What it is
A pre-construction decision list is the set of design, selection, and scope decisions that must be made — and documented — before demolition begins. In a planning-first process, this list is closed before a contract is signed for construction.
Why it matters
Every unmade decision becomes either a delay (work pauses while you decide) or a change order (work redone after you decide). Lead times on cabinetry, tile, plumbing fixtures, and appliances can run 4–16 weeks. If those orders aren't placed before demo, the project will pause mid-construction.
What homeowners should know
Scope and layout
Final floor plan with dimensions. Walls being removed or added. Plumbing relocations. Electrical changes. HVAC modifications. Ceiling changes. Anything that affects what's behind the walls.
Cabinetry
Manufacturer, door style, color/stain, hardware, interior storage configuration, crown/base molding, panel locations, and any specialty pieces. Cabinets are often the longest lead-time item — typically 8–14 weeks from order to delivery.
Countertops and surfaces
Material (quartz, quartzite, marble, granite), specific slab if natural stone, edge profile, backsplash design and material, and seam locations.
Tile and flooring
Floor tile, wall tile, shower tile, niche tile, grout color, layout pattern, and transition strips. Tile is selection-heavy and small choices have big visual impact.
Plumbing fixtures
Sinks, faucets, shower heads, body sprays, hand-helds, tub fillers, toilets, drain covers, and any specialty items. Confirm rough-in dimensions match — many imported brands require different rough-ins than US standard.
Lighting and electrical
Decorative fixtures (pendants, sconces, chandeliers), recessed-light locations, switch locations, outlet locations, dimmer requirements, and any smart-home integrations. A lighting plan should exist on paper before drywall.
Appliances
Make, model, and exact dimensions of every appliance. Ranges, refrigerators, hoods, dishwashers, microwaves, and any built-ins. Cabinet openings get built to these dimensions.
Hardware and finishing details
Cabinet pulls and knobs, door hardware, towel bars, toilet paper holders, robe hooks, mirror style, paint colors, and trim details.
Common mistakes
Locking layout but not selections
Layout drives rough-in, but selections drive timing. Both must be finalized.
Ordering appliances last
Appliances often have 12+ week lead times and cabinets must be built around their exact dimensions.
Picking tile after demo
Tile selection drives waterproofing detail, niche framing, and tile-layer scheduling. Pick before, not during.
Leaving lighting for later
Recessed locations, dimmer needs, and decorative fixtures determine electrical rough-in. Late lighting decisions force walls open twice.
Timeline expectations
A well-run planning phase takes 4–10 weeks for a kitchen or bathroom and 8–16 weeks for a home addition. That feels long when you're eager to start — but it eliminates 80%+ of the delays and change orders that derail projects without it.
Frequently asked questions
Can I make selections during construction?
Some minor selections, yes — paint colors and decorative hardware can flex. But cabinetry, plumbing, tile, lighting, and appliance decisions all drive rough-in, framing, and crew scheduling. Making these mid-construction is the single biggest source of overruns.
What if I change my mind during construction?
Every change after a decision is locked becomes a change order — usually involving rework, restocking fees, and lost crew time. Change orders are sometimes unavoidable, but they're expensive. The planning phase is specifically designed to minimize them.
Who keeps track of all these decisions?
In a planning-first process, the contractor or designer maintains a single selection document — typically a spreadsheet or specification book — that captures every decision, manufacturer, model number, finish, and lead time. This becomes the construction reference.
How early should appliances be ordered?
Appliances should be selected and ordered before cabinetry shop drawings are finalized — because cabinet openings are built to the appliance's exact dimensions. Lead times on premium appliances (Sub-Zero, Wolf, Miele) can run 16+ weeks.
Next steps
Keep learning, or talk through your project with our team.