Interior designer checklist for builder

7 years ago

We are building a new home and our architect has done an amazing job. We have a GC who is also very good. I think I can do all the interior design myself -for instance I have picked out most of the tiles, appliances, sinks, plumbing fixtures. I wonder if this is the right choice. Does anyone have a template for a list of things to give to builder per room? Thanks!

Featured Answer

otterplay

7 years ago

Paint colors and sheen for wall, trim, and ceiling. Flooring and transitions between flooring types. Baseboard, window, and ceiling trim size and profile. Interior doors and casing size and profile. Door hardware (knobs, hinges, closet and pocket door pulls) style and color. Fireplace and firebox size, shape and finish materials. Location for gas fireplace valve key. Placement, size, style of any niches in shower/tub or other places. Style and placement of scones and ceiling light fixtures. Size of any recessed can lights. Placement of any specialty electrical (tv/computer). Placement of any floor outlets. Style and color of light switches and which have dimmers. Location of any outlets controlled by wall switches. Medicine cabinets. Stair railing profile and color/wood. Pattern/style of any obscure glass (bathrooms and maybe garage). Closet interiors (customized shelves/drawers/rods). Closet flooring (cedar or continue room flooring). Countertops/backsplash material, edge profile, and color. Towel/grab bars and their placement (backing for any current or future grab bars). Height of shower head above finished shower floor. Shower door or curtain rod. Toilet brand and style. Location/size/style of any floating shelves that will need backing. Kitchen, bathroom sink faucets style and placement. Shower/tub plumbing fixture style and placement. All the details of kitchen and bath cabinet style, color, trim. Cabinet pulls. That should get you started.

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Comments (8)

alex9179
7 years ago
I think that it depends on how confident you are in that role. There are a LOT of choices to make that's nice to have relate to each other. Focusing on matching can result in an impersonal or bland interior. I see a lot of issues with complementing colors in hue families. For instance someone picks beige tones because they're neutral, but ends up with pink-beige and yellow-beige elements that look horrid next to each other.

I think interior designers are great and totally worth it. I didn't hire one, though. It's a creative outlet that I enjoy and I don't feel overwhelmed by the many options out there. Except for picking out an off-white to paint the interior. I was obsessive about that, although I still loved the process!
C R thanked alex9179
Kirsten E.
7 years ago
Our builder is providing us with a spreadsheet to fill out with our selections. Have you asked?
C R thanked Kirsten E.
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C R
Original Author
7 years ago
No ours hasn't provided a spreadsheet. He said he doesn't have a format. Would it be possible for you to share your spreadsheet (just the format) with me? Thanks! Email is ankur655@gmail.com
Kirsten E.
7 years ago
I don’t have it yet, but hoping to get it soon!
nini804
7 years ago
I had a very firm vision for my custom home, and still found an ID so valuable. I loved having a professional to bounce ideas off of, and just hold my hand. :)

Your post did vaguely terrify me, in that it sounds like your builder hasn’t given you a timeframe or even a list of decisions that you will need to make! It made me think you might be getting a lot of last minute calls for decisions on the fly. THAT will stress you out!! The ID can help by knowing when you need to decide what, when.
C R thanked nini804
C R
Original Author
7 years ago
Thanks for the feedback. Our builder has given us a rough timeframe and has already told us things to look at like tiles, fireplace, fixtures etc. He doesn't have a per room checklist that I would like to create- such as for bathroom- tiles, backsplash, niche, fixtures, mirrors , wallpapers etc. Did your ID create one?
Virginia Liddle
5 years ago
Could someone please!!! share a blank spreadsheet using Excel or a downloadable list that includes all ( majority) of interior selections needed for a new custom build 👍🙏 our builder does not have one. I’m so overwhelmed; everything has to be done so quickly due to supply chain problems! Thank you so much!!