Thinking about building a home in Schererville? You’re not alone. With prices commonly in the mid $300Ks and several active new-home communities nearby, this Lake County town is a practical place to create a home that fits your life. Still, new construction has its own timelines, contracts, and inspections. In this guide, you’ll learn each step from touring model homes to move-in, plus what to watch for locally in Schererville. Let’s dive in.
Why build in Schererville
Schererville offers a suburban feel with access to Northwest Indiana employers and Chicago-area commutes. New-home neighborhoods are active across Lake County, including builders with production and semi-custom options. For examples of current communities and floor plans, browse regional offerings from builders like Olthof Homes.
On the practical side, the Town of Schererville manages local building permits and inspections through its Planning & Building Department. That matters for your timeline, inspections, and certificate of occupancy later. You can find permit contacts and forms on the Planning & Building Department page.
Step 1: Choose representation
A builder’s sales rep works for the builder. You deserve your own advocate to explain contracts, attend design meetings, coordinate inspections, and push for solutions if issues arise. Choose your agent before you visit model homes so your representation is documented from the start. Ask the builder up front how they handle agent compensation and incentives.
Step 2: Get pre-approved and pick loan type
Talk with a lender about your budget and which construction financing fits your situation.
- Construction-to-permanent (one-time close): One closing covers construction and then converts to a standard mortgage at completion. Government-backed options exist, such as the FHA One-Time Close.
- Two-close approach: A short-term construction loan funds draws during the build. You then refinance or convert to a permanent mortgage at completion.
Confirm rate-lock options, draw schedules, and how your lender will treat upgrades in the appraisal. Get clear on cash needed at each stage.
Step 3: Tour models and select a lot
Bring your agent on the first visit. Model homes often showcase upgrades that are not in the base price. Document in writing what is included in the base home, what counts as an allowance, and what costs extra. Keep photos and notes of finishes, cabinet lines, flooring levels, and appliance packages so you can compare across communities.
Lot selection matters. Ask about lot premiums, grading, drainage plans, and proximity to utilities. If you are eyeing a specific homesite, have the sales team hold or reserve it while you review the full contract package.
Step 4: Review the builder contract
Builder contracts are not the same as a standard residential purchase agreement. Expect detailed language about deposits, change orders, allowances, timelines, and dispute resolution. Review these items line by line with your agent and, if needed, a real estate attorney:
- Deposit schedule and refund rules
- Pricing method for change orders and late selections
- Construction timeline and what happens if delays occur
- Allowances for finishes and what “like kind” means if a product is discontinued
- Dispute resolution and warranty claims process
- Whether there is an attorney review period
Have all incentives, upgrades, and closing cost credits listed directly in the contract or addenda.
Step 5: Make design selections strategically
Builders usually offer base finishes plus a catalog of upgrades. Prioritize items that are hard or expensive to change later. Focus your budget on:
- Structural or long-lived features like windows, insulation, roof, and HVAC
- Kitchen layout, rough-ins, and electrical placements
- Primary bath layout and tile waterproofing level
Know your design cutoff date and the fee structure for late changes. Keep all selections and approvals in writing with model numbers and finish names. Reviewing community pages, like Olthof’s Northwest Indiana list, can help you visualize typical option levels and plan your must-haves.
Step 6: Appraisal, draws, and upgrades
For new construction, lenders usually order an “as-completed” appraisal based on plans, specs, and comparable sales. If you add upgrades that are not clearly shown in the plans, the appraised value might come in lower than your total contract price. Talk with your lender early about how options will be documented and what happens if there is an appraisal gap. For one-time-close programs such as the FHA One-Time Close, confirm timing and documentation requirements before you sign.
Step 7: Track milestones and schedule inspections
Municipal inspections check for minimum code compliance, but they are not a substitute for a third-party home inspector focused on workmanship and performance. Plan for phased inspections at key stages:
- Pre-construction site meeting to review grading and utility plans
- Foundation and framing checks
- Pre-drywall (rough-in) inspection to review framing, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC before walls are closed
- Insulation and HVAC balancing spot checks
- Final inspection before your builder walkthrough
- 11-month inspection before your first-year warranty expires
Consumer guides recommend these phases because issues are easier to fix early. Learn what to expect from a new-build inspection schedule with this overview from Angi.
Locally, the Town handles permits and inspections leading to occupancy. Review permit and inspection contacts on the Planning & Building Department page, and remember that municipal approvals focus on code minimums.
Step 8: Certificate of occupancy and closing
Before move-in, the builder must obtain a certificate of occupancy or similar final sign-off from the Town. In Schererville, permits, contractor registration, and occupancy matters are managed at the town level. You can read about local authority and permitting in the Schererville Code of Ordinances.
