Sandpoint & North Idaho Construction Resources

At any given point in and around Sandpoint and North Idaho, there are dozens of homes and structures being built in Boundary and Bonner Counties. Many builders will not build during winter and snow months. Certainly it can be difficult, or even impossible to lay foundations during those months, but modern techniques now allow for year-round construction. Custom construction is still considerably more than using some new methods, such as SIPs, pre-cut, and modular homes. While average costs have remained more or less constant, the cost of building per square foot has increased in the last two years. It may still be possible to build for $100-125 per sq. ft., but more and more houses are being constructed in the $150+ range. These projects are drawing the limited pool of builders and construction workers.
 

Some suggestions are to hire companies in Spokane or Coeur d'Alene when possible, or to build a higher quality post & beam or panelized home. For a complete list of these kinds of homes see Post & Beam

One of the best resources is eBay. No matter what it is you are looking for, check there first. eBay has many, many eBay stores. These are just like any other brick-and-mortar retailer that has an internet store. However, I have found that eBay stores are virtually always better priced, and often by substantial margins. If you need ceiling tiles, or faucets, or sinks, or even toilets, try eBay. You don't have to wait for the item to be bid on only to find out you did not have the winning bid. Look for the "Buy It Now" items. On the left side of the screen you can direct eBay to search for only "Buy It Now" items. These will be normally at a price well-below any retailer. You can find Steam, jacuzzi tubs with TVs and remote control that normally retail for up to $10,000 for less than $2,000. Appliances can be a very big savings. Stores like AJ Madison have been selling at very low rates for many, many years.

One of the best ways to check and see if you are getting the best price is to copy and paste the model number and brand on your browser. Google it and you will see a number of websites selling that item. Generally, eBay will be the best price. My best deal recently were for cabinet pulls that retailed for over $10 at Home Depot. I bought forty at $2.39 each and the shipping - $10 - was the same for one or a hundred. Good deal.

Keep in mind, the following resources are listed in the phone book, and the ones with web sites are simply the ones that have created a web site for you to peruse. There are many more that do not have sites.

Other Resources:

• Amberleaf Interior Designs - Specializing in resort lifestyles. Background, philosophy, education, experience, book of business.

• Backwoods Solar Electric Systems - Specializing in solar generated home electricity. Solar information, catalog and newsletter.

• Baker Construction - Philosophy, testimonials, background, experience, preliminary construction information.

• Castle Kataryna - Builds custom stone dream castles from start to finish using methods of old and new. Offers links, pictures, construction details, and contact information.

• Domes Northwest - Suppliers of geodesic domes serving the northwestern states of Washington, Oregon, Montana, and Idaho. Background, photos, ordering information.

• Handyman Services, Inc. - Locally owned moving and service company. Specializing in moving and hauling. Other services include painting and repair, remodeling. Pricing, free estimates, contact information and links.

• Idaho Wood - Wide variety of lighting products in classic wood designs for outdoor, area, landscape and indoor applications.

• Joseph Henry Wythe - Alternative Architect - Provides organic architecture, principles, philosophy, links, books and ordering information.

• Merwin's True Value Hardware - Hand tools, home improvement, power tools, home repair, lighting, lawn and garden plant care, paint, plumbing and electrical supplies.

• Mountain Stove and Spa - Manufacturers and distributors of stoves of all fuel types. Online catalog and ordering information.

• Mountain View Construction - Custom home builders. Includes photographs and descriptions of recent projects.

• Racor Home Storage Products - Descriptions, ordering, shopping.

• Pend Oreille Pines - Reclaimed Lake and River Wood

• Skipping Stones Studio – Clark Fork - At Skipping Stones Studio we work with natural glacial stone and river rock to create cabinet knobs, pulls, and doorknobs.  We are a working art studio creating functional art for the home or yard. 

Here are some places you can look for ideas and deals:

Countertops & Cabinets

Concrete Countertops: http://www.concretenetwork.com/counter_catalog/uedge.htm

Concrete Countertops: http://www.naturalhandyman.com/iip/author/dcn/conccounter-a.shtm

Alternative Countertops to Corian: http://www.naturalhandyman.com/iip/infcountertop/infsolidsurface.shtm
How Install Corian-Type Solid-Surface Countertops by Mark Johanson: http://www.naturalhandyman.com/iip/infcountertop/infsolidsurface.shtm

Alternative Countertops: http://www.getcookinginc.com/design.html

Nice Example of a DIY copper clad counter: http://www.conundrumdesigns.com/Copper_clad_counter.htm

Copper Basic Countertops: http://www.geocities.com/jena_lund/newhouse/kitchen/kitchen.html

Best Copper Sheet Prices: http://oldworlddistributors.com/cart_csp.html

Reasonable Copper Sheet Prices: http://www.guttersupply.com/p-Copper-Sheets.gstml

