Material Selection Process

Definition

The material selection process encompasses all decisions about physical finishes and products installed in a renovation: flooring type and specification, tile patterns and dimensions, cabinetry style and finish, countertop material and edge profile, fixture brands and finishes, lighting, and hardware. In a design-build model, this occurs during the pre-construction phase, guided by the in-house design team. The completeness of selections directly affects the accuracy of the contract’s allowance line items. Completing all selections before construction begins converts allowances to actual line items, producing maximum budget certainty.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I make my material selections?

During the pre-construction phase, before the construction contract is finalized. Selections made after the contract is signed are documented as change orders if they differ from contracted specifications, and depending on what has already been ordered or installed, changes may carry restocking fees, material lead time delays, and schedule adjustments. The entire Center Island Contracting pre-construction process is designed to complete all selections before construction begins.

What happens if I want to change a material selection after construction has started?

Changes after construction starts are handled via formal written change order. The cost impact depends on whether the originally specified material has already been ordered, fabricated, or installed. Custom-ordered items, cabinets, countertops cut to dimension, specialty tile, may carry restocking or fabrication cancellation fees in addition to the cost of the new material. This is precisely why completing selections during pre-construction is strongly recommended.

How does the in-house design team help with material selections at the showroom?

The in-house design team guides selections based on your design preferences, budget parameters, and construction scope, ensuring all choices are visually compatible with the approved design, structurally appropriate for the application, and within your budget allocations. The team also coordinates lead times for materials with long order windows, ensuring selections are confirmed in time to keep the construction schedule on track.

Why Material Selection Process Matters

Incomplete material selections at contract signing result in allowance line items that may not reflect what the homeowner actually chooses. When allowances are set too low, as is common in competitively priced bids, the gap between the allowance and the actual selection cost accumulates as change orders during construction. Completing all selections during the pre-construction phase eliminates this gap, producing a contract where the price reflects the actual materials being installed rather than estimates that may never match reality.

How Center Island Contracting Company Uses It

Center Island Contracting uses its private design showroom at 95 Florida Street, Farmingdale, and in-house design team to guide homeowners through the full selection process during pre-construction. The goal is to complete all selections before the construction contract is finalized, minimizing allowances and maximizing price certainty. All selections are documented in the Buildertrend platform as part of the project record.

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