This is an awesome thread with hundreds of great ideas - just copy and paste all the suggestions you like into another document !!!
http://houzz.com/discussions/84124
My tip is to pretty much design everything before you even cut the ground !!!

Do know what you NEED vs WANT in the new house. What do you like or dislike about the place you are currently living in? How many people are in your household and how will that number change in the future?

Hi mlurvey, what type of home are you building, are your plans somewhat started?

Plans are done now its picking all the things that go in it. I have been reading all the articles here capturing photos and enjoying your posts. I am not wanting to use a lot of Granite even though I have been told it will be better for resell. I am not doing this to resell it I want to live in it! LOL. The house is a ranch with a small loft area (my private space) and yes I am very excited! Thank you all for the links, posts and suggestions. I will be forever grateful for your help!

We are not building ourselves, we will use professionals!

Look at the blueprints of the house with an eye for function. Do you need recessed cans vs drop lighting...do you want more drawers vs cabinet doors in the kitchen/bath...do you want defined rooms vs open floor plan..and if so, where will the furniture go. Do you need to make the house wider/longer to grant you a walk in closet and larger bathroom? Does your foyer say welcome? Or do you need to add an architectural detail for interest such as a tray ceiling for that beautiful chandelier? My best advise is, go to the photos button on this site and type in the room you want to detail and save the pictures to Your Houzz button all the ideas that you want to show your builder. Some things can wait until you move in...however, once the walls are built and closed up, it would be costly to make changes

Spend a great deal of time with your drawings, make sure you check room measurements, window placement, ceiling heights, etc. Design time is easy up front, very difficult to change things during construction!

Im now at the stage of picking out my carpeting for my new house! I can not find too many people who are happy with the new carpeting on the market! Looking t Mohawk, Shaw! I want a fleck and need easy to care for!