Complete list of items/materials to choose for my new home?

14 years ago

Hi everyone.

I'm working with an architect and a contractor to build a 1400 square foot starter home in Vermont. This is my first home so I'd like some help if you don't mind. I know many of the items and materials that I need to select, from kitchen ranges to siding to paint, but I'd like an exhaustive list of all the decisions a homeowner needs to make in the design process so that I can do some homework before our next meeting with the architects. Something like this must exist somewhere on the internet. Any suggestions?

Featured Answer

mydreamhome

14 years ago

First, Congratulations on building your first home! I don't know of a complete list on the internet, but I can share what we had options on deciding when we built our starter home with a builder:

1. Flooring-type, color, style, grade, brand
2. Appliances-brand, color, style, size
3. Light fixtures/Ceiling fans
4. Cabinets-material, style, color, configuration/layout
5. Countertops, sink, & faucet-material, color, finish effects, configuration/layout
6. Trim
7. Paint
8. Tub-material, color, style, brand
9. Bathroom vanity, sinks, faucets & toilet-material, color, style, brand

Outlet/light switch placement
Ceiling finishes (i.e. tray, textured, smooth, etc)
Interior & exterior doors
Interior & entry door knobs
Cabinet pulls
Alarm system-company, type
Hot water heater-size, brand, type (i.e. tankless, gas, etc)
Insulation type
Siding/shutters-brand, color, style
Foundation veneer
Porch/Deck-materials & finish
Landscaping-shrubs, trees, driveway
Windows-brand, type (vinyl, clad, wood, etc), color, grids (GBG, SDL, configuration, etc), style (single hung, double hung, casement, etc), size, shape
Roofing- material, life of roof, color, brand
Exterior lighting
Outdoor water spigots (placement, type, number)
2x4 or 2x6 construction
Changes to/Creation of floor plan
Doorway, hallway & walkway clearances (30", 32", 36", etc)
Attic construction (regular or open truss, floored or not)
Basement or crawl space

I know I probably left some things out, but at least it gives you a start! Some of this information will be needed now during planning (i.e. tub size, 2x4 or 2x6 construction, kitchen configuration/size of appliances, etc) and the rest will be needed later (i.e. paint color, floor finishes, landscaping, etc). Good luck with everything! When you get a preliminary set of drawings, post them on the 'Building a Home' forum and ask for feedback. It's unbelievable the things other members catch that you never would have until you moved in!

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Comments (7)

gobruno
14 years ago
mydreamhome provided a pretty exhaustive list. Some other things I'd add is:
1. Stairs-style, shape, banisters, balusters, treads, etc.
2. Hardscape-patios, walkways
3. Heating/cooling-forced air, radiant heat, etc.
4. Exterior masonry--stone, brick, etc.
5. Fireplaces-how many, wood burning, gas, mantel and surround finishes
6. A/V, speakers, etc.
7. Architectural features--columns, vaulted ceilings, arches, built ins, etc.
8. Well or septic?
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listener
Original Author
14 years ago
Wow! You guys are the best! Thanks for this list. I'll start working on it right away.
bdpeck-charlotte
14 years ago
very good lists...
1. Garage Doors
2. Closet Organization - Cabinets, Rods, Shelves (wire, laminated, painted mdf...)
And add to the Tub list, tub surround or tiled or solid surface material.
sharron08
6 years ago
Roof
PRO
Virgil Carter Fine Art
6 years ago
If you want a "complete list", then Google MasterSpec's Small Project or UDA Residential Specification. Good luck!
calwesthomes
3 years ago
MasterSpec’s small project Uda residential specification

Complete list of items/materials to choose for my new home?

mydreamhome

Comments (7)

gobruno

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listener
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bdpeck-charlotte

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Complete list of items/materials to choose for my new home?

mydreamhome

Comments (7)

gobruno

Related Discussions

listenerOriginal Author

bdpeck-charlotte

sharron08

Virgil Carter Fine Art

calwesthomes

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

listener
Original Author