Custom Homes
Bring your plans or start from an idea. We build homes designed around your land, family and budget.
Custom-built homes · Health & performance focused
Custom homes built for the way you live
From the foundation to the final walkthrough, we build healthy, comfortable, efficient homes across Northern Utah and Southeast Idaho.
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Truly custom
Every home is built around your land, your plans and your budget.
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Healthy & efficient
Careful attention to the envelope, fresh air and materials.
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Local builders
Based in Malad City and built for our winters, wind and sun.
Our Work
Homes, shops and more, start to finish
- Finished home
Primary bedroom
Arched porch framing
Two-story shop
Three-story framing
Brick two-story in winter
Walk-in closet
Timber pavilion
Brick home and porch
Metal shop
Glass shower
Wrapped and sheathed
Covered timber structure
Tile tub surround
Basement framing
Brass shower fixtures
Reach-in closet
Truss framing
Services
What we build
Whether you’re starting with raw land or adding on to the home you love, our team handles the work with the same care.
Shops, Garages & Outbuildings
Usually stick-framed for future additions and upgrades. Shops, garages, agricultural buildings and barndominiums, with in-house design available.
Additions & Remodels
More room, better bathrooms, smarter closets. Updates that fit the home you already have, with a $3,000 project minimum.
Planning Your Build
A starting point for budget and timing
Use these approximate figures for early planning. Your site, plans, size and finish selections shape the final estimate.
Custom homes
About $250 per sq ft
Construction averages about one year after groundbreaking.
Outbuildings & ag buildings
About $60 per sq ft
Scope and specifications guide the estimate and schedule.
Insulated shops & garages
About $100 per sq ft
Shops and garages average about three months of construction. A common shop size is 40 × 64 feet.
Simple architecture, straightforward rooflines, stock finishes and well-developed plans can help keep costs down. These figures are planning estimates, not quotes or guaranteed schedules; confirm included work and project-specific timing with us. More planning answers below.
How We Build
Built for health & performance
The best parts of a home are the ones you never see. We put the same care into the framing and the walls as we do into the finishes.
- Air sealing, checked by testing. ZIP System, peel-and-stick or fluid-applied weather barriers, with blower-door testing to check the air sealing.
- Planned ventilation. Filtered fresh air through energy recovery ventilators (ERVs), with dedicated bedroom filtration considered in the design.
- Thoughtful materials and light. Natural materials such as wood, stone, plaster and wool where the design allows, plus attention to natural light and lighting design.
- Built for local weather. Insulation beyond common baseline levels, rainscreens, extended overhangs and added window and door flashing, tailored to the plans.
Our Process
Simple from the first call
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Consultation
We talk through your goals, your property, your timeline and your budget.
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Design & Estimate
Bring your plans or involve us early in design. We work through budget, buildability and selections before construction.
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Construction
We handle permits and inspections, coordinate the build and keep you updated along the way.
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Walkthrough & Move-In
We walk the home with you, finish the punch list and hand over the keys.
About Us
Built on hard work and honest answers
America 1st Construction is a Malad City, Idaho builder serving families across Northern Utah and Southeast Idaho. Owner Philip Nielsen brings seven years of building experience and 12 projects as of 2026, with a focus on thoughtful details and clear communication.
Idaho contractor registration: RCE-68620
Utah contractor license: 13341824-B100
Philip Nielsen
Owner, America 1st Construction
Service Area
Building across Northern Utah & Southeast Idaho
Based in Malad City, Idaho, serving projects within up to a 100-mile radius. Coverage includes Oneida, Franklin, Bannock, Caribou, Power and Cassia counties in Idaho, and Box Elder and Cache counties in Utah. Call to confirm your project location.
- Malad City
- Preston
- Lava Hot Springs
- Downey
- Plymouth
- Logan
- Tremonton
Common Questions
Before we break ground
A few practical answers to help you plan your first conversation.
How long does planning take before construction starts?
From the first meeting to breaking ground can take about one month to a year. Time spent developing a well-designed set of plans can help the construction process run more smoothly. The construction averages above start at groundbreaking, not at the first meeting.
Can you build on my land and handle the site work?
Yes. We build on land you already own and handle site preparation, driveways, septic and well work as part of the agreed project scope. We also handle permits and inspections.
Can I bring my own plans or get design help?
Yes. Bring your own plans, and involve us early with your architect or designer so we can advise on budget and buildability. We can recommend architects and offer in-house design for shops, garages and smaller homes.
How are projects priced and payments scheduled?
Custom homes generally use a cost-plus model. Fixed pricing is available for in-house designed plans and, when needed, homes built with construction loans. The typical payment schedule is 10% initially for mobilization, followed by five to six draws at completed stages, paid through Truss Payments or by check. Your written agreement sets the pricing and payment terms for your project.
Where should I start with a construction loan?
Start with your local bank or credit union. Local options to explore include Ireland Bank, D.L. Evans Bank, Goldenwest Credit Union, America First Credit Union and ICCU. Ask the lender about current availability, eligibility and loan terms.
What warranty comes with a new home?
Our new-home warranty includes one year for workmanship and materials and five years for structural coverage. Review the written warranty with us for the coverage and terms that apply to your home.
Get in Touch
Let’s talk about your project
Tell us a little about what you’re planning and we’ll get back to you to set up a time to talk.
Call208-221-1126 Emailphilip@america1construction.com