u/BuilderBrigade

I appreciate the look of a fat countertop in the kitchen. Ask your builder or designer if this could save you some extra cash when you get new countertops. Do you like this look or do you prefer the thinner countertops?

These are the home features that are only possible when you build a brand new house so don’t forget them!

 

Jason and his family are on well water now, but city water is expected to reach the area eventually. So they added the water line during construction, making the future switch to city water wayyyyyy easier.

 

If you’re building in a developing area, ask your builder what utilities might be coming later and whether it makes sense to prep for them now.

We ordered these windows and doors from overseas. Saved us $50k

 

So far so good. I really like the quality. 

A tad annoyed at the European Style hardware but I’m warming up to it. 

 

Still not a fan of having that hardware on the pool bathroom. That door is so damn small I don’t think it’ll even work. Might have to punch it out for a larger door. TBD...

 

I get tons of questions about these windows and doors. I paid $50k for 60 windows and 4 doors. 

 

Company is called Doorwin. Also called Luvindow. They have a showroom here in Plano, TX so we could see the product in person before buying.

If you're adding a floor outlet in a home office, make sure it has an opening for Ethernet (Cat cable) too. It's one of those things that's almost impossible to add later.Not all floor outlets are the same. A recessed floor outlet keeps plugs below the surface so your couch, desk, or other furniture can sit where it's supposed to. A surface-mounted outlet can leave plugs sticking up and limit where furniture can go.

A pre-drywall inspection is your last chance to catch any mistakes or ensure your selections are prepped and ready behind the walls.

 

Before drywall is installed do a walkthrough:

Verify insulation placement and coverage

Add blocking for future TVs, cabinets, rails, and fixtures

Check plumbing and electrical protection plates

Confirm layouts, heights, and locations one last time

Record photos and video of every wall before it’s covered

 

Drywall hides everything and no going back without significant delays and cost.

Can’t afford the full outdoor kitchen during the build? At least prep for it.

While the walls are open and the trades are already there, stub out:
-Gas for the grill
-Hot + cold water and a drain for the sink
-Dedicated GFCI power for a future fridge

Then when the budget allows, you can come back and build the kitchen without tearing everything apart.Future you will be very happy you planned ahead. 

If you’re building new or having a house built. When they go to install the sheathing. Ask to liquid flash the bottom to the foundation. It’ll keep it sealed up tight away from moisture, pests, and air. 

You can buy tubes of zip liquid flashing from Amazon or HD.
I went with the 29oz standard caulking tube because I wasn’t sure if the crew had a sausage applicator (larger caulk gun)

Both are 3 bed, 2 bath, single-story homes, under 1500 sq ft.

Instead of putting those plastic or metal vents right on the outside of the house, you can ask your builder to hide them behind the brick or stone veneer so they practically disappear.

The only downside is they have to be opened and closed from inside the crawlspace.

Personally, I think the cleaner exterior is worth the extra hassle. Would you do this, or just leave the vents exposed?

Doors on every lower kitchen cabinet? I’m out...
Drawers are just easier. Pull them out and everything comes to you. No crouching down, digging through pots, or discovering Tupperware you forgot existed 3 years ago.

I’d still use doors for blind corners and under the sink where you need easy access to plumbing. But everywhere else? Give me drawers.

This is exactly the kind of little decision that’s easy to overlook until you’ve already built the kitchen. So what are you?

Team Drawers or Team Doors?

Overwhelmed by too many decisions? 🤯

That's why I created The Ultimate Home Building Checklist:

- It pays for its self the instant you find something on the checklist you would have overlooked.
- Avoid the $300 change order fee because of those last minute upgrades.
- You'll ask all the right questions during the home building process.

Want proof? TONS of reviews on my website!

Get the Digital Bundle or the Workbook here: 
BuilderBrigade.com

3 common ways to waterproof a shower:

GOOD: Backer board + liquid waterproofing
BETTER: Backer board + sheet membrane
BEST: Waterproof foam board

No matter which system your builder uses, the details matter most. Corners, seams, fasteners, niches, penetrations and the drain all need to be sealed correctly.

And before tile goes down, ask about a flood test.

Take pictures of the waterproofing before it gets covered. You’ll be glad you have them later.

Where is your smart calendar mounted...?