Leading luxury contractor, Edwards Smith Construction, builds a long-lasting legacy
Idaho-based luxury homebuilder, Edwards Smith Construction, has seen 30 years of enduring success. The company, known for its performance and quality-driven approach to homebuilding, is the product of a decades-long partnership, as Owner, Andy Smith, begins: “Jim Edwards founded the company over 30 years ago, in the Coeur d’Alene-Sandpoint region of Idaho. I started working with him as a subcontractor during the early days. Jim and I were fast friends and worked well together, so in 2008 we decided to merge our two companies.
“His was Edwards Construction and mine was Smiths Contracting Services. When the merger took place, we decided to combine the two names, and that’s how Edwards Smith Construction was born. Since then, he and I have been going gangbusters, building the highest-level homes in our region.” 
Delivering dreams
When the two companies came together to form Edwards Smith Construction, the housing market was in the midst of a significant decline. The pair faced the challenge head on, by remaining true to their founding principles. As Andy discusses: “2008 was a hard time for the housing market and we had to work incredibly hard to pull through. We decided the best way forward was to prioritize the quality of our work, and we continued that philosophy long-past the recession. We don’t cut corners, and we give every project the attention it deserves. That often means we aren’t the cheapest option available, but it does make us the best.
“Lowering costs to win work is a dangerous game in our industry. It’s counterintuitive to long term success. Yes, people fall on hard times and become more conservative with their cash, but they also want a home they can live in for decades, even generations, to come. When it comes to endurance, quality is always going to be more important than cost.
“What’s more, we’re very transparent about the entire process, meaning customers can make their own choices about what will become their future home. It’s our job to deliver on their dream in a way that’s safe and uncompromising on quality. If there’s something wrong with a home, be it a leaky roof or poor insulation, that responsibility falls on us. As a result, we have very clear standards for every project we undertake. With us, customers know they are receiving a quality product – sometimes that means offering a safer or more durable alternative to an element of their original concept, sometimes it requires compromise, but everything we do is in their best interest. If customers are willing to do that work with us, they will end up with an investment that stands the test of time. That’s a promise we always fulfill.
“Our steadfast commitment to quality means that we’re deliberately selective about who we work with. This has helped ensure our long-term success, as we get to work with people who share our values. Many of our projects are over a decade old now, and they still look brand new because we build them with performance and durability in mind. It’s not the easiest or lease expensive route, but it’s been our path to success.”
Detail and design
Today, the company remains a specialist high-end contractor, with a reputation for quality. “All of our homes are completely custom, one-of-a-kind projects that will never be built again. That means the vast majority of our portfolio is made up of luxury homes, although we also work on customized commercial projects from time to time. We tailor our work to the needs of the owner occupant, providing a much higher level of fit, finish, and durability than anyone else in the market.
“On our commercial buildings, we deliver final products that really reflect the client’s brand. For instance, we recently worked on a specialist headquarters for a financial firm. This project required an incredibly high-level of finish that reflected the values of the company it represented – we worked tirelessly to deliver a level of detail and design that would be outside the scope of a traditional commercial contractor. Making that vision a reality required a careful eye and a high level of attention. As a quality driven contractor, we were the best fit for a job like this. We’re always looking for clients who are attracted to the work that we do, and who are trying to create something entirely new that perfectly encapsulates their lifestyle,” Andy affirms.
Having produced countless homes that continue to stand the test of time, Andy reflects on the company’s legacy: “Our legacy isn’t something we’re waiting to build in the future – it’s already out there, in every home and building we’ve constructed. I believe in the DNA of this company, its foundations, its values, and its work ethic. We don’t claim to be able to build anything. We don’t build hospitals or skyscrapers, but we build excellent homes. We build homes that will continue to stand for generations.
“When you look at the homes we’ve built, you’re seeing more than just brick and mortar; you’re seeing the culmination of decades of dedication, craftsmanship, and commitment to quality. These homes aren’t just projects we completed, they are living legacies. Each one reflects the people who inhabit them and the team who brought them to life. Long after we’ve moved on, these homes will remain, continuing to serve their owners and stand as a testament to the values we’ve held since day one. That’s the true mark of success for us – knowing that our work will outlast us and continue to define excellence for generations to come.”