FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions: Boise Custom Home Building and Design
Welcome to our Boise custom home building FAQ page, where we answer common questions about custom home building and residential design in Boise. Learn more about our process, timelines, costs, and the Boise custom home building steps involved in bringing your vision to life. Whether you’re new to custom home projects or exploring the specifics of our custom home design process, these insights will guide you in creating your ideal home with Abstract Residential Design + Build.
We genuinely want to get to know you better and to learn in greater detail about why you are considering building a new home. It’s important for us to understand your vision and goals for this exciting journey. If you're ready to take the first step, then please click on the link to “Start Your Build Here” and allow us to assist you in bringing your dream to life.
The short answer is that it typically takes 8-18 months for the build process. The longer answer is that the schedule for building a custom home is affected by these variables; size, type of construction, weather, temperature, material availability, and labor availability. Keep in mind that the prior to Construction, the Design phase and the Pre-Construction Phase will take add 6+ months to complete.
Yes, it will likely take longer. Semi custom and Tract home builders are affected by the same scheduling factors and sometimes their schedule can be more difficult to manage based on how busy they are. Custom homes typically have more features and specialty work being performed and this can add to the schedule length.
We provide all of our Architectural Design in house which allows us full control of not only the design but also the cost. We are in full control of the entire process and are able to capture cost savings and gain efficiencies that you might not find in outsourcing the Design. Bring your ideas and research and let us help you take it even further!
This is by far the most asked question that we receive. The cost per square foot method of comparing construction costs can be very misleading. The cost per square foot (sqft) method of estimating total build cost is affected by (but not limited to) these key factors;
Size – Typically, the smaller the home, the higher the price per sqft. The larger the home the less per sqft.
Material Selections & Features – The more expensive flooring, appliances, plumbing fixtures, bathroom count, cabinetry, and so on, the more expensive the price per sqft.
Livable or Conditioned Space – Typically when we hear price per sqft being discussed, they are considering only the livable or conditioned sqft in the home. If the home has a 4 car Garage which isn’t included in the price per sqft, then it’s probably not comparing apples to apples.
Location – Boise construction costs vs. Valley County (McCall) are a great example of how location can greatly affect construction costs. Valley County is much more expensive to build a home.
We aim to facilitate a seamless experience for you. Interior Designers play a crucial role in alleviating the complexities associated with selecting materials, colors, and finishes, thereby reducing decision-making stress. Our commitment is to provide structured guidance throughout the process, ensuring that it is organized and that communication remains at an optimal level.
Yes, we offer a Fixed Price contract, ensuring a definitive total cost for your project. Additionally, we provide a comprehensive specifications book that outlines the various components and finishes involved. For further details about our Process, please refer to our section – “OUR PROCESS“.
We operate under a Fixed Price contract, which guarantees that the price provided will be honored throughout the duration of the project. Our agreement includes an escalation clause to address any potential increases in material costs that exceed a specified percentage within a designated timeframe. Any modifications, additions, or changes will be managed through a formal "Change Order" process, which will adjust the Contract price and outline the details of the required modifications.
Certainly, we can accommodate changes to the original building plans and specifications; however, please be aware that such modifications typically incur an associated cost. Various factors may influence the expense of these changes, and we assess each situation on a case-by-case basis. Additionally, we often procure certain materials in advance to maintain project timelines, and adjustments to the plans can sometimes lead to significant cost implications.
We provide a comprehensive one-year warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. Our warranty adheres to the regulations of the State of Idaho, and we utilize the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Construction Performance Guidelines to determine our performance measures. To learn more about the NAHB Performance Guidelines, please refer to our blog post – “Why I Use NAHB’s Performance Guidelines as My Baseline for Construction Standards in the Boise Area“.
Great question. Our trade partners rely heavily on their reputation and craftsmanship to thrive in the construction industry. We collaborate with trade partners who recognize the value we offer as a builder and are committed to the processes and principles we uphold. Many of our trade partners have become like family to us. To maintain a high standard of quality, we adhere to the NAHB’s Construction Performance Guidelines as our benchmarks for materials and workmanship. The NAHB performance guidelines are well-established and widely referenced within the industry to set construction standards. I provide a hard copy of these guidelines throughout the process. The NAHB has effectively outlined expectations for quality and performance. Additional information on the NAHB’s guidelines can be found here – “Why I Use NAHB’s Performance Guidelines as My Baseline for Construction Standards in the Boise Area.” For further details, you may also visit the NAHB’s website – https://www.nahb.org/blog/2022/08/new-edition-residential-construction-guidelines.
A Spec home is a home that a builder builds on “speculation” of what he thinks a buyer would want in a home and what they would be willing to pay for that home. A Spec home is a home that is built without an buyer and the builder would be designed with finishes that they think a buyer in that area might want. Many builders choose this method over the custom home building method.
A Custom home is a home that is designed and built to the needs and desires of the customer. Everything is specific to that customer and the customer is part of the process from the beginning. This is another reason the Design Build process works so well. It is the only process where the Builder and the Customer work together on the entirety of the home building process.
While not mandatory, having your own lot can facilitate a more efficient process. If you require assistance in locating a lot, we collaborate with several reputable Real Estate agents in the region who are prepared to assist you. Furthermore, we take great pleasure in exploring properties alongside our clients and actively contribute our expertise in envisioning potential opportunities. Engaging us early in the process enables us to offer a wider range of innovative ideas.