What Is A Custom Home?

A custom home means we build it according to your unique preferences, including your chosen layout, exterior elevation, and style. Custom doesn't have to mean costly – we can create a custom home with a basic specification level at an affordable price. Each custom home is one-of-a-kind, tailored to your lifestyle, designed to withstand the test of time, and perfectly shaped to fit your lot.

When you choose a custom home with Mountain View Builders, you're choosing complete control over your dream home's design. Here's what makes a custom home unique:

  • Personalized Layout
    Design a floor plan that suits your family's lifestyle. Whether you need extra bedrooms, a home office, or an open-concept kitchen-living space, we'll create a layout that aligns with your needs.

  • Exterior Elevation & Style
    Select the exterior look that matches your aesthetic preferences. From modern farmhouse to mountain rustic, we'll incorporate your preferred style into the architecture, roofing, and siding.

  • Interior Finishes & Fixtures
    Customize every detail inside your home, from flooring and cabinetry to lighting and hardware. Choose from a range of finishes that reflect your taste, whether it's luxury or simplicity.

  • Location & Site Optimization
    Your home will be designed to fit your lot perfectly, considering the orientation, landscape, and views to maximize natural light and energy efficiency.

  • Quality Craftsmanship & Durability
    Every custom home is built with the highest quality materials and attention to detail, ensuring it stands the test of time. We focus on energy-efficient construction and sustainable building practices to keep your home comfortable year-round.

  • Budget-Friendly Flexibility
    Custom doesn't have to mean expensive. We work with your budget to build a home that meets your financial goals while delivering the features you value most.

I Want To Build A Home, Where Do I Start?

Start by deciding where you want to live and understanding your true maximum budget. It's important to know your budget upfront to ensure the home design aligns with your financial capacity. Building a home in Colorado requires consideration of local zoning laws, site preparation, and weather conditions. Working with Mountain View Builders, you'll receive expert guidance on site selection, design, and layout, ensuring your home fits your lifestyle and location.

Additionally, securing financing is crucial. Explore loan options with local lenders or construction loan programs that can cover the entire building process, from land purchase to final construction costs. Our team will help connect you with trusted financing partners to simplify the process.

Can You Help Us Find Land?

Yes, our preferred partners can assist you in finding the perfect piece of land for your new home. Whether you're looking for a secluded lot with breathtaking mountain views or a spacious parcel close to town amenities, our network of trusted real estate professionals will help you identify and secure a location that aligns with your vision.

In addition to finding land, our partners can:

  • Sell Your Existing Home
    Our real estate experts will guide you through the process of listing and selling your current home, ensuring a smooth transition into your new custom home.

  • Finance Your Dream Project
    We work with experienced mortgage lenders who specialize in construction loans and custom home financing, making it easier for you to secure the funds needed for your project.

  • Assess Site Feasibility
    Our team can evaluate the land to ensure it's suitable for building, considering factors like zoning regulations, utilities, and soil conditions.

  • Plan Your Site Layout
    Once you've chosen the land, we can help you design the ideal site layout, considering factors like sun orientation, landscape, and lot configuration.

At Mountain View Builders, we're here to support you every step of the way, from finding the right land to financing and building your dream home. Reach out to us today to start your custom home journey.

Timeline From Start To Finish?

The timeline for building a custom home varies greatly depending on the level of customization you desire. Designing plans from scratch can take longer if you have specific, unique requirements. Engineering also requires a significant period to ensure all structural elements are tailored to your design.

Permitting times depend on the jurisdiction and the complexity of your customizations. Once Mountain View Builders pours the foundation, the construction phase begins. Weather conditions such as snow or heavy storms can extend the timeline further.

Let's take a look at the stages required to build a custom home:

  • Initial Consultation & Design
    In this stage, we discuss your ideas, preferences, and budget to create a design brief. Our design team will then develop a preliminary concept plan that matches your vision. This process typically involves multiple meetings and revisions.

