You’ve started selecting finishes… and suddenly your contractor needs an answer yesterday.
Sound familiar?
One of the biggest stressors during construction is not knowing when to make certain decisions. If you wait too long, you could delay the project or settle for something that’s “available” instead of what you really want. If you jump the gun, you might make choices out of order — or miss how one affects another.
In this post, I’ll walk you through a simple framework I’ve used with dozens of homeowners to help them stay ahead of schedule (without losing their minds). Whether you’re building from scratch or in the middle of a remodel, you’ll learn how to time your decisions so everything moves smoothly.
This post is part of my 7-Day Finish Confidence Challenge, a guided series to help you make confident selections, one step at a time. Whether you’re following the whole thing or just tackling today’s topic, you’re in the right place.
Step 1: Know What Takes the Longest
Not all finishes have the same turnaround time — some items can show up next week, others might take months. This is where people get caught off guard.
Here’s a framework I use when evaluating lead times for a project:
Short Lead Time (1–2 Weeks)
Great for last-minute swaps or quick installs, but not ideal for your primary selections.
- In-stock tile
- Basic plumbing fixtures
- Standard cabinet hardware
Moderate Lead Time (4–8 Weeks)
These are pretty standard for most projects — still manageable, but you’ll want to plan early.
- Semi-custom cabinets
- Mid-range lighting
- Prefabricated countertops
Long Lead Time (10+ Weeks)
These are your high-risk items when it comes to delays. Choose these early and build your timeline around them.
- Custom cabinetry
- Handmade or specialty tile
- Stone slabs
- Built-in appliances
- Custom light fixtures
Pro tip: If you’re even thinking about using a special-order or custom item, don’t wait. Explore it early and confirm lead times upfront so it doesn’t create a bottleneck later.
Step 2: Align Decisions With the Construction Schedule
Contractors don’t need your paint color on day one. But they do need certain selections at specific phases of the build — and missing those windows can cause major slowdowns.
Here’s a breakdown of when key decisions are typically needed:
Before Framing Is Complete
You’ll be finalizing layout-based decisions:
- Fireplace placement
- Door swings
- Window changes
- Structural needs (like built-ins or ceiling treatments)
Before Plumbing Rough-in
Your plumber will need this info to install lines properly:
- Plumbing fixture types (wall-mounted vs. deck-mounted)
- Shower configurations
- Drain styles and locations
Before Electrical Walk-Through
This is when the electrical plan gets locked in:
- Lighting locations
- Sconce height
- Switch and dimmer placement
- Ceiling fan or specialty fixture decisions
Before Drywall
Now’s the time to reinforce walls or rough in special features:
- Trim design and profiles
- Recessed niches
- Heavy material mounts (like wall-hung sinks or slab fireplace surrounds)
Before Cabinetry Is Ordered
Cabinet design should already account for:
- Appliance sizes
- Sink types
- Countertop selections
Before Finish Install
This includes:
- Flooring
- Tile
- Paint colors
- Hardware
Pro tip: Every builder runs on a different rhythm — always confirm with your contractor when they need each selection. Don’t rely on guesswork.
Step 3: Talk to Your Contractor Early and Often
Clear communication goes a long way. Before construction starts, ask your builder or project manager:
- What selections do you need from me this month?
- Which items are holding up the schedule?
- Are there any materials with long lead times I should prioritize now?
And when visiting vendors, let them know your timeline. It helps them show you only what’s realistic — not tempt you with items that won’t arrive in time.
Step 4: Keep Track of What’s Done (And What’s Not)
Once you start selecting finishes, the decisions stack up fast. The easiest way to stay sane is by keeping a simple record of your progress.
You can use a spreadsheet, notebook, or even the notes app on your phone. The goal is to track:
- What’s already selected
- What’s been ordered
- What still needs to be finalized
- Expected delivery dates
Pro tip: Don’t underestimate the peace of mind that comes from having a visual overview. It’ll save you from digging through emails and guessing what’s next.
Why This Step Matters
Knowing when to make selections is just as important as knowing what to choose.
The best-designed homes aren’t just beautiful — they’re built on smart decisions made at the right time. A solid timeline helps you avoid expensive mistakes, rushed choices, or contractor delays. And most importantly, it gives you room to make decisions with clarity — not chaos.
Ready for What’s Next?
👉 Day 06: What to Bring to a Design Showroom and How to Prepare for Your Visit
Need help timing your selections or reviewing what’s due when? You can book a 1:1 consult, or if you prefer ongoing support, check out DesignDirect — my messaging-based service where we tackle decisions together as they come up.
