Exploring Colorado House Plans: A Guide

Colorado is an incredible state with a unique mix of terrain, climate, population, and economy. From the Rocky Mountains to the Great Plains, the state offers a diverse array of landscapes and climates that make it an ideal place to build a home. With a population of over 5.8 million and a thriving economy, Colorado is an attractive option for those looking to build their dream house. In addition, the real estate market in Colorado is strong and offers excellent opportunities for buyers and sellers alike.

In this article, we will be exploring Colorado house plans with a focus on the different types of plans that are suitable for Colorado, regulatory considerations as well as procedural steps you may need to take. The goal of this article is to provide you with sufficient information to help you successfully find a house plan for a Colorado lot and then execute same plan satisfactorily. First, we will start by looking at why anyone will want to build in Colorado. Understanding these benefits, we can confidently make the decision whether or not to build in Colorado.

Truoba Mini 419 small house plans front elevationsTruoba Mini 419 - 1200 sq ft house elevations

Truoba Mini 419

$1900

  1170 sq/ft     2 Bed     2 Bath

Truoba 320 U-shaped house plansTruoba 320 front elevation

Truoba 320

$2600

2354 sq/ft     3 Bed    2.5 Bath

Truoba 322 3 Bedroom House PlansTruoba 322 house rear elevation

Truoba 322

$2500

2278 sq/ft     3 Bed    2 Bath

Truoba 622 front elevation2200 Sq Ft House Plans

Truoba 622

$2500

2091 sq/ft     3 Bed    2 Bath

Truoba Class 115 modern house plansTruoba Class 115 courtyard house plans front elevations

Truoba Class 115

$2500

2300 sq/ft     3 Bed     2 Bath

CA Modern Home Truoba Mini 522Truoba Mini 522 side elevation

Truoba Mini 522

$1700

1250 sq/ft     2 Bed    2 Bath

Truoba 321 front elevationTruoba 321 Vacation Home Floor Plans

Truoba 321

$1900

  1410 sq/ft     3 Bed     2 Bath

Truoba 218 mid-century modern house front elevations1800 sq ft house rear elevation Truoba 218

Truoba 218

$2300

1628 sq/ft     3 Bed    2 Bath

Modern Prairie Style HomesTruoba Class 1422 Single Story 4 Bedroom House Plans

Truoba Class 1422

$2600

  2562 sq/ft     4 Bed    3.5 Bath

Truoba Class 519 contemporary house plansTruoba Class 519 large house plans rear elevation

Truoba Class 519

$2700

2890 sq/ft    4 Bed     3.5 Bath

Truoba Class 422 modern house plansTruoba Class 422 house front elevation

Truoba Class 422

$2500

2784 sq/ft    4 Bed    3.5 Bath

Georgia house plansGeorgia house plans

Truoba 821

$2200

1990 sq/ft     3 Bed    2 Bath

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Benefits of Building in Colorado

Below are a few benefits that homeowners in Colorado can expect to enjoy:

  • Abundant Natural Beauty: Colorado is home to stunning landscapes, from the majestic Rocky Mountains to the sweeping plains of the Great Plains. This natural beauty lends itself to breathtaking views and an abundance of outdoor recreational activities.
  • Affordable Housing: Another thing you will find in Colorado is an affordable housing market, with median home prices at $379,900. This is lower than the national median of $389,900, making it an attractive option for those looking for an affordable place to build.
  • Growing Economy: The economy of Colorado is robust and has seen steady growth in recent years. This growth has led to an influx of businesses, creating a diverse range of job opportunities for those looking to build their career.
  • Varied Climate: Colorado has an array of climates, ranging from dry and sunny in the south to cold and snowy in the north. This variety allows for a wide range of housing styles and materials, making it easy to find the perfect home for your needs.
  • Easy Access to Major Cities: You can easily connect to major cities like Denver and Boulder from Colorado, making it easy to access the amenities and culture of larger cities without having to live in them.
  • Quality of Life: Colorado is considered one of the best states for quality of life, thanks to its low unemployment rate, low crime rate, and a variety of outdoor activities.

Understanding Building Regulations

It is important to understand and abide by the State of Colorado’s building regulations in order to ensure the safety of your home and the surrounding environment. Building regulations are put in place to maintain structural integrity and reduce potential hazards. By understanding the regulations that apply to your project, you can ensure that the Colorado house plans you are considering for your building project meets the necessary standards.

Overview of Building Regulations

Building regulations are laws and rules that are put in place to ensure that construction and renovation projects meet necessary safety standards. These regulations are set by local, state, and federal governments and are designed to ensure that construction projects are safe and structurally sound. Depending on the type of project, different regulations may apply.

Common Building Regulations for Colorado

Colorado has adopted a variety of building codes and standards that must be followed when constructing or renovating a home. These include the 2021 International Building Code, 2021 International Mechanical Code, 2021 International Energy Conservation Code, 2021 International Existing Building Code, 2021 International Residential Code, 2021 International Fire Code, 2021 International Wildland-Urban Interface Code, 2012 NFPA 101 Life Safety Code, 2019 NFPA 13, 2019 NFPA 72 National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, and 2018 International Plumbing Code.

Others include: 2018 International Residential Code, 2018 International Fuel Gas Code, 2018 International Building Code, 2018 International Existing Building Code, 2018 International Mechanical Code, 2018 International Energy Conservation Code, 2018 International Fire Code, 2017 Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities, 2019 Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, 2020 National Electrical Code, 2019 Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators, and 2019 Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete.

