After the big decision of starting a project there are many decisions left to be made that will ultimately define how you feel about your projects success. Regret should not be one of the emotions associated with your feelings about how you spent your time and money! The choices that you need to make that are most important to ending up with feelings of happiness and contentment may surprise you. Even though your choices of which builder you picked, the size of the project, or even the area to work on and how much money you want to spend are very important, the most important decisions are the ones that effect the way the project looks in the end with your colors and finishes! After all, odds are you will be spending time in or around your project area EVERY day. So, lets see what it takes to make sure that your selections are the kind that you can LIVE with for a very long time.
It is important to realize that it takes time to make good selections. Be prepared to take that time and don’t ever put yourself in a position that you feel rushed. Block out plenty of time when going to selection centers (try for an extra hour than what you might think). Going with your builder is even better – he can help keep you in line with what was put into the budget, or at least let you know the difference in the amounts. Also, don’t feel like you are wasting your builder’s time here, because a good builder understands the value of this phase of the job and will respect your commitment to a great outcome. Use a babysitter to make sure you kids do not distract you – they can get VERY bored and become distractions to you and everyone else, and then your attention is not on the IMPORTANT job at hand.
Also, just plain and simply – LISTEN to the experts you are trusting to help you. Your builder, architect, designer, and even the individual sub-contractors are professionals in their fields. Rely on them to help you make great choices. Their experience with the materials you are selecting from will be able to help you make informed decisions and you will be able to feel more confidant about your choice. You should never feel that you are going at this alone. We are hear to help make this time comfortable and as fun as possible. Use this time to understand yourself. What makes you happy! Some colors will connect with you, certain fixtures will be able to show off your personality into your home, some items will make your house just plain fun. Don’t be afraid to use them in special places, you will always remember why you did and bring joy into your heart each and every time you see it. So don’t be afraid of selecting something you find appealing just because it is different; remember you don’t want regrets. It is YOUR house.
Next, take your options to your house! Do not make the mistake of thinking you like a color or pattern at the showroom. Everything changes once it is in place. Shadows and reflections from outside your house can change how a color looks dramatically. The amount of sunlight that filters through makes a big difference as well. Place your samples in many different places at all times of day. Something you love in the morning light may look horrible in the evening shade. Put plenty of samples on the walls and do not rely on paint chips for colors. We once took two and a half weeks putting up samples of paint in a house. The painter thought I was crazy, but the color ended up being perfect and I still get calls asking, “what was that color we used in that house?” It is truly worth the time and effort to make sure your choice is perfect, not just ok. Most of all, enjoy the process. You probably won’t have many opportunities to do it, and if you have no regrets about your choices and the time you took to make them, the feeling you get when you walk into that space will never get old!!
Please feel free to call me any time about any question you have with this tip or anything else on your mind at 512.413.9281.
