Finish selections.
The fun part of the project is choosing the aesthetics for your future home. Whether you’re going it alone or using an interior designer or architect we see 3 tips for making selections which are fundamental to your decision – making ability.
Create yourself a brief
When we say brief, we mean put your design notes, inspiration, ideas and the budget that you’re aiming for. It’s an informal working document will develop as you delve deeper into your project. It helps you to stay on track whether you decide yourself or with a consultant. If you’ve collected ideas on pinterest or created your own mood board, this will be your beacon through the overwhelm, the abundance of choice and the endless versions of white. Or the styles and textures you are wading through. It certainly helps minimise the chance of a disjointed finish at the end.
We also recommend drawing yourself a plan with wall to wall measurements for every room being renovated including the cabinetry, appliance spacing, vanities and bath dimensions so you have it on hand for choosing relevant items.
If you use an interior designer, this part becomes your preparation ahead of discussions with your consultant. They will guide you with their own process and means your personal brief needn’t be as detailed.
Decide you budget.
Being the fun yet very overwhelming part, this is where most budgets blow out. Armed with a comprehensive brief the next part is what you’ll be investing. Another tip is prioritising the must haves down to the nice to have to help navigate these choices. Whats the most important thing you absolutely can’t compromise on vs the part or parts you can live without. And lastly, buffer.
Not everything is under your control so have a buffer for any unexpected contingencies that may arise. Just like the renovation where you might find extra remedial work once everything has been gutted… keep a buffer for selections for extra bits that may be required or for those taps you can’t live without.
Choose early.
While the vision for your project is fresh in your mind and the reasons for all of those little design decisions are top of mind… push the button and make the selections in a calm and considered way.
It’s not uncommon for clients to become unstuck when selections are made at later stages. Often becoming overwhelmed with choice, not confident in the choices and eventually rushing the selections. All avoidable if it’s done earlier when things are clear. Plus, it pays off because materials are sourced in a timely manner keeping your build schedule on time and usually within budget.
Consult a professional.
In a practical sense, as a builder, engaging an interior design consultant is money well spent because removes stress and saves valuable time. Selections are made in a calm considered way, on time, within budget and we receive delivery at the right time avoiding any schedule delays.
An interior designer is a complimentary role to the builder bringing another creative dimension to the project and ultimately bringing the most out of your space. The overall design and the finish selections work together. Once the overall configuration is designed, an interior designer will set out options for a cohesive look, no money is wasted on choices you later regret because you were overwhelmed or went off on a tangent with your choices.
