Homeowner News
BEFORE YOU RENOVATE, FIND OUT WHICH ENERGY CODE YOUR TOWN FOLLOWS
BEFORE YOU RENOVATE, FIND OUT WHICH ENERGY CODE YOUR TOWN FOLLOWS Energy codes don’t usually make dinner-table conversation — but on Cape Cod they increasingly shape renovation plans, heating choices and construction budgets. Every town from the bridges through Orleans, plus Provincetown, follows the Stretch Energy Code. Outer Cape towns from Eastham to Truro have…
Read MoreIndustry Action: Harwich & Bourne Permitting Updates
Industry Action: Harwich & Bourne Permitting Updates January 1st, the Town of Harwich implemented a new building permit fee structure that significantly changed how permit fees were calculated and how applications were processed. Under the new approach, permit fees for residential projects shifted to a valuation-based model at a rate of $12 per $1,000 of…
Read MoreBringing Back the Starter Home: What Massachusetts’ New Chapter 40Y Law Means for Cape Cod Builders and Homeowners
Bringing Back the Starter Home: What Massachusetts’ New Chapter 40Y Law Means for Cape Cod Builders and Homeowners For years, the Cape Cod housing market has been facing a growing challenge — there simply aren’t enough attainable homes for local families, young professionals, and retirees who want to stay here. Home prices have surged, available…
Read More5 Things to Know Before Creating Your Outdoor Kitchen
5 Things to Know Before Creating Your Outdoor Kitchen (or Lifestyle Space) Op-Ed – Author: Erin Cox of KAM Appliances ecox@kamonline.com Whether you’re designing a full outdoor kitchen, a simple grilling zone, or a multi-functional backyard space, the best results come from smart planning. Here are five things to keep in mind as you get…
Read MoreAdvocacy in Action: How HBRAMA Made Major Strides for Housing in 2024
Advocacy in Action: How HBRAMA Made Major Strides for Housing in 2024 The Home Builders and Remodelers Association of Massachusetts (HBRAMA) had one of its most impactful years yet in 2024, leading the charge on housing advocacy and regulatory reform that directly benefits the building industry and communities across the state. These efforts were made…
Read MoreSwinging for a Cause: Habitat Cape Cod’s 4th Annual Golf Tournament Raises Over $110,000 for Affordable Housing
Swinging for a Cause: Habitat Cape Cod’s 4th Annual Golf Tournament Raises Over $110,000 for Affordable Housing The greens of The Ridge Club in Sandwich, MA, were filled with energy and purpose on Monday, June 16, 2025, as Habitat for Humanity of Cape Cod hosted its 4th Annual Home in One Golf Tournament. Presented by…
Read MoreNew Home Inspection Regulation Aims to Protect Buyers’ Rights in Massachusetts
New Home Inspection Regulation Aims to Protect Buyers’ Rights in Massachusetts The Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) has finalized a new regulation designed to protect Massachusetts homebuyers by ensuring they are fully informed of their right to a home inspection. Set to take effect for contracts signed after October 15, 2025, this…
Read MoreHousing and Taxes Emerge as Key Issues in Governor’s Race
Housing and Taxes Emerge as Key Issues in Governor’s Race As Massachusetts looks ahead to its next gubernatorial election, a recent poll reveals a clear message from voters: economic realities are driving decisions more than party lines. Reducing housing costs topped the list of concerns, with nearly one-third of respondents citing it as the most…
Read MoreHealey-Driscoll Administration Proposes Coastal Resilience Plan Amid Rising Sea Threats
Healey-Driscoll Administration Proposes Coastal Resilience Plan Amid Rising Sea Threats As climate change accelerates, Massachusetts is taking proactive steps to protect its vulnerable coastal communities. A newly released draft plan by the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs outlines a comprehensive 50-year strategy to address rising sea levels, intensifying storms, and increased flooding risks…
Read MoreHabitat Cape Cod’s Deconstruction Program
Habitat Cape Cod’s Deconstruction Program Looking to remodel your kitchen or upgrade appliances? Habitat for Humanity of Cape Cod offers a Deconstruction Program that helps homeowners, contractors, and tradespeople save on labor and disposal costs. Trained and insured volunteers will carefully remove reusable cabinets, appliances, and other items—at no cost if the items can be…
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