What No One Tells You About Planning Your New Build

By Ester White Gherea | WBN News | July 10, 2025

Building a home is exciting. You finally get to create the space you’ve dreamed of — a kitchen that fits your life, a cozy living room, and maybe even a mudroom for all those shoes and backpacks. But between choosing floor plans and picking finishes, there are important things no one really talks about. And trust me, these things matter more than the perfect tile or the color of your front door.

Let’s dive into the things you really need to think about when planning your new build. These are the details that will make your home feel right, not just look right.

1. Think About How You Live, Not Just What You Like

Everyone shows up to planning meetings with Pinterest boards full of pretty pictures. That’s great! But here’s the truth: a home that works well is more valuable than one that just looks good. Do you cook a lot? You might need more space between counters, or a walk-in pantry, or even two ovens. Do you work from home? Maybe a desk in the kitchen isn't enough. You might need a door you can close.

Design your home for the life you actually live, not the one you see on Instagram.

2. Outlets, Lights, and Switches Matter More Than You Think

This sounds boring, but I promise it’s one of the biggest regrets people have after the build is done.

Where are you going to plug in your vacuum? Will there be enough outlets in the kitchen for your coffee machine and toaster? Are there light switches in the right spots so you’re not walking across a dark room to turn something on?

Walk through your future home in your mind from morning to night. Imagine making breakfast, getting ready for bed, hosting a party. That’s how you’ll figure out what you really need.

3. Don’t Forget Storage, You’ll Never Regret Having Too Much

Storage doesn’t sound exciting. But when you don’t have a place for the vacuum, the wrapping paper, or the holiday decorations, it becomes a daily frustration.

Can you add a small linen closet near the bedrooms? What about extra cabinets in the laundry room? Even a deep drawer in the kitchen island for Tupperware can be life-changing.

If you don’t plan for storage, clutter will take over. And fast.

4. Natural Light Changes Everything

Big windows aren’t just for looks. They affect your mood, your energy, even how your paint colors show up. Think about where the sun rises and sets. What kind of light do you want in your bedroom in the morning? Do you want your dining area glowing at sunset?

If your home feels bright and open, it will feel bigger, happier, and more expensive, even if it’s not.

5. Plan for the Future, Even If It Feels Far Away

You may not need a baby room, a guest suite, or an aging-in-place bathroom today. But what about five years from now? What about ten?

Maybe you don’t finish the basement yet, but leave the plumbing ready for a bathroom. Maybe you design the entryway wide enough for a stroller now and a wheelchair later. It doesn’t have to cost more. Just plan smarter.

6. Your Builder Isn’t Thinking About Your Couch

I say this with love. Most builders are focused on structure, not style. So if your great room is big but there’s no good wall for the sofa, or if the dining area fits a table but not chairs that pull out, you’ll feel it every single day.

Ask questions. Use painter’s tape on the floor to map out furniture. Make sure your lifestyle fits into the space, not the other way around.

7. It’s Okay to Speak Up, It’s Your Home

Don’t be afraid to say, “This doesn’t feel right,” even if you can’t explain why. Sometimes your gut knows something your brain hasn’t caught up to yet.

Ask questions. Ask again. Trust your instincts. You’re not being picky. You’re being thoughtful. That’s what turns a build into a home.

Let’s Talk About Your New Build

Every family is different. Every life is different. That’s why no two homes should be the same. If you’re planning a new build or even just dreaming about one, let’s talk.

I’d love to hear what your dream home feels like. What would make life easier? What would make your space feel like you?

Ester White Gherea is an Interior Designer and the founder of Gherea Studios.
She can be reached at 236-339-6644 or estergherea@gmail.com. Connect with Ester on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/ester-white-gherea-6b339a2b5/. Connect with Ester at https://www.ghereastudio.com/.

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