Home Builders and Remodeling Association of
Massachusetts representative on the BBRS. “They are not too
enormous in regards to the building or energy code. There will be
an increase in cost of construction, but that always happens with
almost any changes in the building code. But they shouldn’t be too
bad to absorb.”

GAS MORATORIUM TO BE
LIFTED BY EARLY 2019

The gas moratorium that has been in place since 2014 on new
hookups and expansions of existing service in five Cape Cod
communities is scheduled to be lifted in early 2019, according to
National Grid spokeswoman Amy O’Hearn.

The construction of new gas lines will begin in Harwich in
November. Work will continue on the 18-mile main pipe and joint
pipes in April 2017 in Eastham, Orleans, Brewster and Dennis. The
moratorium affects approximately 30,000 customers in Brewster,
Dennis, Orleans, Eastham, Harwich and parts of Yarmouth and
Barnstable.

“This is the beginning of the work that will end the moratorium,”
O’Hearn said. “We are working to keep residents informed by
holding open houses and by meeting with local officials. We are
keeping in touch with our local community partners and talking to
selectmen to let them know of the progress of the project.”

National Grid decided to replace the mains following inspections
in 2014 when it was determined that the current infrastructure
might be stressed when operating at high pressure. The
moratorium will be lifted once the 12-inch pipe is in the ground,
replacing six-, eight- and 10-inch pipes.

There is currently a full moratorium, with the exception of new
barbecues or emergency generators, in Eastham, Orleans,
Brewster, Harwich and Dennis. All new requests in Yarmouth must
be reviewed by National Grid. In Barnstable, requests over one
million BTU are also subject to review.

“Safety is National Grid’s top priority. That’s why we have an
aggressive, proactive gas main replacement plan in place to target
removal of aging infrastructure,” said Marcy Reed, president of
National Grid in Massachusetts.

National Grid replaced nearly 150 miles of steel or cast iron gas
pipes in 2015.

AT HOME ON CAPE COD / FALL WINTER 2016 . 11

BUILDING COMMUNITY • BOBCAT

Equipment dealer
Bobcat of Bourne offers
sales, service and
customer satisfaction.

BY REBECCA MAYER KNUTSEN

A family-owned and -operated business selling American-made products
is a rarity these days, but that’s just the niche Bobcat of Bourne
has settled into and a distinction its employees wear as a badge of
honor. The equipment dealer, centrally located on MacArthur Boulevard in
Bourne, exclusively sells all products Bobcat, a longstanding patriotic brand
headquartered in North Dakota.
Formerly Great Rock Tractor Co., and then Bobcat of Cape
Cod, the business is not new to the location but the facility is
unrecognizable after undergoing a complete overhaul of its
inherited 1960s setup. The four-year-old Bobcat of Bourne
is nimble enough to set itself apart from multiple-location
dealerships and big box stores. “Our size allows us to focus on and
help our customers,” says owner Tom Ratacik. “There are no corporate
policies we have to follow except doing the right thing. That’s the bottom line.”

The diverse fleet of Bobcat machines draws the interest of local individuals, landscapers,
pavers and construction crews working on golf courses, schools, public areas and private homes
in nearby towns. Its starring lineup of equipment includes skid-steer loaders, compact mini
excavators and compact track loaders, as well as a variety of attachments to meet the needs of
virtually any job, whether it’s sweeping a sidewalk or demolishing a house.

A FAMILY AFFAIR

The Bourne-based dealer experienced a rebirth of sorts when Ratacik spun off from the well-
established Bobcat of Boston operation where he got his start in 1984. Bobcat of Boston,
founded by Ratacik’s father-in-law, is now operated solely by his brother-in-law. When the
opportunity arose to open an independent operation on the Cape in 2012, Ratacik pounced at
the chance for a fresh start and a return to an area where his family has deep roots.

Nearly half of the 11 full-time employees are related, and Ratacik wouldn’t have it any other
way. Relatives punching the clock include son-in-law John Stratton, controller and general
manager; wife Lisa Ratacik, accounts receivable supervisor; future son-in-law Mike Sylvia, sales
representative; and daughter Julie Stratton, whom, to the surprise of most customers, oversees
the parts and service department, which requires taking service calls, scheduling shop and road
jobs, and ordering parts.

Though not on the payroll, Matti, a Cavalier King Charles spaniel, and Louie, a cocker spaniel,
often tag along to keep spirits high around the office. They’ve earned local celebrity status,
spurring customers to visit regularly, often with their own four-legged friends in tow.

12 . FALL WINTER 2016 / AT HOME ON CAPE COD

HARD-WORKING AND DEPENDABLE

Running a small family business in today’s economy requires employees to be efficient, effective and resilient—
all attributes shared by Bobcat equipment. According to Ratacik, selling a brand as innovative and dependable
as Bobcat makes their job a hundred times easier.
Standing behind the Bobcat brand is a breeze, especially as the manufacturer continually makes improvements,
Stratton says. “The machine options are becoming more advanced, with added automation features that
require less hands-on work to operate,” he adds.
To perform at their optimal level, regular machine maintenance such as changing filters, checking fluids and
other preventative maintenance is recommended. The sales focus shifts seasonally and with winter around the
corner, the emphasis is pivoting from landscape rakes and brush cutters to snow blades and blowers.
With close proximity to the Bourne Bridge, the retailer is easily accessible to customers in Plymouth and Bristol

AT HOME ON CAPE COD / FALL WINTER 2016 . 13

BUILDING COMMUNITY • BOBCAT

counties as well as the surrounding communities on the Cape and Islands.
The outfit boasts a full service department with four Bobcat-trained service
technicians and offers on-the-road service calls and regularly scheduled trips to
Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket.

THE CUSTOMER COMES FIRST

The employees strive to deliver a personalized experience to each customer,
often aiming to improve based on valuable customer feedback. To Stratton, the
business is built on gathering solid product knowledge and providing quality,
friendly service during every interaction. “Whether it’s delivering parts after store
hours or traveling to the islands for scheduled or emergency service calls, we go
above and beyond no matter how big or small the customer’s situation is,” he
relays. 
And that also means being a good partner in the community by supporting local
businesses, hiring local employees, and getting to know customers within and
outside of Bobcat of Bourne’s four walls. “We’re immersed in the area so we often
see customers in the community,” Ratacik says. “We’re here to establish long-
term relationships so they know they can count on us.”
In their spare time, the tight-knit crew can often be seen grabbing lunch at Gray
Gables Market, jet skiing, golfing, fishing the islands and toasting a newly met
sales goal at the Chart Room, Pilot House or Lobster Trap. “Because we work
together and live nearby, we spend 90 percent of our waking time together,”
Ratacik shares. “We’ve learned to draw a line between work and play so we
aren’t discussing business at the dinner table.”

14 . FALL WINTER 2016 / AT HOME ON CAPE COD



BUILDING COMMUNITY • METALWORKING

A two-sided fireplace surround made of Make Architectural Metalworking in West
steel with rivet details and finished with a Wareham is cutting, welding, grinding and
custom patina was fabricated by Meneses
and his team for a South Boston residence. polishing sheets of metal into dynamic
sculptures, functional furniture and more.

BY REBECCA MAYER KNUTSEN

A singular piece of art can hold a different meaning for each beholder—perhaps it will
ignite an emotional response, trigger contemplation or conversation, or simply stand as a
symbol of style and beauty. The metalwork craft is making its way up the art ranks, with an
architectural metal fabrication and design firm creating a stir in West Wareham.

