Whether you are gearing up for a remodel, a new build, or a small refresher project, it’s important to prepare for your appointment before you meet with a professional to make product selections. Depending on the scope of your project, you may be meeting with a designer, a trade professional or a showroom sales consultant.

We've put together some tips to help get your project off to a great start:

Schedule Accordingly

Be sure to schedule your appointment at a time when you can be present both physically and mentally. It’s important to focus on the task at hand so you are confident and happy with your selections.

• Schedule Accordingly >> Be sure to schedule your appointment at a time when you can be present both physically and mentally. It’s important to focus on the task at hand so you are confident and happy with your selections.
• Build the Right Expectations >> Be sure to get accurate expectations of the appointment ahead of time. Ask some preliminary questions: What selections will we be making? How long will the appointment run? What should I bring?
• Do Your Homework >> Make a list of key factors about your home to help ensure your selections are on track. Here are a few details to make note of:
  • The style of your home – traditional, transitional, or contemporary.
  • Rough measurements of important spaces (i.e. width of the cabinet where your sink is located, current sink dimensions, shower dimensions, toilet rough-in, room dimensions, etc.).
  • Finishes (brushed nickel, chrome, oil rubbed bronze, etc.) of items in your home that will NOT be changing and may need to coordinate with your new selections.
• Prepare a Budget >> Determine what you want to spend for your project(s) and be sure to share it at your appointment. Having a budget communicated will help with selecting products appropriately and will save lots of time.
• Gather Ideas >> Start a Pinterest board, Houzz.com account, or just an old school manila folder full of items you love. Not sure what your style is? Bringing these ideas to the table will help whoever is coordinating the selections to point you toward products you’ll love.
• Consider your Personal Preferences >> Start brainstorming your preferences. Is there a must-have color theme? Any features needed in certain products? Pull-down or pull-out faucet? Double bowl or single bowl kitchen sink? Make a list of any thoughts you come up with and share them at the start of your appointment.
• Compile a Check List >> Try to put together a list of every item you'll need for each project. This is a great exercise to get you prepared for the appointment. Don't worry too much about having a perfectly completed list, but compiling as much as you can beforehand will be a great start.

In the process of remodeling or just finished up a project and have some words of advice on how to best prepare? Share your tips & tricks for other readers in the comments below! 

Photos: 1 Brizo, 2 Sub-Zero Wolf