Homebuilders in Idaho Falls (Shelley: sales, custom home, neighborhood)

[Always a NW Girl]

Anyone have any thoughts or experience with some of the different homebuilders in IF? We went through Homestead Construction 10 years ago; that debacle is not to be repeated .

Anyone willing to share their personal experiences is much appreciated!

Thanks

[Hayduke777]

Originally Posted by Always a NW Girl

Anyone have any thoughts or experience with some of the different homebuilders in IF? We went through Homestead Construction 10 years ago; that debacle is not to be repeated .

Anyone willing to share their personal experiences is much appreciated!

Thanks

I bought a Skidmore house a few years ago. NEVER again. Poor construction done by very unskilled workers resulting in a maintenance nightmare.

WARNING: There is a big difference between someone claiming the title of "designer" and that of "architect". Anyone can call themselves a designer. It means nothing. An architect is degreed and certified and actually knows what they are doing.

I've also toured several Rockwell homes recently and they appeared to be fairly well built but they ALL look exactly alike. Basically cookie cutter starter homes. There are several custom builders in the area that do decent work. Always check references and BBB complaints before choosing a builder.

[khurley]

Webb Custom Homes builds some really nice, upper-end homes. I recently sold a home by Crystal Homes that I was impressed with not only with the quality but with the level of service provided by the builder. Utterbeck's homes are not as high in price or as custom, but I've found them to be pretty consistant in quality. There are more but I'm having a bit of a brain freeze at the moment. If you have one in particular you're curious about, feel free to sent me a pm and I'll be happy to share anything I might know about them.

[NS_Highlander]

Below are some tips many people often don't think of to help ensure the new home you get is of lasting quality.

1. If you are moving into a new construction neighborhood or a fairly new resale, check the reputation of the builder. Even if the house you buy now is in good shape, the rest of the neighborhood could be a slum in a few years. For example, I saw a house a few weeks ago that had windows that were taped and not flashed, as well as no moisture barrier between the siding and the OSB board. If the rest of the houses are built like that, I will put money on that neighborhood having rot in the walls in the future.

2. If you decide you want to move into a certain neighborhood also make sure the builder is transparent- even on spec home or resale. There are builders I have dealt with that do not allow walk-thoughs, phase inspections or for you to ever (and I mean ever) talk to the guy who is building your house. The first thing you should do is ask the sales agent what their polices are on the previous issues. If they have such evasive policy's, politely and promptly leave their office.
The question is what are they hiding? Companies like this cut very important corners and do not stand behind their work. Remember, if the customer service is lacking before they sell a home to you, what is it going to be like once you own it and the problems that come with it? Something to think about.

3. Get your home inspected by and ASHI certified inspector. ASHI has the highest standards, more so than NASHI. If you are building, have them phase inspect the progress. If the company won't allow it, LEAVE! Evasive builders never build houses built to last.

5. Get a good Realtor and make sure you are dealing with someone that will represent you when it hits the fan. Someone who will go the extra mile. If the Realtor has their stuff together, they will help you avoid some of the landlines out there. Never deal with an online Realtor that gives a rebate or a kickback. The service is just lacking.

[Always a NW Girl]

I am appreciating all the great info. We have been away for three years and are returning to IF in May. There have been so many changes we are not sure where we want to be. All the information shared helps. We will have two little ones now so we don't have a long time to stay in limbo about buying or building.

Thanks again.

[Hayduke777]

Originally Posted by NS_Highlander

Below are some tips many people often don't think of to help ensure the new home you get is of lasting quality.

1. If you are moving into a new construction neighborhood or a fairly new resale, check the reputation of the builder. Even if the house you buy now is in good shape, the rest of the neighborhood could be a slum in a few years. For example, I saw a house a few weeks ago that had windows that were taped and not flashed, as well as no moisture barrier between the siding and the OSB board. If the rest of the houses are built like that, I will put money on that neighborhood having rot in the walls in the future.

Not using moisture barriers is one of Skidmore's trademarks. Quite a few builders in this area do the same thing. The first thing I do when looking at a house is pry up a section of siding to see what's underneath. Usually it's just bare osb. The smaller builders and most custom builders do it right and actually follow building codes.

[no-to-cheneyconstruction]

We bought a new construction in a great neighborhood - Founders Pointe. There are several builders available in this subdivision but, unfortunately, it looks like we got the rotten apple. Cheney Construction should be avoided. They are based in UT and their local support is poor at best. We negotiated a door to be installed to the master bathroom as part of the purchase. 2 months later it is still only half done. Numerous appointments have failed to materialize and the few contractors used that have shown up have been mostly unannounced - despite repeated requests from my wife to the builder for notice since we have a baby.

Again - good neighborhood but bad builder. Better options are available.

[Mtn. States Resident]

Welcome back to the area. It sounds like you've lived in the Idaho Falls area previously. Do you currently have friends and/or relatives who may be able to help you?

I've read the various comments of others. I'll openly admit this is where I really struggle to know where to refer folks. Some of those most people like had a poor product (home) or interaction with the buyers.

One that is probably one I currently wouldn't use, given their own financial issues, is rated highly by a poster who should be well versed on these matters.

I'm wondering if you have anyone close to you that knows your personality and needs, plus the age of your children, who may be better able to guide you?

Please don't hear me as being critical of anyone, as I'm not. I think it is a huge decision. However, I think you'll know when you meet the right builder or see the right house.

Good luck with the move and your new home.

MSR

[norcalmom101]

If you want custom and high quality, as well as integrity and native accountability, try A&B Construction, listed in Shelley. Been in business for decades, and do excellent work.

[Toyman at Jewel Lake]

Originally Posted by Hayduke777

Not using moisture barriers is one of Skidmore's trademarks. Quite a few builders in this area do the same thing. The first thing I do when looking at a house is pry up a section of siding to see what's underneath. Usually it's just bare osb. The smaller builders and most custom builders do it right and actually follow building codes.

I'm suprised how common that seems to be, I see the same thing up here in a lot of new construction. That's in direct violation of any of the specs I have looked at from the siding manufacturers. If building inspectors were doing their jobs, these houses would be red tagged.