With entire television networks and multiple magazines dedicated to home improvement, it's easy to see why home renovations are quickly becoming the fastest growing trend in North America.
Giant, big-box stores and smaller, specialty retailers are popping up all over and they all have their own catalogs. Whether you're planning a one-room design idea, pricing tile or working on an estimate for a total house overhaul, free home improvement catalogs are a great way to get inspiration and price points for every project. Keep reading for five tips on how to find the best home improvement catalogs and how you can use them to help plan your next project.
1. Call your favorite manufacturers.
If you love your best friend's new kitchen tile, ask who made it and call that company to request a copy of their latest catalog. They'll gladly send it out to you along with the contact information for a local sales representative.
2. Ask at your local hardware store.
Because company reps visit home renovation retailers, they often drop off piles of free catalogs that are chock full of product information, prices and design ideas. Simply ask your local store clerk if they have any catalogs that you could take home to browse through. They're happy to distribute them.
3. Search online.
Most manufacturers either make their full catalog available to browse online or they provide a simple order form that lets you request a mail-order copy of their free catalog right from your home office. You can also use the web to hunt down new companies and look for products you wouldn't normally try. Check home improvement and design blogs for ideas on manufacturers to investigate.
4. Attend a home improvement "show."
Attending a home improvement show or exposition is the best way to see a lot of products in one place and pick up hundreds of free home improvement catalogs. Most manufacturers set up booths with sales reps who can not only demo their available products, but also answer your questions. Their sales reps are happy to give out full catalogs along with their contact information for future sales.
5. Don't forget the specialists.
Some companies do absolutely everything. Others are highly specialized and may only make designer faucets or unique drawer pulls. When building your home improvement catalog collection, remember to include the specialists. Take the time to at least glance through a few home improvement catalogs. They are packed with great ideas they may sway your ultimate do-it-yourself project decision.