The New Construction Design Selections Checklist

Why You Need a Design Selections Checklist

Building a new home is one of the most exciting—and most overwhelming—projects you'll ever undertake. Between your architect, builder, and the dozens of showrooms you'll visit, there are hundreds of individual design decisions to make. Miss one, and you'll face costly change orders or settle for builder-grade defaults.

This checklist covers every major design selection for a new construction home, organized by category. Whether you're working with an interior designer (strongly recommended—see our guide on when to hire a designer for new construction) or managing selections yourself, use this as your master reference.

At Jessie K Homes, we manage the entire selections process for our new construction clients across Greater Boston. For projects like our Woburn single-family home and Newton renovation, this checklist was our daily working document.

Flooring Selections

Main Living Areas

• Hardwood species (white oak, walnut, maple, hickory)
• Plank width and length
• Stain color or natural finish
• Finish type (matte, satin, semi-gloss)
• Installation pattern (straight, herringbone, chevron)
• Transition strips between different flooring zones

Bathrooms

• Floor tile material (porcelain, natural stone, marble)
• Tile size and format
• Grout color
• Heated floor system (yes/no, which bathrooms)

Mudroom and Laundry

• Durable flooring selection (porcelain, slate, luxury vinyl)
• Pattern and color

Basement

• Flooring type (engineered hardwood, luxury vinyl plank, polished concrete)
• Moisture considerations for below-grade installation

Kitchen Selections

Cabinetry

• Cabinet manufacturer and door style
• Finish (painted, stained, natural wood)
• Cabinet color(s)—perimeter and island can differ
• Hardware style and finish (pulls, knobs, or combination)
• Interior organization (drawer inserts, pull-out shelves, lazy susans)
• Pantry configuration and shelving

Countertops

• Material (natural stone, quartz, marble, quartzite)
• Specific slab or color selection
• Edge profile (eased, beveled, ogee, waterfall)
• Backsplash material and pattern
• Backsplash height (standard 4", half-wall, full-height to ceiling)

Appliances

• Range or cooktop (gas, induction, dual fuel)
• Wall oven(s) (single, double, combination with microwave)
• Refrigerator (built-in, counter-depth, panel-ready)
• Dishwasher (standard, panel-ready, drawer style)
• Microwave (built-in, drawer, over-range)
• Range hood or ventilation
• Beverage center or wine cooler
• Garbage disposal

Plumbing

• Kitchen sink (undermount, farmhouse, material, size)
• Kitchen faucet (style, finish, features like pull-down or pot filler)
• Pot filler at range (if desired)

Bathroom Selections

Primary Bathroom

• Vanity style and finish (floating, furniture-style, built-in)
• Countertop material
• Mirrors (size, style, lighting integration)
• Shower tile—walls and floor (material, size, pattern)
• Shower fixture system (rain head, hand-held, body sprays, thermostatic valve)
• Shower glass (frameless, semi-frameless, finish)
• Shower niche design (built-in, tiled, size)
• Freestanding tub or built-in tub
• Tub filler (freestanding, wall-mounted)
• Toilet style (wall-hung, one-piece, concealed tank)
• Heated towel rack
• Medicine cabinet or open shelving

Secondary Bathrooms

• Same categories as primary, typically at a different specification level
• Tub/shower combination for kids' or guest bathrooms

Powder Room

• Statement vanity or pedestal sink
• Feature wall treatment (wallpaper, stone, specialty tile)
• Statement mirror
• Decorative lighting

Lighting Selections

General Lighting

• Recessed can light layout (every room)
• Can trim style and finish
• Dimmer switches (which rooms)
• Lighting control system (if applicable)

Decorative Lighting

• Entry/foyer chandelier or pendant
• Kitchen island pendants (quantity, style, size)
• Kitchen under-cabinet lighting
• Dining room chandelier
• Living room sconces or table lamp outlets
• Primary bedroom sconces or pendants
• Bathroom vanity lighting
• Stairway lighting
• Closet lighting
• Exterior sconces and landscape lighting

Hardware and Millwork

Door Hardware

• Interior door handle style (lever, knob)
• Finish (brass, nickel, black, chrome)
• Exterior entry set
• Deadbolt style
• Hinge finish (must match handle finish)

Millwork and Trim

• Baseboard profile and height
• Crown molding (yes/no, which rooms, profile)
• Casing profile around doors and windows
• Wainscoting or paneling (which rooms, style, height)
• Staircase railing design (wood, metal, cable, style)
• Newel posts and baluster style
• Built-in shelving design (office, living room, mudroom)
• Fireplace surround design and materials

Paint and Wall Treatments

• Interior paint colors (room by room)
• Sheen levels per room (flat for ceilings, eggshell for walls, semi-gloss for trim is standard)
• Ceiling paint color (not always white—consider the space)
• Trim and door color
• Accent walls (paint, wallpaper, wood, stone)
• Specialty finishes (lime wash, Venetian plaster, Roman clay)
• Wallpaper selections (powder rooms, bedrooms, feature walls)

Plumbing Fixtures (Whole House)

• Fixture finish throughout (consistent or intentionally varied)
• Laundry sink and faucet
• Outdoor hose bibs (locations)
• Water filtration system
• Hot water recirculation system

Electrical and Technology

• Outlet and switch plate finish (color, style)
• USB outlet locations
• Floor outlet locations (kitchen island, living room)
• Smart home system (lighting, HVAC, security, audio)
• Pre-wire locations (TV mounts, speakers, security cameras)
• Motorized window treatment pre-wire
• EV charger in garage

Exterior Selections

• Siding material and color
• Roofing material and color
• Window manufacturer, style, and finish
• Exterior door styles and finishes
• Garage door style
• Exterior lighting fixtures
• Driveway material
• Walkway and patio materials
• Landscaping plan

Tips for Managing the Selection Process

1. Make Selections in the Right Order

Start with items that have the longest lead times: cabinetry (8–16 weeks), specialty tile (6–12 weeks), and custom lighting. Work backward from your construction timeline.

2. Create a Material Palette First

Before selecting individual items, establish your overall palette—the 3-5 core materials and finishes that will carry through the home. This ensures cohesion across all selections.

3. Bring Samples Home

Materials look different under showroom lighting than in your actual space. Always review samples in situ, at different times of day.

4. Track Everything

Maintain a master spreadsheet with every selection: vendor, model number, finish, quantity, lead time, cost, and status (ordered, shipped, installed). Your designer or builder should maintain this, but having your own record is invaluable.

5. Budget for the Unexpected

Maintain a 10–15% contingency on your selections budget. Material prices fluctuate, quantities may need adjusting, and you'll inevitably fall in love with an upgrade somewhere.

Let Us Handle Your Selections

The selections process is one of the most time-consuming aspects of new construction—and one of the most consequential. Every choice affects the final look, feel, and function of your home.

At Jessie K Homes, we manage the entire selections process for our new construction clients across Newton, Lexington, Winchester, Woburn, and the Greater Boston area. From initial concept through final installation, we ensure every selection is coordinated, on budget, and aligned with your vision.

Schedule a free consultation to discuss your new construction project and learn how we can streamline the design process.