At this year’s CMAS Accelerated conference, Brian Welch, PE, and I shared expert insights on building homes in the Colorado foothills—a rewarding but complex endeavor that requires specialized knowledge and planning.
Our session, “From Dreaming to Building,” explored the full journey of creating a custom mountain home. We covered everything from finding the right lot to securing permits and handling construction complexities.
Key Topics Included:
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Choosing a Lot for Building Homes in the Foothills: Know your terrain. Things like slope, sun exposure, utilities, and emergency access all affect buildability and cost.
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Zoning & Jurisdiction: Understand local rules early. Zoning, HOA rules, and access restrictions can significantly shape your project.
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Permitting Process: Large custom homes often require the same level of review as commercial buildings. Having a knowledgeable team is critical.
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Design & Engineering for Mountain Homes: Surveys, soils reports, and grading plans are a must. Mountain lots often need retaining walls, long driveways, and advanced drainage solutions.
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Real Project Examples: Projects like the Heck Residence and “Square Peg in a Round Hole” showed how creative engineering can overcome tough conditions.
Brian and I emphasized the value of planning ahead and working with professionals. Getting an engineer or architect involved early can prevent costly surprises and save time in the long run for building homes.
Our presentation offered a clear takeaway: with the right team and preparation, building in the mountains is absolutely achievable.
