What to Ask Your Indianapolis Builder During the Design Process

Designing your custom-built home in Hamilton County can be an exciting process. As you and your design group discuss the initial floor plan, the process seems simple and straight-forward. But when you get further along, you might feel hesitant asking about upgrades and improvements. You have confidence in your builder’s guidance, but you don’t necessarily know how to explain what you visualize as the end product.

Framing your ideas as questions may help everyone get on the same page. But what questions should you ask your design group so you can get your perfect custom-built home?

Is it possible to…?

“Is it possible…” questions are a great way to start a discussion on how to add your desired design ideas. These questions usually happen early on in the design process, and can pertain to large changes with long-lasting structural implications (“Is it possible to add a swimming pool off the back deck?”), or smaller, optional upgrades (“Is it possible to install smart speakers across the house?”).  

“Is it possible” questions are handy because they allow you to dream before you need to fully commit to the final design. They let you explore and play with ideas without worrying about weight limits, HOA limitations or floor plan flow. Your builder will then show you different ways your questions can become a reality and you can evaluate your options. For instance, if you ask if it’s possible to have a wood-burning fireplace in your bedroom, the designers can then present options of moving the master bedroom or adding a chimney.  

How Much Would That Cost?

After you find out what’s possible, the next question is to see if it’s feasible. Your builder should be able to tell you how much the build will roughly be.  However, when adding in upgrades, it’s always nice to use their expertise to gather a running total. Now, as you decide to add a chimney to make that wood-burning fireplace in the master bedroom a reality, you will know what that will do for your budget.    

Is The Custom-Build On Schedule?

A lot of the time, a custom-build can feel like a stop-and-go process. For long stretches, nothing tangible is happening on the lot, especially during Indianapolis’ damp autumns and frigid winters. Then all the sudden, your home is standing tall and ready for move-in. Of course, what seems like magic to you is completely normal for your builder.

Time estimates are essential in managing stress and expectations on the entire process. When the building process encounters any speed bumps like material delays, unseasonably bad weather or unexpected below-ground problems, be sure to ask how that skews the initial timeline. Likewise, any design changes may add additional days on your build. It may seem like you are pestering your builders, but quality design groups will always be able to give you an educated time estimate. Old Town even uses a cloud-based management system call Buildertrend that will give you daily updates on the process of your custom-build.

Old Town Design Group Will Make Sure All Your Questions Are Answered

When it comes to a custom-build, you need to lean on the experts to ensure you get exactly what you want.  Old Town has a history of putting their client’s needs first and answering all their questions — no matter how often they’re asked.  Contact our New Home Consultants at 317.816.3151 to start the custom-build process.