  • Engineering & Finalizing Plans
    After the initial design is approved, we proceed to engineering, where we finalize structural plans and specifications. This step ensures the plans meet local building codes and regulations.

  • Permitting Process
    Once plans are engineered, we submit them for permitting, which varies based on the jurisdiction. We handle the permitting process to ensure all requirements are met.

  • Site Preparation & Foundation
    During permitting, site preparation can begin. This includes clearing the land, grading, and setting up utilities. Once permits are approved, we pour the foundation. Site preparation and foundation work are critical steps.

  • Framing & Exterior Work
    Framing and exterior construction, including roofing, windows, and doors, are the next steps. Weather conditions may affect this phase.

  • Interior Finishes & Mechanical Systems
    Once the structure is weather-tight, we install electrical, plumbing, HVAC systems, and insulation, followed by interior finishes like drywall, cabinetry, and flooring. This phase includes detailed work to ensure quality.

  • Final Inspections & Walkthrough
    After all work is completed, final inspections are conducted to ensure the home complies with building codes. We then conduct a final walkthrough with you to address any last-minute adjustments.

  • Move-In & Post-Construction Support
    Congratulations, your custom home is ready! We provide post-construction support to ensure any issues or touch-ups are handled promptly.

Do your custom homes come with a warranty?

Yes, all of our homes come with a comprehensive 1-year builder's warranty. This warranty provides peace of mind by covering defects in materials and workmanship. Additionally, we offer an 11-month post-construction walkthrough to identify and address any minor construction issues that may arise within the first 11 months of ownership.

Our warranty program includes:

  • 1-Year Workmanship Warranty
    Covers defects in workmanship and materials for components like plumbing, electrical, heating, cooling, and more.

  • 11-Month Post-Construction Walkthrough
    We conduct an in-depth walkthrough at 11 months to address any construction-related issues and ensure your satisfaction.

  • Manufacturer Warranties
    Many of the products used in our homes, such as roofing materials, appliances, and windows, come with their own manufacturer warranties.

In addition to our 1-year warranty, Mountain View Builders ensures that your custom home is constructed with the highest quality standards, minimizing the need for extensive repairs. We're committed to delivering homes that are not only beautiful but also built to last. If you have any issues, our responsive customer service team is here to help resolve them promptly and professionally.

What Does a Home Builder's Warranty Cover on New Construction?

A home builder's warranty provides valuable protection for homeowners by covering potential defects and issues in new construction. At Mountain View Builders, we offer a comprehensive warranty that includes coverage for workmanship, distribution systems, and structural defects.

Here's what our home builder's warranty covers:

  • 11-Month Post-Construction Walkthrough
    We conduct an 11-month walkthrough to address any minor issues or defects that may have emerged during the first year.

  • Manufacturer Warranties
    Many of the products used in our homes, such as roofing materials, windows, and appliances, come with their own manufacturer warranties, providing additional protection.

  • Responsive Customer Support
    Our dedicated customer service team is available to assist with any warranty claims, ensuring prompt and professional resolution of any issues.

A home builder's warranty provides peace of mind, knowing that your new construction is protected against potential defects. At Mountain View Builders, we stand by the quality of our craftsmanship and are committed to ensuring your satisfaction with your new home.

Can You Build on Slopes / Mountain Terrain?

Yes, we can build on slopes, hills, and mountainous terrain. Although the ideal lot is relatively flat, with no more than 4-5 feet of slope under the building foundation, our team is experienced in constructing homes on challenging terrain. Building in the mountains of Colorado comes with unique challenges, including unpredictable weather, steep slopes, and rocky terrain.

The altitude and changing seasons can also affect construction timelines and logistics. However, at Mountain View Builders, we have the expertise to navigate these challenges successfully. Our team understands local zoning regulations, environmental considerations, and the technical aspects of mountain construction.

Whether it's ensuring proper drainage, securing the foundation on rocky terrain, or designing a home that can withstand heavy snowfall and high winds, we're equipped to handle it all. You can trust us to deliver a custom home that blends seamlessly with the natural beauty of the Colorado mountains while providing comfort, durability, and breathtaking views.

