Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, most of our homeowners walk into their new home with much more equity then they would have had they bought a used home. In addition to walk in equity, you gain confidence and security knowing exactly how your home was built. It is built with the newest techniques and follows the new stringent energy codes. This makes for a warm cozy home that is very energy efficient and economical to live in. In addition, the 10 year warranty and new construction means you will have very little expense in maintenance.

We offer a free home site evaluation for our customers. If you own a piece of land or are trying to decide if you should make an offer to purchase we’ll come evaluate your property to make sure the Skagit Design home you are thinking about can be built on that property. Let us help you make the right decisions.

Many of our customers don’t have land when they first come to us. We are here to help. We can help get you started on your search based on where you want to live.

Yes, you often can finance your land and your new home into one construction loan. You can also combine these if you already own your land but still have a remaining balance. The balance owed on your land will be added into your loan. This saves you from having two separate closings and also saves money on closing costs. We will recommend a financing expert that will better be able to answer these questions based on your unique situation.

We understand the importance of consistent communication. In addition to the phone calls and emails keeping you up to date on the schedule of your new home, you will also have the direct phone number of your site superintendant. When you have questions about the construction of your new home, you are free to call direct at any time.

Make an appointment with your New Home Consultant and start from the beginning. First, select the home, then move onto the custom changes and options that you’d like to add. Second, determine how much your land will cost and the allowance items necessary to prepare your land (well and septic, driveway, sidewalks, landscaping, etc.) Even if you do not have your land identified yet, we will give you the most accurate estimates possible. These estimates are based on our local knowledge and experience.

Warranties and taking care of our customers after they move in is something we pride ourselves in. When you buy a Skagit Design home, you receive a 10 year structural warranty. You also receive the manufacturer’s warranties on each of the products that have been put into your home. These warranties range from a minimum of 1 year up to 10 years. We are most proud of our 2 Year Fit and Finish Warranty which is the best in the industry. We go one year further and provide coverage to ensure that all warranted items will function and operate just like they did when you first moved in.

Your personal site superintendent will give you advice and assist you in taking care of these items. We work with you and your Field Manager to make sure all the prep work gets scheduled and completed in a timely manner, helping you get closer to move in day!

There are too many factors in a build to give a time guarantee or definite timeline. We can assure you it will be built right. Our times of construction are typically 7 months from the time we can begin framing to the day you walk through the front door.  However, there can be many month spent drawing plans, waiting for permits, and obtaining necessary approvals to build before framing starts.  You should plan on 12-14 months to completion, sometimes even more.

To help us build fast and maintain our volume, we usually build from our own standard plans.  Please take a look at them to see if we have something similar to your concept.  We may be able to make a few adjustments to our plan to suit your tastes.

We really feel you should have identified your land before your sign a contract with us. However, we can help you choose your home, arrange financing and evaluate the land and all costs associated with your home project. Once all of these factors are taken care of, then you are ready to buy your home. The best time to start is now. Contact us for a no obligation consultation to determine if we are the right builder to help you build your new home.

We use only the finest quality materials in our homes. Here are a few of the many nationally known and recognized companies who help us create a home of quality and value. It’s because of companies such as these that we are able to offer you more choices for less. You can buy with confidence … knowing that your home has been built to last. That’s value. Real value. Partners like James Hardie, Owens Corning, Moen, Mohawk, Merillat, Shaw, Bryant, Formica, Wilsonart, Kohler, Mannington and Kwikset … just to name a few.

The best way is to sit down with a New Home Consultant and determine what type of home is the best for you and your family. Our sales teams are experts at working with you to find out what’s most important and what you absolutely have to have in your new home.

We would love to have models of each of our floor plans. Obviously that’s not economically feasible. It certainly makes a difference when you can see a home first hand rather than on a brochure or blue print. Your New Home Consultant can find out if your home is being built in the area. We may be able to arrange a walk-through of that model. In addition, we use the latest in 3-D plans design and rendering software. You are welcome to sit down with the designer and do virtual walk through of any plan. We can even install your furniture to see how it fits!

We currently build in North West Washington State. We have recently completed projects in Whatcom, Skagit, Island and Snohomish counties.

Yes. We try to build exactly what you want, right where you want it. Go ahead, ask us to move a wall, add a window, or create the kitchen of your dreams.  We can probably do it. We’ll make our home completely yours.

A lot of that depends on where you are building. Each county or jurisdiction has their own fees and permit charges. Sometimes septic systems are more expensive than hooking up to a city sewer system. Give us a call and we can help you identify costs for your land. We’d be happy to help.

Please review our list of included features. Our price includes the home from the foundation up and in. Foundation, framing, cabinets, floor coverings, plumbing, and lighting are all included. Paint and appliances are not included. If it is outside of the home, it is probably not included. The exterior things include your land and anything that needs to be done to that land including well and septic system or city water and sewer hookups, excavation, permit costs, decks, steps, sidewalks etc. Most of our customers enjoy the savings of painting the home themselves, or we can recommend a painter if needed. Please contact us for a detailed cost sheet on your project.

We would love to build you an Energy Star Certified home. We are certified to do so. However, to build and get certified, it takes a pretty large commitment from the builder and the home owner.  Most appliances need to be certified Energy Star.  Also it requires upgrading to very high level and expensive heating and ventilation systems.  We do utilize the best practices when building our homes.  We follow the Energy Star guidelines in most areas.  One area we excel in is that we own our own building envelope testing equipment and every home exceeds requirements.  If you want your home to meet the Energy Star certification level – ask us, and we can create a program that will qualify.

Our homes are not to be confused with manufactured or modular homes. Ours is a completely conventional home that is site-built, stick-built, completely on your site. Our homes include foundation for a level building site and there is no “set-up” charge. Your financing, resale, and insurance all benefit. Please contact us for a list or worksheet that shows what is included in your new home.