DIY Network

Selections and Schedules: Interior Selection Process From "Home IQ" episode DHIQ-104

Figure A

To help with the process of interior selections, Lynn Oberg created collage boards (figure A).

• "Brad and I had been talking about building a house for a couple of years," Lynn said, "so as I found things in magazines ? I've been tucking them away." Lynn took these clippings and taped them to large boards, which she planned to take with her on the shopping trips.
  

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  	Figure B
  	Figure C

• "Another reason that I did this is that it gave me product information," Lynn added. When you go into places you may not always see everything that's available, so it's smart to be as prepared as possible, and Lynn's collages served this purpose. Remember that many items can be ordered through catalogues -- especially decorative items.

• Lynn did a collage board for every room, including the kitchen (figure B), which came in handy when she and Brad went to meet the kitchen designer. "Brad and Lynn were in our store maybe seven or eight times," Allen Kline, the kitchen designer, said. The first trip was to create a basic layout of the kitchen, which is needed by the builder weeks in advance of actual installation.

• The decisions have to be made in early in order for the subcontractors, such as the plumbers and electricians, know where to do their installations.

• Selections also ensure that all the items can be delivered to the job site before they are slated to be installed.

• Even though the Obergs made their decisions early, problems still arose. For example, late in the designing phase, Brad and Lynn moved the warming oven and forgetting about the change, Lynn instructed the cabinet installer on-site to cut out an existing drawer on the island (figure C) and replace it with a warming oven. The installer was able to accommodate the change, but this was an additional cost the Obergs had to cover.

  Tip: One of the keys to avoiding problems in the selection process is to make sure that all key decisions are documented.

• Note that what a homeowner may consider a detail, a builder or installer may consider a change. It's best to make sure you have closure with all decisions by writing them down and making sure the builder and installers know what's going on at all times. It's always a good idea to check the spec sheet provided by the builder when there's any doubt.

In the final segment of this episode, find out about some situations that you may not think about but that can delay the building of your new home.

RESOURCES :

Bricks
PF Cook Brick Co., Inc.
202 Commerce Park Dr.
Cranberry Township, PA 16066
Phone: 724-772-5999
Fax: 724-772-6677
E-mail: PFCookBrick@Hotmail.com

Cabinets
Manor House Kitchens
Website: www.manorhousekitchens.com

Lighting
Sterling Lite, Inc.
Website: www.sterlinglite.com

Tile
Best Tile Distributors, Inc.
Website: www.besttile.com

Molyneaux Tile and Carpet
Website: www.beautifulfloors.com

Bathroom Fixtures and Accessories
Nicklas Supply, Inc./Splash
Website: www.wit-co.com
or www.nicklassupply.com

Windows and Doors
Andersen Windows
Website: www.andersenwindows.com

Carpeting
Molyneaux Tile and Carpet
Website: www.beautifulfloors.com

GUESTS :

Brad and Lynn Oberg
Homeowners
Company: IBACOS (Brad)
Title: Co-Founder/Chief Technology Officer
Website: www.ibacos.com

Henry (Hank) Swierczynski
President
Hendolhurst Homes
955 Markman Park Rd.
Baden, PA 15005
Phone: 724-935-5658
Fax: 724-935-0884
E-mail: buildm@zoominternet.net

Greg Allen
Site Supervisor
Hendolhurst Homes
955 Markman Park Rd.
Baden, PA 15005
Phone: 724-935-5658
Fax: 724-935-0884
E-mail: buildm@zoominternet.net
Website: hendolhursthomes.com

Allen Kline
Senior Kitchen Designer
Manor House Kitchens
See contact information above under Resources

Pamela F. Cook
President
PF Cook Brick Co., Inc.
202 Commerce Park Dr.
Cranberry Township, PA 16066
Phone: 724-772-5999
Fax: 724-772-6677
E-mail: PFCookBrick@Hotmail.com

Todd Kline
Installer
Manor House Kitchens