re: I am building a new house looking for tips

If you are in a hurricane zone put a generator receptacle outside that ties in to the circuit breaker. And a circuit breaker designed so that your main power has to be tripped before the generator circuit can be engaged.

Use low watt LED's for ceiling lights. My lights hardly put any load on the generator, and the electric bills are low.

Put in 2 tankless water heaters. One by the bathroom shower, one by the kitchen/washer. I did one by my shower and it's nice first thing in the morning. But I use hot water more often for the kitchen sink/dishwasher/washing machine so I wish I'd put the water heater over there, or just put in two.

If you do not have natural gas get a propane tank. I much prefer a gas stove and dryer.

Talk with your insurance agent about what you can do to minimize homeowners and flood insurance. I got both to the minimum. (Hip metal roof, Hardie board siding, added elevation)