Discover how Premier Quality Homes blends appealing designs with energy-efficient construction
Based in Idaho, Premier Quality Homes (Premier) is a renowned homebuilder dedicated to crafting beautiful residences tailored to reflect the unique lifestyles of each client. With its unparalleled level of quality craftsmanship and attention to detail, the company is able to take on projects spanning a wide range of architectural styles. Jon Werre, Owner, tells us more about the company’s origins and ongoing projects.
“My parents founded the company in 1995 in Southwest Washington before relocating to North Idaho in the mid-2000s. In 2012, we began building custom homes in that area and have expanded since then. Today, my wife and I oversee the day-to-day operations, while my mother remains involved in the accounting side of the business. On average, we build about 11 custom homes a year, with prices ranging from $700,000 to over
$4 million,” he begins.
Stunning projects
Although Premier’s homes span a wide range of designs, the company primarily focuses on Mountain Modern, which is currently very popular. Additionally, the team specialize in building traditional and rustic American Craftsman-style homes. While these are the two preferred styles, the company also works with customers who opt for the North Idaho-style, Mountain Chalet, or Farmhouse designs. In terms of aesthetics, the Mountain Modern style features clean lines and a contemporary interior design, complemented by a rustic exterior with wood accents and darker colors. Typically, Premier integrates paint-grade finishes into the trim, doors, and cabinetry for a cohesive look. Meanwhile, the Craftsman style emphasizes a lot more wood elements and often features a gable peak on the exterior. Inside, it exudes more rustic warmth instead of the cooler tones characteristic of Mountain Modern.
One of Premier’s current projects involves demolishing a barn and reusing the wood to create a new structure. Jon tells us more about this unique home and the process the company followed to build it. “This project is set to be completed late winter 2025 or early spring 2026. We were initially approached by a gentleman who had purchased a property with a barn built in the 1880s. His idea was to transform the barn into a livable space. Unfortunately, on inspection, we discovered that the existing structure was not suitable for immediate conversion. As a result, we carefully deconstructed the barn, salvaging many elements such as the beams, siding, posts inside the barn, and wood elements. We then constructed a brand new structure, including a solid foundation, framing, and roofing. Then, we integrated as much of the old barn as we possibly could, including the wooden elements. This design follows a style called barndominium, which is more about aesthetics than a cost-effective building method, as some might think. This home is almost 6000 square feet and when walking in, it truly feels like a structure built back in the 1880s, albeit enhanced with modern technology and building techniques,” he enlightens.
Advanced approaches
Style and aesthetics aside, building energy-efficient homes is of the utmost importance for Premier, in line with its commitment to sustainability. “Our focus is on building homes tailored for the Northwest, taking into account the climate and characteristics of the area. Many aspects of our construction go above and beyond code requirements. When most builders say that they build to code, it often means they comply with the bare minimum standards. In contrast, we strive to build beyond both code and industry standards for our area. All our skilled tradespeople are trained to install products according to manufacturer specifications. As a result, the homeowner qualifies for full warranty on the home as provided by the manufacturer.
“Energy efficiency is highly important to us, so all of our homes surpass code requirements for energy efficiency, insulation and air tightness. We utilize advanced products, the latest and greatest in the building industry, that help in making our homes more weather resistant and airtight. For instance, we use ZIP System wall sheathing as a standard in all our homes. By implementing these elements, we ultimately give the customer a more comfortable, energy efficient and user-friendly home to live in, with less maintenance needs,” Jon states.
When customers choose products like wood siding for the exterior of their new home, Premier makes them aware of any additional maintenance involved. For exterior wood products in particular, it ensures clients understand the need for periodic re-staining to maintain luster and appearance. The company also offers maintenance-free options for the exterior, as well as products designed to be fire-resistant when building in a wooded area. These are particularly beneficial for clients moving from California who may have heightened concerns about wildfires. By providing these fire-resistant options, Premier not only offers peace of mind but also the potential to lower insurance premiums for its clients.
In line with its passion for innovation and sustainability, Premier ensures that each custom home meets the aesthetic desires of its clients while ensuring energy efficiency and long-term livability.