One thing about entering into a remodel is if anything materials wise needs to be replaced, it can get impossible to match. Natural stones are somewhat easy enough, cream colored travertine from 5 years ago will most likely be closely matched to current travertine. Though if you have an exotic natural stone this can be a different case. Porcelains are constantly discontinued and changed. Sometimes from one month to the next. This is especially frustrating if you are doing your project in phases. In that case I suggest you buy all your tile at the same time to get the same dye lots, and different shipments of natural stone from the mountain can be drastic in differences.
During initial consultations and during projects I have noticed one huge trend. There is rarely spare tile to help the transition of the remodel into the house. I always say get extra tile if you are looking to redo anything. Tile tends to chip or break and if you are looking to replace those cabinets in the kitchen down the road, there is no tile underneath so having a few extra laying around can be a huge help future projects run smoothly. This can also be said for wood flooring. If you are entering a remodel and there is no extra around the house, a good eye and some hunting and you may get close.
Get extra tile and make sure you keep the name of all your materials somewhere. You will definitely use it in the future!
-Kristina
