How to Make Timely Selections

So, how can you ensure that your selections are made on time and keep your project moving forward? Here are some tips to help you stay organized and on schedule:

1. Start Early: Begin thinking about your selections during the design phase. Make a list of all the items you’ll need to choose—cabinets, countertops, flooring, lighting, appliances, and more. The earlier you start, the more time you have to explore your options and make decisions without feeling rushed.
2. Work Closely with Your Builder: Your builder will likely provide you with a timeline that outlines when each selection needs to be made. Pay close attention to these deadlines and work closely with your builder to ensure you’re meeting them. Regular check-ins can help you stay on track and avoid any surprises.
3. Prioritize Your Decisions: Some selections, like structural components, may need to be made earlier in the process, while others, like interior paint colors, can wait until later. Focus on making the most critical decisions first, and tackle the rest as you progress through the build. Your builder can help you prioritize which selections to focus on first.
4. Stay Flexible: While it’s important to make decisions on time, it’s also important to be flexible. If a particular material isn’t available, work with your builder to find a suitable alternative that meets your needs and keeps the project on schedule.

The Consequences of Delaying Selections

Let’s look at a couple of examples to illustrate how timely selections—or the lack thereof—can impact your custom home build:

Case Study 1: Lisa’s Early Selections
Lisa was eager to see her custom home completed on time, so she made all her selections early in the process. She worked closely with her builder, choosing her cabinets, countertops, flooring, plumbing fixtures, doors, etc., well before construction began. As a result, her materials were ordered on time, delivered as scheduled, and installed without a hitch. Lisa’s proactive approach ensured that her home was completed on time and within budget.

Case Study 2: Mark’s Last-Minute Decisions
Mark, on the other hand, struggled to make decisions. He was indecisive and delayed committing to his kitchen countertops. However, by the time he made his selection, the countertops he wanted were on backorder. This caused a delay in the kitchen installation, which in turn delayed other aspects of the build, such as plumbing fixtures and appliance installation. Mark’s indecision led to a one-month delay in his move-in date, along with additional costs for storage and temporary housing.

These examples highlight how critical it is to make your selections on time. Being prepared and making timely decisions can save you from unnecessary delays and added stress.