List of Boise Idaho Builders and Weekly Boise Builder Blog by Jim Paulson Certified New Home Specialist Boise, Idaho

Since I have personally closed homes with over 50 separate builders in Ada County, and am a Certified New Home Specialist, I decided to write a weekly blog that will highlight some of the builders here in the Boise area. As you will see, there are a lot of unique elements to working with a builder, so it is imperative that you work with an experienced

I will provide details on a little background on the builder, where they are currently building and let you know what homes they currently have available. The link I provide will be a dynamic link to my website which pulls the data live from the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) so if you come back a month later, the list will be updated.

I will start with the largest builders in our area (by number of homes built) that I have personally closed with and then I will provide details on any others in the top 10 volume builders for 2010. After that, I will provide details from builders that I have close with that are still in business.

Here is a list of builders in Ada County that I will be showcasing in January 2011:

• CBH Homes (Corey Barton);
• Hubble Homes (Don Hubble);
• Coleman Homes;
• Boise Hunter Homes

Since it will take a while to build the database of these builders, don't hesitate to contact me for inquiries to a specific builder. Keep in mind that every builder has different procedures and guidelines that they work with so you need to confirm their process each time you use a different builder.

For example:

• Will they build outside their communities (some won't build anywhere except where they are building the entire subdivision or in a closed builder team community);
• Do they have exclusive listing agents or can your agent represent both the builder and the buyer in a dual agency capacity?
• Will they vary in their floor plans or make any structural changes?;
• Will they accept an offer contingent upon the closing of another home?;
• How much earnest money do they require and at what point is it non-refundable?;
• Will they allow "Sweat Equity"?
• Will they get the construction loan or do they want you to get a construction perm loan?;
• What is their process on change orders?;
• How long does it take to build?;
• Do they do any of the work themselves or is it all subcontracted out?
• Do they use the same subcontractors on every home?;
• Are they a member of the National Association of Home Builders?;
• Will they provide you with a set of blueprints to your home?
• Do they have a written home warranty and if so, what does it cover?
• Do they offer an extended warranty?
• Is their home "Energy Star" or any other type of energy efficient certified (i.e. LEED)?;
• Do they work on "Allowances" for interior selections (i.e. flooring, cabinets, lighting, etc.?;
• Do they have a preferred lender or title company?

I will be putting these questions together in the form of a survey that I will mail out to each of the builders in the two different chapters of the Building Contractors Association (Snake River and South West Idaho Chapters).

If you are looking to have a new home built, I suggest you Google the term “Certified New Home Specialist” + “(your City or area)”. So to find me for example, you would type in “Certified New Home Specialist” + Boise; or of course, you can just call me at 208-573-0471 or email me at GoOwnIt@gmail.com