The Jax 2.0 white farmhouse exterior with dark gable trim and garage, Nampa, Idaho

BUILD FROM ANYWHERE

Building in Idaho from out of state

Most of the work happens by phone and email. Here is when you will want to be here.

You can build a custom home in Idaho while living in another state. With Bachman Custom Homes, budgeting, lot selection, floor plan design and contracts happen mostly by phone and email. You make one key trip for interior design appointments, about 2 to 3 days, and our typical build time is 6 to 8 months once construction starts.

Typical build time
6 to 8 months
Design appointments
About 2 to 3 days
Lots
Ours or yours
Offices
Nampa and Garden Valley

STEP BY STEP

The remote building process, step by step

This is our standard custom home process, annotated for clients who live somewhere else. If you are still deciding where to land, start with Moving to Boise.

  1. 01

    1. Identify your budget (remote)

    Get a construction pre-approval from a lender if you are financing. Your budget guides size, design, finishes and land.

  2. 02

    2. Meet with the builder (phone or in person)

    We like to get to know you: your lifestyle, lot options, plan preferences, square footage, style and must-haves.

  3. 03

    3. Retainer and deposit (remote)

    A non-refundable retainer reserves the lot you selected and places your project on our construction schedule.

  4. 04

    4. Finalize the floor plan (remote)

    Room sizes, structural features, specialty spaces, outdoor living and storage. Many clients start from one of our floor plans.

  5. 05

    5. Sign the build contract (remote)

    Pricing and included features are finalized and financing is completed.

  6. 06

    6. Permitting and construction (remote)

    Typical build time is 6 to 8 months, depending on size, complexity, weather and materials. You receive updates as each phase progresses.

  7. 07

    7. Interior design appointments (plan a trip)

    Appliances, cabinets, countertops, tile, doors, flooring, plumbing and lighting, in about 2 to 3 days.

  8. 08

    8. Optional walkthroughs (visit if you can)

    After framing, walk the electrical, plumbing, finish work and landscaping with us.

  9. 09

    9. Final walkthrough and orientation (be here)

    Home systems, warranty information and maintenance guidance. Final items are addressed before closing.

  10. 10

    10. Certificate of occupancy and move-in

    Welcome home.

A Bachman Custom Homes build
02 / STAYING IN TOUCH

How we keep
you informed.

Out-of-state clients cannot drive by the site on a Saturday, so communication carries more weight. You work directly with Bob and Lisa, and you receive updates as your home moves through each phase of construction. Tell us at the start how you like to communicate and how often. Past clients who built from out of state have shared that photos between visits helped them follow along. We would rather over-communicate than leave you guessing.

Because we do most framing, electrical, masonry and finish work with our own crews, fewer handoffs happen while you are away.

A Bachman Custom Homes build
03 / VISITING

When to plan
a trip.

If you can only come once during construction, come for the interior design appointments. They take about 2 to 3 days and cover every finish in the house. If you can make a second trip, the optional walkthroughs after framing are the best time to check outlet locations, built-ins and sight lines. Plan to be here for the final walkthrough before closing.

A Bachman Custom Homes build
04 / CHOOSING A LOT

Choosing a lot
from another state.

You can build on one of our lots or on land you own. We build in communities such as Valnova and Terra View in Eagle, Lone Star Ranch in Nampa and Longbow Estates in Star, and on client-owned land across the valley and in Garden Valley. Compare cities on Boise vs Meridian vs Eagle vs Star, and read our pages on building in Boise, Eagle and Meridian.

Lot questions are where our background helps most. Lisa is an AICP-certified planner, and Bob has nearly three decades in construction, including about 15 years with the City of Kuna, from building inspector to Public Works Director. Zoning, setbacks, slopes and utilities get looked at before you commit.

A Bachman Custom Homes build
05 / FROM A CLIENT

Building from out of state,
in a client's words.

We will let a client who did it describe it. The relocation guide has the checklists to plan your own move.

“We were building from out of state and I was worried about not being here, but when you trust your builder, it makes it so much easier!!”

Nicole M., Google review

THE COMPLETE COLLECTION / 14 HOMES

Every home has a story.

01 / 14

Every home in the collection, with photos, plans and details.

Explore the full build gallery ↗

QUESTIONS, ANSWERED

Frequently asked
questions.

Can I build a house in Idaho without living there?

Yes. Budgeting, lot selection, plan design and contracts can happen by phone and email. Plan one trip for interior design appointments, about 2 to 3 days, and be here for the final walkthrough. An optional walkthrough after framing is worth a second trip if you can make it.

How long does it take to build a custom home near Boise?

Our typical build time is 6 to 8 months once construction starts. It varies with home size, complexity, weather and material availability. Planning, design and permitting come before that, so start the conversation well before your target move date.

How will I know how construction is going?

You receive updates as your home moves through each phase of construction, and you can reach Bob and Lisa directly. Tell us at the start how you like to communicate and how often, and we will plan around it.

Can you help me find a lot?

Yes. We have lots in our communities in Eagle, Nampa and Star, and we build on land you own. Lisa is an AICP-certified planner and Bob spent about 15 years with the City of Kuna, from building inspector to Public Works Director, so we can help you review zoning and site conditions before you buy.

YOUR NEXT CHAPTER

Ready to start from where you are?

Call Bob and Lisa at 208-577-8794 or send a note. We will map out your build and your trips.

Start the conversation