Make Architectural Metalworking owner Paul Meneses has been through a few transformations, including multiple
prides himself on creating one-of-a-kind, high-quality pieces ownership models and locations. Getting its start in 2001
that bring his clients’ ideas to life. In a market historically with three owners, the shop transitioned to sole ownership
oriented in wood, the Connecticut native cuts, welds, grinds with Meneses at the helm in 2006. Once the business became
and polishes sheets of metal into dynamic sculptures more established, demand for product eventually called for
and functional furniture. “New England has a plethora of expansion. Today, the business is anchored in West Wareham,
woodworkers and carpenters who do amazing work, but metal and Meneses is surrounded by a small group of highly skilled
has become more sought after in the last few years,” Meneses craftspeople who have helped the business extend its reach
explains. and accept larger projects.

The design firm’s classic pieces—which straddle the The studio’s relocation from Boston to West Wareham was a
commercial and residential arenas—are designed to stand out natural progression, according to Meneses, a self-described
but also transcend current style trends. From a stainless steel urban-centric who is adjusting to life as a Cape Cod resident.
and glass coffee table to a silicon bronze fireplace surround, He finds Cape Cod the perfect backdrop for someone with a
the outfit’s repertoire is expansive but not exclusive. “Small demanding work schedule. “The Cape’s relaxed environment
or large, the projects are equally satisfying,” Meneses shares. lets me easily enjoy those few extra moments when I have
“They just take different engineering and time.” them,” he says.

BUILDING A SOLID BASE FABRICATING THE FOCUS

With a degree from Massachusetts College of Art and Design in Meneses’ work is the perfect intersection of his passion for
hand, Meneses was eager to carve out a niche in the design- design and attention to detail, which comes in handy working
build industry and thereby dispel the starving artist myth. In with a diverse group of architects, designers and homeowners.
fact, he returns to his alma mater on occasion to speak with Over the years, he has learned that the business hinges on
students about the challenges that pop up in the real world. effective communication between all involved parties. “The
Meneses is living proof that art school can lead to a fulfilling more dialogue and documentation there is, the better,” he
and profitable career, even in this challenging economy. explains. “And above all else, we need to remain positive to
ensure the successful execution of our projects.”
But that’s not to say it’s been an easy road. The business itself

16 . FALL WINTER 2016 / AT HOME ON CAPE COD

BUILDING COMMUNITY • METALWORKING

With an increasing number of projects Custom stairs and a guardrail
hailing from businesses and residences were created for a residential
on Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard, the home in Woods Hole.
studio’s location is equally central to
privately commissioned sculpture and For a private residence on
furniture projects in downtown Boston Martha’s Vineyard, Paul Meneses
and surrounding suburbs including fabricated 12-inch-long stainless
Cohasset and Brookline. The shop’s work steel “lift and slide” door handles.
also extends beyond the Northeast, with
pieces residing in Atlanta, Chicago and
Los Angeles.

These days, Meneses wears many hats,
often running from a client meeting to
building in the shop or drawing in the
office, all while mentally mapping out a
plan for the next custom patina or project
installation. “Keeping all aspects in play
can be challenging but I’m learning the
fine art of delegation for the first time in
my life,” he says.

And that’s when the team he has
surrounded himself with comes into play.
“My team is critical. I rely on them because
I cannot do it all, all the time,” he says. “I
prioritize quality control, aesthetics and
intent and my team carries that through.”

Finding his business on the edge of a
growth spurt, Meneses doesn’t want to
lose sight of why he ventured into the
specialty in the first place. He insists on
growing logically, taking small, controlled
steps while maintaining a fun and laid-
back culture and environment. Meneses
hopes the growth will afford the business
the luxury of choosing projects based on
what they do well.

The work is dirty, technically demanding,
and often means welding on a hot, humid
summer day or suffering through an
outdoor installation during the blistering
cold New England winter. Despite the hard
work, Meneses enjoys taking a step back
to appreciate the time and labor that go
into each project. “When we see the final
product and the client’s excitement, it’s
always worth it in the end,” he shares.
“Above all else, I enjoy creating objects
and pieces that are satisfying and
successful.”

AT HOME ON CAPE COD / FALL WINTER 2016 . 17

HOME BUILDING & REMODELING • BASEMENTS

Experts offer strategies
for keeping the lowest
level of the home dry
and safe.

BY REBECCA MAYER KNUTSEN

18 . FALL WINTER 2016 / AT HOME ON CAPE COD

M any a homeowner attaches an “out of sight, WHAT STEPS SHOULD
out of mind” mentality to the lowest room in HOMEOWNERS TAKE?
the house. But shedding the basement’s dark,
dirty and damp reputation could translate into a Basement waterproofing experts agree the best way to tackle
healthier and longer-lasting home. A new mindset water in the basement is by preventing its entry entirely.
begins with taking the proper steps to ensure a Whether you’re building from the ground up or retrofitting
home’s cellar is dry. an existing basement, a few experts discuss the options
homeowners have to kick water problems to the curb for good.
Contrary to popular belief, there is no acceptable amount of
water that belongs in a basement. Period. In fact, even the To fix an already leaking basement, homeowners have two
smallest amount of water can lead to health problems galore. main options: excavate the foundation, waterproof the walls
Because air circulates from bottom to top, a home’s inhabitants and install a new footing drain; or tackle the problem with
breathe air from the basement whether they regularly descend an interior drainage system. Either way, it’s best to do your
the lowest set of stairs or not, and that can spell trouble for homework and shop around before settling on an approach.
those with respiratory conditions.
Lutinski steers those with wet basements away from quick-fix
According to Todd Lutinski, owner of DryZone Basement solutions such as patching foundation cracks that typically crop
Systems in Bridgewater, Massachusetts, mold, mildew and up near windows. The wall will either re-crack or the water will
humidity are a triple threat to a home. “If ignored, these factors move to the next weakest spot. “The key is to control water, not
can affect your family’s health and the home’s resale value, and to stop it,” he says. “Patching a hole may stop the water from
will eventually damage the structure,” he says. entering at that spot, but it doesn’t get rid of the water.”

WHY DO BASEMENTS LEAK? PLANNING A NEW
HOME’S FOUNDATION
Foundation problems of any kind can cause major headaches
for homeowners, and often the biggest culprit is water. Builders pouring a new foundation consider a number of
Whether a house is built on a mountain or in a valley, the factors, including soil conditions and the natural slope of
foundation is always built below grade. “The basement is an the plot’s grade. “Today’s builders are more conscious of
underground space that’s surrounded by soil that has been the factors that can affect a home’s water issues down the
disturbed,” Lutinski says. “There’s always a chance for water to line,” shares Bill Gibson, owner of Gibson Waterproofing in
collect in that hole.” Harwichport, Massachusetts, a waterproofing company that
specializes exclusively in new construction work.
Untreated concrete foundations are no match for water. Even
if the concrete is crack-free—and therefore resistant to liquid And yet, it’s not uncommon for builders to cut corners when
water—water vapor can still penetrate the surface. The key is building a basement—and often because of the homeowner’s
to help water drain away from the foundation to prevent it from budget. Money seems better spent on finishing touches like
moving through the concrete. faucets and crown molding because they’re visually satisfying,
however, years down the line, the same homeowners will likely
“Many homeowners simply don’t realize how much pressure regret the decision to forgo an investment in the foundation.
water puts against the foundation,” says Kenyon Keyes, owner
of Keyes Enterprises in Orleans, Massachusetts. “I’ve seen The methods of combatting basement water are not all created
walls blown in because of hydrostatic pressure. It’s a problem equal. “Homeowners should avoid contractors who follow old
that must be addressed.” methods of sealing basements, such as damp-proofing, to save
money,” Keyes explains.
During heavy rain or snow, unabsorbed storm water in the soil
surrounding a home’s foundation causes the water table to Different from waterproofing, damp-proofing involves applying
rise. Hydrostatic pressure occurs when the water table rises a coating—typically asphalt-based—to the outside of the
beneath the foundation, forcing water into a basement. The foundation wall to prevent moisture from entering the home.
soil between the foundation footings and the surface typically However, Keyes recommends homeowners take the extra effort
drains well but if it doesn’t, lateral pressure can be the culprit. to waterproof basements correctly. “If not, I’ll be getting a call
This phenomenon is more common in homes built on lots with from them on a rainy day,” he quips.
poorly draining soil like the clay soil that is common in certain
areas on the Cape. In Gibson’s estimate, waterproofing, though more expensive
than damp-proofing, is worth the extra greenbacks. “It’s not
the time to go with the lowest bidder,” he explains. “Read the
fine print because the application of inferior products will cost
you down the line.”

