We work with general contractors and custom builders across Bonner and Kootenai counties on new construction. The clean rough-ins are easy. The ones that delay closing are the ones where one of these items got missed in framing. Here's our short list — bookmark and share with your subs.

Gas line sizing

Tank water heaters typically draw 36,000–40,000 BTU/hr. Tankless can draw 150,000–199,000 BTU/hr — almost 5× more. Your gas main and branch lines need to be sized for total simultaneous load (water heater + furnace + range + fireplace). On most tankless installs we see, ½" gas to the unit is too small — needs ¾" minimum, often 1" depending on run length.

Venting clearances (tankless)

Drain pan and floor drain

Required by code for water heaters installed in attics or above living space. Many builders forget this when the heater is in a closet over a finished basement. We'll catch it on rough inspection — but cheaper to plumb the floor drain to the sanitary line during framing than retrofit.

Recirculation loop

If your buyers want hot water at the master bath in 5 seconds (and luxury home buyers want this), a recirculation loop needs to be plumbed during rough-in. Adding it later means opening drywall — much more expensive than doing it during framing, and a frustrated homeowner either way.

Expansion tank location

Code requires a thermal expansion tank on closed systems (most municipal supplies with a backflow preventer or PRV). Spec it on the cold-water inlet to the heater. Common mistake: placing it where it can freeze in unconditioned spaces — burst tank floods the basement.

Power and circuits (electric or hybrid)

What we'll bring to the job

Builder pricing for spec-home packages, factory-authorized installs on Navien and Rinnai, written warranty registered to the homeowner at closing, and a clean rough-in inspection ahead of the city inspector. We work to your construction schedule. See our new construction service.