You’ve spent months designing your dream home. The foundation is poured. Framing is complete. Electrical
and plumbing rough-ins are underway. Everything is finally starting to feel real. But there’s one critical phase
of construction that homeowners should never overlook. The period before insulation and drywall is one of
your last opportunities to make relatively inexpensive changes to what’s inside your walls.
During Episode 18 of the Dallas Builders Club Podcast, Dennis from Builder Brigade joined us to discuss the
importance of homeowner education and construction planning. One recurring theme was that homeowners
often focus on finishes while overlooking the features that make a home truly functional. Here are 12 decisions
you should carefully review before drywall begins.
1. Electrical Outlet Locations
Walk through your home and imagine how every room will be furnished. Where will the nightstands go?
Where will you charge your phone? Do you need floor outlets in a large living room? Consider additional
outlets in closets, pantry areas, garages, outdoor living spaces, and behind televisions. An outlet that costs
relatively little during rough-in can become a frustrating retrofit after move-in.
2. Light Switch Placement
Light switches should follow the way people naturally move through a home. Walk through every doorway and
think about how you’ll enter and exit each room. Consider three-way switching in hallways, staircases, large
bedrooms, and open-concept living spaces. Don’t wait until the drywall is installed to discover a switch is on
the wrong side of the room.
3. Low-Voltage Wiring and Technology
Today’s luxury homes often require extensive low-voltage planning. Consider networking, security cameras,
Wi-Fi access points, automated shades, televisions, speakers, and smart home controls. Even if you don’t
plan to install every feature immediately, rough-in provisions can make future upgrades easier. Technology
changes quickly. Accessible pathways and thoughtful infrastructure provide flexibility.
DALLAS BUILDERS CLUB | EPISODE 18 14. Soundproofing Between Rooms
Soundproofing is one of the most underrated custom home upgrades. Interior wall insulation can help reduce
sound transmission between bedrooms, bathrooms, home offices, and entertainment areas. During the
podcast, we discussed using mineral wool insulation in a media room and the noticeable improvement in
acoustic comfort. Also consider sound transmission from plumbing stacks, mechanical equipment, and
upstairs bathrooms.
5. Additional Storage Opportunities
Walk through the framing and look for unused spaces. Could an oversized wall cavity accommodate recessed
shelving? Could a hallway include a linen cabinet? Could an otherwise unused space become additional
storage? One of our clients identified opportunities for built-in shelving during construction that weren’t
originally part of the design. These are exactly the kinds of improvements that become obvious when you
physically walk the home.
6. Plumbing Fixture Placement
Confirm the location of every sink, shower fixture, tub filler, and hose bib. For showers, consider niche
placement, handheld shower locations, and whether the controls can be reached conveniently. Outside, think
about water access near patios, pools, gardens, and outdoor kitchens. Dennis shared how homeowners often
realize too late that they should have installed another hose bib.
7. Kitchen Functionality
Beautiful kitchens should also be practical. Think about appliance placement, cabinet organization, countertop
outlets, undercabinet lighting, and pantry functionality. Where will you store small appliances? Would
additional outlets inside a pantry improve convenience? Consider how you cook and entertain rather than
designing solely around photographs.
8. Backup Generator Infrastructure
Texas homeowners understand the importance of preparing for power outages. During our conversation,
Dennis identified generator infrastructure as one of the upgrades he’d prioritize with additional budget. Even if
a whole-home generator isn’t part of your immediate plan, ask your electrician about the feasibility and cost of
preparing for future backup power. Any generator connection must be properly designed and installed with
appropriate transfer equipment and electrical protection.
9. HVAC Comfort and Access
Before drywall, review the locations of supply registers, return-air pathways, thermostats, and equipment
access points. Think about furniture placement and whether large windows could affect comfort. Ask your
builder and HVAC contractor how the system is designed to serve different areas of the house. Proper design
matters more than simply choosing expensive equipment.
DALLAS BUILDERS CLUB | EPISODE 18 210. Blocking for Future Fixtures
Wall-mounted televisions, floating vanities, heavy mirrors, handrails, and certain cabinetry installations may
benefit from additional blocking. Identify these locations while framing is exposed. Adding support during
construction is usually easier than opening finished walls later.
11. Waterproofing and Window Installation Details
One of the most technical discussions in Episode 18 involved window flashing and moisture management. We
shared a real construction example where a homeowner questioned why certain window areas weren’t
sealed. After consulting the product representatives, it was confirmed that the specific window installation
needed to preserve its designed drainage path. Sealing the wrong location could have trapped moisture and
affected the manufacturer’s warranty. The lesson isn’t that homeowners should direct waterproofing
installations themselves. It’s that they should ask questions and ensure installation details follow the approved
design and manufacturer requirements.
12. Photograph Everything Behind the Walls
Before insulation and drywall, document the construction. Take clear photographs of walls, ceilings, electrical
runs, plumbing locations, blocking, and other concealed features, with your builder’s approval and appropriate
site safety precautions. These photographs can become extremely useful when mounting televisions, making
renovations, or locating concealed components years later. Dennis strongly recommends documenting what’s
behind the walls because it’s an opportunity homeowners won’t have once construction is complete.
Your Pre-Drywall Walkthrough Matters
Before drywall begins, schedule a dedicated walkthrough with your builder. Bring your floor plans, electrical
drawings, selections, and a list of questions. Don’t rush through the house. Imagine an ordinary day living
there – from waking up and making coffee to entertaining guests and getting ready for bed. The goal isn’t to
find fault with your builder. It’s to identify opportunities while changes are still practical.
At Dean & Co Custom Homes, we believe an educated homeowner can be an important partner in the
construction process. Building a custom home in the Dallas-Fort Worth area? Contact Dean & Co Custom
Homes to learn more about our luxury custom home building process and the planning that goes into every
stage of construction.
For additional homeowner resources, explore Builder Brigade’s Ultimate Home Building Checklist at
builderbrigade.com.
