Why You Should Finalize Design Selections Before Construction Begins
- Kelly Roller
- Sep 30
- 3 min read
9/30/25
Starting a design project on your home is exciting! You’ve found your contractor, your ideas are flowing, and you can almost picture the finished space. But before anyone swings a hammer, i
t’s worth slowing down just a bit. Taking extra time in the preconstruction phase—to finalize your plans, materials, and budget—can save you from unexpected delays, extra costs, and stressful decision-making later.
Think of it as setting the stage for your dream home. The better the rehearsal, the smoother the show.
What Is Preconstruction?
Preconstruction is the planning process before construction begins. It’s where your ideas, budget, and design details come together so the build runs smoothly. Typically, it happens in four phases:
1. Schematic Design – The Big Picture
This is where the vision starts to take shape.
Budget: You and your team set a realistic target.
Plans: Drafted to reflect your goals and wish list.
Inspiration: We review images, notes, or examples of spaces you love.
Basic Materials: Big-picture decisions are made (wood vs. carpet, stone vs. quartz).
At this stage, estimates are still ballpark figures, since many details aren’t decided yet. Think of it like checking airfare before you commit to booking the whole trip—you know the general cost, but not the exact total.
2. Design Development – Where the Fun Begins
Now the details start coming into focus.
Plans & Elevations: Floorplans are finalized and elevations drafted.
Selections: You’ll begin choosing finishes and fixtures—cabinetry, flooring, lighting, plumbing, countertops, and more.
Custom Features: We collaborate with the architect on cabinetry drawings, fireplace designs, built-ins, or other custom elements that need detailed drawings.
This is also when your contractor starts getting real numbers from their trade partners. If you decide to add special features (say, quartzite counters or timber beams), your costs will increase compared to earlier estimates. That’s normal—this phase is about aligning your dreams with your budget.
Most contractors include a contingency for the unexpected (like price jumps or weather delays). It’s smart to think of this as a safety net, not “extra” money to spend.
3. Construction Documents – The Master Plan
Once your design is set, it’s time to put every detail on paper so there’s no confusion later.
Engineering & Systems: Structural, truss, and HVAC designs are integrated.
Code Compliance: Architects finalize drawings with required notes for permitting.
Finish Schedule: Your designer creates a detailed guide covering selections, patterns, fixtures, and specifications so the contractor knows exactly what to order and install.
By the end of this phase, all selections should be finalized. Big changes are still possible, but they’re much more disruptive (and expensive) once crews are on site. Investing the time here prevents costly change orders later.
4. Permit Phase – The Green Light
In this final stage, your contractor submits everything to the building department.
Timeline: Usually 2–3 weeks.
Possible Delays: City backlog or new code updates can cause small holdups.
Revisions: Occasionally, the department requests adjustments, but with an experienced team this is usually minor.
Why Early Planning Matters
By finalizing selections early, you:
Stay on schedule: Trades don’t get stalled waiting for decisions.
Avoid surprises: Costs are locked in before construction begins.
Enjoy the process: You can watch progress unfold without last-minute stress.
It’s like planning a vacation—if you wait until you arrive to decide where to stay or what to do, you’ll miss out on reservations and end up spending more. But if you plan ahead, you can sit back and enjoy the trip.
Work With a Team That Plans Ahead
At Lightwell Studios, we blend creativity with technical expertise—guiding you through every detail of the preconstruction process so your project runs smoothly. With 11 years of combined residential and commercial design experience—and a trusted network of architects and contractors—we’re here to make your dream home a reality.
📞 Call us at 330-451-9164 or email kelly@lightwell-studios.com to get started.
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