The Build Process
You can choose from our models and other plans, we can customize them for you or you can have your own custom home drawn up. We will discuss important features in your home, a list of must-haves to help select a print. We always like to go over the desired fit and finishes, this way we can adjust the budgets to fit what you are looking for. Once we agree the contract and financing will get started. From there we will have the final print made, turn it in for permits, get the land surveyed and start the build.
Knowing what is behind those walls is important!
Having a good structure made with good products will help your last stand the test of time. (We take great pride in using high-performance materials and superior building techniques to protect your investment.)
We will be in constant communication with you before, during and after construction. We are just an email or phone call away! We are here to answer all your questions.
Design Process
There are a lot of selections and decisions to be made when it comes to designing your house. Having photos of what you're looking for can help. You can find inspiration in our gallery, Pinterest, Houzz and much more. Photos can help us see what style you are trying to achieve and help our designer make suggestions. We want you to be involved as possible. It is always important to make decisions as soon as possible. This helps make the job go smoother, helps eliminate any surprise, and keeps the job going on schedule.
In the first meeting, we like to select the decisions for the exterior of your home. Things like the windows, siding, stone, shingles, garage door, front door, etc. We would also like to go over any framing changes, like moving walls, door sizes, fireplace, etc.
- We will review the house plan.
- Make decisions about the exterior.
- Begin cabinet design and go over options.
- Talk about household appliances.
- Make a list to prepare for the next meeting.
Framing Stages
During the framing stages of the house, we will need to go over everything that needs to be roughed in correctly.
- Cabinet Placement
- Plumbing Fixtures
- Lighting Placement
Having cabinet layouts are very important to have before framing has started. Things like window centers and framing sizes are important. Having the cabinet layout will also help the trades know where to rough-in for plumbing centers and electrical centers.
It's important to choose what plumbing features you want in the house. In the master bath: the types of faucets, fiberglass or a fully tiled shower, what type of tub, shower accessories like handheld sprayers, body sprays, rain heads, etc.
In the kitchen, faucet, soap dispenser, garbage disposal, pot fillers. Baths, what type of faucets, toilets, shower/tub, toilets, etc. In the garage and exterior, if you want hot and cold in the garage, a wash bin, spigot placement, etc.
We like to walk through your home with you once your house is framed and under a roof. We will talk about special outlet placement, tv/internet/phone hookups, wiring for the alarm system, etc. We will also go over light placement, so think about the kind of lighting you would like in each room and on the exterior of the house as well.
Interior Stages
During this meeting, we will bring the interior of your home to life. We will look at all the parts and pieces and see how they come together to make your house yours.
- Finalize Cabinets, Countertops, Cabinet Hardware
- Interior Doors and Trim
- Stair Case
- Flooring/Tile
- Carpet
- Fireplace Finish
- Paint Colors
- Light Fixtures
What you can expect when working with our team.
Design Selections
Distinctive Homes of Indiana and the Residential Designer prepare a floor plan and exterior elevations for your approval.
Design Meeting
You will meet with all members of your home’s team for the purpose of creating a seamless design that integrates all crucial design elements: floor plan, landscapes, hardscapes, interior design and sound and lighting.
Connecting from the Ground Up
The team includes the lumber supplier and engineer who work together to ensure structural integrity.
A Room with a View
The Residential Designer will work with you to determine how the position of your home on your property can fully connect you with all that your surroundings have to offer.
Your Involvement
Though we understand that you rely on us to build your dream home and assist you through the process, we also depend on you to make decisions. Your involvement is necessary in working with following to make the following selections:
Typical Discussion Topics
Take a look at the list below of some of the topics our team of Northwest Indiana custom home builders will bring up in conversation. Start thinking of those answers ahead of time!