Whidbey Island, nestled in the stunning waters of Puget Sound in Washington State, is a place of natural beauty, vibrant communities, and a serene, laid-back lifestyle. For those seeking to make this island paradise their permanent home, custom home construction offers a unique opportunity to create a living space tailored to their vision. However, building a custom home on Whidbey Island comes with its own set of considerations and challenges. In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of custom home construction on Whidbey Island.

 

1. Initial Planning: Setting the Foundation

Budget: The first step in any custom home construction project is establishing a budget. Consider not only construction costs but also permits, design fees, and potential unforeseen expenses.

Architect/Designer: Collaborate with an architect or designer experienced in island architecture and local building codes. They can help translate your vision into plans that blend seamlessly with the island’s unique character.

Location: The island offers a diverse range of landscapes, from coastal views to tranquil forests. A great deal can go into choosing the right location for your custom home. Consider proximity to amenities, views, accessibility, and whether you want to be in a town or a more remote setting.

Here’s some important specifics to be aware of:

• • • Town locations may provide municipal water. More remote locations may require a well or rainwater collection system.
    • Town locations may be on a sewer system. More remote settings will require a septic system.
    • Coastal homes are subject to high winds and winter storms. Building codes require structures to withstand high wind loads and include reinforced roofing, anchoring and impact-resistant windows.
    • Forest homes may be in designated wildfire hazard areas. Building codes require structures incorporate fire-resistant materials and defensible space planning.

 

2. Navigating Permits and Regulations

Whidbey Island has its own set of zoning and building regulations to navigate. You’ll want to select a local custom home builder who is familiar with the necessary permits and regulations.

Your project might be subject to special zoning laws, such as:

• • • Environmental Impact Mitigation which protects sensitive habitats and preserves vegetation.
    • Seismic considerations due to known fault lines.
    • Shoreline Management Regulations that dictate setbacks and stormwater management
    • Soil/ Geotechnical Considerations related to soil stability; sometimes special foundation designs are required due to soil challenges.

 

3. Design and Planning: Crafting Your Dream Home

Work closely with your architect to finalize the design and layout of your custom home. This stage includes selecting the size, style, and features of the house. Create detailed blueprints and construction plans, which should include electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems.

4. Home Builders: Bringing Your Vision to Life

Look for professionals with experience in Whidbey Island home construction, as they’ll be familiar with local materials, weather patterns, building practices and local building codes.

 

 

5. The Construction Phase: Bringing Your Vision to Life

The construction phase includes site preparation, foundation work, framing, roofing, and all other building processes. Regular inspections and quality control checks are essential to ensure the project stays on track and meets required standards. As mentioned above, Whidbey Island’s unique climate and weather patterns may require specific construction techniques.

 

6. Utilities and Infrastructure: The Essentials

Ensure that your custom home has access to essential utilities such as water, electricity, gas, and sewage. In some parts of the island, this may require special considerations, such as well drilling or septic system installation.

 

7. Interior Finishes: Creating Your Haven

Select finishes, fixtures, and materials for the interior of your home. This includes flooring, countertops, cabinetry, paint colors, and appliances. If desired, work with interior designers or decorators to bring your personal style to life.

 

 

8. Landscaping: Blending with Nature

Plan and implement landscaping around your custom home. Consider the local climate and highlight local plants when designing your outdoor spaces. Creating a harmonious connection between your home and the island’s natural beauty is a hallmark of island living.

 

9. Final Inspections and Approvals: Ensuring Compliance

Once construction is finished, final building codes and regulations inspections will take place. Once the inspections are complete, you’ll be issued occupancy permits.

 

 

 

Boren Construction is Whidbey Island’s premier custom home builder, well known for our skilled execution of high end residential projects.

Our construction process has set a new standard in the residential construction industry, leveraging cloud based technology to create a transparent and productive environment which allows us to provide the highest level of service to our clients.

Founded in 2001 by LeRoy Boren, we put our client’s needs first, creating a team environment based on continuous improvement and the daily practice of excellence. With projects throughout Whidbey Island including Clinton, Langley, Freeland, Greenbank and Coupeville, the Boren Construction team has the experience necessary to build dwellings that are both timeless and bespoke.