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!

maz1234: I'm currently waiting on one more quote from Jeld Wen, however, my mind is made up, Integrity will be our choice. Integrity prices were very competitive. Keep in mind, my windows are simple and the pricing reflects that. Also, not sure on your window size, but I think Integrity does have size limitations.... Anderson 400 were 30% more...... Send an email if you prefer. Jared

I like the inspiration picture, as well, and if you want a black island and it feels contemporary for you, then do it. When we were looking at houses four or so years ago, I was very taken by the spec houses that had black cabinets in the kitchen. When we ended up building instead of buying, however, we decided that black would ending up being too dark in our space (which BTW has about as many windows as your space does, but our house is urban so has neighboring houses that block light coming in). We chose oak (or was it maple?) stained a brownish-gray, which we like very much and isn't too dark for us. I find white counters and backsplashes boring (obviously my personal opinion); we went with a solid surface that's a light gray and reminds me of limestone or soapstone, both of which I love but have their own issues. (Gray may be out but I have always liked gray, and we balance it with lots of natural wood throughout our house, mostly maple.)

Decide on paint last. Budget is a priority, as you mention cedar shakes and a garage door and a decision should be made about modern farmhouse or cottage. Look at lots of inspiration pictures and you may want to get quotes. With either style, I would change the framing on porch, paint door a different color and replace shrubs with boxwoods. Modern farmhouse: use vertical siding on garage, white house with black accents. not sure if it can be achieved. Cottage would be more easily accomplished and add cedar shakes on garage.