Waiting on Permits? 7 Decisions to Make Now So You’re Ready to Build

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If you’re building a home, few phrases test your patience quite like: “We’re still waiting on permits.”

It sounds harmless, but it's not. It is the bureaucratic version of being left on read. You’re ready to move dirt, make progress, and start seeing something real. Instead, you’re refreshing emails and pretending to enjoy the process. Just yesterday, we got the call that it's looking like two more weeks for ours. But waiting on permits does not have to mean wasting time.

In fact, this stretch can become one of the smartest phases of your build—because once permits are approved, decisions come fast, timelines tighten, and hesitation gets expensive.

So while the county sharpens pencils and stamps forms at the speed of 1994, here are 7 decisions to make now so you’re fully ready when construction begins.

1. Finalize Lighting Priorities

Lighting decisions sneak up on people. Then suddenly someone wants fixture selections “by Friday.”

Now is the time to decide:

• Statement fixtures vs simple basics (a mix!)
• Warm or cool bulb temperature (forever and always warm)
• Recessed lighting placement preferences
• Pendant size over islands
• Exterior sconces and curb appeal lighting

Create a room-by-room lighting wish list or Pinterest board now. Mine are well underway at plenty of online stores with that functionality. My favorite kitchen island light fixtures are beautiful and timeless, with a warm metal color like antique bronze or polished nickel. I'll be mixing metals throughout the house. I'm zeroed in on these kitchen island pendants. I think they're understated but still interesting and love that they're not clear glass. I love the look of clear glass in pictures, but can't stand looking directly into a light bulb in real life.

2. Decide Outlet & Charging Locations While Waiting On Permits

No homeowner has ever said, “I wish we had fewer outlets.”

Think beyond code minimums:

• Nightstands with USB charging
• Kitchen island outlets
• Mudroom charging drawer
• Garage freezer/tools
• Holiday lighting outlets under eaves
• Floor outlets in living rooms

This is one of those cheap-now, annoying-later decisions.

3. Build Your Appliance Strategy

You may not need to purchase yet—but you should decide direction.

Questions to answer now:

• Gas, induction, or electric range?
• Counter-depth fridge or full-depth?
• Double oven worth it?
• Beverage fridge?
• Panel-ready appliances or stainless?

Appliances affect cabinetry, plumbing, electrical, and layout. Tiny decisions with expensive consequences. We actually did this months ago for kitchen design purposes and it's a relief to know those decisions are made. We're splurging on a Bosch dishwasher and Wolf oven – I'm an avid cook – but saving on a more simple full-size refrigerator and a microwave hidden in the pantry. In the most sad appliance news, I had to give up my standalone icemaker after seeing the hefty price tag.

4. Confirm Storage Needs Room by Room While Waiting On Permits

Pinterest closets are lovely. Real life requires places for dog food, Costco paper towels, dust busters, and mystery cords.

Walk through each future room and ask:

• What lives here daily?
• What needs hidden storage?
• What should be grab-and-go?
• What needs tall shelving?
• What deserves drawers instead of cabinets?

Especially focus on:

• Pantry
• Mudroom
• Laundry
• Linen closets
• Garage storage

5. Select Plumbing Fixture Style

Even if final SKUs come later, choose your design language now. I'm currently swooning over polished nickel for the kitchen. I like that it leans warm and I don't need to worry about a house full of kids and their fingerprints anymore (unfortunately). I'll use this in key areas and mix in other metals to keep the design interesting and costs down.

Examples:

• Matte black
• Brushed nickel
• Polished chrome
• Warm brass
• Mixed metals (yes for us)

Also decide if you prefer:

• Pull-down kitchen faucet (yes for us)
• Pot filler (no for us)
• Freestanding tub filler (yes for us)
• Handheld shower wand (not sure yet!)
• Widespread vs single-hole vanity faucets (single this time around)

Once you know your style, decisions become filtering—not wandering.

6. Plan Temporary Living Logistics

The glamorous side of building is renderings. The real side is: where are you putting your winter coats for 9 months? Once we sell our current home, we'll likely stay with family temporarily. Two big dogs make renting for anything remotely affordable nearly impossible.

Use permit waiting time to organize:

• Storage pods
• Donation purge
• Temporary furniture
• Essentials bins
• Mail forwarding plan
• School/work commute logistics

A smoother temporary setup protects your sanity during the build. A well-researched one saves you money, too.

7. Create a Decision Binder or Digital Command Center

When building starts, random questions appear daily:

• Which faucet did we choose?
• What paint color was primary bath?
• Where is that tile quote?
• Did we approve that change order?

Create one home for everything:

• Budget tracker
• Selections list
• Inspiration photos
• Vendor contacts
• Change orders
• Deadlines

Chaos loves scattered notes but I don't.

Final Thought About Waiting On Permits

Waiting on permits feels like nothing is happening. This phase can either become dead time—or leverage. If you use it wisely, the moment permits land, you’re not scrambling. You’re ready. And in homebuilding, ready people save money, avoid panic, and sleep better.

The county may move slowly. You don’t have to.