Confessions of a Serial New Build Buyer: What I Wish I’d Known Before Picking My Finishes

How you think your selections appointment will look: calm, curated, cohesive. Let’s make sure it actually does.

Choosing finishes in a new build should feel exciting — but it usually feels rushed, overwhelming, and filled with decisions you don’t understand yet. I’ve bought multiple builder homes, and I’ve learned a lot the hard way. This post is what I wish someone had told me before I walked into the design centre, armed with Pinterest boards and not much else.

Your Design Centre appointment is not the time to “figure it out.” It’s the time to execute — fast — on decisions that will lock in the entire look of your home. 

And trust me — I’ve seen it happen: people walk in confident, then twenty minutes later their eyes are glazed, they’re stress-picking floors, and they just want to get out of there. 

Here’s the truth: this is your HOME. It’s probably the biggest investment you’ll ever make (unless you’re buying a private jet — and if you are, call me from it so we can chat finishes for that too). 

You deserve to walk out of your Design Centre appointment feeling excited — not full of regret. And I’m going to show you how to do just that.

The Curveballs You Don’t See Coming 

Most people assume they’ll be picking: floors, cabinets, counters, paint. Easy, right? 

Until the questions start: 

✓  What height do you want this outlet? 

✓  Do you want your light switches aligned vertically or horizontally? 

✓  Which floor transition colour do you want? 

✓  How do you want your tile stacked — offset or straight? 

✓  Where do you want extra lights or plugs? 

And that’s when the overwhelm hits. I’ve seen it time and time again — and once people start feeling behind, that’s when rushed, regrettable choices happen. 

What People Get Wrong (and Why They Regret It Later) 

Spending money in the wrong places 

There are upgrades that are 10x more expensive (or impossible) to do later. And others that can totally wait. Knowing the difference will save you serious $$ long-term. 

Example: Adding another foot to a basement ceiling height — not happening later without $100K. Your kitchen backsplash? Easy weekend project. 

Going too trendy 

Grey hardwood, anyone? Stick to timeless for big surfaces (floors, cabinets, counters) — layer trends in your decor. You’ll thank yourself later. 

Not thinking about flow 

Every room connects. Picking finishes in isolation often leads to a home that feels choppy and disjointed. You need a whole house plan. 

Missing key details 

Lighting! Many new builds don’t include ceiling lights in living rooms unless you ask. Electrical placement — missing 3-way switches? Happens ALL the time. 

Not knowing what they don’t know 

Design Centres often don’t tell you what options exist — or what pitfalls to avoid. And by the time you realize what you should have asked? It’s too late. 

How most selections appointments feel once the curveballs start flying — but it doesn’t have to be this way.

My Pro Tips for Selections You’ll Love 

Create a true master moodboard 

Pinterest scatter is the enemy. I help clients distill their style into one clear, cohesive moodboard we sanity-check before the appointment. 

A clear, cohesive moodboard takes the guesswork out of selections day.

Align your “big three” first 

Cabinets, flooring, counters — these anchor every other finish decision. We nail these first so everything else flows seamlessly. 
 

Know where to splurge NOW 

Some upgrades are worth every penny upfront — because doing them later will either be impossible or cost a fortune. I guide clients on where to invest, where to save. 
 

Go in with 95% of decisions made 

I send clients in with a solid plan — so there’s no panic picking or second guessing. When surprises come up? We already know how to pivot. 
 

GOLD TIP: Flow Test 

Before you finalize, I do a “flow test” — walking through how your finishes will visually flow from space to space on a floor plan. It’s shocking how often this catches mismatches that others would miss. Most designers don’t do this level of flow mapping — but it’s one of my secret weapons. 

My ‘flow test’ ensures your finishes feel cohesive and connected throughout your home.

Why Work With Me (Or Grab My Pack) 

Could you DIY this? Sure. But why risk regret on a six-figure home? 

I’ve built three new homes, made ALL the rookie mistakes, and learned how to avoid them. Now I help clients do it right — with way less stress. 

What my Selections Made Simple service and pack help you avoid: 

✓  Decision fatigue and overwhelm 

✓  Rushed, mismatched selections 

✓  Wasted upgrade dollars 

✓  Costly regrets that impact resale 

And the results? Clients walk into their pre-delivery inspection with that HGTV wow moment — knowing every decision was thought through and will stand the test of time. 

(Also — I read electrical diagrams and structural drawings. So if your builder “forgets” that 3-way switch at the end of your hallway? I’ll catch it.) 

What we’re going for: a home you love from day one — with zero regrets.

Ready to make selections with confidence (and zero regret)? 

Book your initial consultation to take the first step towards making your vision a reality.

Or, if you’d rather DIY with expert guidance, grab the digital pack on its own. 

→  Either way? Your future self will thank you.