Resources for building or remodeling a home in Indianapolis
Restoring or renovating an old home can be an expensive yet rewarding project. | Photo by INDYtoday team
Finding a reputable contractor. Living without a functioning bathroom for weeks while it’s being remodeled. Buying land and starting from scratch. Paying two mortgages while a new house is being built.
The process of upgrading your living situation, whether through a remodel, an addition, or a completely new build, can seem overwhelming at best. We’ve put together a few resources to help you get the numbers and navigate the uncertainties of home improvement and construction in Indianapolis.
Remodeling
While any room in your home can be ready for a remodel, the most popular rooms to tackle are the kitchen and bathrooms. The median amount homeowners spent on renovations in 2023 was $24,000, with the top 90th percentile spending $150,000.
Remodeling your home will require you to submit a floor plan for the project scope, indicating location of smoke detectors, locations of all doors and windows, etc. The Department of Business and Neighborhood Services has a handy checklist to help with the residential permit process.
Adding on
Accessory dwelling units (or ADUs) have become extremely popular in recent years, with ADU construction increasing by an average of 8.6% per year over the last decade. In order to build an ADU on your property, you’ll need to research your home’s permit history and make sure your ADU dreams align with the city’s zoning codes.
You can learn more about costs, financing options, and shopping for contractors with our guide.
Buying land
You probably already know that if you want to buy land to build on, you better be looking outside of the loop, because finding an undeveloped homesite in Indianapolis-proper is about as likely as winning the lottery.
According to LandWatch, the average price of Indiana land listings and ranches for sale is $380,347. The average cost per acre is $43,800.
Home Again | Monday, July 1-Wednesday, Dec. 25 | 11 a.m.-8 p.m. | Newfields, 4000 N. Michigan Rd., Indianapolis | Free | The long-awaited exhibition features three sculptures centered around the notion of home and shelter.
Mindful Scavenger Hunt | Monday, July 1 | 4:30-5 p.m. | Hussey-Mayfield Memorial Library, 250 N. 5th St., Zionsville | Free | Take a break from the stress of everyday life and step back into nature with a mindful scavenger hunt.
Tuesday, July 2
The Kid LAROI “First Time” Tour | Tuesday, July 2 | 7:30 p.m. | Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park, 801 W. Washington St., Indianapolis | $42-$169 | Dance along as the Australian rapper + singer-songwriter debuts his brand new song “Girls.”
Wednesday, July 3
Ollywood Karaoke | Wednesday, July 3 | 9 p.m.-1 a.m. | Downtown Olly’s, 822 N. Illinois St., Indianapolis | Free | Take the stage and sing your heart out in a supportive environment.
Thursday, July 4
CarmelFest Freedom Run | Thursday, July 4 | 8 a.m. | 520 E. Main St., Carmel | $37 | Kick off Independence Day with a 5-mile run or 1.5-mile walk through Carmel.
Geist Reservoir July 4th Fireworks Show | Thursday, July 4 | 10-10:40 p.m. | Geist Marina, 11695 Fall Creek Rd., Indianapolis | Free | Enjoy this spectacular fireworks show from the shore or the water.
Last week, we reminded you that Happy Hour is finally legal again as of today. But did you know dozens of other new Indiana laws go into effect today too? Check out this shortlist. (WTHR)
Try This
In celebration of its first full summer, Bicentennial Unity Plaza is offering a stellar lineup of weekly events for the whole family, including pickleball, roller skating, and outdoor workout classes. Find tickets.
Watch
The world premiere of “The Duel” will take place on Sunday, July 28 at Hilbert Circle Theatre. The movie was filmed around Indy in 2020, specifically at the Inferno Room, the catacombs beneath City Market, Midland Arts & Antiques, and the Asherwood estate. Ticket sales will be announced later this week.
Transit
IndyGo is receiving $22 million from the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity program to make improvements along the Blue Line. Upgrades on the 4.7-mile route will include lane reconfigurations, bus lanes, new sidewalks + crossings, ADA-compliant ramps, and new traffic signals. (IBJ)
Stat
As the weather cools a bit this week, so does inflation — slightly. According to to the 2024 Indiana Farm Bureau summer market basket survey, Hoosiers will pay an average of $68.33 for a summer cookout feeding 10 people, a 2% decrease from last year. Just in time for Independence Day. (WISH)
Featured
Noticed a lot of tots running around Indy lately? In a review of census data, Smart Asset found that Indianapolis has the highest birth rate of all major US cities. Just over 6.5% of women between the ages of 15 and 50 gave birth in 2022.
Sports
Getting ready for the Colts’ joint practices with the Cardinals next month? Get more insight on what to expectwith Locked On’s daily team-focused podcast.
Edu
What do stackable professional credits, unique concentrations, and flexible course options have in common? They’re all integral parts of the University of Indianapolis MBA program. Get the details on this nationally-ranked school.*
The Buy
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A five-star rated swimsuit from Nordstrom — we like this lace-up back one-piece for an adjustable fit or this v-wire one-piece for a dipped neckline with support.
Answered
Last week we asked you, “What’s an unwritten Indy rule everyone should know?” Here’s what you said:
You can get this Indiana classic for $14 at Four Day Ray in Fishers and Yorktown. | Photo by Four Day Ray via Hamilton County Tourism
“If the drive is under 12 hours, you know we’re doing it.” — @sarah.hoova
“It’s called a pop, not soda.” — @painted.lonely.ghost
“It’s just Ripple if you live there.” — Kraig J.
“Hot tenderloin sandwiches any time of the year.” — @marketvintageindy
“Sometimes we experience all four seasons in the same week.” — Jenni C.
“Long’s is the only donut you need.” — Natalie A.
“Don’t slow down at a yellow traffic light or you’ll get rear ended!” — Stan M.
“Victory Field and concerts at Ruoff are summer must-dos.” — Diane B.
“Real Hoosiers love and know how to play Euchre.” — Susan G.
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