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[Eileen in Virginia]

Pull-out shelves for any high or low cabinets where she'll want to access items in the back of the cabinet. We got them for the cabinets above our wall oven and refrigerator, as well as below the kitchen sink. We already had them in 2 of our larger cabinets. This has really increased the functionality of those cabinets for us. 

One of my friends added motion sensitive lights to the lower level of her home. It's really convenient when your hands are full and you don't have to juggle everything to turn on the lights.

If her new house will have a garage, get one/some of those storage "elevators" that lift and store items above the vehicles. 

Have fun!

[Sooner]

You also can buy a lift from garage to attic.  They are not out of the world expensive, and if you have lifting issues, or will have future, it would be well well worth looking into at construction!  

You put things on it and rise to the attic space.  It's a miracle!!!!!  The Christmas tree ascends to the heavens in January!    And comes back next December!!!!

[kindred cats]

@Natureluvr    I don't know if this has been mentioned, however, we had a custom home built about 5 years ago.

I had three important requests....1.  a built in vanity in the master bathroom.  2. a large deep sink in the laundry room.  3. extra wide hallways for ease of movement and remain in place forever.  In otherwords, handicap access, etc.  I got push-back on this due to what was called "wasted square footage", but trust me...it's already paid for itself.

Quartz countertops everywhere, pocket doors, lever handles on doors, high baseboards, custom cabs, water filtration and softener, you name it, we probably did it.

If a workshop is desired, best to use a third bay separated by a wall and door.  Keeps the dust down.

Just too numerous of things to mention.  I applaud others who really got down to business and made comprehensive lists.

Building is exciting and stressful.  I wish your daughter all the best in this journey. 

[Snowpuppy]

Lots of suggestions and many of them require structural changes. 

Extending roof lines, adding outlets, changes to plumbing  and heating, etc.  Always ask ""is this to code"?  

In some heavily regulated areas permits and wait times for variances are pricey and lengthy. What you think are minor changes can cost a fortune in fees alone.

My only personal suggestion is adding a Generac or similar whole house generator. Esp if the build is in the ex-urbs or if  your family is alone for long stretches  of time.

I would skip fancy decorative decor for now and swap it for the peace of mind and safety of a whole house generator. I live very rural and here they are not an add on but a necessity.

[spumoni99]

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@Spacrazy wrote:

Built in, under cabinet, pull out trash bins.

Soft close drawers and cabinet doors.

Dimmer switches for overhead lights.

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Yes the under cabinet trash bins are wonderful, we had these put in when we remodeled our kitchen.

[Twins Mom]

Make sure plenty of outlets in each room as well as hallway.  Check number available on kitchen counters.

Fans with overhead lights in bedrooms.

A bit of a luxury, pull out drawers for pots and pans and dishes. Makes cleanup so much easier.

Upgrade paint (someone else mentioned and that's good to get done)

First floor laundry is a time saver.  Think of where kids can put school bags, coats, shoes, etc in your plan...the daily issues that families face.  

With the way we depend on home deliveries, covered porch area might be important.

[Natureluvr]

Fantastic suggestions! Things I never thought of. One of the several design appts is next week so we’ll have lots of things to consider in advance to prepare ourselves. Much appreciated!

[gardenman]

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@geezerette wrote:

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!

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Yes. Spend the money on things that are hard to change later. Don't spend it on things that are easy to upgrade later. It pays to remember that you'll be paying interest on these things for the length of the mortgage. An appliance with a five year lifespan that you're paying for over thirty years is a bad investment. 

[Sakuya]

Outlets. Outside we only have one on the porch and one in the back by door. It would be nice to have some on side of house for Christmas lights and yard tools. Outlets indoors as well. I would like to have a couple above my cabinets in kitchen for decorating. Also if she wants to have wall sconces, consider that for wiring during building. Does she have wood floors? Possibly an outlet in the floor to plug in a lamp next to a sofa in middle of room.

Also the spigot outside to hook up a hose. Placement is important

[River Song]

If there's room in the laundry room and have dogs, a dog washing station would be a luxury.  I imagine this would be a difficult add-on later due to the plumbing.
 

The placement of outside spigots is important, as mentioned in a previous post.  I have a small house with three spigots around the outside plus two on the detached garage.  Handy for pressure washing and cleaning chores.  Also have a spigot in the covered/screened porch so I can hose it down to clean it and the porch furniture.

Recessed ceiling lights would be my choice rather than ceiling fans with a light.  Under the cabinet lights are a necessity for me as I hardly ever use the overhead lights in the kitchen.  With just overhead lights, I was working in my own shadow when standing at the counter or sink and it drove me nuts.  A small bright recessed light directly over the kitchen sink is really helpful.