Ask the Builder: Planning a New Home? Hardware and Finishing Details to Consider Before You Build

A reader asks:

“We’re planning a new home. Should we choose door handles, cabinet hardware and bathroom accessories now, or leave them until construction?”

The builder’s answer:

Start considering them while you’re developing your floor plan. You don’t need to select every handle straight away, but knowing what you want—and where it will go—helps you plan door clearances, cabinetry, storage and fixing points before construction.

These smaller decisions influence how your home works every day. Here are the details worth discussing with your designer and builder before you finalise your plans.

1. Door Handles, Locks and Door Stops

Most people concentrate on where a door goes and which way it opens. The hardware deserves attention too.

Consider whether you prefer lever handles or knobs, which rooms need privacy locks and where door stops will protect walls or cabinetry.

Check that:

• Handles won’t strike nearby walls or cupboards.

• Doors open comfortably around furniture.

• Bathroom privacy locks suit your household’s needs.

• Sliding doors have practical, easy-to-use pulls.

• Entry locks suit your preferred access arrangements.

Ask the Builder tip: Review your floor plan with furniture positions shown. An awkward door swing is much easier to resolve on paper.

2. Kitchen Handles and Drawer Hardware

Kitchen hardware should feel comfortable and support the way you use the space.

Try handles in person where possible. Think about grip, cleaning and whether projecting handles could interfere with neighbouring cupboards, drawers or appliances.

Other details to discuss include:

• Soft-close hinges and drawer runners.

• Pull-out rubbish and recycling bins.

• Storage for trays and chopping boards.

• Access to corner cupboards.

• Drawer sizes for pots, crockery and utensils.

• Storage for frequently used appliances.

Handle-free cabinetry also needs careful planning. Ask your cabinetmaker how the proposed opening system will work in each location.

Ask the Builder tip: Plan what goes inside your cupboards before deciding how they look outside.

3. Bathroom Accessories and Fixing Points

Towel rails, hooks and toilet roll holders can become awkward afterthoughts if every wall has already been allocated to something else.

Mark their proposed positions alongside the shower, vanity, toilet and door.

Consider:

• Whether towels are within comfortable reach of the shower.

• Enough hanging space for the people using the bathroom.

• A convenient toilet roll holder position.

• Hooks that won’t interfere with doors.

• Storage for toiletries and spare towels.

Discuss suitable fixing support with your builder before the walls are closed. If you want to allow for future grab rails, raise this during design so their locations and reinforcement can be considered.

Ask the Builder tip: Imagine moving through your morning routine. Where will you reach for a towel, hang your clothes or put your toiletries?

4. Wardrobes That Suit Your Belongings

A large wardrobe isn’t automatically a useful wardrobe. The internal arrangement matters just as much as its overall size.

Think about how much space you need for long hanging clothes, shorter garments, folded items, shoes and luggage.

Check that wardrobe doors and drawers can open comfortably beside beds and bedside tables. Consider adjustable shelves where your storage needs may change.

Ask the Builder tip: Measure what you need to store. A cupboard designed around your belongings will usually work better than one selected purely by appearance.

5. Laundry Storage and Practical Fittings

The laundry often needs to accommodate much more than a washing machine.

Allow space for baskets, detergents, cleaning equipment and somewhere to hang or dry clothes.

Discuss:

• A tall cupboard for the broom, mop and vacuum.

• Shelving positioned for convenient access.

• A hanging rail or suitable drying area.

• Appliance door clearances.

• Access to filters, hoses and connections.

• Bench space for sorting and folding.

Ask the Builder tip: Check your intended appliances against the proposed cabinetry before approving the final layout.

6. Skirting, Architraves and Other Finishing Details

Skirting boards and architraves help establish the character of your interior, but they also need to work with the layout.

Their profiles and widths can affect the space available beside doors, cabinetry and built-in furniture.

Discuss these details early if you want wide trims, a particular architectural style or a more minimal appearance.

Flooring transitions also deserve attention. Ask how different materials will meet at doorways and between rooms.

Ask the Builder tip: Look at samples together. A trim that seems modest on its own can appear quite different beside your selected doors and flooring.

7. Coordinate Your Hardware Finishes

Door furniture, cabinet handles, taps, bathroom accessories and lighting all contribute to the finished appearance.

You don’t need every item to match exactly, but a consistent direction makes selections easier.

When comparing finishes:

• View physical samples together.

• Check differences between manufacturers.

• Consider fingerprints and cleaning requirements.

• Ask about suitability for the intended location.

• Check product availability before committing.

Ask the Builder tip: Keep a simple sample board with your paint, cabinetry, flooring and hardware choices.

8. Remember Outdoor Hardware

Outdoor living areas need practical fittings as well as attractive finishes.

Depending on your property, consider gate hinges and latches, privacy screens, clothesline fittings, hose storage and outdoor cupboard hardware.

Garden features can also be planned early, including a well-proportioned garden trellis for supporting climbing plants.

Check that gates, screens and storage leave comfortable access around the house. Choose hardware suited to its exposure, particularly in coastal or weather-exposed locations.

Ask the Builder tip: Include outdoor fittings on your site plan so their positions can be coordinated with paths, landscaping and service areas.

9. Check What Your Building Quote Includes

Before approving your selections, confirm which fittings are included in the price.

Ask for a clear schedule covering:

• Door handles, locks and stops.

• Cabinet handles, hinges and drawer systems.

• Wardrobe and laundry fittings.

• Bathroom accessories.

• Skirting and architrave profiles.

• Outdoor hardware where applicable.

• Installation of the selected items.

If your quote includes allowances, ask which products they are based on and what happens if your selections cost more.

Ask the Builder tip: Record the product, finish, room and approval status in one selections list. This gives everyone a clear reference.

Your Pre-Build Finishing Checklist

Before finalising your plans, check that you have:

• Reviewed door swings and handle clearances.

• Planned kitchen storage and opening systems.

• Marked bathroom accessory positions.

• Discussed any additional wall support.

• Checked wardrobe and laundry layouts.

• Considered trims and flooring transitions.

• Compared hardware finish samples.

• Planned outdoor fittings and access.

• Confirmed inclusions and allowances with your builder.

The Builder’s Final Advice

You don’t have to choose every finishing detail before your first design meeting. Start with the choices that affect space, access, cabinetry and installation, then work through the decorative selections as the design develops.

A thoughtful floor plan and well-chosen fittings work together to make a home comfortable and practical.

Planning your new home? Explore the designs at Australian Floor Plans and start a list of the details you would like to discuss with your designer and builder.