Here's how we approach building on sloped lots:

  • Foundation Stem Walls & Pony Walls
    For lots with mild slopes, we extend foundation stem walls or build pony walls to level the house. This technique, combined with site grading, ensures a stable and level foundation.

  • Daylight Basements
    For lots with more severe slopes, we can construct a daylight basement. This approach takes advantage of the natural terrain to create a walkout basement that opens to the downhill side, providing additional living space and natural light.

  • Retaining Walls
    In cases where the slope requires additional stabilization, we can incorporate retaining walls to secure the foundation and prevent soil erosion, ensuring long-term structural stability.

  • Custom Design Solutions
    Each sloped lot is unique, so our team will work with you to develop a custom design solution that maximizes the potential of your land, providing stunning views and functional living spaces.

Building on slopes requires careful planning and expertise, and at Mountain View Builders, we have the experience to make your vision a reality, no matter the terrain. Let us help you design and build a custom home that perfectly complements your sloped lot.

Can I Pick Home Plans from Other Websites?

Yes, you can, provided the plans / blueprints are offered up for sale. While most home builders do not sell their own architectural plans, many architectural websites specialize in selling ready-made home plans. These companies offer a wide range of designs that cater to various tastes, lifestyles, and budgets.

Here's how it works:

  • Choose a Design
    Browse through plan sale websites to find a design that aligns with your vision. From modern to traditional, these sites offer thousands of layouts to choose from.

  • Customization Options
    Many plan sale companies offer customization services, allowing you to modify an existing plan to better suit your needs. Adjust room sizes, add features, or change the exterior style to make the design uniquely yours.

  • Work with Mountain View Builders
    Once you've selected a plan, Mountain View Builders can help you bring it to life. We'll ensure the plan meets local building codes, assist with engineering, and guide you through the construction process.

  • Permitting & Site Preparation
    We'll handle the permitting process and site preparation to ensure your chosen design is optimized for your lot, whether flat or sloped.

While ready-made plans offer a convenient starting point, they often require adjustments to meet specific local building codes and your personal preferences. Mountain View Builders will work closely with you to adapt these plans as needed, ensuring that your custom home is tailored to your lifestyle and built to perfection.

Will You Build From My Plans?

Typically, yes. As long as you have the legal rights to the plans, we can review them to ensure we're comfortable building the design. Our process involves thoroughly evaluating your plans to ensure they meet our quality standards and comply with local building codes.

Here's how we approach building from your plans:

  • Plan Review & Legal Rights
    We start by reviewing your plans to verify that you have the legal rights to build them. This step ensures compliance with copyright laws and gives us a clear understanding of your design vision.

  • Plan Assessment & Feasibility
    Our team will assess the plans to ensure they're structurally sound and can be executed safely and efficiently. We'll also verify that the plans comply with local building codes and zoning regulations.

  • Structural Engineering Review
    If your plans include structural engineering details, we'll review them to ensure the design is suitable for your site conditions. If structural engineering isn't included, we can connect you with trusted engineers to provide these services.

  • Estimating & Budgeting
    Once the plans are reviewed and approved, we'll provide you with a detailed cost estimate for the construction. This estimate includes material costs, labor, and any additional features you wish to incorporate.

  • Construction & Quality Assurance
    After the budget is approved, we'll proceed with construction, ensuring that your design is brought to life with precision and attention to detail. Our quality assurance process includes regular inspections and updates to keep you informed throughout the build.

At Mountain View Builders, we're committed to building your dream home, whether it's from our plans or yours. Our team will work closely with you to ensure the final result reflects your vision and is built to the highest standards of quality.

Can I Visit My Home While It Is Under Construction?

Yes, you can visit your home while it is under construction, but we ask that it be during business hours and preferably with a Mountain View Builders representative present. Your safety is our top priority, and construction sites can present various hazards.

