Building your dream home
As you search for new homes for sale in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho or new homes for sale in Spokane Valley, WA you will find an impressive array of choices. In Coeur d’Alene and Spokane Valley, new home construction has been on the rise for years so there are numerous communities to choose from.
It’s likely that you will only build one or two homes in your lifetimes, so it stands to reason that you won’t be an expert in new home building. That’s where I come in. As a former Master Builder/Realtor® for nearly 25 years, I am extremely experienced in both the building side and the real estate side.
Getting started
First step after you have made the exciting decision to build a home is to see a lender to know where your price comfort level is. For example, use the Mortgage Calculator to get a general idea of a price range that is right for you. Be aware that there are various lenders for different aspects of new construction, such as vacant land loans, construction loans, and more. You may be in the position to pay cash, and if you are, I have checks and balances in place to protect your funds. After you have the financial piece in place, find the area you want to live in. In the Coeur d’Alene or Spokane Valley areas there are New Communities in all different price ranges. There are numerous home builders to choose from for all budgets.
Pick your neighborhood
Once you’ve chosen your community, and your builder, you will select the house plan that will suit you and/or your family the best. Most builders will have an array of house plans to choose from for a particular neighborhood.
Typical questions I like to ask the builder on clients’ behalf
1. Will they be able make any custom revisions to the house plan?
2. What is the charge for a change order?
3. How late in construction will they allow changes to interior choices?
4. Will they adjust the footprint of the home one way or another within the building envelope?
5. What are the setbacks and how steep will the driveway be?
6. What landscaping is included in the price?
7. What are the restrictions on walking through the home during construction?
8. How is their customer service post-construction? (Just to name a few)
Many times, you will be willing to overlook negative answers to some of the above questions depending on how much you like the neighborhood or the house plan you have chosen. I will say that checking on a builder’s customer service post-construction (after you have moved into your new home) is one of the most important actions you can take during your decision-making process and can be checked on the Better Business Bureau website, google reviews, and by chatting with neighbors. And working together, I will be able to point out different builder’s quality, finishes, and processes to help you make your decision.
Basic Steps
No matter where you live, the basic steps for constructing a home have remained largely consistent. Apart from innovations in building materials and green energy advancements, these are the usual steps of constructing a new home. Note: all inspections must be passed before moving on to the next phase.
- 1. Prepare construction site / Pour foundation
- Building permits issued
Prep lot for foundation
Excavate for foundation
Footers/foundation formed & INSPECTED
Pour / cure/ strip
Drains, sewer, and water line installed
Backfill
Prep for flatwork - 2. Rough framing
- Framing
Sheath roof and walls
Vapor barrier wrap
Windows, doors hung - 3. Rough plumbing, electrical, and HVAC
- Waste / Vents/Water Lines
Bathtubs, shower units
HVAC furnace and ducts
Rough in electrical
INSPECTED (Framing, plumbing, electrical, HVAC) - 4. Siding, roofing, insulation
- Siding, fascia & soffit installed
Roof shingles and vents
Insulation of walls, floors & ceiling
Air filtration applied
INSPECTED (Insulation & Air Infiltration) - 5. Drywall, start exterior finishes
- Hang sheetrock, tape and texture
Primer coat of paint
Exterior finishes, brick, stone, stucco are installed - 6. Interior trim, install exterior walkways and driveways
- Doors, windowsills, baseboards, moldings, stair balusters and all decorative trim installed
Finish coat of paint to walls and wallpaper if applicable is applied
Fireplace mantles installed
Cabinets, vanities installed - 7. Install hard surface flooring, countertops, exterior grading
- Ceramic tile, vinyl and wood flooring installed
Countertops installed
Exterior paint
Exterior finish grading to prepare for landscaping - 8. Finish plumbing, mechanical and electrical trim
- Light fixtures, outlets and switches installed, electrical panel completed
HVAC equipment (A/C) and registers installed
Sink, toilets, faucets installed - 9. Install mirrors, shower doors, finish flooring, exterior landscaping
- Remaining finishes including carpeting installed
Final interior clean
Final landscaping/trees, shrubs, grass planted
Final inspection / must pass all inspections to receive the final Certificate of Occupancy (CO) which is required before the transaction can close. - 10. Final walk through
- Builder/project manager will walk you through the finished home and acquaint you with its features and operation of various systems
Opportunity to spot items that need to be corrected or repaired. Be attentive for any damage prior to move-in as it will be hard to prove the damage was present before move-in.
Inspections
While building a new home, various inspections are scheduled by the builder or superintendent as each phase is completed. Inspections performed by the county or state inspectors are to ensure that a new home is in compliance with the area building codes. Other inspections for quality assurance may be conducted by the builder or the project manager or superintendent.
Most buyers are interested in visiting their new home as it is being constructed. Walking through the home that you designed is exciting and fun. Note: as the buyer, you should review the builder’s policy on this issue. I typically like to walk the home with my clients during the different phases to answer questions and relay any concerns to the builder or project manager.
Representation
If you are considering building a new home and you regularly visit model homes in new neighborhoods, keep in mind that the agent you meet in the model home most likely is the listing agent for the homes in the neighborhood. It is true that the agent is (or should be) well informed on their product, inventory, process etc. Remember, the listing agent represents the builder, (seller) and probably won’t have your best interest in mind. His or her bread and butter is the builder that they represent so they are not likely to put your needs over the builder’s. This is their livelihood. Ask the agent if he or she is the listing agent for the builder. If so, it is in your best interest to find an agent who is not affiliated with the builder.
Experienced Representation
Currently I am the only Realtor® in Coeur d’Alene and Spokane Valley areas with the prestigious certification of New Homes Construction Specialist and Residential Construction Certified.
For most people, building a home is possibly the most important investment you will make in your lifetime. Working with me, as an experienced Realtor® will save you money, headaches, heartaches and sleepless nights. It just makes sense.
My first job is to listen to you. You know what you want, you know what you hope to achieve, and it is my job to help you get there. Whether you are living locally or out of the area, I keep you informed with weekly updates, pictures and video throughout the process of building your new home.
If you are wanting to build a new home in the Coeur d’Alene or Spokane Valley areas, there is no greater peace of mind than to have me on your team.