Just a few things from someone who is in the building process right now (July possession)
1. Get a good set of blinds/shades for the windows.
What I ended up doing is getting a very good set of blinds for the house (Hunter Douglas). These blinds can completely black out the house and keep heat out in the summer and heat in in the winter. My sister installed them in her house, and noticed a 9 degree reduction in temperature on really hot days. Also she saved on her heating bill in the winter. Ideal if you have a bonus room above the garage, because they can get extremely hot in the summer.
2. Make sure you ask alot of questions of a few different builders. Many builders in Calgary (not sure about Lethbridge) have started cutting corners in order to build a house cheaper. In some cases, I have seen houses building in my area using very cheap materials. some builders arent even using Home-wrap anymore, which is essential for keeping moisture from coming in the walls and into the insulation. You will likely start getting mould it the insulation without this wrap.
Also, be sure that your builder garuntees your home price upon building. Some people in Calgary i know have had the builder increase the cost of the house 4 months into the process, because of cost of materials.
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