Washington Shell Homes
Build on Our Foundation, Finish on Your Terms
What is a Shell Home?
A shell home is a partially completed residence where HiLine Homes builds the weather-tight exterior, including framing, roofing, windows, and doors. The interior finishing (plumbing, electrical, drywall, flooring, cabinetry, etc.) is left to the homeowner or their own contractor.
By combining the craftsmanship and speed of a professionally built structure with the personalization and savings of DIY finishing, shell homes are a smart solution for DIY-savvy individuals, general contractors, or families with construction skills.
The Shell Home Advantage
Shell homes provide more control and flexibility for homeowners experienced in interior construction, allowing them to reap the following benefits:
Cost Control & Savings
By handling the interior work themselves (or hiring local contractors), budget-conscious homeowners can significantly save on labor costs.
Sweat Equity
Homeowners who do the work themselves help to generate the possibility of even more equity, which creates value without paying out of pocket.
Total Design Freedom
Homeowners have the freedom and flexibility to choose every custom interior design, from layout and flooring to fixtures and cabinetry.
Our Washington Shell Home Programs:
Choose Your Level of DIY
At HiLine Homes, we offer flexible shell home programs designed to meet different experience levels, budgets, and project goals. Both of our Shell and Super Shell programs use high-quality, stick-built construction and align with our HiLine Homes’ mission to support affordable homeownership and strong equity.
The Shell Program (Maximum DIY & Savings)
The Shell Program is ideal for experienced builders, tradespeople, or homeowners with access to skilled labor, as it prioritizes maximum savings and full design control at the lowest cost of entry.
This Program Includes:
- Foundation
- Interior and exterior framing
- Roofing
- Siding
- Windows
- Exterior Doors
Gives Homeowners Full Design Control Over the Following:
- Insulation, drywall, plumbing, electrical, HVAC
- All interior finishes, including cabinets, countertops, paint, flooring, fixtures, and trim
The Super Shell Program (The Popular Middle Ground)
The Super Shell program is ideal for DIYers who want to skip the technical work but still want to complete their own home projects.
This program is ideal for homeowners who wish to balance between professional labor and personal involvement, in which we handle the most complex and code-sensitive phases of the building process, leaving you with manageable and creative tasks.
This Program Includes:
- Everything Included in the Shell Program
- Rough-in plumbing
- Insulation
- Finished, textured sheetrock
- Rough-in electrical
Gives Homeowners Full Design Control Over the Following:
- Painting, trim, cabinetry, flooring, fixtures
On Your Lot, On Time, Built Right!
At HiLine Homes, your vision matters—and we’re here to make sure it’s realized with confidence, clarity, and care.
Download Our Flexible Homebuilding Solutions Guide!
Compare Your Options: Shell vs. Full Custom Build
If you’re reading this, you may be wondering if a shell home build or a standard custom home build is best for you. After all, both types of housing provide you with benefits and convenience. A shell home build gives you full control over interior construction. A standard custom home offers working in tandem with HiLine Homes team to complete the final touches.
Whichever the case, you can trust HiLine’s time-tested building process, quality materials, and experienced support. Here is a method to help affirm your decision between the two.
Shell Home: Budget-Friendly with Hands-On Involvement
HiLine Homes Shell Home Programs requires time, project management, or subcontractor coordination for interior finishes—ideal for budget-conscious DIY-savvy homeowners and tradespeople or those with a network of contractors looking to build the most sweat equity.
- Key Advantages:
- Maximum design freedom for interior layout and finishes
- Greater control over timing and materials
- Generate even more equity through interior construction
Full Custom Build: Convenience with Builder-Led Completion
HiLine Homes’ Full Custom Build is for homeowners seeking a guided experience for a move-in-ready home. While it has a comparably higher overall cost than Shell Homes, it provides convenience for families with limited time or construction experience.
- Key Advantages:
- End-to-end service from design to final walk-through
- Builder collaborates with homeowner participation, including permitting, mechanicals, and finishes, to build equity
- More predictable timeline and financing structure
Where Do Shell Homes Make the Most Sense in Washington?
Shell homes offer the most value when paired with the right location, financing method, or skill set. Here is where a shell home is advantageous for homeowners capable of finishing the interior construction.
Rural and Agricultural Areas
Shell homes allow residents in rural communities to maximize their land and budget with a cost-effective build strategy.
Owner-Financed Builds
Shell homes give homeowners the freedom to pace the interior work based on available funds and time, ideal for phased, budget-friendly projects.
Skilled Homeowners & Contractors
Shell homes are perfect for tradespeople (electricians, plumbers, carpenters, drywallers) who want to do their own finish work and maintain high standards.
Start Your Journey with HiLine Homes Shell Home Program
At HiLine Homes, we offer you the opportunity to build equity and make homeownership more affordable.
With our Shell Home program, our experienced team constructs a weather-tight exterior, while you take the lead on crafting the interior to match your family’s needs, style, and vision. It’s a flexible, cost-effective way to create a home that’s truly your own.
Contact a HiLine Home Consultant today to get started on a Shell Home you can count on.
Ask an expert about building a custom home on your land.
We’ll connect you with a Home Consultant in your region to schedule your consultation.