Couple of suggestions:
Chose designs, colors, materials that the MARKET wants–not too personalized or off-beat. Even if you are not flipping it, you will some day sell it and if you stray too far from the bland, your price will suffer for it.
Prepare to really shop for sub-contractors in this market. They are all hurting and are really ready to make a deal and deliver quality nowadays. Nothing like 4 years ago when they were all super busy, charged outrageous prices, and made you feel like they were doing you a favor just to return their calls.
