It’s no secret that a home is a big investment. And if you’re building a custom home, that investment isn’t just monetary: you’re also pouring in time, energy, and a dream for your family’s future. The builder you choose is your partner in achieving that dream. They’re with you from initial sketches to move-in day — and you want a custom home builder you can trust to guide you through the process.
With 50 years of home-building experience in Indianapolis, Hamilton Homes knows what it takes to build that trust. Start your partnership off right with these tips.
Determine your goals
You’re building a custom home to fit your family’s unique needs. And designing the perfect home starts with determining what’s important to you. Do you have a certain area of Indianapolis in mind? Do you want a huge closet? A home theater in the basement?
Outline your goals and what you want your home building experience to look like, then set out to find a home builder that can help you realize those dreams. There’s a lot to consider when you’re building a custom home. The options can feel overwhelming, but finding a home builder you trust means you don’t have to think of everything yourself.
Our team at Hamilton Homes works to understand how you and your family live. We ask questions about what you want, and we guide you through the process, helping you consider solutions that will evolve with your family.
Look for a local builder
You have your heart set on building a custom home in the Indianapolis area, but have you made sure that the home builders you’re considering call Indy home, too? At Hamilton Homes, we’re invested in the greater Indianapolis community just like you.
Working with a local builder isn’t just convenient. Choosing a local home builder gives you the opportunity to verify their reputation in the community. When you’re doing your research about builders, ask others what they think of the builder you’re considering. Real estate agents, other experts, and even friends and family can weigh in on the reputation of your potential builder.
Local home builders also offer insider knowledge of the area, including potential local development plans that might influence your decision about where you want to build. They adhere to the latest local building codes, and they have relationships with the best suppliers, contractors, and inspectors to keep your project running smoothly.
Visit the builder’s existing homes
One of the best ways to determine if you can trust your home builder is by seeing examples of their work. A good builder should have plenty of photos available on their website, but there’s no substitute for seeing a home in person.
Request references for previous clients, drive past existing homes, and consider touring current project sites if possible. Ask existing homeowners about their experience working with the home builder, if they have any issues with the home, and if they would work with the builder again.
Take a look at the quality of construction when visiting homes. Look at exterior and interior finishes, paying close attention to small details, like trim, cabinetry, and tile. If you’re visiting a jobsite, you can assess jobsite cleanliness and the builder’s level of involvement in day-to-day work.
Ask about pricing
When building a home, many people are nervous about hidden markups on materials or they’re caught off guard by unexpected costs that pop up during the construction process. Conversations about money can be awkward, but you shouldn’t feel like you’re in the dark when it comes to the cost of building your home.
Ask about pricing when you’re looking for a custom home builder. Trustworthy builders will have transparent pricing models and they should be open about discussing all the costs that go into construction.
Hamilton Homes uses a fixed fee pricing model for our projects. You pay a fixed management fee and we pass all supplier costs to you without any markups. You’re free to choose whatever materials and finishes you want, and we provide you with 40 hours of time with a professional interior designer to help you make your selections and stay within your budget.
Trust your instinct
Building a home is a big project. You’ll be working with your builder for several months, and those meetings should make the process easier — not more stressful.
A reputable custom home builder will communicate consistently and proactively every step of the way. You should feel comfortable working with them and you shouldn’t be left wondering about the status of your project.
At Hamilton Homes, brainstorming, preliminary planning, and site visits are available at no cost. Take this time to get to know our team and ask all the questions you have. We want you to be confident that we can give you the home of your dreams before any contracts are signed.
Building your dream home should be fun. With Hamilton Homes as your partner, it is. We’re here to simplify the process and help you make that dream home a reality.
Send us a message to start learning more about custom home building with Hamilton Homes.
