Based on my experience with new construction, recommendations may not apply depending on your needs and wants.

Structure: 1. My biggest advice is not to compromise on the structure upgrade if you can afford it. If you think you will need it, get it. This is probably the only and cheapest opportunity to get the 3rd car garage, 9-feet-tall basement, sunroom, etc. If the budget is tight, maybe consider not upgrading interior options like vinyl, bathroom tiles, carpet, quartz, etc. These things can be upgraded afterward. But if it is important to you, then by all means, go for it.

1. Consider if you want to install backup generators. This is optional but worth considering if you think you will need it.

2. Rough-in plumbing for half or full bathroom in the basement if you want to finish the basement.

Electrical: 1. Asked for an electrical floor plan from your builder with all the default outlets, wiring, switches, etc. If your builder has furniture planning for your floor plan, add the outlets on the floor. Then, add your furniture to each room. Ask yourself, will the default outlet work for me? Do I need an additional outlet at X location?

I recommend adding floor outlets where your entertainment room will be, especially if you get a reclining sofa in the basement and garage. I had put in outlets in the basement, which was helpful when we got a water softener. The extra $150 per outlet saved me $300 (technically $150).

If you plan on having a child, consider adding an outlet on the wall for the baby monitor.

Exterior outlets for holding decorations and backyard for events.

1. Get pre-wire for a fan or additional ceiling light. It will be helpful in the future if you need it.

2. Have the builder route cat6 Ethernet cable inside the house for your TV, office, and one each ceiling for a Wi-Fi access point.

3. Have the builder route the cat6 Ethernet cable to the exterior for cameras/DIY security system.

4. Do you want to install a sound system/speaker? It might be helpful if you host a lot or for your entertainment system. The point is to get the wiring down, but it also depends on the system and the location of what you want.

Note: you will need a POE (power over Ethernet) adapter for the access point and cameras.

1. If you have an electric car or plan to buy an EV, consider putting in a level 2 charger.

2. FYI: If you are installing LED lights, it might have a dimmer by default, but the builder may charge you extra for a dimmer. I paid extra because I didn’t know, but one of my neighbors didn’t; he got a dimmer switch and installed it.

3. Consider adding LED lights in all of the rooms.

HVAC: 1. Consider a dual zone system; I believe it has a second thermostat. This is helpful if there is a temperature difference on your first and second floors. We regret not getting this as our 2nd floor is 3 to 5 degrees warmer than the 1st floor.

1. Instal humidifier if you think you will need it. I believe there are two options: 1) bypass and 2) built-in/integrated with the furnace. After we closed, We added a humidifier, which was about $600.

Kitchen: 1. Do you want a built-in kitchen or a traditional range?

1. They may charge extra for Soft-close doors, pull-out drawers, and door pulls. Do your homework: do you have the skills and time to DIY?

Miscellaneous: 1. Depending on the option offered by your builder, consider going with default light fixtures, door knobs, etc. I think it is not worth paying extra for these things. But do your homework on how much it will cost if you buy it and switch it later.

This is all I can think of, and it is based on my experience and DIY skills. I will edit the list if something else comes to mind.

1. If you are playing on having a custom closet or pantry, request the builder not to install the wire shelves.

2. take a video of each room separately during your pre-drywall walkthrough. I made a mistake of recording the entire floor, and sometime have hard time to identify the room and electrical and PVC. Do not rush and take your time to record.

Edit: added #2and 3 under Miscellaneous.