Before Construction
The Designer Decision Checklist
Good construction depends on timely decisions.
This checklist identifies key design decisions that should be made before the construction team needs them—helping reduce delays, last-minute decisions, change orders, and unanswered questions in the field.
Before Demo
The overall direction should already be established.
- Final space plan and room layouts
- Walls/openings being added, removed or relocated
- Ceiling and architectural changes
- Major appliance locations
- Plumbing fixture locations
- Preliminary cabinetry layouts
- Flooring direction and transitions identified
- Existing elements designated to remain
- Items requiring salvage/protection identified
- Long-lead items identified and ordered as appropriate
Before Framing
Now the design needs dimensions.
- Final door and opening locations
- Door swings and pocket-door requirements
- Niches and recessed features
- Cabinet dimensions
- Appliance specifications
- Plumbing fixture specifications
- Shower dimensions and configurations
- Tub dimensions
- Fireplace design
- Built-ins and architectural details
- Blocking requirements identified
- Ceiling details and soffits
Before Rough-In
This is where early design decisions really pay off.
Electrical
- Lighting plan finalized
- Decorative fixtures selected
- Sconce locations and mounting heights
- Pendant locations and heights
- Recessed lighting locations
- Switching and dimming requirements
- Outlet locations
- Floor outlets
- TV/data locations
- Cabinet and accent lighting
Plumbing
- Faucets selected
- Shower systems specified
- Tub filler selected
- Sink locations confirmed
- Toilets selected
- Appliance plumbing requirements confirmed
Before Drywall
The last chance to put something inside the wall.
- Blocking for cabinetry
- Blocking for heavy mirrors
- Blocking for wall-mounted fixtures/furnishings
- Drapery/window-treatment requirements
- TV and art requirements
- Specialty electrical
- In-wall controls
- Recessed accessories
- Niches and architectural details verified
- Final walkthrough of electrical and plumbing locations
Before Cabinet Fabrication
- Final cabinetry elevations approved
- Cabinet finishes approved
- Hardware selected and sized
- Appliance specifications verified
- Plumbing specifications verified
- Sink sizes confirmed
- Interior cabinet accessories determined
- Decorative end panels/details approved
- Countertop material and edge profile selected
- Backsplash design established
- Under-cabinet lighting coordinated
- Outlet locations coordinated with cabinetry
Before Finish Installation
- Flooring selected and available
- Tile selected and quantities confirmed
- Tile layouts established
- Grout colors selected
- Slabs selected
- Countertop details confirmed
- Paint colors and sheen schedule complete
- Interior doors and hardware selected
- Plumbing trim onsite or confirmed
- Decorative lighting onsite or confirmed
- Cabinet hardware onsite
- Transition details determined
Before the Final Layers
Construction may be nearing completion, but the design of the home isn't finished.
- Furniture plans finalized
- Key furniture ordered
- Rugs sized and ordered
- Window treatments designed and measured
- Decorative lighting coordinated with furnishings
- Art locations considered
- Mirrors and accessories selected
- Installation sequencing coordinated
Important Notes About This Estimate
Not a quote. This tool is for early planning only. It does not represent a formal bid or agreement for services.
Materials only. Numbers shown reflect the finish materials you’ve selected (appliances, tile, lighting, cabinets, etc.). They do not include labor, demolition, construction material, installation, or construction services.
Based on a 4,000 sq. ft. home. If your home is larger or smaller, you can scale the numbers up or down. For example, an 8,000 sq. ft. home would typically be close to double.
No furnishings or décor. This calculator covers fixed finishes only (what’s attached to the home). Furniture, art, accessories, etc. are excluded unless noted.
Every project is unique. Market conditions, design complexity, and site factors all affect budgets. Once you’ve hired us, we’ll create a customized budget specific to your home.
Use as a guide. These ranges are a starting point to help you understand potential investment levels and set priorities. Final costs are confirmed after design development, specifications, and contractor bids.
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