Building a new house is an endeavor filled with aspirations, dreams, and the promise of a brighter future. It’s also a significant investment that demands careful planning and organization. Whether you’re a long-time Idahoan or considering moving to Boise, Idaho Impact Homes can help you navigate the exciting experience of custom home building in Idaho.
Whether you plan to build on your own lot in a quiet neighborhood or are drawn to the vibrant culture of Idaho’s cities, this checklist will provide the essentials to bringing your vision to life. It covers everything from choosing the ideal location to navigating permission processes and locating top-tier contractors, ensuring you’re ready for every step.
So, if you’re ready to embark on your journey to build your ideal home in the Gem State, let’s delve into the “Build Idaho” experience.
Look Into Financing
Building your dream luxury home in Idaho comes with a substantial price tag, with average costs ranging from $400,000 – $800,000. This range also doesn’t include the cost of land purchasing, which can cost between $100,000 – $300,000 per developed acre parcel.
Securing financing is often the essential first step to turning your custom home vision into reality. Let’s explore the options and checklist to ensure a smooth financing process.
Consider a Construction Loan
Construction loans are one of the most common financing options for home builders. These short-term loans are designed to cover the expenses associated with the actual construction phase. However, it’s important to note that once the construction phase concludes, you’ll need to secure permanent financing for your new home. This can be achieved either through a long-term mortgage or cash reserves.
Before closing on your loan, make sure to complete the following checklist items:
- Ensure your credit score meets the minimum requirement, i.e., a 680 score.
- Gather and provide all necessary verification documents of your income.
- Create a detailed specifications sheet for the home-building project.
- Thoroughly review all loan documents.
- Submit all required loan documents.
Lot Selection
Whether you’re buying land from your building company or in the open market, this process demands careful consideration and adherence to essential guidelines. Idaho Impact Homes can not only help you find a perfect lot to build your custom home, but they can also take care of each of the following items outlined below:
Assessment
- Land Survey: Start by conducting a land survey to define the property’s boundaries clearly. This ensures you have a precise understanding of your future home’s footprint.
- Title Search: Verify the legal owner of the land through a thorough title search. This step is crucial to avoid any legal complications down the road.
- Title Insurance: Consider obtaining title insurance, which serves as a financial safeguard, protecting your investment against unforeseen title issues.
Source of Utilities
- Zoning Check: Determine the land’s zoning regulations. Ensure it’s zoned for residential use, not a protected historic site, as this can impact your building plans.
- Flood Zone: Investigate if the lot is in a flood zone, which can affect construction and insurance costs.
- Utilities Accessibility: Ensure that essential utilities such as gas, electricity, water, and sewage services can be readily extended to the land. The availability of utilities significantly influences your home’s livability.
- HOA Existence: Check if a homeowners’ association (HOA) governs the land. Familiarize yourself with their rules and regulations.
- Soil Testing: Enlist a soil engineer to test septic system soil. This test assesses the soil’s suitability for a septic system, a crucial consideration for rural properties.
Waste Removal
Develop a waste removal plan for the construction process. Consider renting dumpsters or working with waste removal services to keep the construction site clean and organized throughout the building process.
Approach & Excavation
Once you’ve secured the land, you can begin the preparations for construction:
- Clearing: Clear the ground of any tree overgrowth to make way for construction.
- Excavation: If necessary, perform excavation work to prepare the foundation and utilities connections.
Obtaining Permits
Acquiring the required permits is a critical step before construction begins. Work closely with local authorities to secure the necessary permits for your custom home project.
Design Your Floor Plan
Once you’ve acquired your land, the exciting phase of designing your dream home begins. This crucial step in your custom home-building journey can take different routes depending on your preferences and needs.
Purchasing pre-drawn floor plans online can waste valuable time and money that you want to spend on custom fixtures. Instead, see Idaho Impact Homes’ custom floor plans section for ideas and inspiration. Any of the floor plans listed are fully customizable and can be adjusted to your preferences with a consultation.
