Top 5 Design Decisions to Make Early in a New Build (So You Don’t Regret Them Later)

Building a home from scratch is exciting, but it also comes with a long list of decisions. Some are best made early—before the framing goes up—to avoid costly revisions or limitations later on.

Here are the five most important design decisions to make early in your new build:

1. Electrical & Lighting Plan
Deciding where outlets, switches, and lights go isn’t just technical—it’s part of your overall design. Think through furniture placement, wall art, task lighting, and even holiday décor to ensure your electrical plan supports your lifestyle.

2. Window Placement & Style
Natural light is everything. Before finalizing your floor plans, walk through the lot and consider how the sun moves across the home. A well-placed window can transform a space. Bonus: selecting your window style early also helps ensure trim and treatments feel integrated—not an afterthought.

3. Ceiling Details & Height
Vaulted ceilings, beams, coffered panels, and statement lighting all require planning before framing begins. If you wait too long, these upgrades might be more expensive or structurally impossible.

4. Kitchen Layout
The kitchen is the heart of the home, and how it functions should reflect how you live. Do you host often? Need two dishwashers? Want a hidden pantry? Finalizing your layout early helps you select appliances, cabinetry, and finishes with confidence.

5. Flooring Transitions
Mixing materials—like tile in a mudroom and wood in a hallway—requires intentionality. Mapping these out in your early design phase prevents awkward transitions or uneven floor heights later on.

Working with a designer early ensures these choices are made thoughtfully and on time—saving you stress (and money) down the line.