Just the Beginning: A Guide to Key Decisions in Your Custom Home Build
Building a custom home is an exciting journey, but it comes with countless decisions long before you even break ground—from foundational choices to the smallest finishing details. While this guide covers many key decisions you’ll encounter, keep in mind that unexpected challenges will arise, requiring additional on-the-spot decisions along the way.
Pre-Construction Decisions
Budget & Planning
Establish a total budget (including a contingency fund)
Decide on financing (construction loan, mortgage, cash)
Choose a home size, style, and general layout
Plan for future needs (aging in place, resale value, potential expansions)
Selecting Your Team
Hire a custom home designer (that’s where I come in!)
Interview and select a builder
Work with an architect (if necessary)
Choosing a Lot & Preparing the Site
Location, neighborhood, school district, amenities
Lot size and orientation (sun exposure, view, driveway placement)
Soil tests, land surveys, and site-specific costs (grading, clearing trees)
HOA restrictions and local zoning laws
Drainage and floodplain considerations
Home Layout & Structural Choices
One-story, two-story, or more?
Ceiling heights and unique features (vaulted, tray, coffered, beam ceilings)
Basement, slab, or crawl space?
Open-concept vs. defined rooms
Specialty rooms (home office, gym, theater, wine cellar)
Garage size and layout (attached/detached, number of bays)
Energy Efficiency & Smart Home Features
Solar panels or pre-wiring for future solar
Insulation type (spray foam, fiberglass, batt)
Smart thermostats and zoning HVAC system
Smart home integration (lighting, security, climate control)
Energy-efficient windows and doors (low-E, gas-filled, impact-resistant)
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Exterior Decisions
Foundation & Structural Elements
Foundation type (poured concrete, block, pier-and-beam)
Basement waterproofing and drainage systems
Structural framing material (wood, steel, insulated concrete forms)
Exterior Materials & Finishes
Siding type (brick, stucco, fiber cement, vinyl, wood, stone veneer)
Roofing material (asphalt shingles, metal, clay tile, slate)
Drip edge color (matches roof, trim, or accents)
Soffit & fascia materials and colors
Gutter style, color, material, and downspout placement
Window style, sizing, heights (casement, double-hung, picture, slider)
Exterior door styles (solid wood, fiberglass, steel, glass inserts)
Outdoor Spaces & Features
Front porch, back patio, or wraparound porch?
Decking material (wood, composite, pavers)
Column styles and sizes (square, round, tapered, decorative trim)
Outdoor kitchen (grill, sink, refrigerator, storage)
Fire pit or outdoor fireplace?
Pool or spa?
Driveway & Walkways
Driveway material (concrete, pavers, gravel, asphalt)
Walkway design and material (brick, stamped concrete, stone)
Front entrance steps and railing choices
Exterior Lighting Plan
Sconces by doors (height and finish)
Recessed soffit lighting for security and ambiance
Pathway lighting (hardwired vs. solar)
Floodlights, motion sensors, or smart lighting?
Interior Structural & Mechanical Decisions
Walls & Ceilings
Drywall finish (smooth, textured, shiplap, paneling)
Ceiling treatments (coffered, beam, tray, tongue & groove)
Accent walls (wallpaper, wood paneling, plaster, tile)
Doors & Trim
Interior door style (shaker, glass, barn, paneled, solid wood)
Baseboard height & style (craftsman, modern, colonial)
Crown molding or no crown molding?
Window trim style (farmhouse, modern, traditional)
Interior door hardware finish (black, brass, nickel, bronze)
Plumbing & Electrical Layout
Water heater type (tank vs. tankless)
Location of hose bibs (exterior water spigots)
Gas vs. electric appliances
Number & placement of electrical outlets (holiday lighting, under cabinets, floor outlets)
Smart switches, dimmers, or voice-controlled lighting?
Generator or battery backup integration
HVAC & Ventilation
Traditional HVAC vs. geothermal
Whole-house humidifier or dehumidifier
Air filtration system or UV air purifiers
Placement of return vents and registers
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Interior Finishes & Selections
Flooring Choices
Hardwood, engineered wood, tile, luxury vinyl plank, carpet
Flooring transition pieces between rooms
Heated flooring in bathrooms or other spaces
Kitchen Selections
Cabinet door style (shaker, slab, inset, traditional)
Cabinet paint/stain color(s)
Cabinet storage options (pull-out trays, spice racks, deep drawers)
Countertop material (quartz, granite, marble, butcher block)
Countertop edge profile (eased, beveled, ogee, waterfall)
Backsplash material & pattern (tile, slab, brick, glass)
Sink style (undermount, farmhouse, drop-in)
Faucet finish & style (pull-down, bridge, touchless)
Bathroom Selections
Shower tile (size, pattern, niche placement)
Grout color for shower, floors, and walls
Shower glass (frameless, semi-frameless, framed)
Vanity material, size, and color
Toilet style (traditional, wall-mounted, bidet)
Towel bar and toilet paper holder placement
Lighting Decisions
Ceiling fixture height & size based on room size
Pendant lighting over kitchen island (how many, how big?)
Sconces in bathrooms (height from mirror)
Recessed lighting layout (spacing and dimming)
Smart lighting options (voice-controlled, app-controlled)
While this guide covers a large portion of the decisions in a custom home build, surprises and changes will always arise. That’s why having experienced guidiance helps ensure nothing gets overlooked. Whether it’s your first time building or you’ve built before and want to get everything right this time, I’m here to make sure your dream home is truly custom!