BUILDING in the san juans

THINKING OF BUILDING IN THE SAN JUAN ISLANDS?

This guide will help you better understand what it takes to build your dream home here.

Step 4

CONSTRUCTION - BUILDING YOUR DREAM

Step 1

FIND A LO CAL REALTOR® & PURCHASE YOUR DREAM LOT OR FIXER-UPPER

The first step in the home building process is to find a LOCAL Realtor® in the San Juan Islands. There are many benefits of hiring an islander due to their intimate knowledge of unique codes, regulations and documents specific to our islands. In addition, local Realtors can have the inside scoop of properties for sale that haven’t hit the market yet. This is your best asset to finding the perfect dream property. With your local Realtor® hired it’s time to get to work.

Make sure you understand all limitations of a property or home of interest during a feasibility period for your real estate transaction. Work with your Realtor® to understand this process.

Has the property been developed for construction?

Are there any utilities at the lot (water/well, access roads, septic, internet, power)?

What county codes and regulations could create limitations for your plans?

Understand the current costs of construction when purchasing with the mindset to build or remodel.

Step 2 Designing Your Dream Home

The next step is to determine who will be designing your home. Options could be:

A Local Building Designer

A Local Design/ Build Company

A Local Architect

Working Through a Prefab Designer and Home Supplier

Purchasing Pre-Designed Plan Sets Online

*Make sure you fully understand what comes with the package as many do not include necessary engineering

Always meet your potential designer at the property prior to selection, so they fully understand site conditions. Once you’ve identified your designer, but before beginning the design, make sure all parties have reviewed local building codes and regulations to ensure your home will meet all setbacks based on side yards and critical areas in addition to meeting the size and height limitations of local code regulations, HOA regulations, view easements, etc. It can be costly to re-design a home if important details are missed. Keep in mind; all properties have their challenges, but Waterfront projects will always require the highest level of detail and attention before beginning the design work. Knowing site limitations based on known codes and regulations, the fun can begin, and your preliminary design work can start. Get your design to a point where the shell and shape of the house won’t change much, but maybe the interior finishes inside are still in the works. At this time, engineering on the home can usually begin, and so can other tasks necessary for the next step of permitting. As you are preparing to start the permitting work, this is an excellent time to engage contractors in discussions about your project. While it may be too soon for accurate estimates, it’s always good to have a contractor selected well before permit approval occurs at the county.

Step 3 Permitting In San Juan County

There is more to a permit than a plan set and an application. Your permit process includes reports prepared by professionals such as Geologists, Archeologists, Civil Engineers, Biologists, Surveyors, Arborists, Energy Code consultants, etc., for county review based on your lot and location. San Juan County Land Use and Building Departments can help identify all reporting and documentation needed based on your project. Once all required reports are completed, it’s time to submit your permit. Some owners do this themselves; some hire their designers, and others hire a third-party consultant to support the submittal process. Once Submitted, permitting timelines for the county are about 4+ months out from submission date to approved permit. Shoreline properties can expect longer wait times (about six months) as several more studies are needed as part of the permitting process. Be sure to check the county websites for up-to-date estimate review times.

You have your permit in hand, and you’re ready to break ground; Congratulations! While you waited for San Juan County to review and approve your permit, you selected your finishes and hired a contractor. So, what will it cost to build in the San Juans? Well, it depends on a variety of items.

Once your project is underway, you can expect a timeline of about 12 to 18 months for a custom home. Timing can vary significantly for lot conditions, size, complexity of your home and the contractor you select. It’s important to keep in mind you’re building on a secluded island that comes with obstacles and challenges you’ll want to prepare for. There are finite resources when it comes to materials contractors and subcontractors. When those resources are scarce, you must turn to and rely on the only mechanism for bringing outside resources, boats and airplanes, which can impact both your schedule and cost. Working with an experienced local builder familiar with local regulations and island life nuances is key to keeping your project moving as smoothly as possible while preparing you for the journey. Know it takes more time and patience to build here. However, the result is well worth waiting to become part of this fantastic community.

