Battle of the Builders: Which Boise Builder Is Worth Your Money?

Curtis Chism • December 16, 2025

Battle of the Builders in Meridian, Idaho, CBH vs Toll Brothers vs Hubble Homes

If you’re planning a move to the Boise, Idaho area and considering new construction, three builders come up again and again: CBH Homes, Toll Brothers, and Hubble Homes. In this post, I break down three very similar homes (around 2,000 square feet) built by each company in Meridian, Idaho, so you can see what you’re really getting for the money.

Table of Contents

Quick Builder Overview

Builder What Stood Out Main Tradeoffs Price Discussed
CBH Homes Lowest price, improved systems, gas range, quartz counters Vented crawl space, thinner counters, backyard and gutters often excluded $480,000
Toll Brothers 9' ceilings, stronger exterior details, landscaped yard included No soft-close drawers in spec, vented crawl space, some cost-cutting inside $550,000 (often ~$600,000)
Hubble Homes Best cabinet feel, conditioned crawl space, full gutters Tour was a model home, base specs vary by product line $520,000–$570,000

Why Meridian, Idaho?

These homes were all located on the northwest side of Meridian, where land prices are fairly similar. That makes this a true builder comparison rather than a comparison of location alone. Meridian continues to be one of the most popular suburbs in the Treasure Valley thanks to schools, amenities, and central access.

CBH Homes Review

CBH is one of Idaho’s largest builders and has made major improvements over the years. While they’ve historically had mixed reviews online, their internal systems and construction processes are far better than they used to be.

What I Liked

  • Quartz countertops in the kitchen
  • Gas range included
  • Full-height tile backsplash
  • Fireplace and covered patio included in this home

Things to Watch For

  • Vented crawl space
  • Backyard and side fencing often not included
  • 2 cm quartz counters feel thinner than competitors
  • Laminate counters in secondary bathroom

Price:$480,000

Toll Brothers Review

Toll Brothers is known for higher-end communities and a more polished neighborhood feel. Even though they are a national builder, they have a strong presence throughout the Treasure Valley.

What Felt More Premium

  • 9-foot ceilings throughout
  • 3 cm quartz countertops
  • 42-inch cabinets with crown molding
  • Landscaped backyard and full fencing included
  • Exterior Zip System sheathing and underground gutter drains

Surprising Tradeoffs

  • No soft-close drawers in this spec home
  • No fireplace included
  • Fiberglass tub/shower in secondary bath
  • Vented crawl space

Price:$550,000 (closer to $600,000 in many situations)

Photo of a home with text 'Toll Brothers’

Hubble Homes Review

Hubble began as a local builder and still delivers a strong value, especially in their elevated product lines. The home toured was a model, so finishes were upgraded, but the underlying construction stood out.

What Stood Out

  • 9-foot ceilings standard
  • Solid wood dovetail drawers with soft-close
  • Conditioned crawl space for energy efficiency
  • Full gutters included
  • Efficient layout for the square footage

Good to Know

  • Base specs vary by product line
  • Primary bath tile is often an upgrade
  • Refrigerator typically not included

Price Range:$520,000–$570,000

Photo of a home with text 'Hubble Homes’

Final Prices Side by Side

  • CBH Homes:$480,000
  • Toll Brothers:$550,000–$600,000
  • Hubble Homes:$520,000–$570,000

Builder Incentives Explained

Incentives change frequently, but common offers include:

  • Interest rate buy-downs
  • Closing cost credits
  • Design center upgrade credits
  • Negotiated extras like appliances or blinds

Which Builder Is Right for You?

  • CBH: Best entry price if you’re okay budgeting for backyard and fencing.
  • Toll Brothers: Best community amenities and exterior build quality.
  • Hubble: Best daily-use quality and energy efficiency for the money.

Need Help Choosing a Builder?

If you’re planning a move to Meridian or anywhere in the Boise area, I’d love to help you narrow down the right builder, neighborhood, and strategy based on your timeline and budget.

Curtis Chism
Phone: 208-510-0427
Email: info@chismteam.com

Whether you’re 9 days, 90 days, or 2 years out, reach out and we’ll put together a simple plan.

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