Building a dream for your new home: finding the right materials

Choosing and sourcing the “right” materials for your dream home build, really means “best fit”. It’s important that you work with your design-build partner to select materials that fit your vision, style preferences, lifestyle and, of course, your budget. Here are a few tips you should consider before selecting materials for your new build.

Narrow your vision

Come prepared to communicate your vision—social media is a great repository for home inspiration. Search boards on Pinterest (use generic search terms like “custom home ideas” or more granular keywords like “French country kitchens”), or photos from Houzz that feature the style/look you’re envisioning, or even the precise materials you’re looking to source. Bringing visual inspiration to the table is a good starting point for discussion and collaboration with your design-build partner.

Go to multiple sources

You and your design-build partner may be required to go to many different sources to get your hands on rare, custom or unique materials. Typically, industry professionals will have interior designer, architect, preferred vendors, or other industry peers that they can contact to source such materials. You can also go to design shows or trade shows and speak to vendors of specific products.

Understand budget implications

Often you can find most materials in Canada or the US, but there are cases where distributors will need to import outside of North America which will affect timelines (which also means labour costs) and your raw material budget. It’s easy to watch your budget soar out of scope on just one or two “must have” finishes (for example, Swarovski crystal knobs for cabinets than run up to $2,000 per piece). Budget early, and stick to it. Decide between “must haves” and “would be nice to haves” and make compromises wherever comfortable. Often, your design-build partner will be able to give you alternatives that are fantastic opportunities to cut costs and still achieve your aesthetic vision.