New Construction
Mountain Contracting is a boutique spec home builder that builds up to a couple homes a year. This Steamboat Springs Contractor takes great pride in the quality of the construction of the home and follows latest recommendations regarding sealing, mechanical systems and air and water infiltration. Most homes are built and sold during or shortly after building completion. Being a small volume builder allows us to closely monitor the construction process and to have us involved in all phases of the project. Mountain Contracting homes are built with consideration to the latest principles of Building Science in order to ensure long lasting structures. We work closely with our architect through the project to ensure that all design elements are properly implemented. Energy efficiency is an important aspect of all our homes and we work with building performance specialist to identify and improve home’s efficiency during the construction process.
Remodeling
Average home in the USA is 37 years old as of 2020. Lots of homes in Steamboat Springs were built in the 70s and 80s with some of them being a century old, or more. High cost of these homes often prohibits demolition and a new home construction, with extensive remodeling being the most economical option, especially if the goal is to keep the historic charm of the home. Remodeling is more challenging than new construction as there are too many unknowns before the project is started. Our climate conditions in North Western Colorado, despite long winters, are favorable towards longevity of the structures. Dry winter, followed by a couple wet months, another dry summer and couple wet months in the fall with an annual average rainfall of 20”, promotes drying and longevity of the structures. Mountain Contracting is following Building Science principles in it’s remodels in order to ensure continual longevity of the structures and water control while reducing energy needed for heating and in recent years, cooling. In order to provide measurable results, ACH50 blower door test and thermal imaging is performed before and after to quantify improvements in air infiltration control and identify troublesome areas. Increase in thermal performance of the house, while appearing as a pretty straight forward approach, can have severe negative effects on the structure if all details are not considered properly. Structures built before the mid 2000s were designed and built to have excessive air leaks. Just sealing the home without taking into consideration strategies for moisture mitigation can lead to serious problems that can affect not just durability of the structure but the health of the occupants as well.
Additions
Additions to the existing structures come with their own sets of challenges that present themselves after the project is started. Mountain Contracting works closely with an architect to come up with best solutions to overcome them. Just like with new construction we pay special attention to energy efficiency, air infiltration, water and vapor control to ensure comfortable interior space for the occupants. Connection of the addition to the existing home can present challenges and it is very important that this connection is done correctly to minimize air leakage and eliminate water infiltration. If addition is constructed adjacent to the occupied residence special considerations are taken to provide a safe environment for the occupants.
