“We didn’t expect the appointment would take so long or that there’d be so many things to think about,” says Julie. “We had to pick everything from grout colour to shower enclosure tile, and I couldn’t believe the number of choices there were for each!” The design appointment is where the building of your dream home actually begins. Here’s what you need to know.
- what to bring Take your wish list and scrapbook to give the designer a point of reference. “And bring pictures and dimensions of any furniture and art that you’re moving into the space,” says Kimberly.
- how long it will take Appointments typically last from one to three hours. And sometimes they’re broken up into stages – your first appointment may be to decide exterior colours, or there may be a separate one for appliances and cabinetry.
- the process When it comes to putting everything together, your assigned designer might start by anchoring the home with a room, like the kitchen, or begin with flooring and move up to counters, wall colour, tiles and woodwork. Don’t be afraid to ask questions – use this person’s expertise to guide you. “Sometimes people have a hard time visualizing how different elements will work together,” says Heather Saunders, interior design manager for new-home builder Shane Homes in Calgary. “I make sure that whatever they select works, and will offer alternative suggestions until it all comes together.”
3) Call in a designer
- why it’s worth it The person running your design appointment isn’t necessarily going to be an interior designer, advises Anna. “Hire someone you have a rapport with and who’s independent of the developer but familiar with the process. Just tell them you need them for about four hours; if they charge around $150 per hour, it will be well worth the expense,” she says.
- how they can help “It’s like bringing a realtor with you when you’re buying a house,” says Adele. “An interior designer will be able to point out things you may not be looking at.”
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