'We love homes'

COEUR d’ALENE — Forget it. Even with wet weather in the forecast for this weekend, you can’t rain on this parade.

Because you can stay home and attend, as well as visit in person.

“We love homes,” said Nancy King, chairperson of the North Idaho Building Contractors Association’s Parade of Homes set for this Saturday and Sunday, and Sept. 24-26. “And we love looking inside homes and looking at new homes and peeking in windows and opening cupboards and seeing what's new and fresh.”

The popular, annual event will feature 14 homes around Kootenai County that will be visited by an expected 5,000 people.

Tickets for virtual and in-person tours, $10, can be accessed at nibca.com.

“You can sit in your bunny slippers at home and walk in and tour every home, virtually,” King said, adding that element was a hit last year.

Guests will see some of the finest custom-built homes in the area, with an array of styles, highlights and details.

They might see something they want to buy, or something they want to have in their home.

“The event is all about elevating the quality of life in North Idaho, illustrating the beauty of the place we live in,” wrote Mike Moore, NIBCA president. “Experience the possibilities and allow yourself to dream about your next home or design inspiration.”

One home with plenty of wow-factor is “The Modern Rooftop” at 1827 W. Bellerive Lane.

The four-bedroom, 4.5-bathroom home by Atlas Building Group has a three-car garage and nearly 3,800 square feet.

“It’s kind of an urban modern-style home that fits down in Bellerive and the Riverstone community,” said Nick Forsberg, owner of Atlas Building Group.

He pointed out the home has a floating steel staircase, a rock garden under them and accent lighting.

“There's a lot of black walnut wood in the living room,” Forsberg said. “In fact, this table and that drop ceiling up there and the cabinets all came from the same tree.”

A spiral staircase on the second-floor patio leads to a third-story rooftop deck with a linear fire pit that overlooks the Riverstone community.

“It’s a good home," Forsberg said. “And it's close to the restaurants and shopping, which we really like.”

Each home is distinct.

The 4,074-square-foot Luxe by Rosenberger Construction, at 11571 N. Blue Jay Loop in Hayden, features a mix of timber and stone with clean, modern design elements to provide a fresh take on the Northwest lifestyle.

The 3,263-square-foot “The Ridgeview” by Timbered Ridge Homes is at 18289 W. Palomar Drive in Hauser. It is described as “captivating the city and mountain views from on top of the ridge,” with a luxurious master suite with picturesque windows.

King is looking forward to this year’s Parade of Homes, which is a NIBCA fundraiser for programs, special events and scholarships.

“I’m in the real estate profession, so I get to see behind the scenes, I get a sneak peek,” she said. "I like that. I get to learn a little bit more about my industry locally. So it's great fun and I'm surrounded with quality people.”

King is confident crowds will enjoy the Parade of Homes.

“We have people driving over from out of state to identify and select a builder. We have people who want to know what color they should paint their kitchen, and everything in between. So suppliers, subcontractors, everyone is showcased. I've got a gal that called me and she's remodeling her home and she wants some ideas. I think it's almost a universal hobby. We love homes.”

So, of the 14 homes featured this year, which is her favorite?

King laughed and declined to say.

"It’s kind of like telling you who my favorite child is. Better not,” she said, smiling.

The Parade of Homes magazine that details this year’s event and features the homes and everyone involved is available around town, including at The Press.

It runs 11 to 6 Saturday and Sunday, 1 to 6 p.m. Sept. 24, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 25 and 11 to 4 on Sept. 26.