Building a new home is exciting. Fresh paint, wide-open floor plans, the chance to finally have that dream kitchen or cozy reading nook… The possibilities are endless. Well, sort of.
The truth is, building a new home can also feel overwhelming. There are a lot of decisions to be made—decisions that will affect you and your family well into the future. And if you don’t know the right questions to ask, you may end up with some regrets. But New Horizon Builders is here to set those worries aside.
Because with this article, you’ll learn the right questions to ask both yourself and your general contractor. So, before you sign the dotted line with an Indiana home builder, give it a quick read—and then get ready to make your dream home a reality.
Three Questions to Determine What You Really Want
As with building a new home, you want to make sure your vision is resting on a solid foundation—especially before meeting with a new home builder in Indiana. This requires a bit of personal reflection.
Here are a few questions to get you going.
1. What’s my real budget? (And am I prepared for surprises?)
Every home build runs into unexpected issues. For example, lumber prices may jump, weather conditions may increase labor times, or you might change your mind about the kitchen backsplash halfway through your project (hey, it happens).
Because of this, it’s a good idea to have some extra money set aside when embarking on a new home build. A good rule of thumb is to budget for 10–15% over your ideal number, as this cushion can make all the difference between a dream build and financial worry.
2. What are my non-negotiables?
Maybe you need a home office. Perhaps it’s an extended mudroom for soccer gear. Or, it could be time to finally get that open kitchen layout that flows seamlessly into the living room.
Whatever it may be, take the time to list all of your wants. Then, rank them in order of importance before speaking with a contractor. Knowing your “must-haves” as opposed to your “nice-to-haves” will keep you focused, on target, and—most importantly—within budget.
3. How long am I planning to stay here?
As the seasons of life change, so do our physical needs. This is an important point to keep in mind when designing a home.
A reputable Indiana home builder will help you plan for the future. But before you give them a call, consider how long you’ll be in your home.
If you’re building your forever home, you may want to include design tweaks like wider doorways and first-floor suites. If you’re moving in five years, however, it may be more important to consider resale value.
Big Questions to Ask General Contractors in Indiana
Once you’ve sorted out your budget and needs, it’s time to vet contractors. Below are a few questions any experienced home builder should be able to answer confidently.
1. Are they licensed, bonded, and insured in the state of Indiana?
This may seem basic—but don’t assume. Make sure any contractor you hire has a current Indiana license, carries liability insurance, and is bonded for the full scope of the project.
2. How many custom homes have they built in Indiana?
Building codes, weather patterns, and soil types all vary from state to state. You want an Indiana home builder who knows how to work with our region’s unique topography and climate.
3. Can they provide a portfolio and list of referrals?
Don’t be shy. Ask for references. Call past clients. Were they happy? Was the timeline realistic? Did the final bill match the original quote? Any skilled Indiana home builder will gladly show off their previous work.
4. How are surprises handled during the build?
The key is to find a builder that values communication. Because here’s the truth: no build goes perfectly. Materials get delayed, weather hits, and sometimes mistakes are made.
As long as you work with a contractor that prioritizes open lines of communication, you’ll be okay. So be sure to ask about their communication habits during the entire building process.
5. What is the project timeline?
Even the best new home builders in Indiana deal with delays. That said, you should still get a realistic timeline.
See if your contractor can provide milestone dates. Things like the foundation pouring, framing, drywall, and final walk-through can all be roughly estimated. The clearer the path they can provide, the fewer the surprises and more confident you can feel they know what they’re doing.
6. What types of warranties do they provide?
A good builder stands by their work—and should offer competitive workmanship warranties alongside top-tier manufacturer’s warranties on materials.
If a builder doesn’t offer any guarantees, consider that a red flag.
Get Your Dream Home by Asking the Right Questions
At New Horizon Builders, we believe in new beginnings. And if you’re considering a new home build in Indiana, know this: it doesn’t have to feel overwhelming.
In fact, simply by asking the right questions, you and your contractor lay the groundwork for success. And by choosing a reliable Indiana home builder, you get the peace of mind knowing your future home is in good hands.
So take the first step toward your dream home today. Reach out to New Horizon Builders for a free consultation and estimate. And when you do, be sure to put us through the ringer—we can take it.
The New Horizon Builder way:
- Crews that value honesty, fairness, and trust
- A full 10-year workmanship warranty on every aspect of your build
- Your new home built on track, on time, and within budget
So don’t wait.
