If you are planning on building a home or cabin on your Colorado Land, congratulations on your decision! You are no doubt excited about your new endeavor and probably already know there are many things to think about and make decisions on. When planning to build a new structure on your property there are a lot of details to get in order. From securing contractors to help with the build, to ordering supplies and equipment, the list goes on and on. Here are some important building considerations to take into account to ensure that your project and experience go smoothly.
Purpose
Decide in advance what you will be using the new structure for. Will it be your primary residence or a secondary building for guests or staff? Will it be an outbuilding used for storage or a stand alone home office? How about an occasional vacation retreat or a recreation getaway for hunting and fishing? Will you be using the building all year long or seasonally? Is there a deadline for build completion with a timeframe you need to stick to for a planned event? Knowing your intent up front will help you plan accordingly.
Location
Think in detail about where you are building. Consider how all four seasons of weather may affect access and maintenance. Is access to the building off a road or is the location secluded and off the beaten path? Is the surrounding area flat or hilly, rocky or sandy? Are there trees, vegetation, or a lawn that will require upkeep? Is the building large or small, multi-level, or somewhere in between? What kind of light exposure do you anticipate and which direction will key sides of the structure be facing? Is the area prone to noise or wind, or threatening weather like tornados, excessive snow, or hail? What types of heating and cooling systems are needed and what are the options? Is there adequate lighting and a power supply nearby? What about parking? Make of list of the things that are very important and create your plans around them.
Zoning
Zoning is crucial to figure out before you break ground. Double check zoning restrictions and get all of the facts so you can head off issues now. Your municipality will have specific information on limits to the size and location of the building you are considering. Certain permits may be required. And details like water access and utilities may have special requirements.
Grading
What kind of a foundation will the building sit on? What kind of stability is needed for they type of land you or working with? How will the drainage system and plumbing be designed? Make sure the foundation is graded for proper drainage, and takes into account soil swell, especially on Colorado land where the climate is dry and flash flooding is a possibility.
