If you are a home buyer, builder, realtor, or supplier, you've come to the right place.
Tools & Resources
Whether you live or build in the Interior... or both, you'll find valuable information here.
Interior Alaska Relocation & Buyer's Guide
We know a big move can be daunting and we are here to help. Look no further than the Interior Alaska Relocation & Buyers Guide to find what you need - from safety information to school districts, home builders to chimney sweeps, auto mechanics to salons - even your nearest hunting or fishing outfitters.
Complete with a comprehensive business and agency directory (the Buyer's Guide) and a Cold Climate Library, you're sure to find the tools and resources to get comfortable in the Interior.
Builder Connect
Have a project? Submit your project or proposal to our office with the Subject Line "Builder Connect" and get connected with multiple qualified contractors in one message!
Building or Buying - Early Stages
Did you hire someone already?
1) Your first question should be "Is my contractor licensed?" Ensure your contractor is licensed in the state of Alaska.
If you had a bad experience with a contractor or an unlicensed handyman, please submit
THIS COMPLAINT FORM by email or mail a hard copy to the State of Alaska investigative staff.
2) Make informed decisions before you begin. Go to
COLD CLIMATE HOUSING RESEARCH CENTER's website
to calculate energy usage of your appliances, download a contractor checklist, and learn more about what it means to build green in the Interior.
and other great stuff!
3) Spend time on ALASKA HOUSING FINANCE CORPORATION's website to learn about energy rebates and other financing programs that you may have access to- even with local banks in the Fairbanks and North Pole areas.
4) Check out our Home Construction Directory to hire a licensed, bonded, and insured contractor in the Interior.
Contractor Hiring Checklist
Doing your homework will help you have a more successful experience.
Use this checklist to help you select a home builder or home remodeler to work on or build your home:
Search for a builder or remodeler who is a member of the IABA. Our members are licensed, bonded & insured. Also ask family, friends or coworkers for recommendations.
Make sure the builder or home remodeler has a permanent business location and a good reputation with local banks and suppliers.
Ask the contractor for their Alaska Business License number, their bond, and insurance information- the law that requires contractors be licensed, bonded, and insured protects you.
Find out how long they have been in the building business. It usually takes three to five years to establish a financially sound business. You want to make sure they will be around after the construction is complete to service any warranties.
Check out the company’s rating and if there have been any complaints filed with your local Better Business Bureau: www.bbb.org.
Make sure the builder/remodeler has sufficient workers compensation and general liability insurance. If not, you may be liable for any construction-related accidents on your premises.
Ask the builder/remodeler to provide you with names of previous customers. If they won’t, beware. If they do, ask the customers if they would hire the builder/remodeler again.
Ask if you can see the builder/remodelers work, both completed and in progress. Check for quality of workmanship and materials.
Do you feel you can easily communicate with the builder/remodeler? Remember you will be in close contact with them throughout the construction process and afterward as you live in your new home.
Make sure the builder/remodeler provides you with a complete and clearly written contract. The contract will benefit both of you. If you are having a new home built, get and review a copy of the home warranty and homeowner manual as well.
Be cautious of unusually low-priced bids. If the builder/remodeler is unable to pay for the materials and labor as the project proceeds, this may indicate a potential problem. Keep in mind that less expensive does not necessarily mean better!