Copper.org (Copper in your home): http://www.copper.org/copperhome/FAQ_Main.html

Granite modular Countertop system: http://www.benissimosystems.com/

Frigo Design (Stainless doors, etc.): http://www.frigodesign.com/sscabinet.html

Copper Pot Rack: http://www.potracksgalore.com/cart/shopper.cfm?action=view&key=RP010&source=bizrate&tid=RP010
Copper Foil Great Source: http://www.nimrodhall.com/2mil.html
Copper.org: http://www.copper.org/
How to make Flame Colored Copper: http://www.copper.org/copperhome/DIY/flame_colored_cu_process.html

Metal Resource: http://www.onlinemetals.com

Installing metal backsplash: http://www.rd.com/content/openContent.do?contentId=14471

Skimstone (Stone-look decorative finish for concrete): http://skimstone.com

Marble and Granite Slabs: http://www.amlinkmarble.com/materials.htm

Tile & Granite Countertops (from $26): http://www.marblemaster.com/

Discount Tile: http://www.discounttiledirect.com/showrooms.aspx

DIY Granite (for Granite countertops from $20): http://www.diygranite.com/

Woodcabinetdoors.com: http://www.woodcabinetdoors.com/

Wood Resources

Rockler (Resource for everything to do with wood, cabinets, etc.): http://www.rockler.com

Faux Wood Beams: http://www.fauxwoodbeams.com

Advantage Lumber: http://www.advantagelumber.com/

Lumber Liquidators: http://lumberliquidators.com/home.jsp

Cool Deck Stuff: http://woodbymail.com/

Internet Lumber (for Specialty Lumber): http://www.internetlumber.com/Home/Default.aspx

BadgerWood (for Specialty Lumber): http://www.badgerwood.com/products.html

Midwest Cypress: http://www.midwestcypress.com/pages/specials.html

Willard Bros. (for Specialty Trim): http://www.willardbrothers.net/walnut.htm

WoodPlanet.com: http://www.woodplanet.com/

For specialty wood trim: http://www.gilmerwood.com/boxes-bundles.htm

Hardwood Lumber (For stairs and risers, and trim): http://www.hardwood-lumber.com/

Wood List – Great source for flooring from wood to granite: http://www.e-wood.com/

Not Wood Floors but Rubber as an Alternative: http://www.cartwheelfactory.com/rubber_flooring.html?gclid=CLydg8jxmoQCFQ6BOAodh2Irdw#sample

Contractor's Resources

Rona (builder’s resource): http://www.rona.ca/renovation/build-house-building.html

Homeexpo.com: http://www.homeexpo.com/

Van Dyke’s Restorers: http://www.vandykes.com/product/02002379/

Build Direct (Great resource for quantity buys): http://www.builddirect.com/

On the House (Great Builder’s resource): http://www.onthehouse.com/

E-build: http://www.ebuild.com/

RepairHome.com: http://www.repair-home.com/

Remodeling Online: http://www.remodeling.hw.net/

HGTV Pro: http://www.hgtvpro.com/

Kitchen Makeover on a Budget: http://www.southernliving.com/southern/homes/remodeling/article/0,13676,491716-2,00.html

Owner Builder Book: http://www.ownerbuilderbook.com/

Nice Design and Project plans: http://www.buildeazy.com/

Bob Vila: http://www.bobvila.com/

BusinessWeek – Be Your Own Contractor: http://rlhome.polo.com/rlhome/products/paint/pros_paint_assortment.asp
DIY – Be Your Own Contractor: http://www.diynet.com/diy/shows_dbyc/0,2044,DIY_15078,00.html
Home Ideas: http://www.homeideas.com/
Owens Corning – Home Experts: http://owenscorning.com/homexperts/

Hometime on PBS: http://www.pbs.org/hometime/
ServiceMagic (To find pre-screened contractors): http://www.servicemagic.com/
Home Contractor book & video: http://www.hometime.com/Admin/shopsite/vb_2517.htm
Home Time: http://www.hometime.com/
Home Depot Expo Design Center: http://www.expo.com/
This Old House (on right side of page): Materials Calculator
This Old House: http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/
Be Your Own Contractor book: http://www.wiley.com/WileyCDA/WileyTitle/productCd-0020332106.html

Alternative Buildings Resource Center: http://www.sharelynx.com/misc/alternative12.php

DirectBuy: http://www.directbuy.com/
Home Architect Design Software: http://home-design-software-review.toptenreviews.com/architectural-series-differences.html
ConsumerSearch.com – To find the best price on home design software: http://www.consumersearch.com/www/software/home-design-software/retailers.html

Design Handbook: Section 3 Architectural Details: Flashings and Copings: http://www.copper.org/applications/architecture/arch_dhb/flashings_copings/coping_covers.html
Compound Miter Jig: http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=10565&cookietest=1

Ceiling Panels: http://www.surfacingsolution.com/TinCeilings.htm

Garage & Steel Buildings

Miracle Truss (for Steel Garages): http://www.miracletruss.com/garage.html#

Steel Structures: http://steelbuildingfactory.com/

City Steel Buildings: http://www.citysteelbuildings.com/

Assorted

E-bay Jacuzzi Tubs and Shower/Steam baths (Great prices): http://search.ebay.com/shower-steam_W0QQfnuZ1QQfsooZ1QQfsopZ3QQxpufuZx
Affordable Lamps (Very good pricing and selection on lighting): http://store.affordablelamps.com/

