Most costly change orders don’t happen because someone made a bad decision. They happen because the decision was never made before construction started.

A successful build depends on hundreds of choices — layout, electrical, cabinetry, doors, trim, lighting, plumbing, flooring, appliances, allowances, backing, site conditions, exterior finishes, and more.

This checklist is designed to help you think through those decisions earlier, while they’re still easier and less expensive to change.

What Should Be Decided Before You Dig?

Site & Lot Planning
Orientation, grading, drainage, utilities, setbacks, driveway, retaining walls, outdoor living, and future improvements.

Floor Plan & Layout
Room sizes, furniture placement, traffic flow, storage, ceiling heights, doors, windows, and everyday functionality.

Electrical & Lighting
Outlets, switches, dimmers, lighting locations, exterior power, TV/data, security, EV charging, and future needs.

Kitchen & Cabinetry
Cabinet layout, appliance locations, pantry design, countertop details, hardware, storage, and specialty features.

Plumbing & Bathrooms
Fixture locations, shower layouts, valves, hose bibs, water heaters, softeners, laundry, and future plumbing needs.

Interior Finishes
Flooring, trim, doors, paint, tile, hardware, fireplaces, built-ins, and finish transitions.

Framing & Backing
TV mounts, grab bars, cabinets, shelving, heavy mirrors, future equipment, and anything that needs support inside the walls.

Exterior & Landscaping
Stucco, stone, roofing, exterior lighting, irrigation, fencing, patios, pools, landscaping, and drainage.

Want the Full Checklist?