AT HOME ON CAPE COD / FALL WINTER 2016 . 19

HB&RACC

The BRICC Awards recognize excellence in building,
remodeling, design, sales and marketing on Cape Cod & the
Vineyard. The awards program is presented every two years.

Established in 2012, the BRICC Awards are presented biennially to outstanding
builders, remodelers, architects, designers and other housing-related

professionals. Featuring over 40 categories, the BRICC Awards encompasses
all facets of the residential building and remodeling industries, including sales,
marketing, design and landscaping. From overall design to sustainability, the
awards program offers categories for individuals and businesses of all sizes. The

following is just a small sample of all the winners.
For a complete list of winners see page 33 or visit www.capecodbuilders.org.

20 . FALL WINTER 2016 / AT HOME ON CAPE COD

HB&RACC

WHITE WOOD KITCHENS
GOLD

Excellence in Design / Bathroom

A CALMING RETREAT
Part of a whole-house renovation, this enlarged
master bath features a stand-alone soaking tub,
walk-in shower, double vanity and updated tile and
fixtures. The chosen color palette is clean and soft to

create a soothing and serene atmosphere.
WHITE WOOD KITCHENS whitewoodkitchen.com

E.J. JAXTIMER BUILDER, INC. BEACHSIDE RETREAT, WEST HYANNISPORT
GOLD A summer retreat for extended family and friends, this property boasts views of Craigville
Beach and Nantucket Sound. The site design is asymmetrical with an ocean-oriented layout
Excellence in Design / Outdoor Living that is balanced; a site wall and raised spa opposite the existing pool house bookend the
Over $50,000 swimming pool, framing the Atlantic Ocean as the backdrop.The pool design incorporates
a swim lane and steps into the deep end to aid less mobile users entering the existing pool.

E.J. JAXTIMER BUILDER, INC. jaxtimer.com

AT HOME ON CAPE COD / FALL WINTER 2016 . 21

HB&RACC

CAPEBUILT DEVELOPMENT, LLC
GOLD

Excellence in Use of Small Space

REIMAGINED COTTAGE, DENNIS PORT
The vision for this cottage was to utilize every

square inch of the 1,040-square-foot space
available. First, the loft space was maximized
by removing a linen closet, adding a second
dormer and bringing the roof lines forward, which
eliminated the sloped ceilings in the loft and
opened up the area and allowed for more sleeping
space for guests. The wraparound porch also
expands usable living space and better connects

the home’s interior with the exterior.
CAPEBUILT DEVELOPMENT, LLC

heritagesands.com

GEORGE DAVIS, INC.
GOLD

Excellence in Remodeling / Bathroom

Over $30,000

MASTER SUITE, DENNIS
To convert a 25-year-old, colonial-style vacation home into a year-round
residence, George Davis, Inc., renovated the first-floor master bath and
closets. The bathroom was enlarged to fit a large shower, soaking tub,

double vanities and ample storage space. The project also included
creating a separate his-and-her closet and a laundry area to fold clothes

and store linens.
GEORGE DAVIS, INC. georgedavisbuilders.com

22 . FALL WINTER 2016 / AT HOME ON CAPE COD

E.J. JAXTIMER BUILDER, INC. HB&RACC
AND PATRICK AHEARN ARCHITECT LLC
GEORGE DAVIS, INC.
GOLD GOLD

Excellence in Remodeling / Single-Family Home Excellence in Remodeling / Single-Family Home
$1 million - $3.5 million $250,000 - $500,000

EAST BAY RESIDENCE, OSTERVILLE ECLECTIC REMODEL, YARMOUTH PORT
This East Bay residence underwent a major renovation The first floor was redesigned by repurposing rooms,

that included additions to the original cottage, the installing a custom kitchen with custom cabinetry
construction of a new carriage house and pool cabana, and remodeling the master bathroom. The formal
as well as the installation of a putting green and new dining room became a well-lit central office with
custom-made glass doors, while the master suite
landscape program. was enhanced with a remodeled walk-in closet, new
E.J. JAXTIMER BUILDER, INC. jaxtimer.com soaking tub, fixtures and a custom-tiled shower that

PATRICK AHEARN ARCHITECT LLC. replaces an extra closet.
patrickahearn.com GEORGE DAVIS, INC. georgedavisbuilders.com

PATRICK AHEARN ARCHITECT LLC AND
COLONIAL REPRODUCTIONS, INC.
GOLD

Excellence in Remodeling / Single-Family Home
Under $250,000

FLIP FLOP
Exuding New England coastal style, this cottage has all the
modern technologies in a secluded setting. The cottage has two
bedrooms on the first floor and one located within a loft and a
spacious gathering area with a kitchen, living room and dining
room that opens out to a sunny deck. The main living areas are
on the first floor, which allows for a double height, glazed wall
and skylights to maximize natural light. The last piece of the
project was to build a quaint garden shed for beach toys and

equipment storage.
COLONIAL REPRODUCTIONS, INC. colonial-reproductions.com

PATRICK AHEARN ARCHITECT LLC patrickahearn.com

AT HOME ON CAPE COD / FALL WINTER 2016 . 23

HB&RACC POLHEMUS SAVERY DASILVA
ARCHITECTS BUILDERS
PATRICK AHEARN ARCHITECT LLC AND GOLD
COLONIAL REPRODUCTIONS, INC.
GOLD Excellence in New Construction
Specialty Rooms: Residential
Excellence in Remodeling / Historic Renovation
$5 million and over HEN HOUSE, CHATHAM
The lower level features sleeping and bath
HARBOR RESTORATION, EDGARTOWN accommodations for four, arranged in tight spaces, much
Using archival photographs, this historic like a boat. Living and dining space is on the upper level,
residence was renovated as a reinterpretation which includes a small deck facing the marsh. The small
of how the house may have looked in the late kitchenette, standing like a piece of furniture, helps define
18th century. The exterior of the home was the spaces around it, while a separate entry at the front
carefully designed to align closely with the door makes the home feel private and serene, despite its
1790s additions, but the interior was remodeled
small floor plan.
to reflect a modern lifestyle. POLHEMUS SAVERY DASILVA ARCHITECTS BUILDERS
PATRICK AHEARN ARCHITECT LLC
psdab.com
patrickahearn.com
COLONIAL REPRODUCTIONS, INC.