Again, it is important to understand and abide by the State of Colorado’s building regulations in order to ensure the safety of your home and the surrounding environment. Understanding and adhering to building regulations will help you to avoid costly and time-consuming mistakes, not mention sanctions from the government. Additionally, adhering to building regulations can help to ensure that your home is structurally sound, safe, and energy-efficient.

Colorado House Plans
colorado house floor plan

Examples of some Colorado House Plans

Colorado is home to a wide variety of house plans, from classic mountain designs to modern open concept layouts. Each plan has its own unique features and benefits, making it important to consider all the options before making a decision. Here are some of the most common Colorado house plans:

  • Mountain Design – This classic mountain design is ideal for those looking to create a rustic and cozy home. This style of house plan typically features steeply pitched roofs, large windows, and an abundance of wood. Mountain design plans are perfect for those seeking a home that blends in with the natural landscape.
  • Luxury Open Concept – This type of house plan is perfect for those who want an expansive living space. Luxury open concept plans feature large rooms, spacious common areas, and lots of natural light. These plans are ideal for those who like to entertain, as they provide plenty of space for friends and family.
  • View Lot Layout – This type of house plan is designed to take advantage of a spectacular view. View lot layouts typically feature large windows that offer sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. These plans are perfect for those looking to build a home on a lot with a stunning view.
  • Small Rustic Mountain Design – This type of house plan is great for those looking to create a cozy mountain home. Small rustic mountain designs typically feature steeply pitched roofs, gables, and lots of natural wood. These plans are perfect for those seeking a home that is nestled into the natural environment.

Other Types of House Plans to Consider

Aside from the common plans listed above, there are other general plan ideas that you can take a look at to give you ideas for a plan that will best fit your need. Other house plans to consider include:

  • Single-Family House Plans: Single-family house plans are perfect for those looking to create a home for just one family. These plans typically feature a single-story layout, making them ideal for those who prefer the convenience of a single-level home.
  • Multi-Family House Plans: Multi-family house plans are ideal for those looking to create a home for multiple families. These plans typically feature multiple levels, allowing for multiple families to live in the same structure.
  • Luxury House Plans: Luxury house plans are perfect for those looking to create a luxurious and sophisticated home. These plans typically feature large rooms, multiple levels, and plenty of natural light.

Steps to Finding the Right House Plan

Finding the right house plan can be a daunting task, but with the right information and a bit of research, it’s possible to find the perfect plan. Here are some steps to help you find the right house plan for your needs:

  1. Determine Your Budget – The first step to finding the right house plan is to determine your budget. This will help you narrow down your search and ensure that you don’t look at plans that are out of your price range.
  2. Make a List of Wants and Needs – Once you’ve determined your budget, the next step is to make a list of wants and needs. Think about the features you’d like to have in your home and the features you absolutely need. This list will help you narrow down your house plan search.
  3. Research House Plan Catalogs – After you’ve made a list of your wants and needs, the next step is to research house plan catalogs. Look for plans that meet your needs and have the features you’re looking for.
  4. Consider the Features of Your Land – The next step is to consider the features of your land. Think about the sun’s movements across the lot, local building codes, and the terrain. This will help you find a plan that fits your lot and takes advantage of the features it has to offer.
  5. Utilize Online Directories of Building Plans – Once you’ve done your research and considered the features of your lot, the next step is to utilize online directories of building plans. These directories can offer a wide variety of plans to choose from.
House in colorado

Steps to Creating a Custom House Plan

Creating a custom house plan gives you an opportunity to craft the exact image you have in your head. Whether you’re planning to build your dream home or just want to make sure your existing home fits your needs and lifestyle, crafting custom house plans in Colorado can help you get the most out of your home. Here are the steps to creating a custom house plan:

  1. Assess Your Needs – The first step to creating a custom house plan is to assess your needs. Think about how you want to use the space and make a list of the features and amenities you’d like to have in your home. This will help you determine the size and layout of your plan.
  2. Create a Detailed Floor Plan – Once you’ve assessed your needs, the next step is to create a detailed floor plan. This will include the size and shape of each room, the placement of windows and doors, and the location of any special features. When creating a floor plan, it’s important to consider the sun’s movements across the lot and local building codes.
  3. Incorporate Colorado’s Unique Climate Factors – Colorado is known for its unique climate, so it’s important that Colorado house plans incorporate features that will help the home remain comfortable and energy efficient. This can include features such as passive solar design, solar-powered water heaters, and energy-efficient windows and doors. Additionally, you should consider using materials that are well-suited to Colorado’s climate, such as brick, stucco, and metal.

A simple way to get all of the above without a lot of stress is the use of online house plan directories. Utilizing online directories of building plans is a great way to find a wide variety of house plans. These directories offer a variety of plans to choose from, ranging from classic mountain designs to modern open-concept layouts. Additionally, many of these directories offer customization options, allowing you to modify existing plans or create your own custom plan.

Conclusion

To build a house in Colorado or anywhere else for that matter, you need to have a house plan that captures all that you want to see in the physical structure. We’ve taken some time to look at the state of Colorado and some benefits you stand to enjoy when you build here. We also looked at the process of starting your building project, including getting the right plan and building regulations that must be sought and obtained. The information we have shared here should help you start the process of realizing you dream of building a house in Colorado.