So you’ve finally decided to have a new home built. Good for you! Nothing beats finally realizing the home of your dreams. But before you go crazy over how the window treatments would be like, here is an easy checklist that you will need to review your new home. After all, good design also means wise selection of materials, fixtures, and furnishings.

Safety. Is it safe? Could little children have access to that medicine cabinet? Would it be very slippery when wet? Would a guest bump his head on that intricately designed door frame?

Accessibility. Would you need a step ladder just to get that old box of memory on top of that cabinet? Remember that all surfaces, appliances, and decorations must be placed for easy access. The more you need to stretch or fold your limbs and torso just to get to something, the less you might want it to be part of your home design.

Durability. Go ahead and ask your builder for advice, but be sure to emphasize durability when it comes to buying materials for your house. You might be paying more for higher grade materials but think of the less ruined areas you need to replace someday.

Serviceability. How much manpower or equipment do you need to repair an item? If you and/or any of your family can actually do the repairs, the better.

Ease of maintenance. Could you clean it without having to procrastinate and eventually end up calling professionals to do it for you? If you can’t clean it, don’t have it.

Replaceability. Choose standard sizes and styles. They might be less interesting, but think of how on earth you will be able to find that one-of-a-kind design in ten years time?