Written by Beth Urch, Sales Manager at Beach Realty & Construction
Decisions You Didn’t See Coming (and How to Keep the Build Moving)
You knew you'd be picking tile, paint, and countertops. But did you know you’d also be asked about tile backer boards, rafter tail cuts, and the exact number of hooks in your drop zone?
Welcome to the construction phase—where choices get weirder, faster, and far less glamorous. These aren’t the Pinterest-worthy decisions. These are the “we need an answer before the plumber leaves the job site” kind of decisions.
What No One Tells You About
By the time walls go up, you’re making calls on:
- Shelving layouts in closets and pantries
- Moisture barrier types under flooring or siding
- Ceiling finish on your covered porch
- Electrical outlet height on wainscoting
- Knee wall height in stairwells or lofts
- Trim profiles, vent locations, switch placements
None of these are headline-grabbing, but all of them matter—and they need answers on the spot to keep your project on schedule.
“Battlefield Decisions”
Your builder or site supervisor will contact you with what we refer to as a “battlefield decision.” It’s fast, often unexpected, and requires immediate input. The plumber found a better way to run a line. The HVAC crew suggests a different vent location. The framer needs to tweak a header for structural support.
They’ll want to know right now. And the best thing you can do is make the call. Delaying means they move on to the next job—and your timeline slips.
Perfection Isn’t the Goal—Progress Is
There will always be multiple right answers. What matters most is momentum. If you’re unsure, trust your team’s experience, go with your gut, and keep moving.
Not every decision needs to be agonized over. “Good” now is almost always better than “perfect” too late.
We’re With You in the Details
At Beach Realty & Construction, we guide homeowners through the curveballs. Our job is to help you make informed decisions quickly, so your trades continue to work and your home keeps moving forward.
Coming soon: Part 5 – Budget Schmudget? Not Exactly. What It Really Means to Stay on Budget When Building a Home