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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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4) Check out our Home Construction Directory to hire a licensed, bonded, and insured contractor in the Interior. 

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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!

Designation Identification

Letters after names are officially called “post-nominal letters.” They can be earned for a number of accomplishments. Like every profession, there are some Fly-by-Night, Hack contractors that give our industry a bad name. Nothing causes the blood to boil more than when a professional builder, remodeler, or trade contractor hears a story of a home or business owner being burned by a con-artists or unskilled worker.

The scammers and “wanna-bes” bring down the reputation of the industry and of the true professional who believes their career honorable, takes pride in their knowledge of the latest codes & products, and maintains a high-level of continuous education as represented by post-nominal letters.

COMMON DEGREES, CERTIFICATIONS, DESIGNATIONS, AND RECOGNITION:

Academia:

• DBA – Doctor of Business Administration

• M Arch – Master of Architecture

• MBA – Master of Business Administration

• PhD – Doctor of Philosophy

Construction:

• CAPS – Certified Aging -in-Place Specialist

• CGB – Certified Graduate Builder

• CGP – Certified Green Professional

• CGR – Certified Graduate Remodeler

GMB – Graduate Master Builder

• GMR – Graduate Master Remodeler

• HCCP – Housing Credit Certified Professional

• PMP – Project Management Professional

Design:

• AIA – American Institute of Architects

• AICP – American Institute of Certified Planners

• CID – Certified Interior Designer

• CKD – Certified Kitchen Designer

• EIT – Engineer in Training

• LA – Landscape Architect

• LC – Lighting Certified

• LEED AP – Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design Accredited Professional

• LS – Land Surveyor

• PE – Professional Engineer

• RA – Registered Architect

• SIT – Surveyor in Training

Lending & Accounting:

• CMC – Certified Mortgage Consultant

• CPA – Certified Public Accountant

• CRMS – Certified Residential Mortgage Specialist

• GMA – General Mortgage Associate

Real Estate Sales:

• ABR – Accredited Buyer’s Representative

• CCIFP – Certified Construction Industry Financial Professional

• CMP – Certified New Home Marketing Professional

• CSP – Certified New Home Sales Professional

• GAA – General Accredited Appraiser

• MIRM – Master in Residential Marketing

• RAA – Residential Accredited Appraiser