By coordinating visits during business hours with our team, we can ensure a secure and informative experience. We also organize multiple walkthroughs and on-site meetings at safe stages throughout the construction process to gather your input and keep you informed about the progress of your custom home. Here’s a brief overview of our typical walkthrough schedule:

  • Pre-Construction Meeting
    Before construction begins, we meet with you to review the final plans, discuss the building timeline, and address any last-minute changes or concerns.

  • Foundation Walkthrough
    Once the foundation is poured, we invite you to the site to review the foundation layout and verify the placement of rooms and features according to the floor plan.

  • Framing Walkthrough
    After the framing is complete, we conduct a walkthrough to confirm the layout of walls, doors, and windows. This is also a good time to discuss electrical and plumbing placements.

  • Mechanical Walkthrough
    During the rough-in phase, we ensure that electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems are installed according to your preferences. You can confirm the locations of outlets, switches, and fixtures.

  • Pre-Drywall Walkthrough
    Before drywall is installed, we give you a final chance to review the internal layout and systems. We can make adjustments if necessary before the walls are closed up.

  • Final Walkthrough
    Once the home is fully constructed and ready for move-in, we conduct a final walkthrough to ensure everything is up to your satisfaction. Any last-minute touch-ups are addressed before handing over the keys.

Your input is invaluable to us, and we believe these walkthroughs are crucial in delivering a home that perfectly aligns with your vision. If you wish to visit your home outside these scheduled walkthroughs, feel free to coordinate with our team to ensure a safe and rewarding visit.

What Areas Do You Serve?

Our primary building area is Fremont County, Colorado. However, Mountain View Builders also has the capabilities to build in neighboring counties, subject to annual workloads, scheduling, and contractor availability. Here's a closer look at the areas we serve:

  • Fremont County
    As our primary service area, we build custom homes, post-frame buildings, and metal workshops throughout Fremont County, including Cañon City, Florence, Penrose, Tallahassee, Texas Creek, Cotopaxi, Howard, and surrounding communities.

  • Custer County
    We extend our services to Custer County, bringing our expertise in mountain home construction to towns like Westcliffe, Wetmore, and Silver Cliff.

At Mountain View Builders, we're committed to providing exceptional service and quality craftsmanship no matter where you are in our service area. Contact us today to discuss your custom home or building project!

Is a Post-Frame Building the Same as a Pole Barn?

Yes and no. While some pole barns may incorporate elements of post-frame construction, post-frame buildings are certainly not just pole barns. The primary distinction lies in the structural integrity and versatility of post-frame construction.

Here's a closer look at what sets post-frame buildings apart:

  • Foundation & Anchoring
    Post-frame buildings feature vertical frame elements made of treated sawn lumber beams anchored at least four feet into the ground. These beams are stabilized in metal sleeves or concrete anchors, providing exceptional resistance to high winds and storm situations. This deep anchoring creates a stable foundation that sets post-frame buildings apart from traditional pole barns.

    • Pre-Cast Pad Foundation
      Pre-cast concrete pads offer stable, load-bearing support to prevent your post-frame building from sinking or being uplifted by strong winds. The columns are attached to an uplift anchor, increasing the force needed to pull them out of the ground.

    • Poured-in-Place Foundation
      This foundation involves wooden forms placed on top of footings, commonly used in residential buildings. The forms shape the foundation walls and are reinforced with steel rebar for added strength. Concrete is poured into these molds, and once it cures, the forms are removed, leaving a solid foundation. Columns are securely attached to the foundation with special brackets, ensuring no wood is buried and preventing rot.

    • Continuous Poured Foundation
      Ideal for complex structures like commercial buildings, this foundation consists of a concrete wall extending above the footings, providing maximum stability in bedrock and sand conditions. Similar to poured-in-place foundations, columns are fastened to the continuous poured foundation using specialized brackets, ensuring durability and preventing rot.

  • Design Flexibility
    The absence of interior load-bearing walls in post-frame buildings offers greater design flexibility. This allows for expansive, open-concept interiors ideal for workshops, agricultural storage, commercial facilities, and more. You can also customize the exterior look with various siding, roofing, and finishing options.

