We are doing a custom home and wish we had asked this same question. We're now at the framing stage, and met with our cabinet guy. It seems if one of our walls was 6 inches longer, it would solve a lot of cabinet issues.

We went to the flooring place, they asked about kitchen tile and wanted to know what cabinet color we had. We didn't know. So we went to the cabinet place, and he wanted to know what kind of granite we were getting. We didn't know. Ugh. I'm starting to see that Moen commercial where they design the house around a faucet. You almost have to start there and work backwards.

I would take your prints and hit the cabinet guy before they start framing.

Brick Color is first. You will need to decide on an overall color scheme for the exterior of the house, and pick a brick that matches. If you home has an all brick exterior, this will be easier. Then Shingle color. This will go on right after framing. Window color is also crucial at this point. Windows will need to be ordered in the first week of framing. White on white comes in quicker, custom colors can take quite a bit of time. Showers also need to be installed before rough-in or before any siding or brick is put up, if you are using the one-piece fiberglass shower/tubs. These are much easier to put in during framing. (If you are using these, look at AKER brand. IMO,they have the best value in a builder grade shower, very strong, and made from an acrylic gel-coat). If you want anything custom, it is close to time to order these showers. You have some time on the rest, (flooring,interior paint, countertop material/ color, etc.) but not alot! You need to be making decisions on the items mentioned above soon! This will help prevent costly delays, waiting on things to come in.

Good Luck, we are in the exact same stage. We have all of our permits, and we are waiting for the state to put in a driveway swale pipe so that the grader can get in and work. It is so frustrating waiting on the state! They have already cost us a week, and these long summer days are impossible to recover! ARGH!!!

Go get a bottle... nah.... a jug of whiskey, this will be your "when all else fails" emergency stash. Once this is done all else will fall into place.........LOL

Sorry I couldn't add anything constructive, but you will need a release.

Someone posted a similar question a while back, and I found the responses very helpful. In fact, I printed a copy and refer to it often during our progress! Check the thread...

Here is a link that might be useful: Selection list order

For me, I selected the doors/windows first, flooring materials second. My stone flooring was selected during the early framing stage and set aside so that there was enough of what I wanted when I needed it. Flooring store held until time for delivery.

During the framing stage, you need to decide on shower fixtures since the valves go in the walls.

It's never too early to pick out appliances - which you need to know before you decide on kitchen cabinet size/placement, etc. You can get bids and find out when prices might be going up. Most places know months ahead of time when the major brands are going to have a price increase.

We did a custom build and I ordered a lot of things over the internet - faucets/shower heads, all light fixtures (with the exception of a few antiques brought from first home), toilets, sinks, copper cupola (the size of my refrigerator!) ...I"m sure there was more. They were stored in the basement/garage of our last home.

It's never too early to be making final decisions - that way, when the time comes, you have it ready. We finished an estimated 11 month custom build in only 9 months. Being organized and on top of things kept the build on tract.