If you are thinking about making some changes to your home in a small or large way, I always suggest that my clients do some homework. You have probably heard the old adage, “Measure Twice, Cut Once”?  That just means to make sure of what you are doing before you do something that cannot be reversed. Here are several places where you can gather ideas before you start making decisions and putting a budget and plan of attack together for any changes that you might like to make in your home.

1. Go and visit new model homes in your area! Builders are always cutting edge in the decorating, finishes and colors, so stopping to look at what they are showing and selling will give you some good ideas. Some builders do not mind if you take photos, but ask first!

2. Look at magazines like Better Homes and Gardens, Southern Living and others that are on a typical magazine rack. You can always find an abundance of this type of resource at the checkout at Lowe’s and Home Depot.  Put together a file or scrapbook of what you find that you really like. This can be a reference for you when you are ready to start the pricing process.

3. For great kitchen ideas, go to angieslist.com. This is a site that features photos, a blog with discussions and great articles on everything kitchen. Many times the articles provide pros and cons, pricing and durability  of different finishes; for example, granite, concrete, quartz countertops, so that you can see what will work best for you.

4. I love Houzz.com for all the photos and great ideas for every budget! You can create a personal “idea book” where you can save the photos that you like.

5. Check out Lonny.com which is a very cool online magazine that has a very trendy and sophisticated look.

Even if what you are doing is small scale, it can be important for you to “look before you leap” and check out different options for making changes to your home.