Building a new home is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming! You have what feels like a million decisions to make, and knowing what needs to be decided first can be confusing. We’ve created a step-by-step guide to the typical order of selections when building a house, from the big-picture decisions through to the final finishes. While this may vary depending on your builder and individual circumstances, we hope it will give you a general idea of what to expect!

1. Floor plans and layout

Everything starts with the plan. Before colours, materials, or finishes are even considered, the layout needs to be locked in. This includes the size of the home, room placement, ceiling heights, storage solutions, and how the house sits on the block. Orientation is especially important in Perth, where maximising natural light and managing heat can impact comfort and your home’s energy efficiency.

At this stage, it’s also important to think about your needs and how they may evolve over time – are you expecting to entertain more, or anticipating a growing family? Once plans are finalised, making changes later can be expensive (and sometimes, impossible), so time spent here is never wasted.

2. Structural and external foundations

With plans approved, the focus then shifts to structural elements. This includes slab type, wall construction, and roof framing. For most standard builds, your builder will usually make recommendations around structural elements, taking into account soil conditions, council requirements, and engineering advice. They may ask for your input with respect to some things, such as wall materials or slab style.

3. Brickwork or external wall finishes

Externals come next! Brick colour, render finish, or cladding style plays a major role in your home’s overall look. Here in Perth, lighter tones are often popular due to heat reflection, but darker, moodier palettes can work well when paired with the right roof and window selections. Choosing bricks or wall finishes early is essential, as they influence many things that follow.

4. Roof colour, gutters and downpipes

Your roof should complement your brickwork and external finishes. Note that your roof colour can impact thermal performance; white roofs have become increasingly popular as they reflect heat rather than absorbing it. At this stage, you’ll also be required to decide on the colour of downpipes and gutters – you can have them stand out or blend seamlessly with your roof.

5. Windows, frames and external doors

Window size, placement, and frame colour are typically chosen after the roof and walls are locked in. These elements tie the exterior together and affect natural light, ventilation, and street appeal. External doors, including the front entry, should be selected at this stage so finishes remain cohesive.

6. Electrical, plumbing and internal layout details

Before internal finishes begin, all services need to be planned. This includes power points, lighting locations, data points, plumbing fixtures, and appliance placements. These decisions directly affect how the home functions day to day, so it’s important they align with furniture layouts and your lifestyle needs. Once walls go up, changes become far more complex, so make sure to give this step the attention it needs.

7. Internal finishes: tiles, cabinetry and benchtops

With the structure and services sorted, your attention should now turn to internal finishes. Floor and wall tiles are usually selected first, followed by cabinetry colours, benchtops, and doors. These choices will form your core interior palette. If you’re struggling, you may find it helpful to choose one detail – such as a benchtop or feature tile – and build the remaining selections around it.

8. Paint colours and internal detailing

Paint brings everything together. Wall colours and skirtings should complement finishes already selected, so make sure to consult your tile sample as you consider your options. We strongly recommend organising a large paint sample as colours can appear differently on a small swatch.

9. Flooring: carpet and final touches

Carpet is usually one of the last things you’ll choose, making it easy to match it to tiles, paint colours, and cabinetry. Window treatments, mirrors, and other finishing touches also fall into this final stage.

Your Choices Await!

Understanding the order of selections helps to manage stress and avoids last-minute decisions, which can lead to delays and additional costs. By starting with big-picture things and then hammering down finer details, you can feel confident that your choices will work together to create a cohesive, aesthetic space.