Hotel Surplus (Great Source for Hi-Quality Furniture): http://www.hotelsurplus.com/
Restoration Hardware: http://www.restorationhardware.com/rh/index.jsp

Overstock.com: http://www.overstock.com/
Pottery Barn: http://www.potterybarn.com/

Discount Unfinished Furniture: http://discount-unfinished-furniture.com/

Smart House: http://www.smarthouse.com.au/

Solar Power

Solar Power: http://www.homepower.com/files/beginner/SolarElectricSystemCosts.pdf
 

Blinds

Smith & Noble (for blinds): http://www.smithandnoble.com/sn/default.jsp

US Shutter Co.: http://webpages.charter.net/usshutter/

Paint

Behr: http://www.behr.com/behrx/index.jsp
Behr Faux Finishing: http://www.behr.com/behrx/expert/faux_index.jsp
Ralph Lauren (Pros & various techniques): http://rlhome.polo.com/rlhome/products/paint/pros_paint_assortment.asp

Panelized & Post & Beam Homes

Cabin Kit (best Prices for log kits): http://www.cabinkit.com/ckplans.htm

Cedar Designs (Cedar Homes): http://www.cedardesigns.com/pricesheet.php?op=06&pb=pricing

Cedar Homes of Washington: http://www.chwi.com/index.html

Oregon Yurtworks: http://www.yurtworks.com/

Deltec Homes: http://www.deltechomes.com/

DIY Show, Assembly Required, on Deltec Homes: http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/shows_dasr/episode/0,2499,DIY_22557_38576,00.html

DIY Show, Assembly Required, on Oregon Yurt Homes: http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/shows_dasr/episode/0,2499,DIY_22557_38577,00.html

Idaho Precut Homes: http://www.idahoprecuthomes.com/

Polyurethane Domes: http://www.monolithic.com/

Shelter Kit: http://www.shelter-kit.com/index.html

Popular Mechanics Article about Factory Built Homes: http://www.popularmechanics.com/home_improvement/smart_consumer/1274576.html?page=1&c=y

EZ Log Kits: http://www.ezlogkits.com/

Home Expo (List of Kit Home Manufacturers): http://www.homeexpo.com/HE/b1298.htm

Raisearoof.com (Panelized Homes): http://www.raisearoof.com/

Lindal Cedar Homes: http://www.lindal.com/

Lancaster Barns: http://www.lancasterbarns.com/

Topsider Homes (the Best of all that I’ve seen): http://www.topsider.com/

Modular or Alternative Source Homes: http://www.armstrong-homes.com/customhomes/plans.html
Yurtworks Home: http://boonehouse.com/
A European Wooden Dome Structure: http://www.domespace.com/vinter/indgami.htm
Eagle’s Nest (another post and beam home): http://www.eaglesnesthomes.com/Homes_Pricing.htm

Boise Lodge Logs Houses: http://www.lodgelogs.com/index.htm
Aspen Log Homes: http://www.aspenloghomes.com/estimate.htm
Mandala Homes (Another Round Post and Beam House: http://www.mandalahomes.com/

All Pro Building Systems (Canadian Post and Beam Timberframe/Panelized Homes): http://www.abshomes.com/html/Timberframe.html

Granby Post and Beam Homes: http://www.postbeam.com/competition.html
Rocio Romero Modern Homes (Interesting Garage Design for around $18,000): http://www.rocioromero.com/
Article in Washington Post about the survival rate of round homes: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/11/18/AR2005111801084.html

Yurts – California: http://www.yurtpeople.com/yurtpeople/
Cedar Designs (Cedar Homes): http://www.cedardesigns.com/

Granby’s Post & Beam Homes: http://www.postbeam.com/price.htm

Colorado Log Systems (Log Homes): http://www.logs.net/
Logangate Pedestal Homes: http://www.logangate.com/pedestalhomes.htm
Community in Virginia made with Pedestal Homes: http://www.cacaponsouth.com/pedestal.php
Mandala Round Homes: http://www.mandalahomes.com/
UVI Resource: http://www.uvi.edu/Physics/SCI3xxWeb/Structure/PreFab.html
Article in Wood Info about the outlook of prefab housing from 2009-2014: http://www.wood-info.com/1045.htm
The Potter’s House (Berm Home): http://www.sunspace.org/en/pottershouse_en.html
Tips For Building Hurricane-Proof Houses: http://pda.physorg.com/lofi-news-house-houses-built_8543.html
Topsider Round Pedestal Homes: http://www.topsider.com/
 

To search for Realty, click the MLS Search Button

Gary Lirette
e-mail
208-610-1384



Tomlinson Sandpoint Sotheby's
International Realty

Contact Gary for all your Real Estate needs

For all your contracting needs,
visit Inland NW Construction

 

Contractors:

Here are some local resources:

200 Main Street
Sandpoint, Idaho
208-610-1384
800-282-6880