Building a New Home? Consider These 4 Things Before Breaking Ground

Building a new home is not something many people will do often, and navigating the process can feel overwhelming . Our goal at Alicia Thomasson Interiors is to make the new build process less stressful and more enjoyable for both you and your builder. Below are a few things to consider before you embark on your custom home journey:

1. Understand Roles & Responsibilities

Before diving into the project, it’s important to understand how the builder and interior design firm work together:

The Builder – Focuses on construction, structure, and code compliance. They handle everything from framing and electrical work to plumbing and materials sourcing.

The Interior Design Firm – Specializes in aesthetics and functionality, helping with floor plans, finishes, cabinetry, lighting, and furniture selection to bring your vision to life.

ATI Perk: We communicate directly with your builder, architect, and other trades. You're busy, you have enough on your plate. We will handle the back and forth emails and additional meetings discussing things like what direction the tile should lay and what size crown moulding is in the dining room.

2. Loop in the Interior Designer as Early as Possible

Homeowners sometimes wait until construction is almost complete to bring in a designer, but the best time to hire an interior designer is during the planning stage.

As your interior design firm, we review floor plans and suggest functional improvements.

Select finishes and fixtures that align with your vision and budget.

Ensure cohesion across materials from room to room (flooring, cabinetry, paint, hardware), so the home feels flawlessly curated.

ATI Perk: If your builder offers “pre-selected” finishes, we can still help customize elements like lighting, millwork, and color schemes.

3. Maintain Open Communication with Regular Check-Ins

Miscommunications can lead to costly mistakes, so regular meetings with both your builder and designer are important.

ATI Perk: We send weekly emails every Friday reviewing progress that week and forecasting what is on the agenda for the following week.

4 Trust Your Team, But Stay Involved

It’s important to let your builder and designer do their jobs while staying involved in the process.

Trust the process, but don't be afraid to ask questions if something isn’t clear.

Speak up if something doesn’t match your expectations.

Be flexible—sometimes materials are discontinued, but as your designer, we can find alternatives.

A successful new build isn’t just about the right materials—it’s about seamless collaboration between you, your builder, and your designer. By setting clear expectations, staying involved, and trusting your team, you can create a home that’s both beautiful and functional.

Would you like to chat about what it would look like to work with us? Fill out our contact form!