Create a Timeline
Planning a well-structured timeline for your custom home construction is essential for keeping the project on track and ensuring a smooth process. While flexibility is key, having a general plan can help you anticipate and manage delays. Here’s a sample timeline to guide you through each phase of your home build in Idaho:
Pre-Construction
Allocate time for obtaining necessary permits and approvals. Depending on local regulations, this phase can vary in duration, from weeks to potentially months. If applicable, submit plans to homeowners’ association (HOA) governing bodies for review and approval.
Foundation
Taking one to four weeks, a foundation inspection and pouring are scheduled in this phase.
Framing
Frame all stories of your home and install exterior finishes. This phase takes place in week five and lasts until week seven.
Internal Components
The internal components stage takes place during weeks eight and twelve. Hire a plumber, electrician, and HVAC specialist to handle the necessary installations. After the essential components are in place, add insulation and drywall to create the interior ceilings and walls.
Interior Finishes
This phase takes place during week 13 and 17. The process involves applying paint and installing flooring to bring your interior spaces to life. Cabinetry is added, doors are hung, and other interior finishes are incorporated at this stage.
Finishing Touches
This phase takes place during week 18 and 20. At this stage, light fixtures and appliances are installed, followed by landscaping finishes to enhance the exterior beauty of your new home.
Hire Contractors
Building on your own lot in Idaho requires gathering a skilled team. The central figure is your general contractor, responsible for project oversight. Choose a contractor with relevant licenses, experience, and insurance.
While the general contractor is key, consider hiring specialists like plumbers, electricians, architects/designers, HVAC experts, and inspectors as needed. Timing is crucial to prevent delays. For instance, electricians typically join after framing.
Purchase Materials
While general contractors often manage material procurement, homeowners opting for a more hands-on approach can follow a straightforward process:
Obtain Estimates: Calculate materials needed from your blueprints and seek estimates from reputable local suppliers.
Comparison Shopping: Compare prices and services from these suppliers. Negotiate if estimates differ significantly from your calculations.
Select the Supplier: Choose the supplier offering the best combination of price and service.
Builder’s Risk Insurance: Secure the builder’s risk insurance before material deliveries. This coverage protects against theft, fire, vandalism, and other construction-related risks.
Break Ground
The journey of building a home on your own lot in Idaho begins with obtaining the necessary permits, including demolition permits. These permits are the green light for construction to commence.
Build the Bones
Once the permits are secured, the process kicks off with site preparation. Demolition clears the way, while grading ensures a level foundation and proper drainage. After grading, the foundation is poured, followed by a crucial foundation inspection.
Finish the Exterior
With a solid foundation, framing begins, shaping your home’s structure. Subcontractors add walls, subfloors, and partitions. Wall sheathing and siding are installed, securing the structure. After passing a framing inspection, windows and doors are added.
Plumbing, Electrical, Heating and Cooling
The interior work begins with essential systems. Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems are installed. Specialized wiring is added. Heating and cooling system sizing is confirmed with the power company, ensuring energy efficiency.
Insulation
Insulation is essential for comfort and energy efficiency. The choice and location of insulation depend on your home’s design and recommended R-values for your area.
Walls
Drywall is hung, and texture is applied to the walls before wallpapering or painting. Clean the interior for a smooth transition to the finishing touches.
Cabinetry
Baseboards, cabinetry, and flooring are installed. Ensure cabinetry trim aligns with your design. Apply caulking where needed, and call back specialists for final adjustments.
Final Steps
As your custom home nears completion, it’s time to add those personal touches that make it uniquely yours. Install hardware, curtain rods, and decorative accents that reflect your taste. Landscaping, including walkways, driveways, and greenery, brings your outdoor vision to life.
Cleanup
Before moving in, perform a thorough clean. A clutter-free space makes it easier to attend to details.
Walk Through
Embark on an exciting final walkthrough to ensure every detail meets your expectations. Don’t hesitate to request fixes for any issues you spot.
Incorporating Your Personal Touch
Make your house a home by adding your flair, such as mirrors and vegetation, to reflect your taste.
There, you have a comprehensive home-building checklist to help you build your dream home on your own lot. If you’re moving to Boise, Idaho, let Idaho Impact Homes help bring your vision to life with custom home-building expertise. From custom floor designs to interior and exterior work, we’ll make your dream a concrete reality. Discover our design packages and get in touch now!
