The 70/30
Milestone Guideline
How your selections and allowances are tracked through your build, and what needs to be finalized at each milestone.
What Is the 70/30 Guideline?
Your selections are split into two milestone groups. Each group has a deadline tied to a stage of construction, and both are tracked in the project progress on your client portal.
The larger group of selections. These must be made before framing begins.
The remaining selections. These must be finalized before trade walk-throughs begin.
Where the Milestones Fall
Meeting each milestone on time keeps orders placed, trades scheduled, and your build moving forward.
The 70% Selections
These items must be selected before framing begins.
Exterior Features
- Windows
- Exterior doors & color
- Exterior window trim (material & color)
- Garage door
- Shingles
- Shake siding
- Metal roofing
- Gutters & gutter guards
- Gable brackets
- Exterior posts (front & back)
- Exterior beams (front & back porch)
Exterior Stone
- Exterior stone
- Step treads
- Cap stones
- Water ledge
- Chimney & trim details
Porches & Decks
- Porch floor material (front & back)
- Handrails (front & back)
- Porch step details (front & back)
Fireplace & Stonework
- Exterior fireplace & stone
- Exterior hearthstone
- Exterior mantel (species & stain)
- Interior fireplace & stone
- Interior hearthstone
- Interior mantel (species & stain)
Interior Trim & Doors
- Interior doors
- Barn doors
- Pocket doors
- Door hardware
- Stair treads
- Posts & spindles
- Beams
Kitchen & Bath Essentials
- Appliances
- Plumbing fixtures
Lighting & Finishes
- Interior & exterior lighting
- Interior beams
Cabinets
- Cabinets
The 30% Selections
These items must be finalized before trade walk-throughs begin.
Exterior Features
- Shutters & hardware
- Exterior paint (main body)
- Exterior paint (trim)
Interior Features
- Bath hardware & mirrors
- Glass shower door
- Interior paint & stains
Cabinets & Countertops
- Countertops
- Cabinet hardware
Flooring & Tile
- Kitchen backsplash
- Tile
- Hardwood
- Carpet
- LVP
Overages and Your Milestones
Track Your Allowances
Your client portal shows each allowance budget next to your selections, so you can see where you stand on every line item.
Settle Overages
If a selection goes over its allowance, the overage must be paid before moving into the next set of milestones.
Keep Moving Forward
Once a milestone's selections are complete and any overages are settled, your build moves on to the next stage.
Overages are settled milestone by milestone, so there are no large surprises at the end of your build.
Final Reconciliation
At the end of the build, overages may be reconciled and distributed across other allowances. For example, an overage in one category may be offset by savings in another.
Final reconciliation is determined by Matt at that time.
Where to Follow Your Progress
Selections Checklist
See which items are still pending and which milestone each one belongs to.
Allowance Budgets
Review your allowances and any overages before each milestone deadline.
Project Progress
Follow your 70% and 30% milestones as your build moves forward.
Questions?
Send them to me in one list. I'll get back to you within 48 hours.
We're In This Together
Questions about your milestones or allowances start with one call, text, or email.
Marisa Johnson
marisa@mdchomebuild.com · 706.913.7259