FOR MORE INFORMATION or RECOMMENDATIONS

On local Realtors®, local builders, and/or consultants please contact San Juan Building Association at contact@sjba.com or (360) 472-0537

ROOM FOR EVERYONE with a generous kitchen, dining room, multiple sleeping areas and lots of storage. Lovely deck perfect for an evening BBQ or morning coffee. “Turn-Key” including golf cart and licensed mooring buoy. Sparkling water view from 2nd floor. Large garage/shop. Community deep-water dock, waterfront park and private airstrip. Island has beautiful beaches, K-8 school, library and golf course. #2036881

Offered at $635,000 by Morgan & Sarah Jones / Windermere RE Anacortes Prop

BEAUTIFUL FULLY-FURNISHED CUSTOM HOME

Set amid moss-covered rocks, fir and madrona trees. Open floor plan with great room, custom kitchen, stainless steel appliances, propane fireplace, beverage cooler and surround sound. Dine inside or enjoy the great deck, with its water view and outdoor BBQ. The primary bedroom has a lovely 3/4 bath, propane fireplace and upper deck. You’ll love the firepit and quiet sitting area behind the house. Fully furnished including golf cart. #2038977

Offered at $550,000 by Morgan & Sarah Jones / Windermere RE Anacortes Prop

DELIGHTFUL CENTER ISLAND GETAWAY - Vaulted ceilings and high-end features like wood windows and hardwood and tile floors. Enjoy the sparkling view of the water through the trees. Large dining area is perfect for entertaining guests. Main floor bedroom has full bath and laundry. Upstairs, you’ll find a spacious TV room, deck and second bedroom and bath. Property is lightly wooded and has a handy outbuilding for storage/shop. #2035779

Offered at $439,500 by Morgan & Sarah Jones / Windermere RE Anacortes Prop

DECATUR ISLAND “READY TO BUILD” - All utilities on site including 2BR septic, power and water. Temporary bathhouse has toilet, sink, washer and shower. Established garden and fruit trees. Two large outbuildings for storage. Sunny half-acre with great fire pit for enjoying those quiet island evenings! No other homes to south or east. Amenities include deep-water dock, private airstrip and 10-acre waterfront park. Seller financing. #2042964

Offered at $195,000 by Morgan & Sarah Jones / Windermere RE Anacortes Prop

Parks Bay Gem On Shaw Island Southern Shore

Fall under the spell of this enchanting 1.9-acre estate with 404 feet low bank waterfront, sweet pocket beach, and float plane friendly dock. In harmony with nature, the architecturally impressive 3230 sf home with 3 bedrooms including guest studio and loft perfect for bunks or home office boasts vibrant interior design in a soothing palette. Custom details throughout are reflected in comfortable rooms complemented by greenhouse and flowing to al fresco areas. A mellow island vibe, yet minutes to Friday Harbor amenities. #2057070

Offered at $3,950,000 by Greg King & Company

QUIET PRIVACY & BREATHTAKING BEAUTY IN BLAINE

Create your waterfront retreat on this south facing 24+ acre property with 325’+ of high bank waterfront. 2 tax parcels inclusive of a 19.6-acre parcel with a 2,400-sf shop perfect for a car collection, boat storage, RV or hobby shop and 4.5 acre wooded, waterfront parcel. View Georgia Strait, the San Juan Islands and Canada. Minutes to world class golfing, marinas, dining and shopping. Many opportunities with R5A zoning. #1967130

Offered at $2,500,000 by Greg King & Company

South Facing Blaine Waterfront

20-acre estate quality property with level building site and 670’+ high bank waterfront with rare strolling beach access and brilliant southern focus. Dramatic views over the San Juan and Canadian Gulf Islands. R5A zoning. Imagine your dream home from the Italian gazebo overlooking the pond or while strolling the beach eating plums, apples, or pears from your orchard. World class crabbing, clamming and fishing at your footsteps. #1967082

Offered at $4,900,000 by Greg King & Company