FAQ

The journey starts with us getting to know you. We want to understand your vision, goals, and reasons for building a new home. If you’re ready to begin, click “Start Your Build Here” and let us help turn your dream into reality.

The build process typically takes 8-18 months, but several factors like size, construction type, weather, material availability, and labor can impact timelines. Before construction begins, the Design Phase and Pre-Construction Phase may add an additional 6+ months to the schedule.

Yes, custom homes often take longer due to their unique features and specialized work. Tract and semi-custom builders face similar scheduling challenges, but custom homes require extra attention to detail, which can extend the timeline.

Absolutely! At Abstract RD+B, we handle all architectural design in-house, giving us full control over both the creative process and the costs. This approach ensures a seamless experience, capturing cost savings and efficiencies you won’t typically find with outsourced design services.

Bring your ideas, inspiration, and vision—we’ll work with you to take them even further. Together, we’ll create a custom home plan that’s uniquely yours, with every detail tailored to reflect your style and needs. Let’s turn your dream home into a reality!

This is one of the most common questions we hear, but it’s also one of the most misunderstood. While cost per square foot is often used to estimate construction costs, it can be misleading because several factors impact the total price. Here’s what you need to know:

• Size: Smaller homes typically have a higher cost per square foot, while larger homes generally cost less per square foot.
• Material Selections & Features: High-end flooring, appliances, fixtures, and additional features like extra bathrooms or custom cabinetry will increase the price.
• Livable or Conditioned Space: Many estimates only include the livable or conditioned areas of the home. For example, a four-car garage might not be factored into the price per square foot, leading to comparisons that aren’t apples-to-apples.
• Location: Where you build significantly impacts costs. For instance, building in Valley County (McCall) is typically more expensive than in Boise due to location-specific factors.

At Abstract RD+B, we focus on giving you an accurate, transparent estimate tailored to your specific project. Instead of relying solely on cost per square foot, we’ll guide you through the budgeting process to ensure everything aligns with your vision and investment. Let’s create a home that’s truly yours!

We’re here to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible. Our skilled Interior Designers help simplify the decision-making by guiding you through material, color, and finish selections, ensuring everything is cohesive and tailored to your vision. With a structured approach and clear communication, we streamline the experience, leaving you to focus on enjoying the journey.

We use a Fixed Price contract to provide peace of mind, ensuring the price we quote is the price you pay throughout the project. To account for any unexpected material cost increases, an escalation clause covers significant price changes beyond a specific percentage. For any modifications, additions, or changes during construction, we use a formal "Change Order" process that clearly outlines the updates and adjusts the contract price accordingly.

Our goal is to keep the entire process transparent, organized, and free of surprises so you can focus on creating your dream home.

 Absolutely! We can accommodate changes to the original plans or materials during construction. However, keep in mind that modifications often involve additional costs, which are influenced by factors like timing and material availability. Since many materials are pre-ordered to keep the project on schedule, late adjustments can sometimes have a significant impact on costs. We handle each request carefully to balance your vision with the project’s timeline and budget.

 We offer a comprehensive one-year warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship, adhering to Idaho state regulations. Our work is guided by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Construction Performance Guidelines, a respected industry standard for quality and performance. For more details, check out our blog post, “Why I Use NAHB’s Performance Guidelines as My Baseline for Construction Standards in the Boise Area.”

Quality is the cornerstone of every project we undertake. We partner with skilled trade professionals who share our commitment to excellence and uphold our principles and processes. Many of these partners have worked with us for years, creating a trusted network that feels like family. By adhering to the NAHB Construction Performance Guidelines, we maintain rigorous standards for both materials and workmanship, ensuring every aspect of your home meets or exceeds expectations.

 A Spec Home is built without a specific buyer in mind, designed based on what the builder believes will appeal to a broad audience. It features pre-selected finishes and layouts that cater to market trends in the area.

A Custom Home, on the other hand, is entirely personalized for the client. Every design element, material, and feature is tailored to your preferences, with your involvement at every stage of the process. The Design-Build approach is ideal for custom homes, as it fosters close collaboration between the builder and the client throughout the project.

 While having your own lot isn’t required, it can streamline the process. If you’re still searching for the perfect location, we work closely with trusted real estate agents who can help you find the right property. We also enjoy walking properties with our clients, offering insights and ideas to help you envision your dream home’s potential. Engaging us early ensures we can provide creative solutions and maximize the possibilities for your future home.