colonial-reproductions.com

GABLE BUILDING CORP. AND
ZIBRAT & MCCARTHY DESIGN, LLP

GOLD

Excellence in Remodeling / Historic Renovation
Under $1million

HISTORIC CHATHAM HARBOR RESTORATION
Neglected for many years, the entire first-floor system
had decayed beyond repair in this structure considered
historically significant by the Town of Chatham. With

a new owner, the home was preserved, retaining its
original historical characteristics, while the interior was

reconfigured to accommodate today’s lifestyle.
GABLE BUILDING CORP. gablebuilding.com
ZIBRAT & MCCARTHY DESIGN, LLP zmllp.com

24 . FALL WINTER 2016 / AT HOME ON CAPE COD

HB&RACC

ENCORE CONSTRUCTION HOME ON THE DEPOT
AND GMT HOME DESIGNS The decorative fish-scale shingles paired with a custom “Tiffany box” blue front
door hint at an interior brimming with custom details and clever touches. The
GOLD master suite was designed for ease and comfort, with a master bath that features a

Excellence in New Construction zero-threshold “car wash”-style shower and custom built vanity.
Single-Family Home / $400,000 - $700,000 ENCORE CONSTRUCTION encoreco.com

GMT HOME DESIGNS gmthomedesigns.com

POLHEMUS SAVERY DASILVA HOUSE ON CHAMPLAIN’S BLUFF, CHATHAM
ARCHITECTS BUILDERS The layout of this house uses half a “butterfly plan”—a familiar device in the
GOLD design of English country houses: Two wings project outward at 45-degree

Excellence in New Construction angles from a rectangular body parallel to the waterfront. This plan type
Single-Family Home maximizes harbor views.

POLHEMUS SAVERY DASILVA ARCHITECTS BUILDERS psdab.com

AT HOME ON CAPE COD / FALL WINTER 2016 . 25

HB&RACC CAPE DREAMS BUILDING
AND DESIGN, LLC AND
CLASSIC KITCHENS & INTERIORS STEVEN C. HAYES, AIA
GOLD GOLD

Excellence in Closet Design Excellence in New Construction
Single-Family Home / $2.5 - $4.9 million

MANDOLIN WIND
With an open floor plan, the kitchen, dining
room and living area comprise the heart of the
home. The living room, with a high, coffered
ceiling, boasts ample windows arranged in a
bay configuration to open up the view as much
as possible, while the kitchen and dining room
are outfitted with a row of windows, providing
generous views from all three living areas.
CAPE DREAMS BUILDING AND DESIGN, LLC

capedreamsbd.com
STEVEN C. HAYES, AIA
stevenchayesarchitect.com

MASTER CLOSET WITH BALCONY, HYANNISPORT
This master closet addition needed to accommodate his-and-
her storage to hold jewelry, clothing, shoes and a hidden safe.
The new space has a cathedral ceiling with a French door to
a small balcony overlooking a golf course and distant water

views. Two large skylights added more natural light.
CLASSIC KITCHENS & INTERIORS ckdcapecod.com

26 . FALL WINTER 2016 / AT HOME ON CAPE COD

HB&RACC

CARSON CONSTRUCTION
AND ALINE ARCHITECTURE

GOLD

Best Media Room / Smart Technology

NORMAN MAILER HOUSE, PROVINCETOWN
The exterior of this project was a historic restoration of various elements

to preserve the appearance of the building. The interior of the
home was completely renovated, while keeping the existing floor plan.
The grand staircase and beautiful wood work were kept intact. The project
also included a new custom kitchen, seven remodeled bathrooms, service
upgrades, two HVAC systems and a two-story elevator. The third floor,

where Norman did his writing, has been thoughtfully restored.
CARSON CONSTRUCTION carsonconstructionsite.com
ALINE ARCHITECTURE alinearchitecture.com

NICHOLAEFF ARCHITECTURE + DESIGN
AND

ROGERS & MARNEY BUILDERS, INC.
GOLD

Excellence in New Construction
Single-Family Home / $1 - $2.49 million

NANTUCKET SOUND II, YARMOUTH
For this Great Island property in Yarmouth, Massachusetts, the client
envisioned a contemporary sea captain’s home worthy of its views
overlooking Nantucket Sound. The front façade presents as a compact
one-and-a-half-story structure with traditional elements, including twin
columns flanking a broad navy blue door, twin gables that act as hinges
for the symmetrical wings folding back from the central core, a roof-top

widow’s walk, and crowning cupola.
NICHOLAEFF ARCHITECTURE + DESIGN nicholaeff.com
ROGERS & MARNEY BUILDERS, INC. rogersandmarneybuilders.com

AT HOME ON CAPE COD / FALL WINTER 2016 . 27

HB&RACC

LEWIS & WELDON
GOLD

Excellence in Remodeling / Kitchen
Over $120,000

OCEAN BLUE ISLAND, ORLEANS
The generic kitchen of this Orleans spec home
was redesigned to create a “wow” space for the

family to enjoy.
LEWIS & WELDON lewisandweldon.com

PATRICK AHEARN ARCHITECT, LLC AND
E.J. JAXTIMGEROBLUDILDER, INC.

Excellence in Remodeling
Single-Family Home / $3.5 - $5 million

OSTERVILLE CAPTAIN’S COMPOUND, OSTERVILLE
This Osterville home was re-organized to create a new
spine of rooms that flow smoothly and take advantage of
the scenic view. The great room, which once looked more
like a hunting lodge, now feels like a beach house on Cape
Cod. While preserving the character of the previously dark
interior, the amount of heavy woodwork was minimized
and the trim lightened to create a brighter and more airy
atmosphere that retains the historical integrity of the

property.
PATRICK AHEARN ARCHITECT, LLC patrickahearn.com

E.J. JAXTIMER BUILDER, INC. jaxtimer.com

MAIN STREET KITCHENS AT BOTELLO’S
AND BAYSIDE BUILDING
GOLD

Excellence in Remodeling / Kitchen
$60,000 - $120,000

CLASSIC COTTAGE KITCHEN, OSTERVILLE
The kitchen of this historic Osterville home underwent
a dramatic transformation for a couple who wanted to

bring back its 1930s classic cottage feel while
incorporating modern conveniences. The former kitchen
was U-shaped, had limited storage and a traffic-blocking
peninsula that enclosed the space. The updated kichen

has more storage and a more open feel.
MAIN STREET KITCHENS AT BOTELLO’S

mainstreetbotellos.com
BAYSIDE BUILDING baysidebuilding.com

28 . FALL WINTER 2016 / AT HOME ON CAPE COD

HB&RACC

AP KIMBALL CONSTRUCTION, LLC POLHEMUS SAVERY DASILVA
AND ANTHI FRANGIADIS ASSOCIATES ARCHITECTS BUILDERS
GOLD
GOLD
Excellence in Remodeling
Excellence in New Construction Single-Family Home
Specialty Rooms: Outbuilding
RIPTIDE, CHATHAM
POOL CABANA Sited between Shore Road, Chatham’s grand waterfront boulevard, and Chatham
Whimsical and colorful, this newly constructed pool cabana includes a
kitchenette, beer tap and custom-made surfboard bar for an active family. Harbor, this tall Colonial Revival prominently sits overlooking the harbor.
The new arbor design uses an abstracted “fan light pattern” from the historic main
APKIMBALL CONSTRUCTION, LLC apkimballconstruction.com
ANTHI FRANGIADIS ASSOCIATES anthif.com door, but with a robust scale that has impact when seen from the street, several
hundred feet away.

