Why You Should Always Talk to the Experts – Even When You Think You Know What You Want

Hvorfor du alltid bør snakke med eksperter – selv når du tror du vet hva du vil ha

What we thought would be a simple decision – choosing new indoor tiles for our apartment in Cyprus – turned into an unexpectedly rich learning experience.

My wife and I, along with our adult children, were all involved in the process. We assumed it was straightforward: picking something stylish that fits our budget, and move on. But the moment we walked into the first tile shop, it became clear there was more to this than meets the eye.


The Reality Check

The first question from the expert was:
“Do you want matt, semi-matt, or high gloss?”

We hesitated. None of us had really thought about the difference. Then came more questions:

  • How often do you mop the floors?
  • How much natural light comes into the room?
  • Are you worried about slippery surfaces when there’s water or wine on the floor?

Suddenly, this wasn’t just about looks. It was about maintenance, safety, and living comfort.

Here’s what we learned:

  • Glossy tiles shine beautifully and are easier to clean, but they show footprints more easily.
  • Matt tiles give better grip, reducing slip hazards, but they require a little more effort to keep spotless.
  • Some suppliers include glue in their offer; others don’t – small details that affect your actual cost.

One tip we found incredibly valuable: bring samples home. We took a few tiles back and placed them in the room. Seeing them in the warm afternoon sunlight and later under artificial light in the evening gave us a completely different impression than in the store.

Why Talking to Experts Matters

These conversations didn’t just help us choose tiles; they helped us understand what to look for and what questions to ask. This is the real value of meeting with subject matter experts: the exchange of knowledge that no amount of online browsing can replace.

And yes – do you dare to ask for a discount and be upfront that you’re comparing offers? You should. We learned that honesty and transparency often open the door to better deals or added extras.

What Should You Explore, Share, and Find Out?

If you find yourself in a similar process – whether choosing tiles, hiring a contractor, or negotiating a big purchase – consider these five steps:

  1. Share Your Needs and Interests
    Explain what you want and why. For us, safety and easy cleaning mattered as much as style.
  2. Ask for Their Expert Opinion
    A great question: “If this were your home, what would you choose?”
  3. Understand Trade-Offs
    Matt, semi-matt, or glossy—each has pros and cons. Get clear on those before deciding.
  4. Check What’s Included
    Glue, delivery, installation – make sure you know what’s part of the price.
  5. Be Open About Comparing
    It’s smart, not rude. Professionals expect it, and it often benefits you.

The Takeaway

Initially, we wanted this to be quick: pick tiles, pay, done. But investing time in expert conversations completely changed the quality of our decision. We ended up with tiles that match how we live – not just how we imagined the room would look.

So, whether it’s tiles, furniture, or a major contract, the lesson is the same: don’t underestimate the value of informed conversations. They turn “I think I know” into “Now I’m sure.”

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