Making the Right Design Choice – Part 2 July 22, 2010
Posted by Shannonbilby in : Hints and Tips , add a commentMany people find that they can make the broad brush decisions on their home design options, but get stumped when they get to the final choices. What can you do to shake off the confusion and really be sure you are selecting the right option for you? Let’s take a look at two approaches that can help you with your decisions.
What do you do if you can’t narrow your choices far enough to really compare them easily? If you are sitting on more than five or six options, it’s almost impossible to really evaluate each one. This is the time to use the divide and decide approach. Group all your options in sets of two, and for each set choose the one you like the best. When you’re only comparing two, it’s much easier to make a selection. Make those decisions and suddenly you’ve cut your possibles in half. Just make sure to ask your salesperson to whip those eliminated options out of your sight so you don’t start second-guessing yourself.
If you’re down to three or four options and find yourself stuck, use the reverse decision tactic. Instead of deciding on the one you want, pick one to eliminate. By reversing your thinking to consider the choices you like the least, you end up with more insight into what you really want. When you discover which one you really can’t let go of – that’s your best choice!
For part 1 this series, click here.
Making the Right Design Choice – Part 1 July 14, 2010
Posted by Shannonbilby in : Hints and Tips , add a commentAre you ready to jump into making flooring choices but aren’t sure where to start? The process can be fun or frustrating, depending on how you approach it. Let’s consider a couple of tactics to make your selection process more straightforward.
First, if possible narrow your choices before you start shopping. Do you feel you have enough information to decide whether you want tile, wood or carpet in the various areas of your home? If so, make those choices and determine a preliminary budget before you start shopping. Just like shopping for a pair of black pants rather than just wandering through a clothing store, the more defined your mission the easier it is to make just the right choice.
If you don’t feel you have the information you need, start your shopping expedition by sitting down with your salesperson and figuring out what you want, drawing on our knowledge of each type of flooring. With that and your budget, you can quickly eliminate most of the options and focus on those that fit your profile.
Finally, don’t get drawn away from your efforts by other items on display. With the wealth of choices available today, it’s easy to get distracted by other options. However, you will have a better experience if you focus on your goals. There will be plenty of wonderful choices for you within your parameters.
Bring a Friend, Stretch Your Perspective! June 21, 2010
Posted by Shannonbilby in : Hints and Tips , add a commentShopping for flooring can be intimidating. One helpful idea is to grab a friend to take with you. This can be a great idea, or it can backfire. Here are some tips to make shopping with a friend an asset rather than a liability.
Choose carefully. The friend that is so fun to run around with may not be your best choice when making a flooring decision. Does your friend have taste in home décor you admire? Will he/she help you make a good decision or want to take over the decision-making process? Do they help you make decisions or are they more likely to distract you?
Set ground rules. This is your home, not theirs. You want to end up with your own flooring choices. Let them know why you are bringing them along. A friend can help you remember certain characteristics you want that you may forget in the excitement of picking flooring (a reminder that you have children and dogs is helpful when you are drooling over that white carpet). Pick a friend who helps you think through decisions by asking the right questions.
Be prepared. If your friend is proving to be a distracting rather than a helpful element, let yourself either ask your friend to help you focus, or stop the process and come again later by yourself.
Consider a non-friend. Maybe your best helper is not a friend at all. How about your cousin Rita whose home always looks so beautiful? A spouse can be a real help or a challenge – consider past shopping trips when making that decision. How about your mom? Even consider someone you don’t know well, but you know loves home decorating. You may be surprised to find out that they would love to join you. Having finished their home, they may want to have the fun of helping you with yours!
New Home Upgrades September 23, 2009
Posted by Shannonbilby in : Hints and Tips , add a comment
When buying a new home, all of the choices that need to be made can be overwhelming! Usually, by the time it comes to choosing flooring it’s easier to say “Just put in whatever is standard!” because the thought of making any extra decisions is just too much. At Big Bob’s, we care about your long term happiness. Keep reading for some things to think about when it comes to flooring upgrades.
- Let’s say there is carpet budgeted for a main living area, but you really would rather have a hard surface. Consider the difference in the amount you would have to invest to get the product you really want instead of investing a portion in the standard choice where that money doesn’t get you any closer to the hard surface product.
- Suppose you want a carpet upgrade in an area that is budgeted for standard carpet, but your budget is maxed out preventing you from getting a thicker product or one with a better warranty . Consider upgrading your carpet cushion in order to make the standard carpet selection feel and perform the best it can.
- If you choose to put in a standard flooring product that is not as durable as you would like with a plan to replace in the near future, be sure to consider the cost of removing that existing floor covering as well as other costs associated with flooring removal such as moving furniture. The money you will spend on those items may be close to the difference in the product you really want and you will avoid the disruption of getting new floors.
- Consider taking advantage of our financing options in order to get the floors you really want the first time. You can apply right from our website and get at least 6 months same as cash with financing up to 4 years.
Are you thinking about an upgrade for your home? Contact us today or view our current promotions to see if it’s time for you to get the floors you’ve always wanted. Our experienced and knowledgeable sales staff is standing by eager to assist you and make the process as simple as possible!