  • Durability & Efficiency
    Post-frame buildings are designed to endure harsh weather conditions and stand the test of time. The treated lumber beams resist moisture and decay, while the insulated walls and roofing provide excellent energy efficiency, making these buildings suitable for year-round use.

Post-frame buildings are far more than just pole barns. They offer superior strength, design flexibility, and durability while going beyond the typical features of pole barn construction to give you a stronger, more versatile structure. Whether you're looking to build a commercial workshop, agricultural storage facility, or custom barndominium, post-frame construction provides a reliable and efficient solution.

Are Post-Frame Buildings Less Expensive To Build?

Yes, post-frame buildings are generally less expensive to construct for several reasons. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

  • Reduced Construction Time
    Post-frame buildings require less time to build compared to traditional construction methods. The larger spacing between vertical posts (often up to 8 feet apart) reduces the number of posts needed and speeds up the framing process. Fewer framing members and simpler construction techniques translate to shorter build times and lower labor costs.

  • Material Efficiency
    Post-frame construction consumes less material and energy. The wider spacing between vertical posts minimizes the amount of lumber required, and the absence of interior load-bearing walls reduces the need for extra framing. Moreover, fewer specialized materials like steel or concrete are needed, further lowering costs.

  • Simplified Labor Requirements
    Since post-frame construction requires fewer specialized laborers, such as masons or steelworkers, the overall labor costs are significantly reduced. The framing process is simpler and faster, allowing general construction teams to handle most of the work.

  • Simplified Site Preparation
    Site preparation is straightforward because post-frame buildings only require a level lot. The foundation usually consists of ICC-ES Certified permanent foundation solution known as engineered precast columns or a certified permanent post system set directly into the ground, eliminating the need for extensive excavation or concrete work. This reduces site preparation costs and speeds up the construction process.

  • Ease of Expansion
    If additions are needed in the future, post-frame buildings offer a flexible solution. The wider spacing between vertical supports allows for easier connection and integration of new additions. This adaptability makes expanding a post-frame building more cost-effective than conventional framing.

Post-frame buildings are less expensive to build because of their reduced construction time, material efficiency, simplified labor requirements, straightforward site preparation, and ease of expansion. These factors make post-frame construction an excellent choice for those seeking an economical yet durable building solution.

Do Post-Frame Buildings Meet Building Codes?

Yes, post-frame buildings are durable, attractive structures that meet building codes. Post-frame construction is simply an alternative method of framing a new structure. Occasionally, local code officials may confuse post-frame construction with less attractive pole barns.

However, their concerns often stem from aesthetic perceptions rather than questions of durability. Here's a deeper look into how post-frame buildings meet and even exceed building codes:

  • Durable Construction Standards
    Post-frame buildings are designed to withstand extreme weather conditions, including heavy snow loads and strong winds. Using a certified foundation system or certified permanent post system provides exceptional stability. Engineers ensure that each structure adheres to rigorous safety and durability standards, meeting or exceeding local building codes.

  • Engineering & Structural Design
    Every post-frame building is carefully engineered to ensure structural integrity. The wide spacing between vertical posts allows for fewer but larger structural elements, which are optimized to bear significant loads. Advanced engineering principles ensure that post-frame buildings comply with the International Building Code (IBC) and other regional standards.

  • Attractive Aesthetics
    While early misconceptions linked post-frame buildings to basic pole barns, modern designs can be incredibly attractive. Post-frame buildings can incorporate a range of exterior finishes, including traditional wood and brick facings, stucco accents, and beautiful landscaping, allowing them to blend seamlessly into urban and suburban environments.

  • Urban Applications
    Today, post-frame structures grace urban streets in many parts of the country. Police and fire stations, libraries, and schools have been constructed using post-frame methods, demonstrating their versatility and compliance with building codes. The combination of architectural design flexibility and structural integrity makes them suitable for a wide range of public and commercial applications.

  • Customization & Versatility
    The adaptability of post-frame construction allows for endless customization. Architects can design a post-frame building that incorporates traditional or modern aesthetics, ensuring compliance with both local building codes and aesthetic standards.