POLHEMUS SAVERY DASILVA ARCHITECTS BUILDERS psdab.com

LEWIS & WELDON AND
POST AND BEAM OF CAPE COD

GOLD

Excellence in Remodeling
Kitchen / Under $60,000

SCRAGGY NECK SUNNY
YELLOW KITCHEN, CATAUMET
Part of a whole-house renovation, this kitchen is
open and airy with a bold “Sunny Yellow” island that
seats five and includes an integrated prep station
on the end. The kitchen also features an easily
accessible pantry, a built-in hutch with additional
storage and a built-in desk area that doubles as
a homework/craft table. The finished details now
assure that while entertaining guests or enjoying the
space as a family, there is room for everyone.
LEWIS & WELDON lewisandweldon.com
POST AND BEAM OF CAPE COD

AT HOME ON CAPE COD / FALL WINTER 2016 . 29

HB&RACC
PASTICHE OF CAPE COD
GOLD

Excellence in Design
Interior Design: Living/Dining Area

SEASIDE RETREAT
The goal of this interior design project was to create an upscale, seaside retreat that
reflects a sense of place, but without the often seen shabby-chic, overtly “beach” look
showcased in similar seaside cottages. Colors and textures were chosen to reflect the
outside environment and to give the space a sense of serenity and depth: deep blue,
sand, gray, cream and sepia tones were combined to coordinate the full color story.
Natural materials of weathered wood, stone and linens were added to complete the look

of this coastal retreat.
PASTICHE OF CAPE COD pasticheofcapecod.com

30 . FALL WINTER 2016 / AT HOME ON CAPE COD

THE VALLE GROUP, INC. HB&RACC
GOLD
E.J. JAXTIMER BUILDER, INC.
Excellence in Design GOLD
Green & Energy Design
Excellence in Design
STONE FRUIT FARM - PASSIVE HOME & NET Garden / Over $50,000
ZERO STRUCTURES
SEAVIEW SECRET GARDEN, OSTERVILLE
Designed as a contemporary New England, For this landscape design, a subtle water feature creates a focal
connected farmhouse, a solar corridor connects point that is further enhanced by the topiary dotted herbaceous
to the guest house, garage, workshop, barn and border of the parterre gardens. A medallion found by the client
greenhouse. Building materials such as fieldstone in an antique shop was added to the center of the circular water
from the site, custom-made bamboo cabinets and
burnished concrete floors and cork floors also feature, and drilled with a hole through the center to form a
spout, adding life and movement to the design. The landscape
reduce the home’s environmental footprint. also features a single vegetable garden protected by bamboo
THE VALLE GROUP, INC. vallegroup.com and a few cutting gardens, as well as new fencing, arbors and

statues that create the impression of an English lawn.
E.J. JAXTIMER BUILDER, INC. jaxtimer.com

FRASER CONSTRUCTION LLC AND
D. MICHAEL COLLINS ARCHITECTS

GOLD

Excellence in New Construction
Single-Family Home / $700,000 - $1 million

STORM BORN
Set in a scenic location, it was important to
incorporate views of the sea, blue skies and
spectacular sunsets as much as possible.

The year-round home also needed to be
well insulated for New England winters. The
design goal was to make a relatively small
house feel larger without eroding privacy.

FRASER CONSTRUCTION LLC
fraserconstructioncapecod.com
D. MICHAEL COLLINS ARCHITECTS

dmcarch.com
AT HOME ON CAPE COD / FALL WINTER 2016 . 31

HB&RACC LDA ARCHITECTURE & INTERIORS
GOLD
THE VALLE GROUP, INC. AND
SALTONSTGALOLLADRCHITECTS Excellence in Remodeling
Single-Family Home / $500,000 - $1 million
Excellence in New Construction
Single-Family Home / Under $400,000

THE ASPEN, PLYMOUTH SUMMER RETREAT, MARTHA’S VINEYARD
The exterior of this country-style home features a mix of shingles and vertical The owners of this Martha’s Vineyard summer home wanted to create a space

siding, double-hung windows, a covered entry and barn-style garage doors. with an improved layout ideal for entertaining friends and family. A newly
To satisfy client’s wishes, the home includes open concept living areas and added screened porch with a built-in outdoor kitchen connects to the new patio
a private master bedroom. A second bedroom, full bath and den create a area, and is an open, airy space for relaxing and dining. The home’s decor also

charming guest suite for family and friends. received a fresh update.
THE VALLE GROUP, INC. vallegroup.com LDA ARCHITECTURE & INTERIORS lda-architects.com
SALTONSTALL ARCHITECTS saltonstallarchitects.com

32 . FALL WINTER 2016 / AT HOME ON CAPE COD

HB&RACC

PASTICHE OF CAPE COD
GOLD

Excellence in Design
Interior Design: Kitchen

WEST DENNIS BEACH
This luxury seaside home required a casual and
relaxed element to the kitchen and breakfast area.
To accomplish this, complementary mottled steel
pendants were installed over the kitchen island
and are paired with three rustic wood-and-metal
counter stools, which provide a nice juxtaposition
to the soft palette of cabinets adding warmth

to the design. Horizontal-striped, semi-sheer
window treatments give a light and airy feel to the

breakfast nook while softening the sunlight.
PASTICHE OF CAPE COD
pasticheofcapecod.com

