Many homeowners eventually decide they would like to find the "perfect" building site and build a home exactly the way they dream it should be... It's a wonderful idea and certainly an attainable goal.

The first step is to find the "perfect" site or acreage.  Keep in mind that subdivisions and secluded parcels each have positive and negative aspects. Those neighborhood covenants that some people find inhibiting can protect them from a adjoining property owner with a far-different interpretation of good architectural style. Of course, the privacy that comes with a secluded piece of land is very enjoyable, too. You should seriously consider your needs as well as your desires before making this decision. If you have kids, 45 minutes each way to a ballet lesson would get old in a hurry, and if it will be a second home, who's going to look after it in your absense.

Views and directional exposure are key concerns regardless of the type of location you choose. A good view is not only enjoyable, but adds an emotional value at the time you sell. In judging the view from a prospective site, consider what can happen in the future- can another home be built in front of you? Southern exposure has a lot of advantages: warm decks, passive solar and less snow in the driveway are but a few of the benefits. Take a compass along when you are looking and remember that the sun is lower in the southern sky during the winter.

Once you think you have found the perfect setting for your dream home, talk to a knowledgeable builder or architect (preferably both). Once you own it, it's too late to find out that cost of construction is going to be way out of line because of extensive excavating and foundation requirements, and some lots just won't work for certain design styles. Steep driveways can also cause you grief! Geologically sensitive areas, ie: avalanche, mud and rock slide areas or floodplains need to be recognized. Make your offer to purchase subject to suitable soils tests, just in case the land is unstable. As you can see, the money you might spend with a consultant prior to the actual purchase could be cheap insurance!

The Vail Valley is one of the most beautiful places on earth, and proper home design not only lets us enjoy the scenery from within, but also helps preserve that beauty for others. When you find the place that really feels right and satisfies both needs and desires, it's a great feeling!  The topography  in the mountains adds a challenge, but also adds opportunity to build something unique... but not too unique!