Thursday, January 26, 2012

the art of picking things out

So, about 3 years ago, when we thought we wanted to build a house, we started looking. We went to home shows, bought magazines, and just looked at different aspects of a house. There are SO many choices to make, from what kind of doorknob you want to the kitchen cabinets. We have a pretty good idea of what we like, so that did help a bit.

The next step was to start a file. I guess a designer would call it a mood board. I got a big flipchart, made a page for each room, and just started taping things on there that I liked, a light fixture from home depot, a pic from a magazine......

When it came time to really get down to business, the contractor gave us a list of suppliers that they work with, and we had to make appointments to go to each one to pick out "stuff". The windows were easy, as well as the fireplace, and then it got a bit harder. We spent a great deal of time looking at faucets and lighting (not quite sure we still have it right), tile and floor coverings were hard too.(still working on that one as well). Cabinets are a HUGE investment and not an easy decision as well. We did eventually work through the list and got a budget for the finished house. Now we're free to keep looking, as long as what we choose comes in at or lower than the budget.

We already know we'll do something different for the bathroom vanities, and have found the floor tile for the master cheaper at home depot. The next step will be really shopping for things like medicine cabinets, tile, a front door (those are unbelieveably expensive), vanities and our clawfoot bathtub.
This is going to be fun!

Next time......the fun of financing.

No comments:

Post a Comment