Jim and Teresa Van Sky are in the process of building a house, so their adventure along the Parade of Homes was all about observation, education and inspiration.

"It's lots of good information as far as ideas," Jim said Saturday afternoon.

This was the second year the Coeur d'Alene couple toured the houses on the North Idaho Building Contractors Association's Parade of Homes. The Parade features several new houses by a variety of builders and designers and takes guests through numerous neighborhoods throughout the community, from riverfront properties to shady groves and mountain vistas. Tour guests are free to roam through the houses, check out the layout and amenities and interact with the Realtors, architects and designers who are on site.

Jim and Teresa stepped into the newly finished, one-floor house at 2729 N. Catalina Way, known as the "Lifestyler," and meandered through the open floor plan of the dwelling, which was nicely furnished and staged as though someone had already taken up residence.

"Before we decided on a builder, it was really good to see the work of each one of the builders and kind of get a feel for the finish types and the quality levels that fit into our particular situation," Jim said.

"I like to see the ideas of how they decorate, and the furnishings," Teresa said.

The 22 Parade houses are scattered throughout Coeur d'Alene, Hayden and Post Falls and range in style and design from the spacious and airy to the cozy and modern. The homes are evaluated by a panel of judges and receive awards based on best kitchen, master bedroom suite, bathroom, landscaping and best overall. Tour guests also have the opportunity to vote for their favorites in the people's choice award contest.

"It's a great event," said Windermere Realtor Sharon Cunningham, whose husband, Dennis, designed and built the Catalina home. "In one weekend, people get to go through all the different communities ... A lot of people come through because they want to get ideas. They're either building a home, they're remodeling, they love to get furniture, decor, decorating ideas, they're interested in buying a home, they're interested in selling and building. You get quite a few. It's a pretty popular event and it's a good way to get a lot of people through and into the home. Some people just do it because they've always loved looking at new homes and they kind of like to dream or wish a little bit."

The NIBCA Parade of Homes continues from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. today and returns from 1-7 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Ticket wristbands are $5 each and available at five pre-selected homes on the tour. Pre-sale admission wristbands are also $5 each and available at these locations: Mountain West Bank (Ironwood, Kathleen, Prairie and Seltice Way locations); Fairway Floors, 4149 E. 16th Ave. in Post Falls; Bank CDA, 162 W. Hayden Ave. in Hayden; Columbia Bank, Mullan Avenue (Post Falls), Highway 53 (Rathdrum) and 200 W. Neider in Coeur d'Alene; North Idaho Masonry and Hardscape Center, 1717 W., Hayden Ave. in Hayden; and NIBCA, 1928 N. Fourth St. in Coeur d'Alene.

Info: 765-5518