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[Sooner]

@Natureluvr HOW Exciting!!!  

To me, someplace to work with and file paperwork and keep bills and receipts is a blessing and keeps you from going crazy looking for things.  Maybe even a file cabinet in the laundry room or a desk somewhere--some place to park the mail and the "stuff" that accumulates.

A space in the garage for an extra fridge or freezer.

A well designed and one of the biggest luxuries I ever found is an ice machine.  I'm not sure for most, but I love love love that ice machine!   Seriously!  

A place for hampers for dirty clothes.  People don't think about this often and it's always a mess. 

[Spacrazy]

Built in, under cabinet, pull out trash bins.

Soft close drawers and cabinet doors.

Dimmer switches for overhead lights.

[RedTop]

My best friend built a new house 3 years ago in a huge subdivision where the lot they purchased determined the house that could be built on that lot.  

That house plan had very specific choices she and her husband could make for every single thing in that house; kitchen cabinets, tile, pull handles, lighting, doors, bath fixtures, etc.  It was very pricey for her to get base cabinets with pot drawers in the kitchen instead of cabinets with doors.  They also wanted a deeper kitchen sink, taller toilets and a second floor addition, which shot their price up tremendously.   

When they met with the contractor in his office, their house plan had all their choices set up in the showroom, so they were able to envision everything realistically.  

If I built my house again, I would go with handicapped accessible in every way possible; wider entry doors, wider hallway, wider doorways, taller toilets, step in showers, grab bars, etc.  

[Natureluvr]

I’m taking lots of notes to pass along to my daughter and will keep all your suggestions in mind at the design appts. Thanks everyone, I really appreciate it!

[happilyretiredgirl]

I would consider pocket doors for closets, and bathrooms, so nice not tp have a door open and taking up space.  My house is old but when we remodeled our basement into a family room  we added the pocket doors to the bathroom and to a large storage closet and I really like it, don't have to worry about a door open taking up space and it gave me more wall space in the family room.

[Desert Lily]

Congrats to them for choosing to build. It's a journey.

I had a house built last year. The builder/developer deals with certain vendors that provide options during the design process, and choices (although vast) are limited to those vendors. A builder may refuse to install what the buyer purchases outside of those vendors. The builder's reps in the design office can be very helpful in answering questions. Upgrades add to the cost of the house; maybe 3-10%+, depending on the choices.

I agree with posters who advise to get quartz countertops. I have them in the kitchen & the bathrooms. I would get the best kitchen cupboards that they can afford and the best sink that matches their needs. I also agree about getting the best affordable windows.

There may likely be a selection of the builder's "lighting packages" for light fixtures. I chose a package that was closest to my design aesthetic and then replaced several fixtures that I bought on my own after I moved in. I would check into whether the builder should install a water softener and whether they need one.

Many choices are personal in style, needs, budget, & experiences. I'd also say that there should be some design cohesiveness.

[Sooner]

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@We rescue cats wrote:

I absolutely love my quartz countertops but one word of warning, mines is 'speckled' and I can lose about anything on that counter and am constantly wiping up crumbs, if I could do it over I would do a marble look. Upgrade the sink material, I went to a very heavyduty stainless. If she wants under cabinet lighting-do it now. EXTRA plugs!!!!!!!

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@We rescue cats I agree!  A really good sink will be so much nicer to use and last longer, look better, and be quieter!

[AuntG]

Does she like a lot of outdoor Christmas decorations? If so, have outlets put in along the roof line so pretty icicle lights can be put up. You can even have permanent lights put in that can be changed to any color combination with a click of a switch. I purposely drive by a neighbor's house to see what is on display.

[Lilysmom1]

Soft close kitchen doors and drawers

Pot drawers

Lazy Susan in cupboard

Built in recycle bins

Pot lights in kitchen over work surfaces 

Pantry

Linen closet in every bathroom

Extra wide exterior and interior doors (36")

Metal roof

Ceiling fans in every bedroom

Walk in shower

Propane/gas line to bbq and stove (never have to stand in line to fill bbq tank again, can     cook on stove top in power outage)

pocket doors on closets

dimable lights

If doing custom lighting make sure you can get replacement bulbs locally

Upgraded toilets

Conveniently located laundry room (mine is main level)

Put tile at front door entryway, not hardwood.  There is so much wear and tear and hardwood shows it much more.  I have tile entry way and hallway.  Never shows the wear and tear.

A lot of the choices will depend on whether they intend this to be their forever home.  It is best to choose the best you can afford at the time.  Doing work after construction is finished is always more expensive.

Good luck, such an exciting time for the young couple.

[geezerette]

I would spend my money on upgrades for the house itself that can't be or are difficult to do after it's built.

Such as extra insulation, extra electrical/cable/internet outlets and placement, upgraded windows, etc.  

Upgraded appliances, carpeting are things that I would not do.  I would take the contractor basics and then replace when needed with what I wanted.  Often the contractor models aren't as good as retail anyway.

Usually there is a list of upgrades available.  Ask for a copy and go through them at your leisure with the whole family before making decisions that can't be remedied later.

Congratulations to your daughter on her new house!