We are currently building a home in the greater Asheville area. Any recommendations for things to include that might not be obvious? Clearly, it's easy to do things at this stage (foundation/waterproofing is complete and framing starts next week)
More separate circuits in your kitchen. Not just outlets on the same breaker. More plug in appliances for the kitchen every year. Microwave oven, blender, food processor, mixer, sous vide machine, rice cooker, air fryer...
Electric outlets with built in USB ports where phones might be charged.
I like separate circuits in the bathrooms for the lights/ fan etc. and the "convenience outlet" used for hair dryers etc. That way if the hair dryer takes out its circuit, you aren't in the dark. Also, separate switches for the lights and vent fan. May want a (waterproof) light overhead in the shower with separate switch.
Consider tile (marble etc.) all the way up the walls and on the ceiling in shower and bathtub area. Easier to keep clean and mold free.
High on the wall outlets for TVs that will be wall mounted.
Outside electric outlets. For Christmas lighting, pathway lighting, deck lighting etc. How many circuits will depend on your Clark Griswold scale level. I'm up to four separate circuits. CG scale about 8. I did quads, with two outlets always o and two controlled by electric eye switches, so on from sundown to sunup.
Lots of insulation in attic and walls. Maybe more than builder standard. Check Dept. of Energy, Insulation Contractors Association, Air Conditioners Association etc for specific recommendations. Good vapor barrier on warm side of insulation.
If you are into woodworking, some 220 volt circuits in the future workshop area.
More outside water hose bibs. Depending on how and where you might use water outside. Gardening, possible future outside kitchen? Make sure they can be turned off and drained for winter with a separate cutoff/drain valve. I'm not a fan of those long stem valves.
Make sure water pipes on outside walls are on the warm side of insulation.
Cut off valves for bathtub/shower water. Usually there is an access panel backside, but no cutoff valves so the whole house has to be without water to change a washer or cartridge.
Taller "chair height" toilet for master bath. Elongated bowl instead of round bowl toilets.
Have builder pay attention to sealing gaps and cracks. The tighter the house the better.
Install 2x6 or 2x8 inside bathroom walls near toilet and tub/shower. For future installation of grab bars. You may not need them now, but if you ever do, the supports are there.
Tankless water heater(s) if that works for your family and house configuration.
Carbon monoxide detectors if you have any gas appliances in the house.
Pipe to future outside gas grill connection with cutoff valve and capped .
Laundry tub.