2016 BRICC AWARD WINNERS

GOLD Advanced Communication Technol- SILVER - Tie Cape Associates, Inc. and SILVER Executive Landscaping SILVER Marvin Design Gallery by MHC GOLD Phil Pagani - Cape Associates, Inc.
ogies Excellence in Smart Technology bArchitecture Studio Excellence in Excellence in Design Outdoor Living Best Showroom Associate Member Shooting Star Builder Member
Remodeling Single-Family Home Over $50,000
SILVER Allen Furman - Cape Associates, $250,000 - $500,000 SILVER Mat Hersey - Shepley Wood GOLD Polhemus Savery DaSilva Archi-
Inc. Best Project Manager-Cape Associ- GOLD Fraser Construction LLC Shooting Star Associate Member tects Builders Excellence in Remodeling
ates Builder Member GOLD Cape Dreams Building and Design, and D. Michael Collins Architects Single-Family Home
LLC and Steven C. Hayes Architect Excellence in New Construction Sin- SILVER McPhee Associates of Cape Cod
SILVER Andrew Seguin - The Valle Group Excellence in New Construction Sin- gle-Family Home $700,000 - $1M Excellence in Remodeling Bathroom GOLD Polhemus Savery DaSilva Archi-
Shooting Star Builder Member gle-Family Home $2.5M- $4.9M Over $30,000 tects Builders Excellence in New Con-
GOLD Gable Building Corp. and Zibrat & struction Specialty Rooms: Residential
GOLD Anthi Frangiadis Associates GOLD CapeBuilt Development, LLC McCarthy, LLP Excellence in Remodeling SILVER McPhee Associates of Cape
Excellence In Use of Local Art/Artisan Excellence In Use of Small Space Historic Renovation Under $1M Cod and Thomas A. Moore Excellence GOLD Polhemus Savery DaSilva
in Remodeling Single-Family Home Architects Builders Excellence in New
GOLD APKimball Construction, LLC GOLD Carson Construction and Aline Community Member Impact Award $500,000 - $1M Construction Single-Family Home
and Anthi Frangiadis Associates Architecture Excellence in Remodeling John Muir Falacci, Bayswater Develop-
Excellence in New Construction Specialty Historic Renovation $1M - $2.5M ment GOLD Nicholaeff Architecture + Design SILVER REEF Builders Excellence in
Rooms: Outbuildings and Rogers & Marney Inc. Excellence in New Construction Single-Family Home
GOLD Classic Kitchens & Interiors Excel- GOLD George Davis, Inc. Excellence in New Construction Single-Family Home $700,000 - $1M
SILVER Audio Video Design lence In Closet Design Remodeling Bathroom Over $30,000 $1M- $2.49M
Excellence In Smart Technology GOLD Ron Winner - Shepley Wood
GOLD Classic Kitchens & Interiors Best GOLD George Davis, Inc.Excellence in SILVER Nicholaeff Architecture + Design Best Salesperson Associate Member
GOLD Bayswater Development, LLC Showroom Associate Member Remodeling Single-Family Home and Old Grove Partners Excellence in New
Best Logo Builder Member $250,000 - $500,000 Construction Single-Family Home SILVER Sea-Dar Construction and Ruhl
SILVER Classic Kitchens & Interiors Ex- $2.5M- $4.9M Walker Architects Excellence in New
SILVER Bayswater Development, LLC cellence in Remodeling Kitchen $60,000 GOLD George Davis, Inc.Best Website Construction Single-Family Home $1M-
Excellence In Engineering Project - $120,000 Builder Member SILVER Nicholaeff Architecture + Design $2.49M
and Kenneth Vona Construction Excel-
SILVER Bayswater Development, LLC SILVER Coastal Engineering Company GOLD Hutker Architects Best Website lence in New Construction Single-Family SILVER Siemasko + Verbridge Excellence
Excellence In Use of Local Art/Artisan Best Marketing Program Associate Associate Member Home Over $5M in Interior Design Living/Dining Area
Member
GOLD Botello’s and Bayside Building GOLD Hutker Architects Best Logo GOLD Pam Divenuti - Mid Cape Home GOLD The Valle Group, Inc. and Salton-
Excellence in Remodeling Kitchen GOLD Coastal Engineering Company, Inc. Associate Member Centers Best Salesperson Associate stall Architects, Inc. Excellence in New
$60,000 - $120,000 Excellence In Engineering Project Member Construction Single-Family Home
GOLD Hutker Architects Excellence In Under $400,000
GOLD Brown Lindquist Fenuccio & Raber SILVER Cotuit Bay Design, LLC Commercial: New or Renovation GOLD Pastiche of Cape Cod Excellence
Architects, Inc. Excellence In Affordable and Stello Construction Excellence In in Interior Design Living/Dining Area GOLD The Valle Group, Inc. Excellence in
Housing Commercial: New or Renovation GOLD Jon Philips - McPhee Associates, Design Green/Energy
Inc. Best Project Manager-McPhee GOLD Pastiche of Cape Cod
SILVER Brown Lindquist Fenuccio & Raber SILVER Daniel Lewis AIA, Architect and Associates Builder Member Excellence in Interior Design Kitchen GOLD The Valle Group, Inc. and Salton-
Architects, Inc. and Shawn Dahlen and Michael J. Dangelo Excellence in stall Architects, Inc. Excellence in New
Co., Inc. Excellence in New Construction New Construction Specialty Rooms: SILVER Kathryn Richard - BLFR Architects GOLD Patrick Ahearn Architect, LLC Construction Commercial Project
Single-Family Home $400,000 - $700,000 Outbuildings Shooting Star Associate Member and Colonial Reproductions, Inc. Excel-
lence in Remodeling Single-Family Home SILVER The Valle Group, Inc.and Progres-
SILVER Brown Lindquist Fenuccio & Raber SILVER Delphi Construction, Inc. GOLD Laura Taylor - Cape Cod Life Under $250,000 sive Designs Excellence in Remodeling
Architects, Inc. and Scott Crosby Builder, and Scott William Grady Architects Publications Best Salesperson Associate Historic Renovation Under $1M
Inc. Excellence in New Construction Excellence in Remodeling Member GOLD Patrick Ahearn Architect, LLC
Specialty Rooms: Residential Historic Renovation $1M - $2.5M and Colonial Reproductions, Inc. Excel- SILVER - Tie The Valle Group, Inc.
GOLD LDa Architecture & Interiors lence in Remodeling Historic Renovation and A3 Architects, Inc. Excellence in Re-
SILVER Brown Lindquist Fenuccio & Raber SILVER Delphi Construction, Inc. and and John G. Early Contractor & Builder $5M and over modeling Single-Family Home $250,000
Architects, Inc. and Nick Lagadinos Build- Saltonstall Architects, Inc. Excellence in Excellence in Remodeling Single-Family - $500,000
ing & Design Excellence in Remodeling New Construction Commercial Project Home $500,000 - $1M GOLD Patrick Ahearn Architect, LLC
Single-Family Home and E.J. Jaxtimer Builder Excellence in GOLD Thomas McNeill - Hutker Architects
$1M- $3.5M GOLD E.J. Jaxtimer Builder, Inc. GOLD Lewis & Weldon and Post & Beam Remodeling Single-Family Home Shooting Star Associate Member
Excellence in Design Outdoor Living of Cape Cod Excellence in Remodeling $3.5M- $5M
SILVER California Closets Excellence in Over $50,000 Kitchen Under $60,000 GOLD White Wood Kitchens Excellence in
Closet Design GOLD Patrick Ahearn Architect, LLC Interior Design Bathroom
GOLD E.J. Jaxtimer Builder, Inc. GOLD Lewis & Weldon Excellence in and E.J. Jaxtimer Builder Excellence in
GOLD Cape Associates, Inc.and Cotuit Excellence in Design Garden Over $50,000 Remodeling Kitchen Over $120,000 Remodeling Single-Family Home SILVER White Wood Kitchens Excellence
Bay Design Excellence in Remodeling $1M- $3.5M in Interior Design Kitchen
Historic Renovation: Commercial SILVER Eastward Companies and Karen GOLD Lewis & Weldon Custom Kitchens
Kempton AIA Excellence in Remodeling Best Marketing Program Associate SILVER Patrick Ahearn Architect, LLC
SILVER Cape Associates, Inc. Excellence Historic Renovation $1M - $2.5M Member and Conover Restorations Inc. Excellence
In Use of Small Space in Remodeling Historic Renovation $5M
GOLD Encore Construction GMT Home SILVER Lewis & Weldon Custom Kitchens and over
Designs Excellence in New Construction Excellence in Remodeling Single-Family
Single-Family Home $400,000 - $700,000 Home Under $250,000

AT HOME ON CAPE COD / FALL WINTER 2016 . 33

ENERGY SAVER • HOME HEATING

45% 57%

Space heating is the largest The most common home
energy expense in your home, heating fuel is natural gas,

accounting for about 45 percent of and it’s used in about 57 percent

your energy bills. of American homes.

Between 2007 and 2012, the average U.S. household spent more than

$700 $1,700

on heating using on heating homes
natural gas using heating oil.

34 . FALL WINTER 2016 / AT HOME ON CAPE COD

Heating System Maintenance

AT HOME ON CAPE COD / FALL WINTER 2016 . 35

HOME MAINTENANCE • CURB APPEAL

Home sellers have only
one chance to make a
first impression.

BY REBECCA MAYER KNUTSEN

A n attractive, well-maintained home can prompt passersby
to take pause, a response of supreme importance when
a for-sale sign has been plunked down in the front yard.
The seller often has one chance to make a curbside appeal to
each potential buyer, and that first impression is as much about
hanging a fresh wreath on the front door as it is about replacing
rotten trim boards.
DUST OFF THE WELCOME MAT
When creating a welcoming ambience, it’s important to remember that
the house itself is merely one component of the whole presentation. The
landscaping, driveway, sidewalk and surrounding areas are just a few elements
that will likely need some attention.
To identify areas that could use a boost, invite a friend to help survey your home.
Someone not invested in the home may see things more objectively and easily
identify problem areas.
Newly potted plants, a clean doormat and fresh paint on the mailbox are all
quick fixes to spruce up a home’s presentation. But don’t go overboard with the
extras. When it comes to a home’s appeal, cleanliness and simplicity are close to
godliness.
To quickly move a house off the market, consider evaluating the condition of
the home’s exterior and making a list of improvements. Don’t underestimate
the power of resurfacing the driveway, clearing the roof of debris and taking a
sponge to the home’s trim. And if the budget allows, new fencing, gutters or
shutters are relatively easy ways to boost a home’s curb appeal.
CONSIDER THE PERIMETER
The right fence can add to a home’s overall appearance—and attract buyers with
dogs and small children as well as those seeking privacy. Fencing that’s broken,
poorly painted, or otherwise past its prime, however, will not work in the seller’s
favor. “Painted wood fences are a tough sell because today’s homebuyers are
looking for low-maintenance,” explains Colleen Shields of A.B.S. Fence in
Wareham.