Post-frame buildings not only meet but often exceed building codes. They offer a versatile, durable, and aesthetically pleasing construction option that can be tailored to meet any design requirement. Whether for residential, commercial, or public use, post-frame buildings continue to prove their worth as a reliable framing method.

What Architectural Features Can Be Added to a Post-Frame Building?

Post-frame buildings offer remarkable design flexibility, allowing for a wide range of architectural features that enhance both aesthetics and functionality. Many residences, civic buildings, and commercial structures have been built using post-frame construction. Here are some of the features that can be added:

  • Custom Shapes
    Post-frame buildings aren't limited to rectangular shapes. L-shapes, T-shapes, and other complex designs can be easily achieved, allowing for distinctive and creative layouts.

  • Alcoves & Bump-Outs
    Add alcoves, bump-outs, and bay windows to create interesting visual details that expand interior living spaces and provide practical benefits like extra seating or storage.

  • Gables & Dormers
    Incorporate gables and dormers to add character to the roofline and increase natural light in upper levels. Dormers can also provide additional headroom for attic spaces.

  • Porches & Decks
    Extend your post-frame building's outdoor living space with wraparound porches, decks, or covered patios. These features offer a perfect spot for relaxing or entertaining.

  • Architectural Facades
    Elevate your building’s appearance by adding architectural facades like stone, brick, wood, adobe, or stucco. These facades give post-frame buildings a distinguished and unique look.

  • Roofing Styles
    Choose from various roofing styles, including gable, gambrel, hip, and monitor roofs. Each style offers different aesthetic and functional benefits, helping your building stand out.

  • Interior Features
    Add lofts, mezzanines, vaulted ceilings, and partition walls to create distinctive interior spaces. Interior finishes like drywall, wood paneling, or exposed beams can further enhance the look.

With post-frame construction, virtually any shape-altering feature can be added to your building. Whether you're looking to create a modern residence, a rustic barn-style home, or a commercial facility with architectural flair, post-frame buildings offer unparalleled customization options.

How Are Post-Frame Buildings More Energy Efficient?

Post-frame buildings are inherently more energy efficient than conventional structures due to their unique framing system. Here’s a detailed explanation:

  • Wider Spacing of Vertical Members
    In post-frame buildings, vertical posts are spaced much farther apart, typically every 8 feet compared to 16 inches in conventional framing. This wider spacing allows for continuous insulation coverage between the posts without interruption, minimizing thermal bridging (where heat escapes through framing materials) and providing better overall insulation.

  • Deeper Wall Cavities
    The larger posts used in post-frame construction create deeper wall cavities, allowing for the installation of thicker insulation. This deeper insulation improves the building's R-value, which measures its resistance to heat flow, thereby enhancing energy efficiency.

  • Continuous Roof Insulation
    Post-frame roofs have fewer interruptions in the insulation layer because of their simplified framing design. This continuous roof insulation helps reduce heat loss in winter and minimizes heat gain in summer, resulting in a more energy-efficient building envelope.

  • Flexible Insulation Options
    Post-frame buildings can accommodate a wide range of insulation materials, including batt insulation, spray foam, and rigid foam board. This flexibility allows builders to choose the most suitable insulation for the climate, improving energy efficiency and occupant comfort.

  • Optimized Air Sealing
    With fewer framing members and larger open spaces between posts, air sealing is easier to achieve in post-frame buildings. Proper air sealing prevents drafts and improves the building’s overall energy performance.

  • Reduced Energy Costs
    Thanks to better insulation coverage and minimized thermal bridging, post-frame buildings can significantly reduce energy costs for heating and cooling. The improved energy efficiency also makes these buildings eligible for green building certifications and incentives.

Post-frame buildings are more energy efficient due to the wider spacing of vertical members, deeper wall cavities, continuous roof insulation, and optimized air sealing. These features result in superior thermal performance, making post-frame buildings a smart choice for energy-conscious builders and homeowners.

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