Ask your builder whether closing will occur only after the certificate of occupancy is issued. If a builder proposes possession before occupancy, discuss risks with your agent and lender.
Step 9: Warranties and year-one service
Most new homes come with layered warranties. A common structure is 1 year for workmanship, 2 years for major systems, and up to 10 years for qualified structural defects. Learn the norms from industry leader 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty. Keep a warranty binder with your closing packet, product manuals, and builder contacts. Around month 10 or 11, schedule a third-party inspection and submit all warranty items in one organized list.
Also be aware of long-term legal limits. Indiana law includes a construction statute of repose that can limit certain defect claims to a fixed period after substantial completion. You can read a relevant Indiana Supreme Court decision for context at law.justia.com. For specific legal questions, consult an attorney.
New construction vs resale: quick compare
Pros of new construction
- You can personalize finishes and some layouts within builder options.
- Homes meet current codes and energy standards, which can reduce early maintenance.
- You get defined builder and manufacturer warranties. See typical coverage from 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty.
Potential tradeoffs
- Builder contracts often favor the builder, and price negotiation on the base home may be limited.
- Upgrades and late change orders can add up.
- Appraisals can be tricky if there are few comparable sales in a brand-new subdivision.
- Municipal inspections confirm code minimums but do not replace independent inspections.
Budget, taxes, and HOA considerations
Ask your lender to model total monthly costs with today’s rates, estimated taxes, HOA dues, insurance, and potential PMI. For property tax planning, you or your agent can search parcels and review bills using the Lake County public access portal. Because taxes are assessed locally, request an estimate for your specific lot and model.
If the community has an HOA, get the budget, reserve study, and most recent dues letter. Ask what is included in dues, whether there are planned increases, and whether amenities will be delivered in phases.
Timeline and what to ask
Typical timing for a production or semi-custom home looks like this:
- Reservation to contract: 0 to 4 weeks
- Contract to permits and site work: 2 to 8 weeks
- Construction to completion: roughly 6 to 12 months, depending on weather and supply chains
National averages support planning for a 7 to 12 month build window for a typical single-family home. For context on build timelines, see this overview on how long it takes to build a house.
What to ask on a model tour
- What exactly is included in the base price? Ask for a written spec sheet.
- How much are the typical upgrades buyers choose, and what are the allowance amounts?
- What is your change-order deadline and fee structure?
- When do you expect permits, framing, and the certificate of occupancy?
- Which lenders offer extended rate locks, and are there builder credits?
- What are the warranty terms by year and item?
Your essential checklist
- Hire your buyer’s agent before you visit model homes.
- Get pre-approved and choose your loan type, including options like the FHA One-Time Close.
- Capture the builder’s written spec sheet, included features, and allowances.
- Schedule independent inspections: pre-drywall, final, and 11-month. See the inspection guide from Angi.
- Confirm closing timing and certificate of occupancy requirements with the builder and town. Review local authority in the Schererville Code.
- Keep a warranty binder with all manuals and coverage details. Reference industry norms at 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty.
- Estimate property taxes for your lot using the Lake County portal.
How The Lauren Roman Group helps
You get a responsive, locally informed team that understands Northwest Indiana and the south suburbs. Here is how we support you during a new build in Schererville:
- Register you with the builder correctly and review contract language so you know what you are signing
- Track milestones, attend key inspections and walkthroughs, and push for timely fixes
- Negotiate for practical value like closing credits, rate-lock help, or included items
- Coordinate with your lender, title, and the Town on permits and occupancy status
- Organize your final punch list and help you manage warranty requests at month 11
Ready to build with confidence? Reach out to The Lauren Roman Group for step-by-step guidance from lot selection to move-in.
FAQs
What should I budget for new construction in Schererville?
- Many buyers target the mid $300Ks for new homes, plus upgrades and lot premiums. Your final budget depends on community, options, and financing.
Do I still need an inspector if the town inspects my home?
- Yes. Municipal inspections check code minimums, while independent inspectors focus on workmanship and performance. See what phased inspections cover in this Angi guide.
How do construction loans work for a new build in Indiana?
- Many buyers choose either a one-time close construction-to-permanent mortgage or a two-step loan. Learn about the FHA One-Time Close and compare options with your lender.
What is a certificate of occupancy in Schererville and why does it matter?
- It is the town’s approval that your home meets code and is ready for occupancy. Schererville handles permits and occupancy through its Planning & Building authority; see the local code for context.
How can I estimate property taxes for a new build in Lake County?
- Use the county’s public access portal to search parcels and review tax records. Start here: Lake County property tax portal.
What happens if something breaks after closing on a new home?
- New homes typically carry 1-year workmanship, 2-year systems, and up to 10-year structural coverage. Keep all warranty documents and request repairs before deadlines; see coverage norms at 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty.
