Planning Your Construction Project

You probably have some idea of what your home will look like when it's finished. Making that vision a reality will require lots of decisions and considerations. There are speicifications and variable that need to be decided before a project starts. Below is a checklist that you can reference to begin thinking about the specifications that your builder will need to construct your home as well as give you an idea of the final cost.

Specifications Planning

Exterior Specifications:

Foundation Type: e.g. Poured concrete or cinderblock?

Siding & Trim: e.g. Pine half log, cedar shakes, cedar siding, vinyl siding; Stain/Paint & color; Trim type/style/color?

Roof: Pitch; Type & color of shingles; Soffits; Overhang?

Accents: e.g. Brick, cultured stone, log posts?

Decks, Stairs, Railings, Patio; Porch; Walkways

Windows: e.g Type (double-hung, casement, sliding); Color of exterior casing; Solar glazed?

Entry Doors: e.g. Types, style, material; Sidelights; Screen doors?

Garage: e.g Size, Steel or wood overhead doors; Openers; Insulated or not; Service door; Windows?

Interior Specifications:

Wall height: e.g. 8ft/9ft/lofted?

Stairs & railings; Loft railings

Interior Door Style & Material/Type of wood

Trim: e.g Window & door moldings; Baseboards; Crown molding; Decorative trim?

Firplace: e.g. Wood or gas burning;Stone/brick/cultured stone; Mantel; Hearth?

Built-ins: e.g Bookcases; Shelving; Entertainment center?

Closet Systems

Hardware: Style & finish

Cabinets & Countertops: e.g. Style, material, islands, storage needs?

Inividual Rooms Finish Specifications:
Flooring: e.g. Wood, tile, carpet, vinyl?

Ceilings: e.g Tongue & groove wood paneling, Sheetrock & texture; Accoustic tile?

Wall Finishes: Paneling (type? pine/cedar/ash/etc.), painted/wallpapered sheetrock; cultured stone; Beadboard half wall?

Systems:

Plumbing: e.g. Number & type of fixtures; Laundry room needs; Refrigerator ice maker; Softener; Exterior faucets
Electrical: e.g Interior & Exterior lighting; Appliance requirements; Off-peak systms; Dual fuel systems
Heating & Airconditioning: e.g. Fuel type; Forced air/In floor/Combination; Ventilation Fans;
Insulation
Sewer & Septic
Other Specifications:
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