Top 5 Tips to Prepare for Your Colour Selection Appointment

5th August 2024

Finance & Budgeting Pre-Construction Design & Trends Sustainability & Energy Efficiency Smart Home & Tech

Discover the top five tips to prepare for your colour selection appointment when building a new home. This article covers everything from arranging a tour of the colour selection centre to budgeting, gathering design inspiration, and planning your electrical layout—ensuring a stress-free and enjoyable experience.

Top 5 Tips to Prepare for Your Colour Selection Appointment

When building a new home, one of the most exciting stages is the colour selection appointment. It’s your chance to put your personal touch on your home, choosing everything from flooring and bricks to electrical fittings and cabinetry finishes. However, without proper preparation, this appointment can quickly become overwhelming. To help make the experience as enjoyable and productive as possible, here are our top five tips to prepare for your colour selection appointment.

1. Arrange a Tour of the Colour Selection Centre

Many builders offer tours of their colour selection centres or galleries. These tours can be personalised one-on-one sessions, group tours, or self-guided walks through the space. Touring the centre beforehand gives you the chance to:

• Familiarise yourself with the selection process and the available options.
• Collect samples (e.g., benchtops, paint swatches) to compare with your home’s existing furniture or design ideas.
• Take photos (if permitted) to help jog your memory when finalising choices.
• Ask if multiple visits are allowed if you’re feeling unsure.

2. Gather Inspiration and Ideas

Showing up with inspiration can make the appointment smoother and more efficient. Some helpful steps include:

• Taking photos of features you love in your current home or from other homes.
• Collecting images from magazines, websites, or display homes.
• Trusting the expertise of your colour consultant—builders hire professionals to guide you through this process and ensure your home looks fantastic.
• Keeping an open mind and allowing the consultant to help refine your ideas into practical selections.

3. Use Online Tools Like Pinterest

Pinterest is an excellent tool for organising your design ideas into specific categories, such as:

• Facade and exterior design
• Kitchen styles (e.g., cabinetry, colours, handles, appliances)
• Bathroom designs (e.g., tiles, floor-to-ceiling options)
• Laundry layout and cabinetry
• Bedroom and living space features

By sorting your ideas into categories, you make it easier for the colour consultant to present options that align with your vision and avoid feeling overwhelmed by choices.

4. Be Budget-Conscious

It’s easy to get carried away with beautiful design ideas, but staying within budget is crucial. Before your appointment:

• Set a clear budget and discuss it with your partner (if applicable) to avoid disagreements on the day.
• Prioritise your needs and wants, understanding that upgrades and custom features can quickly add up.
• Know your builder’s standard inclusions and where upgrades might be necessary to avoid surprises.

5. Prepare Your Electrical Plan

Electrical planning is often an afterthought, but it can make a huge difference to your home’s functionality. Tips include:

• Marking up where your furniture will go on the electrical plan.
• Planning power points, lighting placements, and future-proofing for additions like pools, sheds, or cooling systems.
• Considering if you need three-phase power installed for larger appliances or future home additions.

Key Takeaways

• Preparation is key: The more prepared you are, the less stressful the appointment will be.
• Set a budget: Avoid surprises by knowing your financial limits.
• Gather inspiration: Use tools like Pinterest to create a cohesive design vision.
• Take advantage of tours: Seeing the colour selection centre beforehand can ease nerves and help with planning.
• Plan your electrical layout: This can save you money and prevent future regrets.

Glossary of Terms

• Facade: The front exterior of the home, including design elements like bricks, render, and cladding.
• Benchtop Samples: Small pieces of material (e.g., stone, laminate) used for kitchen and bathroom counters.
• Three-Phase Power: An electrical system that can handle higher loads, often used for large appliances or pools.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need to upgrade anything at my colour selection appointment? A: Technically no, however this does depend on the Builder's pricing strategy at point of sale and the level of upgrades you have already included in your building quote prior to your colour appointment. For example, if your building quote is very cheap, including only the most basis of basic inclusions, it is likely that you will need to upgrade a few items. On the other hand, if you have chosen to add some upgrades to your quote (maybe flooring, cooling, etc) when dealing with your sales consultant upfront, then there's likely to be less need for too many upgrades in your colour appointment.

Q: What should I bring to my appointment? A: Bring any inspiration images, your electrical plan, and a clear budget.

Q: Can I revisit the colour selection centre if needed? A: Best to ask your sales consultant. Some builders allow multiple visits, others don't.

About the Home Building Hub Podcast

The Home Building Hub podcast, hosted by industry experts Colin Bischof and Darren Brennan, is Australia’s premier resource for new home buyers. With weekly episodes featuring special guests, the podcast provides objective, high-quality insights into the home building process—completely free and without sales pitches. From understanding financing options to navigating the complexities of building a new home, each episode is packed with actionable advice and tips.

Explore more episodes at homebuildinghub.com.au and join our growing community of informed home buyers.

Disclaimer

Whilst we’re all about providing value to you, this article should not be considered as legal or financial advice. It contains general information only and is based on the content discussed during the podcast episode. This information is relevant to the episode’s release date and may not be applicable at the time of reading. Always seek independent professional advice tailored to your personal situation before making any legal or financial decisions.

Listen to the Episode

For more detailed insights and discussions, listen to the full episode here: Top 5 Tips to Prepare for Your Colour Selection Appointment