If you have been a long-time follower of our blog, you’re likely aware of the various rules and requirements that govern the remodeling industry. At Christie’s Design Build Remodeling, we proudly serve a wide area in Northern Colorado, spanning from North Denver to Fort Collins and Greeley to Boulder, all of which require different permitting, regulations, and processes that each licensed remodeler must follow.
Our team of Colorado contractors is committed to staying informed about various regulations, so you don’t have to. For this blog, our focus is on one of the more detailed counties that we have to work through – Boulder County.
It’s no secret that Boulder is a forward-thinking county. Committed to preserving the stunning Colorado foothills, they take great pride in their efforts. This is evident in the 2023 Boulder County Sustainability Plan, which lays out their vision for a more sustainable environment, their ambitious goal to reduce emissions by 80% by 2030, and their environmental purchasing policy that promotes the use of recycled and environmentally friendly products within city departments.
But what does that mean for your home remodel? Well, a lot.
Since 2016, Boulder County has implemented a comprehensive set of rules and regulations aimed at promoting the utilization of renewable energy and efficient practices in renovation projects throughout the area. These guidelines, commonly referred to as Green Building or Boulder County’s BuildSmart Regulations, are designed to support environmentally friendly and sustainable construction practices.
But what are Green Building/Boulder County’s BuildSmart Regulations? Well, according to Boulder County:
“The Boulder County BuildSmart Regulations encourage high-performing, sustainable residential development and redevelopment in the unincorporated areas of Boulder County by promoting development that will: create energy efficient structures that reduce both the production of greenhouse gases from residential buildings and the amount of material sent to landfills, conserve water and other natural resources in the homebuilding process, and ensure proper indoor air quality”
Essentially, the BuildSmart Regulations require our team to consider the environmental impact of our industry. It covers everything from:
- Demolition
- Duct Work
- Exterior Walls
- Additions
- Water Systems
- Accessibility
- Insulation
- Roofing
- Sunrooms
- Ventilation Systems
- And much more!
So how can Green Building/Boulder County’s BuildSmart Regulations affect your home remodel?
Unfortunately, Green Building requirements can add time and unforeseen costs to a project. More red tape means a longer permitting process. However, when starting a project in Boulder County, we always add a buffer of time to our timelines in case we hit any hiccups.
Recently, we finished a beautiful kitchen remodel for one of our clients. Going into the project, they knew exactly what they wanted: an open floor plan that would help to not only brighten up the space but also give the family their ideal dream kitchen and great room.
Going from the tight spaced kitchen, as seen below, to big open space, required a lot of preplanning.
The most significant change needed was the demolition of the main wall that separates the space — which is right where the BuildSmart Regulations added a slight setback. With extra caution behind structural changes to the home, gaining the proper permits to complete the job not only took extra time but cost our homeowners $10,000 in unexpected costs.
Luckily for our team, we were able to work through the setback and create the space our client dreamed of. Our biggest hurdle was engineering the beam to replace the load-bearing wall, which helped to make the largest change in this home.
At Christie’s Design Build Remodeling of Northern Colorado, we can help you transform your home and improve your family’s lifestyle. Whether you are in Boulder County or in one of the six counties we service, our team is here to assist with all your home remodeling needs. Contact us today and let us turn your dream into a reality!
