The Design & Build Process

We lay out the entire project from start to finish, so you know what to expect and when to expect it.

 

The First Meeting - building a great relationship first! The First Meeting - building a great relationship first!
We can meet at our office, your current home, a potential home site or local coffee shop. Here we will get an idea for the vibe of the home and general layout of the rooms. Tell us your vision of the home and must have features we will be sure to include. We can even visit any of our homes that are currently under construction to give you an inside scoop on the process.

DO I NEED TO HIRE AN ARCHITECT OR PLAN DESIGNER FIRST?
The short answer is no…visit with us first.  While all of our homes are truly one-of-a-kind and have been custom designed to each clients needs, our most successful projects are the ones we’re involved with from the very beginning.  We’re able to provide valuable information throughout the design process regarding building costs and constructability.  We work with some very talented Architects, but it truly pays to have a builder in the room.
CAN WE SEE SOMETHING YOU'VE BUILT?
Absolutely! At any given time, we can make arrangements to visit homes currently under construction or homes we have built and sold!

 

Land Acquisition Land Acquisition
We can help locate and close on a site that fits all your needs, or build on a lot you already own. During this time we will use the topography of the lot and the home concepts you have in mind to design the perfect floorplan.

WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW BEFORE BUYING A LOT?
Before buying land to custom build a home, there are a few things you should ask:

  1. Are there utilities on site such as water, sewer, gas, and electric?
  2. Is the property zoned for residential?
  3. Is there an HOA? If so, what are the dues and owner responsibilities?
  4. Buildability of the lot! (that’s where we come in)

See our entire checklist here!

 

Schematic Design & Budget - we want to know everything! Schematic Design & Budget - we want to know everything!
The design stage can start from an existing plan, photos, social media, a home you’ve driven past or completely fresh. We will ask tons of questions to understand what’s important to you — from daily lifestyle to dream home details! Once we have an idea of the type of home and the lot, we define general specifications and budget. With the budget range established, it is a good time to check on financing.

HOW WILL I KNOW THE TOTAL COST OF THE BUILD?
You will know the total price of your home before we start construction, based on your custom plans and detailed specifications. The only way that changes is when we agree on any change orders — so there are no surprises. In the meantime, we have developed a handy budget calculator to help you get started: Budget Calculator.
WHERE DO I GET FINANCING?
Integra has been working with new construction lenders for over 30 years. We can recommend a few or will work with someone you know.

 

Final Design Final Design
Our design build process involves our engineers, architects and designers to create a fully customized set of plans. While not all builds require it, we are also able to offer rendering and 3D architecture tools, to help visualize and define the smallest of details before even breaking ground.  Once we have created the final design, you will receive a full set of plans and specifications for your new home.

WHAT ABOUT ENERGY EFFICIENCY?
Michael is a Certified Green Professional (CGP) from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), so each custom home we build is engineered to minimize temperature loss, whether its freezing cold or hot and humid, using comprehensive air sealing, high performance windows and industry leading insulation systems. High-efficiency plumbing and heating/cooling systems are designed specifically for your home and installed for optimal performance. To brighten your home up, Integra uses LED lighting and Energy Star appliances to keep utility bills low, while providing high-quality performance and minimal maintenance. Read more about Integra Builders green building certification and check out our post about energy efficiency!

 

Contract & Pre-Construction Contract & Pre-Construction
Once the design and specifications are finalized, we can finalize the contract price and coordinate the financing process. We will give you a guaranteed price so there are no worries about cost over runs or going over budget. Then we are off to HOA approvals and permitting!

Selections - the best in the biz on our side! Selections - the best in the biz on our side!
We know that while exciting and fun, the selection process can be overwhelming, but you are never alone during this process. We have a small design studio at our office with limited selections, but we have strong relationships with all our vendors and their beautiful showrooms who are happy to assist through the selection process. We can define all selections like cabinets, lighting, flooring & dazzling color palettes before construction starts, or our A+ team will put together a selection schedule that outlines when certain selections are due to make them during the build.

HOW WILL I KNOW WHAT & WHEN TO CHOOSE EVERYTHING?
Whether you hire an interior designer or you work with ours, we will make your imagination and dreams come to life. We have long tested partnerships with top vendors in the industry who share their showrooms and experts with our clients.  We can define all selections before construction starts; or at our pre-construction meeting, you will be given a schedule of selections to make them during the build.

 

Construction Construction
We will provide you with a preliminary schedule outlining when and how long each phase of construction will take. Integra exceeds the quality requirements of the Builders Association of Greater Indianapolis (BAGI), Indiana Builders Association (IBA), and National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). Throughout the construction process, we perform quality checks at all phases of construction. As we progress through the schedule, we will meet regularly to keep you up to date on progress and answer any questions you have during the build.

HOW LONG IS THE BUILDING PROCESS?
Typically, the design process takes 2 to 3 months. Followed by 8-14 months from the time we break ground to the time you move in. Obviously, the time frame varies depending on the square footage of the house, and Indiana’s dynamic weather conditions. We get into a bit more detail on the process here: How long does it take to build a custom home?
WHEN DO I SELL MY CURRENT HOUSE?
Granted, everyone’s scenarios are different, but we have experienced real estate agents on our team that can help with timing and preparing your existing home for the market. We typically recommend getting your home listed for sale approx 2 to 3 months before completion of your new home!

 

Completion, Debrief & Warranty Completion, Debrief & Warranty
Construction is complete and it’s time to move in, we will do a walk thru with you to explain all the features and functions included throughout. After you have settled in, you’ll be comfortable to know that our family has been building homes for over 30 years, its in our blood! We will stand by you through thick and thin, any time you need help with your home and beyond…throughout this process we become like family!

WHAT KIND OF WARRANTY DO I GET?
We know a home is often times your biggest investment. Our clients want to know that what they buy is a solid investment; built with the highest quality materials and protected with the builder warranty.  Integra exceeds the quality requirements of the Builders Association of Greater Indianapolis (BAGI), Indiana Builders Association (IBA), and National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). During the construction process, we perform quality checks during every phase of the construction. After you have settled in, you’ll be comfortable to know that Integra has been around for 30+ years and we will stand by you through thick and thin, any time you need help with your home and beyond…throughout this process we become like family!

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