Our GC had a wonderful exercise for us. His assignment even before we met was to have DH & me write out our top 20 items/ideas for the house (in order of importance). We did this seperarately w/o knowing each other's top 20. We then brought this list to GC on our first meeting. This enabled him to get the big picture. We also took these lists to the architect. Along with this list, was a photo of what we desired & a layout we thought we liked. As the process has developed, all of our smaller, nitpicky items have come out. GC has appreciated the thought process that I've put into it all. He said it has made everything move smoothly. In the end, I will have less daily choices to make. Although I did SO much research prior to all of our meetings, I have welcomed GC's ideas & knowledge, as well. Afterall, we are hiring him for his skills, knowledge, & expertise. He has been doing this 30+ years & I have only just recently begun this process. I definitely would not go into this seeming like a total know-it-all or you will make GC's life quite unpleasant. Also, in all honesty, about 90% of our desires for our home, GC had already planned for, so I would really be looking for the best GC you can find.

thanks! I really like traditional/colonial/vintage homes and wanted to build something like that... Hoping it will be achieved. For the kitchen we are doing white cabinets with white Fantasy / super white granite. Kitchen island is a dark stained mahogany look. It's a pretty traditional style kitchen. flooring is a dark stained (walnut/ mahogany) hickory.

The Abyss color that was recommended for the foundation and the wall, the darker color, is intended to add texture, as opposed to lengthening the house. Since no one will see the foundation from the street except for on the side of the house, which is a very small section, BUT, where the wall is, the lengthening part doesn't really matter to me. So it's a decision of same ol' same ol', or maybe adding a little spice. As for the gutter question, for anyone reading this that read my entire post, I've decided to paint them the same color as what's behind them, which will be the Hale Navy.

Its a beautiful color, but, it is too dark for your house. A front door should stand out. I would go with something much brighter. At my house, it would be rusty red, but, thats not for everyone. You could go with lime green, or a light green, or yellow of many other colors. It just needs to make the door stand out that it is the entry door, and not blend in. You may find something at this House Beautiful link. https://www.housebeautiful.com/room-decorating/colors/g558/front-door-color/ I do really like the color of the house.