Be Prepared: Design Center 101

You did it! After much consideration, you chose to buy a brand-new home—and a good decision it was. There’s no denying the many benefits of building a perfect-for-your-lifestyle home. So after choosing the builder you trust and selecting the floorplan that will suit your family best, it’s time to start the real fun—the dreaming-it-into-reality stage.

When you buy new, you get to pick the lot . . . the upgrades . . . the finishes. Ultimate personalization can be yours—and it all starts with your first Design Center appointment. Read on for some tips to ensure you’re prepared and get everything you want in your new home.

Ready, Set, Select!: 5 Tips for a Smooth Design Center Appointment


Know what to expect

When you build new with Celebrity Custom Homes, the personalization process begins with a Design Preview Meeting with a construction coordinator at the builder’s Design Center. During this 3-hour consultation you will learn all the upgrades and finishes available for the floorplan you’ve selected, along with their prices. Over the following four weeks you’ll work closely with your construction coordinator to select every detail —including floor plan options, exterior colors, cabinets, appliances, plumbing fixtures, electrical additions, lighting fixtures, and more—customizing the home to your personal taste, needs, and budget. 

Know your style 

When you envision your dream home, what is the home’s vibe? Country farmhouse? Urban minimalist? Mid-century modern, with sleek lines and distinct furniture? Before your first visit to the Design Center, have a good grasp on the look you desire for your space. Knowing your style will help guide your decisions and keep you on course with design selections.

Know your budget 

You dreamed big. Good for you. Next, you must determine how much you can afford to make these dreams reality. Knowing your budget when you walk through the Design Center doors is key to ensuring your selections align with your bottom line.

All new homes include a standard package of predetermined design elements such as layouts, colors, and finishes. Every builder’s basic offerings are different, so it’s important to review a list of what’s included in your chosen floorplan so you are prepared to select elements that may require extra decision making and added expense. Here are a few areas you may wish to upgrade:

Know what’s included 

  • Home’s elevation (exterior)
  • Cabinets
  • Flooring (wood, tile, carpeting)
  • Appliances (gourmet kitchen, anyone?)
  • Finished basement

Know your lifestyle 

Is your family growing? Is retirement on your horizon? Do you host overnight guests? Will your children have their own rooms or bunk up? Do you enjoy cooking? Knowing the natural flow of your daily life can help guide your floorplan and interior design decisions to ensure your home is intuitive and works for you. 

Know your priorities 

Take some time to brainstorm and write down your list of dream items. Next, organize these ideas into two categories: want and need. What is a deal-breaker? What would be nice to have but isn’t necessary? Knowing this and prioritizing these ideas means you can focus on what will really bring value to your life when you’re making decisions at the Design Center. 

Buying a brand-new home can be a wildly gratifying experience. It also involves a lot of important decision making. But when you’re prepared, this process can be smooth and rewarding—and it all starts with a successful initial Design Center appointment. 


Pradera is Douglas County’s premier luxury master-planned community. Supporting authentic Colorado living at its best, this golfing community delivers a world-class lifestyle for residents. Ready to make a move? Visit us today and let us make your dream home a reality.

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