We all have different learning styles. In school, some of us were auditory learners: What we heard stuck in our brains. Others of us were visual learners: We had to see examples of what we were being taught before it “stuck.”

The same kind of thing is true when it comes to learning about building a new custom home or remodeling an existing home. What works for one person may not have the same impact for someone else. And some of us like a combination of learning experiences.

The good news is that if you’re hoping to build a new custom home or remodel your existing Connecticut home, there are a variety of ways to collect ideas and information. Here are a few that may be helpful for you.

Related: Should I Build or Remodel?

Online Idea Sites: There are some great sites on the Web where you can go and glean all kinds of cool ideas. Houzz.com is a really fun one. Not only can you see some pretty creative (and sometimes “way out there”) ideas, but you can create your own “ideabooks” that you can return to and add to whenever you feel like it. You can even engage other people like yourself and ask their opinions. We think houzz.com is great for getting creative ideas. Just keep in mind that just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should. Some things look great on paper (or online) but aren’t really practical (or affordable) in your actual setting. Still, it can be a lot of fun and it can get your creative juices going.

Builder Portfolios: There are times when you may want to see an actual home in situ—to see how it actually looks once it’s been built on the lot it sits on. That’s why builder often have photo galleries to give potential homeowners a real look at what they have already built.

Special Reports and e-books: Sometimes you want a little bit more than just pictures of design ideas. Maybe you want to explore the pros and cons of various design elements. Or you’re looking for an explanation of how something will work—or why one method may be better for you than another. That’s why we offer free e-books such as Creating the Ideal Kitchen and Designing Beautiful Bathrooms: The Ultimate Guide.  These e-books are helpful whether you’re planning a new home or looking to remodel an existing room in your current home.

Builder Consultations: Sometimes there’s just no substitute for sitting down with an experienced builder to talk through what it is you want from your building or remodeling project. When you’re sitting face-to-face with a professional, you tend to think of questions that might not come up with other forms of learning—and you can ask them before you forget! We know some people prefer this, and that’s why we offer a free design consultation for people who are serious about building or remodeling.

How do you like to learn about building and remodeling? You can take your pick—or try all of them. The important thing is to make sure you have enough information to feel good about the building or remodeling decision you make.