You’ve chosen your lot, picked your floor plan, and worked with your New Home Specialist to lay the foundation for your custom dream home—literally! Next up is one of the most exciting parts of the process: your Design Appointment.

This is where your vision starts to take shape, as you select the finishes, features, and style details that make your house feel like home. And while it’s easy to feel overwhelmed with all the choices, our Design Specialists are here to make the process smooth, fun, and stress-free.

We’ve created a streamlined process to ensure all selections are made before groundbreaking. This helps keep construction on schedule and gives you a clear understanding of your costs before the home-building process officially begins.

To help you feel prepared, here are 5 tips to make the most of your upcoming Design Appointment:

1. Gather Inspiration Ahead of Time

Start collecting images of spaces, finishes, or styles that inspire you—whether it’s from Pinterest, Instagram, magazines, or model homes. Try to notice patterns: are you drawn to light and airy kitchens? Bold tile? Moody colors? Having a visual reference helps our team quickly understand your style and guide your choices accordingly.

2. Think About How You Live

Before choosing finishes and features, it’s important to consider how you’ll use your home every day. Do you love to entertain? Need a quiet office to work from home? Want a mudroom to corral kids or pets? Make a list of what’s most important in your daily routine. These practical needs will help guide design decisions that not only look great but also support your lifestyle.

3. Set a Realistic Budget (and Be Honest About It)

During your appointment, your Design Specialist can help you prioritize features that give the most impact while staying within your budget. Knowing what you’re comfortable spending ahead of time ensures a smoother experience and helps us offer the right options that align with your budget goals.

4. Review Your Floor Plan

Take a fresh look at your chosen floor plan before your appointment. Are there any areas you’ve rethought? Would you like built-ins, extra lighting, or an accent wall in a specific room? Come prepared with questions or ideas so your Design Specialist can help bring those ideas to life.

5. Trust the Process (and Your Design Specialist)

Our Design Specialists are not only trained professionals—they’re up to date on trends, materials, and smart design solutions. They’ll guide you through every decision, offering expert advice tailored to your style, needs, and budget. You don’t need to have it all figured out—we’re here to help!

Bringing It All Together

Your Design Appointment is one of the most enjoyable parts of building a custom home. With just a little preparation—and the support of our expert Design Specialists—you can walk in feeling confident and leave excited to see everything come together. Whether you have a clear vision or are still figuring out your style, we’ll guide you every step of the way to help create a home you’ll love living in.

Are You Ready to Start Designing Your Custom Home?

Stop by one of our model homes, complete a Customer Worksheet, or give us a call at (317) 468-2330—our New Home Specialists are ready to help you take the first steps toward designing and building your custom home!