Building Your Home
We asked a few experienced builders what the best advice is for someone who wants to build a home. Here is what they had to say:
- Plan to start your project according to the weather. Winter construction is more costly and harder for everyone. If possible, have your house dry walled in before the snow flies.
- Hire an architect who has experience designing homes for the mountains. Get your architect to come to your property before beginning the design. Have them see where north, south, east and west are, how the elevation changes, how the sun tracks. Make sure your entryways and decks will not have snow dropping from the roof. This vital step can make a big difference in your home. Maps are not as accurate as spending time on your lot.
- Have the architect and builder meet to discuss the job before it starts. This meeting can address questions or concerns before it’s too late.
- Meet with a landscaping company early in the project. They can advise on tree removal, drainage and retaining walls that could affect the building process. After construction, they can come back to plant native plants, new trees and gardens.
- Before hiring a contractor, ask for references. Don’t get references from builders; get them from people who have worked with the builder, like subcontractors, architects and suppliers. However, the best reference is from someone who has had work done – past clients are your best source.
- Get to know your builder and have them get to know you. Good builders will listen to what you want and help you get it, keeping your budget in mind. Listen to your builder’s advice; they give advice from experience.
- Ask about licenses. Not all contractors are required to be licensed. If you are having electrical or plumbing work done, however, a license will be required.
- Put all agreements in writing; avoid oral promises. Read and understand the contract. Make sure the contract includes the total price, a payment schedule, whether there is a cancellation penalty, a starting and completion date, a list of what the contractor will and will not do, a list of materials to be used– especially if you specify brands or particular materials – and everything you consider important to the project such as complete cleanup and debris removal. If you make changes to your original plans, write down each change, even if minor, and have your contractor sign or initial the change and agree to the cost change.
- Do your homework. Materials and needs are different when building homes in this climate. Grand County can have temperature swings of over 40 degrees in one day. This can affect your windows, not only when installed but how they are shipped. Use manufacturers whose products can handle a harsh winter.
- Keep track of your budget so that when you are close to the end of the project you don’t have to skimp on things. Trim, paint and last-minute décor can make or break your dream home. Don’t cut back at this point.
- Permits and inspections will be needed throughout the process and are a good check and balance for the workers. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about the process. Your contractor will be there for the inspections to ensure that everything is up to code.
- Most mountain homes have wood or stucco siding. Using the proper materials for this climate can make a huge difference in insulation and fire protection. Rain gutters don’t work well here with the amount of snow and the freezing temperatures. Double-pane windows are a must for insulation and fire protection. If you buy a house with single-pane windows, you should replace them. Shingles should be “Class A” for the best fire protection.
For more information: Grand County Building Department (970) 725-3255, www.gcgovernment.com.
Tip: Consider heating a portion of your home naturally using passive solar design, high-performance windows, thermal mass, insulation, and air-tight construction. Simply orienting a building to use passive solar gain can save 10–20 percent of heating energy.
A second home is a good investment. A well-placed home or condominium in a vacation setting is certain to be of value because mountains are limited resources.