36 . FALL WINTER 2016 / AT HOME ON CAPE COD

HOME MAINTENANCE • CURB APPEAL

Vinyl fencing has grown in popularity—mainly because it’s impervious to rot
and decay—but if that’s not in the budget, a fresh coat of paint on a wood
fence can do wonders for a home’s appearance. “A fence with peeling paint
detracts from the home’s overall look, making it look run-down,” Shields
observes.

In general, installing a new fence has a strong return on investment when it
comes to the home’s resale value, according to Shields. And, vinyl fencing
simply requires a quick rinse with a bleach solution once or twice a year,
which is certainly easier than repainting a wood fence every few years.

SITTING PRETTY EVEN IN A STORM

Gutters are generally thought of more for function than form, but the
right rain collectors can up the ante on a home’s appearance. “[Historic]
homes in New England were built with wood gutters featuring the wood’s
natural grain and knots. They were quite attractive,” says Russ Allen of the
Fiberglass Gutter Company in Pembroke, a company that has duplicated
that look with fiberglass gutters.

Hanging gutters, peeling paint and gaping seams are unsightly realties of
wood, plastic and metal gutters, according to Allen. Replacing old gutters
with gutters fabricated with today’s wood isn’t a solid option. “Today’s
wood is new growth, which is porous and falls apart in about five years,” he
says. “Those looking for a one-time fix ought to replace wood gutters with
fiberglass.”

WINDOWS TO THE WORLD

A home’s windows are often overlooked when calculating curb appeal,
but the state of these paned frameworks can speak volumes. Regan urges
homeowners to make sure windows are clean; screens and frames are free of
holes, gaps and other structural eyesores; and landscaping shrubs haven’t
taken over the front view.

Taking a gander at the window treatments hanging in the windows isn’t
a bad idea, either. A mishmash of drapes, curtains and mini blinds in the
street-facing windows can be visually jarring to the roadside observer. The
addition of interior shutters will provide a consistent window presentation
that will allow homeowners to let the Cape’s cool evening air circulate.

Karl Ivester of New England Shutter Mills in West Dennis says interior
shutters should be installed at the same height—either halfway or full
window—for a uniform look. “Homeowners can adjust the louvres for privacy
or open the shutters wide, which hits on today’s trend of bringing the outside
in,” he explains.

The addition of custom-built exterior shutters—New England Shutter Mills
uses old growth western red cedar for its array of custom shutters—can
also elevate a home’s appeal. “Well-made shutters can transform a home’s
appearance entirely,” Ivester says. “On Cape Cod, homeowners can have a
little fun by selecting less traditional shutter styles such as board and baton
or adorning shutters with appliques like seashells.”

AT HOME ON CAPE COD / FALL WINTER 2016 . 37

LANDSCAPE • LAND MANAGEMENT

Replacing invasive plant species
with native ones yields a bounty of
benefits for the local environment.

BY REBECCA MAYER KNUTSEN

P rivately owned waterfront properties on Cape Cod conjure postcard-
worthy images of breathtaking views, swaying dune grasses and
vibrant beach roses. Sounds perfect, doesn’t it? Not so fast, say land
management experts. Those fragrant pink roses, known as Rosa rugosa, are just
one type of foreign invader taking over our shorelines. The iconic “Cape Cod”
plant hails from Japan, and has no historical roots in coastal Massachusetts.

38 . FALL WINTER 2016 / AT HOME ON CAPE COD

LANDSCAPE • LAND MANAGEMENT

Healthy wetland two
years after the removal

of invasive plants.

AT HOME ON CAPE COD / FALL WINTER 2016 . 39

LANDSCAPE • LAND MANAGEMENT

When left to their own devices, coastal properties grow
large amounts of non-native species, which is unhealthy for
the environment. Though specific policies and regulations
vary by town, property owners in Cape Cod’s conservation
commission jurisdiction have a responsibility to restore the
natural integrity of land bordering the water. Awareness
of the importance of preserving Cape Cod’s limited natural
resources has even attracted the participation of those not
bound by regulations.

The edge after plantings The process, best handled by natural resource
were installed. management experts, involves wrangling non-
native plant species and introducing native plants
40 . FALL WINTER 2016 / AT HOME ON CAPE COD to attract wildlife, reduce erosion and enhance
ecosystem functions. “We help homeowners
revert their properties to house native species,”
explains Jen Crawford, conservation permitting
specialist with Crawford Land Management, an
ecological permitting and restoration company
in Mashpee. “Many clients are interested in the
process and appreciate that they’re improving
the ecology of their property and the surrounding
area.”

The experts at Crawford Land Management,
including Nick Crawford, owner/operator and
Jen’s husband, work with local Conservation
Commissions to mitigate the undertaking and
make sure the appropriate steps—including
permits and regulations—are followed. The
Crawfords also own Cape Cod-based landscape
architectural design firm Jenick Studio.

LANDSCAPE • LAND MANAGEMENT

Monarch butterfly caterpillars depend on na- Due to a declining population, diamondback terra-
tive-growing plants and flowers to survive. pins, like this hatchling, are now listed as threatened
under the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act.

The edge of a salt marsh OUT WITH THE OLD, IN WITH THE NEW
before restoration.
A few of the most common invasive species lining the more than 550
coastal miles of Cape Cod include Oriental bittersweet, Japanese
knotweed, bush honeysuckle and porcelain-berry. “Most arrived in
the horticultural trade and were sold at nurseries as ornamental
plants,” Crawford explains. “Though they’re not native, they’re well
adapted to our climate and soils.”
Crawford says these foreign invaders have the power to out-compete
native plants in a span of a couple of decades. Oriental bittersweet,
for example, puts out a prodigious amount of seeds every fall that
birds feed on and spread around. The roots of other non-native
plants release chemical substances into the soil that discourage
other plants from germinating around them.

AT HOME ON CAPE COD / FALL WINTER 2016 . 41

LANDSCAPE • LAND MANAGEMENT

Invasive species are
carefully removed from a

mound of earth.

Following careful removal of the non-native species, the Knotweed being selectively treated stem by stem to
area can be prepped to accept new vegetation. Each type release bayberry, a native plant.
of habitat on Cape Cod—from coastal dune to coastal
sandplain grass communities—has a certain palette
of native plants that grow well together. In order to
successfully restore a natural landscape, entire native plant
communities, not individual plants, must be planted.

When assessing a property, Crawford and her team
look at exposure to wind and salt spray, shade and sun
requirements, and soil type to determine the best-suited
plant community. Restoring a coastal bank must take soil
stability into account. Soil stability relies on a stratification
of plant layers, or a mix of grasses, lichens, shrubs and trees.
Native grasses, in particular, are key to preventing erosion
on sloping areas and coastal sites. “Their deep fibrous root
systems are highly capable of holding soil in place to reduce
a property’s erosion potential,” says Crawford.

