NEIGHBORHOOD OF THE WEEK: Parade of Homes coming soon — virtual and in-person

It’s easier than ever to check out the latest in design and home construction in North Idaho thanks to new virtual opportunities at this year’s Parade of Homes, presented by the North Idaho Building Contractors Association (NIBCA).

The in-person show continues this year, albeit with some modifications in response to COVID-19. The lineup includes 19 homes from some of the area’s most accomplished builders, and the variety of homes and locations will serve all types of potential buyers.

The Parade of Homes will be held across two weekends — from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 12-13, then from 1-6 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 18, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 19, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 20.

Tickets are $10, which includes admission to the 19 houses across all five days, as well as access to the homes’ virtual tours on the new NIBCA Parade of Homes app. Buy tickets at NIBCA.com or check out the app on the Google Play or Apple store by searching “NIBCA Parade of Homes.”

NIBCA executive officer Leslie Streeter said preparations for the app and virtual tours began in the spring when organizers were unsure how the pandemic would influence the show.

“Many people come from out of town to see the homes, and we wanted to make sure that those who aren’t comfortable traveling could see the homes,” Streeter said.

You can get details on each of the homes on the app. The virtual tours unlock during the show after ticket purchase. Other features include a map of all the homes, as well as listings and contacts for many of the subcontractors who worked on individual features and components in the featured homes.

While at least some of the homes are for sale, the Parade of Homes provides people looking to build their own home with opportunities to learn about different builders and what they value.

“This is a great way to get ideas for what you want to do,” Streeter said. “You get to see what the new trends are, the new colors, flooring and more.”

The in-person tours will continue this year with a few extra COVID-related measures. Streeter said they’re accommodating social distancing and providing a “flow” for visitors to move in one direction throughout each home.

“We’re going to ask everybody to be conscious of other people and minimize contact with the house itself, as it will eventually be someone’s living space,” Streeter said.

You can purchase tickets at each home site that will be good for access to all the other entries in the Parade of Homes. Representatives from the individual builders will also be on hand to provide further details and information on the properties.

Builders in the 2020 Parade of Homes include Selkirk Construction, Monarch Custom Homes, Monogram Homes, Architerra Homes, ActiveWest Builders, Timbered Ridge Homes, Affordable Custom Builders, Rosenberger Construction, Anthem Pacific Home, North Ridge Contracting, Aspen Homes, Hayden Homes and Atlas Building Group. The homes are in a variety of neighborhoods and communities, including some waterside offerings.

Next week, we’ll take a closer look at some of this year’s offerings.

More information: 208-765-5518, info@NIBCA.com, NIBCA.com or install the app.

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Are you a Realtor or developer with the scoop on more new construction in North Idaho? Or do represent a home in an incredible neighborhood we haven’t talked about in a while? Contact twilson@cdapress.com to be featured in an upcoming edition of Neighborhood of the Week.