Frisco Co Home Construction – What goes Into Building a Mountain Home

Building a custom home in Frisco, Colorado, can be an exciting and rewarding process, but it also comes with unique challenges, especially for beginners. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process,and the key things you need to know about custom home construction in Summit County.

Understand Frisco Zoning and Regulations

• Research local building codes: The Town of Frisco, Colorado has specific zoning laws, design standards, and building codes. Visit the Town of Frisco website for detailed guidelines.
• HOA requirements: If your property is within a homeowners’ association, check for architectural restrictions.
• Environmental considerations: Frisco’s mountain environment may require additional assessments, such as wildfire mitigation, snow load considerations, and soil testing.

Assemble Your Team

• Architect: Choose someone familiar with designing for mountain climates.
• Builder/General Contractor: Look for local contractors with a good reputation and experience in high-altitude construction.
•  Sructural Engineer: They can ensure the home design meets safety and snow load requirements.
•  Landscape Designer: For integrating your home into the natural landscape while adhering to local environmental requirements.

Secure Financing

• Construction loans: These loans differ from traditional mortgages. Work with a lender experienced in construction financing.
• Budget carefully: Include costs for permits, land preparation, utilities, and potential contingencies (15-20%).

Choose and Prepare Your Lot

•  Location: Decide whether you want proximity to downtown Frisco, ski resorts, or more remote areas.
•  Utilities: Confirm access to water, sewer, electricity, and internet.
•  Topography: Consider how the slope and orientation of your lot will affect your home design and costs.

Design Your Mountain Home

• Mountain-friendly design: Focus on energy efficiency, insulation, and snow management (e.g., roof slope and snow guards).
• Sustainability: Use materials and techniques suited for Frisco’s climate and environment, like solar panels or reclaimed wood.
• Open views: Incorporate large windows to maximize natural light and views of the surrounding mountains.

Obtain Permits

Apply for building permits through the Town of Frisco, Colorado. The process can include reviews for:

•    Site plan approval
•    Engineering design
•    Utility connections
•    Environmental impact assessments        

 Start Construction

•  Site preparation: Includes clearing land, grading, and installing utilities.
•  Foundation and framing: Keep high-altitude weather in mind—cold and snow can affect timelines.
•  Inspections: Be prepared for regular inspections at different phases of construction.

 Plan for Weather Challenges

• Construction in Frisco’s mountain climate can be delayed by snow, ice, and freezing temperatures. Start building in the spring to maximize your construction window. 
• Landscaping and Finishing Touches
• Consider pathways and driveways designed for snow removal.

Move In

Once construction is complete, obtain a certificate of occupancy from the local building department before moving in.

Tips for Beginners

• Hire locally: Local professionals understand the unique challenges of mountain construction.
• Plan for higher costs: Building in the mountains can be 20-30% more expensive than elsewhere due to logistics and specialized materials.
• Be patient: The process can take 12-24 months, depending on design complexity and weather.