Selecting finishes for your new build is one of the most exciting moments in creating a home that truly reflects you. From flooring and cabinetry to fixtures and paint colours, the order in which you make these decisions matters more than most people realise.

Starting a project without a designer is a bit like building a home without a blueprint — you might reach the finish line eventually, but it’ll almost certainly cost more time, money, and stress along the way. A designer helps you avoid expensive mistakes, keeps every stage organised, and ensures each decision supports the bigger vision rather than working against it.

Picture this: the builders are cracking on nicely, everything’s going to plan, when suddenly you’re handed a change order — essentially, an unexpected extra cost. And it’s rarely a small one. These surprises can quickly disrupt your budget and push back your timeline. The role of a designer? To spot the pitfalls early on and keep those costly detours from cropping up in the first place. Here’s exactly how we do that.