By Pat Allin

In the Seventies, we moved to Anchorage, Alaska. We bought a house under construction in a new subdivision. I was very excited about picking out the cabinets, flooring and finishes.

You can bet I was disappointed to know how limited my choices were. The contractor repeatedly told me, "You can't get that here." Unfortunately, most of what he said was not true. He had a list of suppliers he used and did not want to go elsewhere. I was not experienced enough to do research on my own. I accepted what was offered. When I found out the truth, I was angry. You could get anything you wanted in Alaska. You just might have to wait a little longer.

I decided then and there that no one was going to do this to me again. I was going to be informed.

Today, you have information available through the Internet as well as through local vendors. Last month, I talked about the value of studying, reading, and traveling to collect ideas. If you don't know what you like or where to start, buy some decorating magazines. Magazine clippings are a quick way to hone your tastes: "I like this." "I don't like that."

Once you've done this, you might still be unsure about how to put it all together. A good designer can help you sort through your ideas and choose the most appropriate materials. A designer can see possibilities and contribute ideas you might not have considered.

Your designer also acts as your agent with contractors and vendors. You should depend on her to get things done; help you make the most of a limited budget. The more informed you are, the more a designer can help you. Know what you need and what you can afford.

You must talk about your budget. Some people hesitate to give a dollar figure. Your designer is not asking how much money you have, just how much you are willing to spend on the project. A designer will respect your budget and optimize your choices within it. She has to work with this framework or let you know at the beginning if it can't be done.

Discuss your designer's fees at the outset: you can limit how much you are willing to spend. Some designers may require a contract, but you are in control of what goes into that. Other designers charge an hourly rate - you only pay for time used and can stop at any time.

Interview several designers in your area. Ask as many questions as necessary to make you feel comfortable. You might be working with this person for a long time, so trust is very important.

You don't have to do everything at once. Prioritize! A designer can offer a plan you can follow for the long term. She can help you understand what you are getting yourself into. You and your designer are a team. Remember, good communication is the key to success.

Published in The Monitor, Montrose, CO. Copyright © 2005 by Pat Allin