The specific type of plant community varies depending
on proximity to water and the type of soil on each part of
Cape Cod. Properties away from the water allow the plan
to incorporate forest communities, oak holly woodland and
other inland plant communities not well adapted to salt
spray and other coastal conditions. In more protected areas,
Crawford “is less concerned about coastal stabilization,
so we may have more flexibility with the types of plant
communities we restore.”

42 . FALL WINTER 2016 / AT HOME ON CAPE COD

Coastal Bank after restoration
plantings are installed.

ONGOING EFFORTS
ENSURE SUCCESS

With each project, a land management
plan is submitted to the Conservation
Committee during the permitting
process. In order to succeed, invasive
plant management and restoration
planting efforts on Cape Cod rely
on continuous maintenance efforts,
particularly as newly planted areas
become established.

Non-native plants may appear green
and healthy, provide cover, nesting
areas and food sources, and may
even be attractive, but they have a
negative ecological impact on the Cape,
particularly on its wildlife. Studies,
including Douglas Tallamy’s “Bringing
Nature Home,” show the nutritional
content of native plants far exceeds that
of the non-native species, and when fall
migratory birds come through the region
on their migration route, native shrubs
have adapted and produce fruit that
coincides with that timeline.

With the right supervision, threats from
the environment such as birds dropping
in and invasive plants spilling over from
neighboring properties can be kept at
bay. “It doesn’t have to be an intensive
management plan, but the areas will
need care to keep the plants in good
health, especially with the constant
pressures we have on our landscape on
Cape Cod,” Crawford concludes.

AT HOME ON CAPE COD / SPRING SUMMER 2016 . 43

LANDSCAPE • TREE CARE

BY REBECCA MAYER KNUTSEN
ith autumn’s final days just around the corner, trees long for
careful attention before another New England winter takes its
firm grip. Proper fall preparation readies trees for the harsh and
relentless winter elements headed our way and encourages healthy
growth next spring.
Trees clock long hours preparing for winter’s dormancy period, and their hard work is
best noted by the vibrant colors that dot landscapes and brighten hillsides in the fall.
The eye-catching orange, yellow and red hues emerge when chlorophyll—responsible
for keeping leaves green—begins to break down. During the growing season
(summer), chlorophyll is produced constantly and masks the fall pigments adorning
deciduous trees and shrubs.
The harvest season is an ideal time to show your trees a little extra attention.
Natascha Batchelor, district manager of The Davey Tree Expert Co.’s Cape Cod office
in Falmouth, shares her tried and true tips on watering, pruning and fertilizing before
turning the page on the winter equinox.

44 . FALL WINTER 2016 / AT HOME ON CAPE COD

LANDSCAPE • TREE CARE

QUENCH YOUR TREES’ THIRST

Fall is a fantastic time to help trees recover from a dry season, and
that couldn’t ring more true for those reeling from the third dry
summer in a row on Cape Cod and the surrounding coastal areas.
“Ideally, trees need about two inches of water per week,” Batchelor
explains. “We didn’t have that even once this summer.”
Trees are focused on root growth in the fall, and they’ll continue
to grow as long as the soil remains above freezing. The region’s
proximity to the ocean means trees grow well into November, but
this season’s lack of rain is problematic. Drought conditions call
for deep-root watering, a method that uses an injection probe to
penetrate the root system. The optimal watering level for trees is 12
inches deep, but watering trees with a sprinkler reaches just the top
few inches of soil.

PRUNE TO PROMOTE HEALTHY TREES

Although more thorough pruning is best done during a tree’s
dormancy period, fall is a great time to inspect yards for dead or
dying branches and other hazards. Batchelor recommends fall
pruning of dead limbs both as a safety precaution and to reduce
incidence of disease. “If dead wood remains, decay can move into
the rest of the tree,” she says. “When pruned, the tree can callous
over the area and create barriers for disease.”

AT HOME ON CAPE COD / FALL WINTER 2016 . 45

LANDSCAPE

Homeowners might consider bringing in
a certified tree arborist to conduct a fall
tree survey, assess problematic areas,
and identify trees that will require winter
pruning. As trees begin to shed their leaves
in the fall, their unobstructed canopies
reveal a clear view of cracks, decay and
broken limbs.

When it comes to pruning, Batchelor says
it’s best to cut back to another branch
union, and not to cut the wood flush
against stems. She recommends pruning
shrubs to create air circulation and better
prepare for new growth in the spring. The
cooler temperatures and the active period
of root growth also makes fall an ideal time
for tree planting.

FALL FEEDING FRENZY

Trees with a slow annual growth rate, a
disappointing display of fall foliage, or
high incidences of disease and insects may
be exhibiting signs of nutrient deficiency.
Particularly coming off a dry summer, fall
fertilization is important for tree health
and to replenish lost nutrients. However,
Batchelor says, homeowners ought to
use caution this fall. Before applying
fertilizer, she recommends watering trees
to reduce the stress caused by the drought
conditions.

Just like water, trees need fertilizer to reach
the root system rather than simply feeding
the surface soil. Batchelor suggests using
a slow release fertilizer for subsurface
fertilization, and recommends consulting a
professional with questions or concerns.

Helpful resources for more information
and a list of Massachusetts certified
arborists can be found at ISA-arbor.org and
Massarbor.org.

46 . FALL WINTER 2016 / AT HOME ON CAPE COD

Fraser Construction Cape Cod, LLC
Roofing & Remodeling Company

Since 1982
“HOW MATTERS”

31 BOWDOIN ROAD
MASHPEE, MA 02649
508-428-2292 or
888-597-7663 (ROOF)
The Cape’s #1
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www.FraserConstructionCapeCod.com

AT HOME ON CAPE COD / FALL WINTER 2016 . 47

TRENDS • COUNTERTOPS

How four popular
materials stack up

BY REBECCA MAYER KNUTSEN

A n eye-catching countertop serves as a garnish rather than turning to the Internet, to gather reliable
to a carefully designed kitchen or bath. The and pertinent information. “I ensure my customers
expansive, often hard-working surface can are satisfied with the end product in terms of price,
dress up an entire room and display a bit of the aesthetics and durability,” she says. “Most of all, they
homeowner’s personality, all while delivering need to absolutely love what they’ve selected.”
tenfold in the utilitarian department. But
today’s countertop selection process can be McFarland has witnessed a shift in countertop selections
mind-boggling and time-consuming, as the in response to new decorating styles, as homeowners
options are as varied as the costs. transition to open floor plans and adopt more modern
décor in their homes. The availability of marble and
Whether building a new home or renovating a small granite in textures such as honed, extra honed, wood
bathroom, the countertop is a big investment. The final finish and leathered can up a home’s style factor. “The
selection is often swayed as much by a consumer’s rules have changed,” she observes. “Shiny kitchen
wallet as to how—and how often—the space will be used. cabinets no longer need to have a matching shiny
From natural to engineered, quartz to marble, polished countertop. Clients mix honed and leathered surfaces
to matte, identifying which surface will be the most to help transition from one space to another more
durable and aesthetically pleasing but also meet budget seamlessly.”
requirements begins with talking to the experts.
Though Global Granite & Marble’s showroom in
Sales Associate Nicole McFarland of Global Marble & Centerville serves up a wide selection of natural and
Granite Inc. steers homeowners toward geology experts engineered stone, McFarland shares the major benefits
and others who specialize in countertop materials, and drawbacks of four of the most popular countertop
materials available today:

48 . FALL WINTER 2016 / AT HOME ON CAPE COD