Building FAQs

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)

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 client, our most successful projects are those in which we’re involved in the plan development 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 making sure you’re designing a home that can and will be built within your budget.  We are there to value-engineer the project, quite literally, with every stroke of the Architect’s pen.

You will know the total price of your home before we start construction, based on your custom plans and detailed specifications, and the only way that changes is when we agree on any change orders — so there are no surprises.

Typically, the design process takes 2 to 3 months. Followed by 10-12 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.

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!

Integra has been working with new construction lenders for over 30 years. We can recommend a few or will work with someone you know.

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.

Absolutely! At any given time, we can make arrangements to visit homes currently under construction or homes we have built and sold!

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. Check out our post about energy efficiency!

We do not typically price homes by the square foot, and there is good reason for that!

We price homes based on specific plans, specifications, and site details. For example, each of the following plan concepts would have very different costs per sqft: 

• Master Suite on 2nd floor with a one-story Great Room
• Master Suite on 2nd floor with a two-story Great Room
• Master Suite on main level
• Ranch

Then we factor in details like garages, lot preparation, specific finishes and features, basements (window well vs walk-out if lot allows it), outdoor entertaining, landscaping and more…

We know a home is often times your biggest investment. Our clients want to know that what they buy is a protected 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!