What is Viva Magenta?
Pantone’s Color of the Year, Viva Magenta 18-1750, vibrates with vim and vigor. It is a shade rooted in nature descending from the red family and expressive of a new signal of strength. Viva Magenta is brave and fearless, and a pulsating color whose exuberance promotes a joyous and optimistic celebration, writing a new narrative.

This year’s Color of the Year is powerful and empowering. It is a new animated red that revels in pure joy, encouraging experimentation and self-expression without restraint, an electrifying, and a boundaryless shade that is manifesting as a stand-out statement. PANTONE 18-1750 Viva Magenta welcomes anyone and everyone with the same verve for life and rebellious spirit. It is a color that is audacious, full of wit and inclusive of all.

Pantone has also shared a beautiful nature inspired color palette (below) to compliment this vibrant shade of red.

Source: https://www.pantone.com/color-of-the-year-2023

If you are looking to buy, build or renovate your home, kitchen or bath on Cape Cod, consider working with the REEF Builders team with complete real estate, design, permitting, and construction services.

Looking for costs per square foot for a new home on Cape Cod?  Click here to download our Construction Cost Guide

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Here's a great list of things to consider when you are planning to build your new custom home on Cape Cod. After designing and building nearly 1,500 new home, renovation, and addition projects here on Cape Cod, we decided to put together a list of important considerations for those looking to build. This list will be helpful when selecting a piece of land or property for a new home project or renovation, and provides a list of questions to ask your prospective designer or builder.

1. Ask for references from your builder and designer, and follow up with them, ask about the overall experience
2. Ask about your builder’s warranty program and manufacturer’s warranties
3. Get your designer and builder out to your prospective home site BEFORE you decide to purchase the property
4. Ask how long it will take to get the design, permitting and engineering done, and expect that timeline to increase for waterfront or other properties near wetlands or sensitive areas
5. Set a realistic budget BEFORE you purchase land (Click here for REEF’s Construction Cost Guide)
6. Make A Wants List & A Needs List, it will help set priorities for the design and budget
7. Ask the builder or designer for a list of vendors they work with, and visit with them
8. Ask how the interior and exterior finishes are selected
9. How are changes handled, both before and during construction?
10. Ask to see change order documents and other forms used during construction
11.  Ask about fees the designer or builder charges for their work
12. Examine the cost estimate in detail and ask for clarification of each line item
13. Mentally visualize your floor plan, or ask for a 3D rendering to better understand your new home
14. Consider views, natural light, and window options
15. Understand the property you are buying and review boundaries and set-backs with surveyor and builder
16. Consider a walkout basement or drive under garage on sloping lots
17. Start your budget planning with Landscaping, as most people defer landscaping to the end of the project when the budget may be exceeded
18. Ask to walk the property with the builder prior to clearing and identify and save large trees if possible
19. Research the property tax rate so you know what the real estate taxes will be for your new home
20. Expect to pay more than you originally planned, and understand what is included with your contract
21. Use the highest quality materials available within your budget, it will save money in the long run
22. Ask your builder what is not included or specifically excluded from your contract
23. Plan for an outdoor living area, furniture, play areas etc.
24. Use proven, energy efficient systems with a strong performance track record
25. Examine the options for vaulted or cathedral ceilings to enhance the feel of important rooms
26. Include a convenient location for laundry areas, preferably near bedrooms
27. Ask about Universal Design or Aging in Place design for retirement homes
28. Design a walk-in pantry area
29. Consider multiple work / prep areas in the kitchen
30. Choose low maintenance materials
31. Create a light fixture and bath fixture list by room
32. Set a budget for closet storage systems and shelving
33. Include dimmers on light fixtures, both interior and exterior
34. Do not put covered porches on the north-facing side of homes
35. Consider additional exterior outlets on walls or roof lines for outdoor lighting
36. Create a separate space for an office / hobby/ or other flex space, away from the main living areas
37. Ask about the details, and take the time to read the manufacturers warranties and user guides for your selected products and finishes
38. Design with tall ceilings wherever possible
39. Use additional trim, moldings and details to dress up the home exterior
40. Install spare conduits in a few locations in the home for future wiring, speakers etc.
41. Review furniture layouts before your build, and inform your designer and builder of any special furniture pieces you might be considering
42. Insulate with the highest grade material available, the long term cost savings are huge!
43. Take time to study floor plans and elevation drawings, changes on paper are inexpensive, after building has started, changes are very expensive
44. Ask your builder to provide a construction schedule and determine a completion date
45. Visit local home shows to see new products
46. Meet with the local building inspector do ask questions about house size, orientation or other restrictions
47. Consider interior and exterior finishes that are timeless and tasteful, it will enhance the long term value of your new home
48. Consider efficient use of spaces in the home, every square foot costs money and you want to get maximum use out of each space
49. A well designed, efficient home may not have to be as big as you think!
50. Design a house that will serve your needs in the short and long term - it will add value

If you are looking for a designer or builder for your new custom home on Cape Cod, Contact the team at REEF Builders today! 

"You've been coming to the Cape your whole life, Isn't it time you stayed?"

The new year is a great time to do research on upcoming trends in our industry. If you follow any residential design news, this is the time of year for industry trade shows, such as the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS) the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) and the International Builders Show (IBS) These shows often feature the leaders in new technology, trends and style that will influence design and style of your custom home, renovation or addition project for years to come.

Here are a few links to 2017 trends that we have come across over the last few weeks. Looks like Color and Texture are definitely on trend if you are considering designing, building, or renovating your home.

2017 Design Trends - ElleDecor

Pantone's 2017 Color Trends

Vogue's 2017 Design Trends

If you are considering a custom home, addition, renovation or other project here on Cape Cod, please consider our team here at REEF!