DO select a neutral palette when it comes to choosing architectural finishes. “People like to add colour when selecting finishes, but they often tire of the colour quickly,” says Anna. “Add it later, with art, an accessory or an area rug.
DON'T develop your design around things like the colour of your existing towels when choosing items like tiles or countertops. “The least expensive way to change the look of a room is through paint, towels and bedding,” says Heather. “Two years down the road, you’ll want new towels anyway.”
DON’T select different finishes for each room in a small space. “Pick one floor material and one tile and make sure your millwork package is the same throughout,” says Anna. “That will make everything far easier to work with and will make your space look larger than it actually is.”
DO follow up after your design appointment to make sure nothing got missed. “I realized later that we hadn’t picked tiles for the entry into the garage or for the main-floor powder room,” says Julie.
DO read your contract before you sign. “It’s all there in writing, so don’t miss that opportunity to ask questions or address any concerns,” says Kelly.
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8) Getting what you paid for
- Research your developer: find out what their track record is, what customizations they offer, how they’ve handled problems in the past, and the rules for visiting your home while it’s under construction.
- Negotiate as much as you can, right from the start. “You have the most power at the time you make the agreement of purchase and sale,” says Kelly. “Think about what you want and then negotiate up front – you’ll discover what they can and can’t change.” You may be able to determine the markup percentage on upgrades or guarantee your completed unit will match the floor plan in your contract.
- Protect yourself. “Ask the developer to deposit money for upgrades into a trust account, so it’s only withdrawn when items are delivered,” says Kelly.
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