New Construction Q&A with Garth Callaghan Contracting

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It's no secret that the housing market in the Wood River Valley has been booming, whether that be for remodels or newly-built homes. And while it's true that the cost of construction and land has gone up, there are still many opportunities to build your dream home in Sun Valley.

On this month's episode of Voices & Views, Makenzie met with local contractor, Garth Callaghan, about what it means to be building in the valley. Here are some of the most common questions we've received from clients when it comes to new construction and remodels.

What is it like for someone wanting to buy land and build a home instead of buying a current build?

There are a number of challenges right now when it comes to new construction, but one of the most critical comes down to finding the right team. Having the right contractors and architects on your project will ensure everything (hopefully) stays on track—from timelines to budgets and everything in between. That being said, with a fair bit of volatility in the market right now and stressed supply chains, there can still be a degree of unpredictability when it comes to prices and material arrival dates. Additionally, industry-wide labor shortages are making it difficult for new construction teams to bring a full crew to the site.

For existing homes, however, it is much easier to find a home and move in within a shorter timeframe. Depending on what kind of property you are looking for, purchasing a home rather than building your own can be a better option. But it’s important to keep in mind that remodels and renovations are also facing similar challenges and delays to new construction.

For a new buyer, what are some things they should be considering when buying a home?

If you’re considering buying a home rather than building, it’s important to weigh the following options:

Does the floor plan work?

At the most basic level, it’s best to find properties that offer the right number of bedrooms and bathrooms. So if you know that you are searching for a minimum of a 3 bedroom 2 bath property, you’ll want to narrow your search accordingly. Additionally, single-level homes offer a different value to some buyers than multi-story homes, or even condos and townhomes. You’ll need to consider other factors as well, like whether or not you need a garage, a walk-in closet, or other “dealbreakers” given your property criteria.

How is the quality of construction?

The quality of construction is an important factor when evaluating a potential home. Especially for properties that might be a little older, you’ll want to check for any signs of premature aging, damage, or structural stress. For homes that were recently remodeled, this can often provide some peace of mind for buyers—but be careful to not make too many assumptions. Sometimes remodels and renovations can be covering up existing issues that will present themselves later on.

Do you need to make further structural changes for the home to work for you or your family?

If you find yourself needing to add on extra bedrooms, bonus rooms, bathrooms, or other major structural elements that dramatically change the floorplan or layout of your home, it might not be the right property for you. Cosmetic updates or upgrades—like new hardware, fresh paint, or even new flooring—are much easier changes that can change the look and feel of your home. Just know that anything more time- or resource-intensive will likely lead to more delays and a larger investment from the buyer (you!).

What are some of the changes you’ve seen lately throughout the industry?

One of the biggest challenges that has swept across the industry includes variability in both material prices and supply. From lumber to hardware, builders are finding it difficult to secure the necessary materials to keep a project on schedule and within budget. And with even more demand for new construction, the added pressure only makes the existing supply chain issues worse. Additionally, labor shortages have caused delays across teams as subcontractors are oftentimes shared between projects.

What can the homeowner do to be prepared?

One of the best things you can do to be prepared as the homeowner is to plan. And plan a lot.

By working closely with your team of contractors and architects, you can communicate clearly about timelines and expectations to make sure that everyone stays on the same page. Planning is one of the biggest factors that can help ensure a new construction project goes smoothly.

Should you buy or build right now?

This is one of the biggest questions we have received recently, and for good reason!

Is now the right time to buy, or to build?

First and foremost, you need to see if the house you want is currently on the market, or if you feel like there would be a property listed that could work for you or your family’s needs. If you are needing a unique set of features or a custom floorplan, there’s a good chance that buying a home will still require some degree of post-purchase customization.

In that case, you’ll likely want to purchase land and build your own home—but know that patience is key. New construction for land purchased today is 2-3 years out from completion given the current backlog of projects across the Wood River Valley. You would likely be moving in sometime between 2024 and 2025.

If your home needs are not as particular, purchasing an existing property is going to be the easier option. You can always make interior upgrades or improvements to make it your own, but it will be much more cost-effective to purchase a home that has already been built.

Have other questions about finding or building your dream home in the Wood River Valley? We’re here to help. Email us today or give us a call at (208) 720-8958 to learn more.