Above 1200 Sq/FT Moving to the Mountains

[PA Slammer]

Great work as per usual. I could go back thru all your great pics and stories but instead wanted to ask how you plan to keep snow and water out of your pristine working garage?

You may have said already but I know a ton of guys that deal with water snow and slush in their garages that would love to hear. Seriously I wish I could afford to live snd even build a small 1500 foot rambler with a big shop in your neighborhood cause I think my bride is ready to leave the city.

Drivesitfar, I was wondering where you've been. Good to hear from you.

Only one way to keep snow out; don't open the doors when there is snow on the ground!

My plan is to not sweat it too much. That's why I put the epoxy down and why I have as much of a slope as I do. Push broom the big stuff out and hose out the rest.

As for moving out here...
There are still places to build out here... but things are only getting more expensive. Funny story... when we bought the land, we were told that we would need a water tap. Having no idea what that was or what that meant, we asked. We were told to go down to the water department and ask if any were available. I wasn't sure if I needed to take my truck and or a trailer to pick it up. The water department said we were in luck and they had one available... and it would cost $48,000. WHAT? That was a very big expensive we didn't see coming. We signed the paperwork and asked where we pick it up. The guy looked at me with a puzzled face and said, "It's in your hands." I asked if the "water tap" was a "thing". He said no, "It's just that piece of paperwork I signed... it was a "license" to "tap" into public water.

I was still a bit confused and I asked where does my $48,000 go. Apparently it goes to build all the reservoirs in the area. WOW... I thought I had just been duped.

Anyway, as for the "things keep getting more expensive" part; last year I heard the water taps were around $69,000. This year I hear they are almost $100,000! Water is a valuable commodity out west.

 

[PA Slammer]

Finally getting my tools organized.

 

[steaks&anvils]

My last house had shares in the water company. They had bought up water rights for the whole neighborhood and incorporated a water district.

The shares were worth $12k when I sold the house. These could not be sold separately from the house. When the appraisal of the house was done, they had to then add the $12k to the appraisal. That threw a lot of appraisers and banks a loop, they couldn't understand water rights having BIG value. Idiots.

Also, lot size and septic location can determine if you could have a well. And creeks/streams/rivers too, don't build too close to one or you get the "wetlands" issues...

One more, you may have a lake or stream on your property, but you don't own any of that water.

edit: Type of water taps. If you have livestock (horse or goats) you cannot water them with your house hold water, you have to have a "livestock" tap. This isn't enforced too often and most people just ignore it.

 

[PA Slammer]

 

[PA Slammer]

 

[PA Slammer]

 

[PA Slammer]

My last house had shares in the water company. They had bought up water rights for the whole neighborhood and incorporated a water district.

The shares were worth $12k when I sold the house. These could not be sold separately from the house. When the appraisal of the house was done, they had to then add the $12k to the appraisal. That threw a lot of appraisers and banks a loop, they couldn't understand water rights having BIG value. Idiots.

Also, lot size and septic location can determine if you could have a well. And creeks/streams/rivers too, don't build too close to one or you get the "wetlands" issues...

One more, you may have a lake or stream on your property, but you don't own any of that water.

edit: Type of water taps. If you have livestock (horse or goats) you cannot water them with your house hold water, you have to have a "livestock" tap. This isn't enforced too often and most people just ignore it.

Sounds like you're out west as well... (pun intended).

 

[steaks&anvils]

Sounds like you're out west as well... (pun intended).

Yep, that house was in lakewood/golden colorado, just off colfax and simms st. Old 1935 built, tiny 500sqft house on a 3rd acre lot, it did have a 700sqft detached garage though. I still had the outhouse pad/pedestal out in the backyard. I often thought I should make a fire pit out of it.

The livestock tap issue was from friends in Parker colorado. But it is a state law, could happen anywhere.

And the well location issues were my dad's at his mountain property in Pine colorado (jefferson county). Again state/county permitting guidelines.

btw, nice build. Good looking place you have there.

 

[csp]

edit: Type of water taps. If you have livestock (horse or goats) you cannot water them with your house hold water, you have to have a "livestock" tap. This isn't enforced too often and most people just ignore it.

Domestic well types in Colorado do allow for watering of up to two horses. There are household use only wells which don't allow for any outside use like watering a lawn or washing vehicles. My well permit is old enough (1980) to have been classified as domestic and livestock, which is unheard of now for five acre plots. I don't think they grant livestock on anything under 35 acres now.

OP, how do you like the wind where you're at? My dad moved to just north of where you're at about the same time your house was done from east of Colorado Springs, where my folks had been since 1972. The wind is crazy strong at his place at times. I'm sure I've driven by your place a few times when we take 287 instead of 25 to get to dad's.

 

[rocco]

Absolutely love the build, it’s a dream spot!

 

[woodfor1]

I love the look of your house and shop.It's entrusting to hear about the water rights I live in north west New Jersey, most houses have wells and there are no water rights. you call a well driller and he comes and get the permit and then puts a hole in the ground.

 

[drivesitfar]

How’s the garage set up working out? Got any new pics cause I need a dream house fix?

wishing you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving too