Gorgeous 2800sf
at the end of the Ohio Creek valley sits on 40 acres with Carbon Creek running through the acreage. Home & garage offer in-floor heat, 3 bdrm/3 bath, south facing windows with incredible views and a 4 car garage with work space & a walk-in cooler.
3750 County Road 737; $2,500,000.
with Gold Creek in the back yard on over 3 acres. Just 3.5 miles from Ohio City, 1 bdrm/1 bath, bordered by national forest, built in 1994 with well & septic. 1,008 square feet with generator and shed too.
3491 County Road 771; $635,000.
build your new home! Two lots totaling 1.78 acres. Great opportunity to own on the Gunnison River, hidden between the trees & close to the White Water Park. Level building site with mature trees and still close to downtown conveniences.
350 Rio Vista Road; $400,000.
Ground level 2 bdrm/1 bath, 861 square foot condo features an open kitchen & spacious living room. Great rental investment or first time homebuyer option.
212 S. 11th St. #105; $235,000.
Nice lot that features a 32 x 28 detached garage with concrete floor & electric is ready for your manufactured home. Water and sewer taps are installed. You could also park your camper for the summer adventures in the Gunnison Valley. 7 Willow Lane; $275,000.
Very well maintained 3 bdrm/2 bath, over 1400sf home in town features incredible landscaping, carport, shed & raised garden beds. This home has an open floor plan with central living room, dining area & a remodeled kitchen.
502 N. 7th St; $485,000.
of Cranor
views of the Ohio Creek Valley to the north. ¾ acre building site requires a driveway to be cut in, then is ready for your new home.
Sloped lot is conducive for a walk-out basement.
57 Palm Drive; $125,000.
Over 1,000 square foot mountain cabin on 4 town lots of the Schofield townsite features 1 bdrm plus a loft with an open kitchen & dining room. Comes fully furnished, seasonal access, half hour from downtown Crested Butte. 6887 Forest Service 317 Road; $295,000.
Comfortable & cozy 1 bdrm/1 bath home in Pitkin sits on 4 lots & offers willows for privacy & an aspen forest out front. Two woodsheds & outbuilding at this quiet & peaceful end of the road location. 10 State Street; $355,000.
Hike, Bike, Ski or Snowmobile from the front door of this 3 bdrm/2 bath house on 50 acres. Close to the Gold Creek Campground in Ohio City, features an excellent mixture of wildlife, nearby trails, aspen, pines & 300 feet of Gold Creek frontage. Huge attached garage, large detached barn, touched by Forest Service lands. 5498 County Road 771; $2,500,000.
Purchase R-3 lots & finish the West End Townhomes for a spec option, rental investment or employee housing. City approved site plans allow for two more duplex units. Water & sewer taps are already installed. Centrally located near the schools & RTA bus stop. 817 W. Denver Ave.; $297,000.
Investment opportunity? Employee Housing? 3 homes total with each home being 2 bdrm/1 bath & tenants pay utilities. Convenient location in town. 314 S. 12th St; $1,200,000.
40 acre historic parcel is the town site of Sherrod and part of the Sherrod Loop on the Alpine Tunnel Loop past Pitkin, just before Hancock Pass. Sherrod was known for its rich silver lodes in the surrounding mountains. Great 4x4 country. 7800 Forest Service Road 839; $215,000.
Iola Valley Tracts are situated just a few miles from the Iola Boat Dock at the beautiful Blue Mesa Reservoir. There are 8 sites offered that are each 1.5 acres with no covenants or HOA. Affordable land options just 15 minutes from Gunnison. Spring Drive; $60,000.
Ready to build lot located 3 miles west of town features a county sewer tap with electric and well installed. No HOA dues.
104 Phyllis Lane; $180,000.
Top floor 2 bdrm/1 bath, 860 square foot condo near the schools makes for a great investment or first time home-buyer option. Features all new windows, new appliances and new kitchen & bathroom floors. Included are range/oven, refrigerator, dishwasher, washer & dryer.
306 N. 9th St. #6B; $249,000.
custom home Mountain home with loft nestled in the trees Waterfront building site to Ski-in, ski-out location near the top Hill ski area with incredible
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While wrangling ideas for this year’s Home and Gardens magazine, I got a song stuck in my head: “Birdhouse in Your Soul” by They Might Be Giants. It’s a silly tune by an overtly silly band, sung from the perspective of bird-shaped night light.
Blue canary in the outlet by the light switch
Who watches over you
Make a little birdhouse in your soul
While you're at it
Keep the nightlight on inside
The birdhouse in your soul
I heard this refrain for the first time on Gunnison’s college radio station, KWSB, when I was a newly-arrived student at Western. Although my surroundings were stunning, I often felt disconnected. After graduation, I packed up and explored various locales across the country and abroad, believing that when I found the perfect location, I’d finally feel at home
In the pages that follow, definitions of “home” that stretch beyond the concept of a physical space come to light. A father and son’s shared passion for woodworking grows into a thriving business, allowing them to live and
work in a place they love. Gunnison locals who dream of affordable, sustainable housing are able to achieve that dream with community support. The joys of caring for houseplants and watching little ones pull home-grown carrots from the soil speak to something more profound than a mere list of gardening tips.
In all of my wanderings, I’ve come to realize that no matter where one lands in life, it’s the light we carry within ourselves that cultivates a sense of belonging. It shines out through the darkness, beckoning our friends and neighbors to share the glow. It calls us home
Maybe that’s what the canary was talking about.
Enjoy!
As the climate continues to warm, water managers are encouraging communities across the West, like Gunnison, to be more aware of how much water their lawns and gardens need to weather the summer months.
Some are turning to xeriscaping, which means choosing plants that are adapted to drier climates. The term “xeriscaping” was born in Colorado in the 1980s, first coined by Denver Water, the state’s largest and oldest water utility company. Denver Water crafted the phrase by combining the word landscaping with the Greek phrase “xeros,” which means dry. It was created as part of a program designed to promote water conservation on the Front Range.
Xeriscaping — which is the use of climate-appropriate plants and grasses, rather than traditional, waterintensive turf — has grown in popularity over the years. These kinds of landscapes and gardens are commonly found in communities with dry, or desert-like environments around the country, including the Gunnison Valley. Spaces with a colorful array of native plants, well adapted for Colorado’s semi-arid climate and high altitudes, are possible.
With water conservation in mind, the City of Gunnison included xeriscaping in some of its recent projects, like the garden behind the new bus stop near the Gunnison County Library on Quartz Street. At the Gunnison Community School’s “Outdoor Learning Lab,” students have explored ways to increase biodiversity in their own backyard while being aware of their water use. The Gunnison Conservation District and the Upper Gunnison River Water Conservancy District supplied the wildflower mixes.
“We have to get used to and adapt to a future with less water,” said Upper Gunnison General Manager Sonja
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Chavez. “It’s doing more with the water we have.”
Many people have preconceived notions about xeriscaping, imagining extensive rock work and only the use of true desert plants such as cacti, Chavez said. But in states like Colorado, this is often not the case.
In Gunnison, xeriscapes often boast countless types of native plants. In addition to attract ing pollinators, such as hummingbirds, bees and butterflies, these gardens are drought tolerant and don’t need to be watered as often as traditional grass.
“Using native plants that are adapted to this climate is important, and they’re beautiful,” Chavez said.
The leafy buckwheat, the showy blue flowers of the Rocky Mountain penstemon or “beardtongue,” and the brilliant purple coneflower can be found in xeriscape gardens across the Western Slope. Shrubby yellow cinquefoils and the sweet-smelling pink wild rose may be used as ground cover. Fireweed blooms bring bright pink flowers, and the Colorado blue columbine, soft purple.
gist with the Gunnison Conservation District, said gardeners should avoid converting a large space to rock or gravel because it can promote aridification and act as a “heat island.”
material collects and radiates heat.”
Some homeowners may find the prospect of converting their whole front yard to be daunting. Rummel suggested starting with a small space, such as around a bench or walkway, or in the extra space on a patio. Native seed mixes can create a “cottage garden look” with a lot of diversity for a relatively low cost, she said.
Aleshia Rummel, a wildlife biolo -
“It’s the same concept as if you’re in a parking lot,” she said. “All of that
Crevice gardens
Five years ago, longtime Gunnison resident Gay Austin had what she described as a “weedy” front lawn. Austin, a botanist, was looking for a makeover, but didn’t want traditional Kentucky bluegrass, which needs to be frequently mowed and watered throughout the summer.
With help from Kenton Seth, a western Coloradobased landscaper who specializes in building spaces that fit the region’s climate, the pair crafted a crevice garden in a portion of Austin’s yard. Seth carefully placed large granite boulders, similar to those found at Hartman Rocks, to create small nooks and crannies that could hold seed. Soon, native plants sprouted from each crack in the rocks, creating a gar-
den similar to the landscape found in the alpine. Austin picked out species native to the Gunnison Valley, such as orange cowboy’s delight and checker mallow, so they are already acclimated to the harsh climate. Grasses of all shapes and colors grew around the rocks. Most of the plants are perennial and sprout each June when the snow melts.
Seth grew up in Grand Junction, and as he got to know the land around him better, he realized that Western Colorado is desertifying. This process, which often stems from land mismanagement, or climate change, is something that many associate with Africa or Australia. But it’s also happening on the Western Slope, he said.
In the beginning, his landscaping techniques were motivated by a “water scarcity mentality,” he said. Ten years later, reducing water use has remained central to his work, but he’s also embraced the plethora of other benefits that come with xeriscaping.
Maximum plant coverage with a minimal amount of water means there aren’t leftovers for weeds. Xeriscapes are also low maintenance, require less chemical use and feed pollinators and other wildlife.
“I’m not a hardcore water conservationist or motivated by that same fear, as much as seeing that it’s just a saner way [to landscape],” he said. “Everything’s better when you go dry.” n
(Photos by Mariel Wiley)
As the final rays of a winter's eve sunset danced across the earthen plaster-sculpted walls of the living room, exposed flecks of micah reflected a subtle shimmer, transforming the space into a carnival of visual delights. Nooks and crannies were lovingly decorated with multi-colored owl figurines and other treasures from local thrift shops. Although Gunnison locals Nancy Lakiotes and Bryan Smith keep the thermostat in their three-bedroom, two-bathroom home set to a modest 57 degrees Fahrenheit, the overall temperature within rarely fluctuates beyond a four-degree range no matter the season. This is a stark contrast to the high country upswings and
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TOGETHER WE SOLD OVER $26 MILLION IN THE LAST YEAR AND $60 MILLION IN THE LAST 2 YEARS IN LOCAL REAL ESTATE.
Primarily within the city limits and just outside.
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dips that occur daily just beyond the home’s thick, straw bale insulated walls.
The straw insulation, considered a waste product in the world of agriculture, was sourced from a farm near Grand Junction that specializes in turning “trash” into constructiongrade building material. Homes constructed in this style have existed for hundreds of years, yet their design remains a novelty in the modern construction industry. Lakiotes and Smith have lived in their straw bale home for just over 10 years. When asked what they love most about it, the couple exchanged glances.
“We taught outdoor education for a long time, and a lot of that is just environmental ethics,” Smith said, “Now, we’re doing what we preached.”
The couple's dream of home ownership in the Gunnison community and shared desire to live as sustainably as possible grew from a spark to a full-blown flame in February of 2013. That's when their friend and straw bale home contractor, Dusty Sylvanson, approached them with the idea of becoming "guinea pigs" for an experiment. Sylvanson was looking to start an extension of the Utah-based nonprofit, Community Rebuilds, in Gunnison County. The organization’s mission combines energy-efficient affordable housing solutions with hands-on intern education in environmentally friendly building practices.
“The program was why we were able to do a straw bale [home]. It meant we weren’t paying other contractors for hours of labor.” Lakiotes said. “Otherwise, it’s probably not something we would have been able to do.”
The interns, with assistance from contractor “instructors” and the homeowners, completed the project in December of that year, gaining valuable new skills and lifelong friendships. Several of the
smoothed the sand, mud and straw hybrid floor.
“Over 160 people took time out of their day[s] to come help build our house,” Smith recalled, “It was extremely humbling.”
Five months and a deluge of communal sweat later, it was time to move in. The transition was mostly seamless, though the team forgot to connect the kitchen island outlets to the home’s electrical system. This mishap turned into a quick repair due to the floor’s malleable nature, as opposed to more fixed substances like concrete. Buckets of water were brought in to soak that section of the floor so a trench could be scooped out to safely contain necessary wiring.
interns have kept in touch with Lakiotes and Smith over the years.
After a months-long application process, which included meeting low income-based requirements and securing a loan from the United States Department of Agriculture, Lakiotes and Smith were accepted into the fledgling Gunnison Community Rebuilds program. In July of 2013, a team of program interns arrived to begin construction.
Friends and neighbors were invited to participate in the construction process on two special volunteer build days. The first involved shaping and stacking bales of straw into the home’s wooden frame. This is necessary because stand-alone straw bales are not load-bearing. For the second event, volunteers poured and
The entire floor took about six months to fully cure after being sealed with a waterproof blend of oil and wax. Smith has only needed to buff the floor twice in the past 10 years to maintain the coating.
Almost every aspect of the home was designed with energy efficiency and sustainability in mind. Much of the clay used in creating the plaster for the walls was sourced near Hartman Rocks. Large, south-facing windows allow maximum sunshine in, while windows on the north side are tiny, by comparison, to minimize draft. The angle of the exterior eaves was designed with Gunnison’s unique latitude in mind. This helps to keep the home’s internal temperature consistent by letting more light in while the sun rests lower in the sky during the winter and less when it sits higher during the summer months.
A solar window, similar to a skylight, was placed in the master bathroom, and the shower walls were sculpted with Tadelakt, a Moroccan, limebased plaster with a feel similar to tile. Tadelakt is known to have hard water and mildew-resistant properties, making the use of abrasive cleaning products unnecessary. Smith adds a coating of wax to the Tadelakt about four
times a year to prevent the plaster from cracking.
Because the home’s walls are built almost entirely out of organic material, they are vapor-permeable. This means that interior moisture is slowly released through the walls, while heat is retained. The walls are so well-insulated that a heat recovery ventilation (HRV) system was installed to draw moist air up and out while sending fresh, pre-warmed air back into the home, essentially allowing the structure to “breathe.” A common misconception regarding straw bale homes is that they’re incredibly warm by nature. A more accurate descriptor would be “consistent,” Smith noted.
“It’s like a little cave that still gets sun,” Lakiotes said.
In the span of a decade, the structure has held up incredibly well against the mercurial climate of the Gunnison Valley. Aside from the addition of solar panels in 2017, only a handful of other upgrades have occurred. The garage and a cov -
ered porch to prevent icy build-up around the main entrance could not be included in the couple’s mortgage because restrictions on their USDA loan required a basic, “no frills” design.
Securing insurance for the property was also a challenge. Given that few new straw bale homes exist nationwide, risk-assessment data is less prevalent. As a result, many insurers exclude straw bale structures from policy offerings. Currently, Lakiotes and Smith have one home insurance option in the Gunnison Valley.
As twilight beckoned and the temperature outside began to plummet, the couple settled in for the evening with cups of steaming tea. The rumble of traffic from nearby Hwy. 50 was almost imperceptible inside their home. The thickness and texture of the walls lent a quiet, comfortable aesthetic to the space.
“It just has a cozy feeling,” Lakiotes said. “We’ve had so many people come in and say ‘This feels like a house should feel.’” n
Without realizing it, the countless visitors that pass through Crested Butte Mountain Resort have become acquainted with the craftsmanship of Gary and Howard Klifman of Red Mountain Furniture. Every winter afternoon as the chairlifts grind to a halt, weary skiers and snowboarders seek a place to kick up their feet after a long day on the slopes. Many make their way into Mountaineer Square, where they prop their gear against pine-log ski racks and sink into matching wooden chairs.
Gary and his father, Howard, have been providing handcrafted, pine log outdoor furniture to the Gunnison Valley for 25 years. After leaving their home state of California and prior careers as butchers behind, the duo found a passion for woodworking in the valley as they built their business, Red Mountain Furniture. Although Howard retired in 2012, Gary is forging ahead.
“I love what I do, and I love where I get to do it,” Gary said. “The location has been great. I’m still working with my hands and at 63 years old I can still do it. So, why not?”
Howard arrived in the valley in 1990
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after falling in love with the location during prior skiing vacations. After a stint as owner of Coal Creek Sports and the Grubstake from 1990 to 1996, he felt a pull toward a way of life that centered around more hands-on work. Howard had already started experimenting with woodworking, and built pine porch swings that he sold out of his store before its sale.
In 1996, Howard got a call to complete an outdoor deck building job, cementing a new path away from retail and the restaurant industry. Gary made his way to the valley to help his father with the job, which took the pair a summer to complete. Like his father, Gary made the move to the valley to pursue woodworking.
During the course of this commission, the duo discovered a machine that could quickly and precisely cut down the ends of pine logs to use in “mortise and tenon” joints. These joints utilize an ancient woodworking technique that involves fitting a hand-cut rod (tenon) into a groove of the exact same dimensions (mortise).
These joints are remarkably sturdy and sleek, making them popular for furniture-making and deck railings, despite the time consuming nature of
measuring and cutting the pieces by hand. The tool that Howard and Gary purchased cut down the time needed to make each tenon from over five minutes by hand to just a few seconds with the machine. The machine eased their workload and made pursuing furniture building full-time a feasible choice.
Howard and Gary spent the next few years in search of the perfect location for their budding furniture business. They got their start working in a small, 100-square-foot shed behind Howard’s cabin in the Cement Creek neighborhood. Gary was still working as a house painter to make ends meet, but joined his father full-time in 1999. Soon after, they moved the shop into the Nikolai homestead, located on Hwy. 135 just north of Crested
Although the homestead effectively
doubled their working space, the land was zoned for agriculture, preventing the Klifmans from erecting any signage or displaying their furniture outside the building. Gary knew that they’d need to make a change if they were to succeed, and kept his eye on a property just across the highway: the historic Glacier Schoolhouse.
The schoolhouse was built in 1920 and used as such until 1960. Students in kindergarten through 12th grade would crowd into the single room for class each day, after parking their horses outside. The school provided education for kids living in the community of Glacier, now Crested Butte South, and surrounding farms.
After two years working from the Nikolai homestead, Gary and Howard were able to purchase the Glacier Schoolhouse with the help of Gary’s two brothers.
“We set up shop here in 2001. We hung up our big sign and put our wares out along the highway and just never looked back,” Gary said.
The Red Mountain Furniture showroom is a familiar landmark to anyone traveling between Gunnison and Crested Butte each day. Easily visible from the highway, the cherry-red building attracts people interested in local history, as well as potential customers.
Gary said he’d even had a few visitors whose parents, aunts and uncles attended the Glacier Schoolhouse while it was in operation. Although Gary made some modifications to the interior, the original chalkboard still hangs inside and the exterior of the building was left
untouched in an effort to preserve the historical landmark.
During the summer, Gary’s outdoor furniture is on display beside the highway and on the showroom porch. The showroom’s interior houses a collection of aspen wood indoor furniture made by woodworker Randy Jackson of Alamosa. Gary’s workshop, office and product storage spaces are nearby in the building just behind the schoolhouse.
Even though Red Mountain Furniture has shipped chairs as far as Alaska and Hawaii, most customers are local home and business owners who have stopped by to test out the furniture. These clients include the Mueller family, who formerly owned Crested Butte Mountain Resort, and John Morris, founder and owner of retail chain Bass Pro Shops and its subsidiary, Cabela’s.
In addition to providing a space for people to enjoy his handiwork, Gary said the best part about the showroom and the furniture making business is the connections he’s made along the way.
“People from all over the country have come in here and I’ve created friendships through that and good business rapport,” he said. “It’s been fantastic. It doesn’t make a whole lot of money, but I get to live in paradise.”
The Red Mountain Furniture showroom is open year-round at 21293 Hwy. 135, or online at redmountainlogworks. com. n
Over the past few years, the topic of housing has been a prominent conversation in the Gunnison Valley as average home prices have soared. Many public entities and nonprofits are working on the issue, while local workers struggle to find affordable living situations. Some seeking to settle or relocate in the valley are confronted with a pivotal decision: whether to buy or to build a home. Here’s a list of factors that could help potential homeowners make the right choice.
The pros: One of the most appealing aspects of buying a home is the convenience it offers. Buying typically means a shorter timeline compared to building, allowing buyers to move in and settle down quickly.
Buying a home also has the potential for cost savings. While existing homes may require renovations or code updates, they often come with established landscaping, infrastructure and amenities, which reduce the need for additional expenses.
The cons: In Gunnison's current real estate market, patience is a virtue. Limited inventory means that finding
the right home can take time. A lack of new housing development in the area, specifically single-family dwellings, has contributed to inflated home prices.
The decision to buy or build a home in the valley is a multifaceted one, influenced by market conditions, individual preferences and personal financial situations.
Additionally, newer homes may not always match purchaser preferences such as location, size and amenities, compared to older, existing homes. With a limited number of contractors available to meet construction demand, the Gunnison community is stuck in limbo, lacking the necessary
influx of new builds and availability of existing properties to keep pace with demand.
Older homes may come with maintenance and repair issues that can be costly and time-consuming. From outdated plumbing and electrical systems to structural issues, unforeseen repairs can quickly add up, impacting overall affordability. The availability of contractors, tradespeople and materials can make remodel projects even more difficult, delaying finish dates.
Buying a home in Gunnison's competitive real estate market can be challenging, particularly for first-time buyers or those looking for specific types of housing. With limited inventory and high demand, buyers may find themselves in bidding wars or facing steep competition, adding to the struggle of securing a desired property.
The pros: For those seeking maximum customization and control over their living space, building a home offers unparalleled opportunities. Building allows buyers to design a
home that meets their exact specifications, from layout and floor plan to finishes and materials, ensuring that every aspect of their dream home is realized.
Building a new home can mean fewer surprises and maintenance issues compared to buying an existing property. With modern construction techniques and materials, new homes are typically more energy efficient, durable and low-maintenance, reducing long-term costs and hassle for homeowners.
The cons: The Gunnison Valley has high permit and materials costs, creating a pricey starting point for building. There is also a long approval process in all municipalities, which can extend construction timelines.
A lack of affordable, available land to build on in the Gunnison Valley creates fewer options for those seeking to build. A limited number of contractors and laborers are available locally, leading to extended time frames for construction. New builds are subject to zoning regulations, building codes and environmental considerations, which can further complicate the process
and limit design and location options.
The decision to buy or build a home in the valley is a multifaceted one, influenced by market conditions, individual preferences and personal financial situations. Buying an existing home provides convenience, cost savings and a faster move-in time, yet may come with maintenance issues and stiff competition in the real estate market. On the other hand, building a home allows for maximum customization and modern amenities, but entails higher upfront costs, potential delays and regulatory hurdles.
As the Gunnison Valley continues to grapple with limited housing options and high demand, navigating this choice requires careful consideration and informed decision-making to ensure a successful and fulfilling home ownership experience in this mountain paradise. n
(Courtesy of the Brian Cooper Team at Bluebird Real Estate.)
Rosa Hernandez darted around her new kitchen. It was plenty warm inside as snow from Gunnison’s first major storm grew in heaps outside her front door. While she tidied, her young daughter was a few feet away, stretched out on a blue sofa. Her feet were splayed on the arm and her head bobbed to one side as she watched cartoons.
Hernandez’s family was one of the first to move into Gunnison County’s newest affordable housing development, Sawtooth. The boxy, colorful homes are arranged along the south end of 14th Street, next to the Gunnison County Fairgrounds. The allelectric modular homes are the latest in the county’s commitment to provide affordable housing to the community. Just months after welcoming the first tenant, nearly all the homes were filled with locals. The project’s 30-unit second phase is expected by the end of 2024.
Just a year prior, Hernandez was cramped into a single trailer at Country Meadows (recently renamed Ski Town Village) with her husband and daughter. For the four years they lived there, she said the heater would often break and the water would turn off unexpectedly.
Her new home provides consistent heat, water and the chance to do a load of laundry at any time — a luxury for many locals who spend hours each weekend at Gunnison’s two laundro mats, watching the metal cylinders chug in circles. The open concept on the first floor means there's ample space for everyone. There’s enough room for her daughter’s play castle, a windowsill with photos of fam ily members, a full pantry and a couch to relax on.
“It was more for my daugh ter. She needed a little more space. And now she’s happy, she has more space to run around,” Hernandez said.
The county started on the 18 prefabricated units that comprise phase 1 of the develop ment in 2021, funded primarily by one-time pandemic money. Sawtooth is made up of six duplexes with a two-car garage, and six single-occupancy units. Each has its own yard space. The homes are entirely electric and use air-source heat pumps, which are more effi cient than elec tric base board heating.
“When both phases are complete,
Sawtooth will provide an additional 50 homes for our community,” said Assistant County Manager for Operations and Sustainability, John Cattles. “Because of the [county’s] commitment to funding a significant portion of the project with one-time COVID-era relief funds, the project will be able to maintain attainable rents.”
The county offers Sawtooth units for rent, not for sale. This creates housing stock for the “missing middle,” residents who earn too much to qualify for a deed-restricted mortgage, but too little to purchase in Gunnison’s pricey housing market. Rents are managed through county policy. Half of the units are set aside for residents making up to 80% of area median income (AMI) — roughly $56,000 for a twoperson household. The rest are offered between 80-120% AMI, Cattles said.
The county is not alone in its push to provide homes for local workers. Rural resort towns across the mountain West are investing more money into housing than ever before, according to an region-wide affordable housing report published at the end of 2023. The Gunnison Board of County Commissioners set a goal to build 300 new, affordable housing units by 2030.
According to the report, 280 are in some phase of development.
Five months after the first move in, all but two of the 18 units are filled,
“It was more for my daughter. She needed a little more space. And now she’s happy, she has more space to run around.”Rosa Hernandez Sawtooth resident
Cattles said. About half of those units are filled with Gunnison County employees. Hernandez moved in November with her daughter, husband and brother.
Her new home at Sawtooth is less than a mile from her job as a health navigator at Gunnison County Health and Human Services. Day in and day out, she translates for Spanish-
speakers: making appointments for the doctors and counselors or filling out insurance applications. She arrived in Gunnison from Guatemala when she was just 17. Now 24, she’s settled in the valley, most notable in that she’s officially a “Nordic-skiing lover.”
Hernandez can park in the street right in front of her home, or in the garage. Although her rent is nearly double what she paid at the trailer park off Hwy. 135, it’s a more comfortable home for her family.
“It’s a beautiful house,” she said.
Sawtooth’s second phase is expected to be done by the end of 2024, and will offer an additional 30 units. Rent revenue from the first 18 homes will subsidize phase 2. This allows the county to keep rents low and reinvest money into its long-term affordable housing plans.
The county is preparing to submit permits for phase 2 to the City of Gunnison and the state. If the permits are approved, the county expects to break ground on the site as soon as the ground thaws. n
For many Gunnison Valley residents, the idea of home ownership can feel impossibly distant and overwhelming; a vast and untraversed landscape available only to a select few. Fortunately, this wilderness has been extensively explored. There are several local and regional organizations and programs available to assist those intrepid enough to venture into seemingly uncharted territory.
Lauren Woodyard is a licensed Berkshire Hathaway real estate agent and the ownership program manager for the Gunnison Valley Regional Housing Authority (GVRHA). The organization’s mission is to “advocate, promote, plan and provide a long-term supply of desirable and affordable housing in Gunnison County in order to maintain a well-rounded community.”
Woodyard’s role at GVRHA is to manage compliance for over 500 unique deed restrictions on homes in Gunnison County. She also works to
create sustainable systems that promote housing stability for renters and homeowners alike. Woodyard offers the following advice for anyone looking to turn home ownership dreams into a reality.
Create a timeline and long-range plan
When are you looking to purchase? Think about what the housing market is doing. If the market were to change, how would that impact your plans? Ask yourself why you’d like to purchase a home in the first place.
“A lot of people in this valley are pressured to want to purchase a home for security purposes, not necessarily because they want to be a homeowner,” Woodyard said. “If, financially, you’re not wanting or ready to [do repairs and ongoing maintenance], then it doesn’t make sense to be buying a home right now.”
Woodyard further cites the reality of unsustainable income and rental options facing many valley residents as an undeniable source of housing insecurity. Purchasing a home is one
of the largest transactions many will ever make, so be sure that this decision is in alignment with your goals.
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to put 20% down if you are a firsttime homebuyer. There are many programs that allow a down payment of 3-5%, and some that have a 0% down payment option. This is something that a lender can help you explore. Keep in mind that a down payment is something that will buy down the interest rate of your loan in some cases. If you have good credit and a decent down payment, you will be able to access loans with lower interest rates.
GVRHA is looking to implement a down payment assistance program (DPA) in 2024. The Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) offers DPA if you choose a CHFA loan when purchasing your home. Before committing to a DPA program, make sure you are aware of the associated repayment plan. Some DPA programs
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require you to pay as if they are loans, and others don’t require repayment at all. Some loans require upfront repayment, whereas others require repayment upon sale. Grants require no repayment.
The Gunnison Crested-Butte Association of Realtors (GCAR) offers a home-buyer assistance program that is not specific to down payments, though funds awarded may be used toward a down payment. More information and application materials are available on their website at gcaor.org.
Finding a lender you can trust is probably the most important step. The entire homebuying process is about shopping for the best fit for you, and that includes your lender. It costs nothing to sit down with someone and tell them about your goals and timelines. This person should be supportive and helpful. If you feel like it’s not a match, find a different lender.
Your lender is going to look at your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio as one of the first steps. Knowing the debts you carry and having an accurate picture of your income before you meet with them will help determine how much
they are able to eventually lend to you. Different loans have different rates for different DTI ratios. If you want to find the best product that will fit your needs, you’ll need to have an in-depth understanding of your DTI ratio. Your lender can help with this.
Not all loans are created equally. There are hundreds of different loan programs out there. It’s your lender’s job to find a product that fits your needs perfectly. Gunnison County qualifies for the United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development Loan, and CHFA offers first-time homebuyer loans. Many banks also offer different loan products. These are just a few of the options available locally. GVRHA has a list of verified lenders with extensive deed restriction and free market sales experience available on their website at gvrha.org.
Decide if you need or want to work with a real estate agent. Agents are incredibly helpful when you’re sorting through home transaction paperwork. Partnering with an agent is highly recommended, as they know the language and process of home transactions. Be sure your agent knows deed
It’s important to choose lenders and realtors with whom you can communicate effectively. (Courtesy Bluebird Real Estate)
restriction requirements well if you plan to purchase a deed-restricted home.
Deed restrictions indicate what legally can and cannot be done to or with a property. From GVRHA:
“A deed restriction is a document that is recorded against the property and runs with the property that ‘restricts’ the use of the property to the covenants [rules] listed in the document. The majority of deed restrictions, which vary from home-to-home, have some elements of working in the community, not using your home as an investment property, having an appreciation cap on how much someone can sell their property for, and working with GVRHA to ensure that the property stays in compliance with the deed restriction.”
Failure to understand the requirements of deed restriction will cause numerous issues and stress down the line.
Your real estate agent and your lender will be walking you through every step in the homebuying process. Communicate to your agent who you’ve chosen as a lender, because they will also need to communicate with each other. If you choose not to work with an agent, seek legal counsel to prepare and review documents on your behalf.
“It’s not really talked about, but when buying a house, you should be surrounded by people that make you feel good,” Woodyard said. “Your real estate agent [and lender] should be somebody who you can connect and get personal with.”
After working through the information listed above, you’re now more prepared to go out and find a home to purchase. Perhaps the most stressful part of the purchasing process is not knowing what’s coming up next. Creating a calendar of important dates and deadlines is something that your lender and agent will thank you for providing. It will also offer you peace of mind as you navigate the perilous, yet ultimately rewarding path to home ownership. n
Terra Kirkley’s cozy Gunnison abode is a haven of greenery. Potted plants of all sizes and forms adorn the space from floor to ceiling, reaching upward into the abundant afternoon sunlight. Her canine companion, Aristotle, lounges on the living room sofa, basking in the leaf-filtered glow. But this space is more than just a home. It’s the hub of Kirkley’s budding indoor plant care business, Terra Care, LLC.
“Bringing [a love of plants] to other people is something that I am excited to do,” she said. “My plants have really given me something to look forward to each day.”
Eight years ago, Kirkley’s mother sent her a bouquet of flowers for her 25th birthday. Tucked into the arrangement was a cutting from an umbrella tree. She vowed to keep the cutting alive and today, that once diminutive tree has become a centerpiece of her diverse and thriving collection.
Over time, Kirkley discovered that she had a knack for keeping not only her own plants happy, but those of her family and friends. Several plants in
her ever-growing menagerie were also gifted — some were not very healthy when they arrived. Discovering the nuances of each plant’s individual needs and a growing interest in propagation techniques eventually blossomed into Terra Care in October of 2023.
“I looked into the idea to see if there was anything like indoor plant care around the valley and sure enough, there’s not,” she said. “There’s really nothing like it in the state, so I found that niche.”
Kirkley’s business model is unique. She visits her client’s homes and businesses, including those with vacation rentals or who leave town for extended periods of time, to tend to their indoor plants on a custom schedule. No job is too large or too small. She also helps with gardening during the summer months.
“I love all sorts of plants, so whatever the plant care needs are, I’m there and willing to take care of them,” she said. “My first client was simply repotting plants that she didn’t feel like she had the time for.”
Kirkely’s expertise has expanded with tireless research on various plant species, along with the joy of getting
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her hands into the soil and seeing tiny sprouts emerge and flourish. She offers the following advice for anyone looking to enhance their living space with happy, healthy plant life:
All plants have differing needs when it comes to light. Most thrive in the sun, but the appearance of brown areas on a plant’s leaves may indicate too much exposure. Notice where sunlight naturally does or doesn’t fall in the home and utilize that space accordingly. If a living space lacks south-facing windows, synthetic grow lights can provide a boost.
A frequent mistake many plant owners make is overwatering. Root rot is a common issue that occurs when soil stays too moist for extended periods of time. Sticking a finger in the soil is the
simplest way to see if plants are ready to be watered. For most, soil should be dry, but not “desert” dry. A small amount of moisture is okay. Damp or fully wet soil should be left to dry for a longer period of time. When in doubt, purchasing a water meter for houseplants can help determine if it’s time to hydrate.
Calcium rings around pots and planters can be a sign that plants are getting minerals from tap water that they don’t like. Kirkley suggests using filtered water if build-up appears. This prevents interaction with minerals commonly found in hard water. A handful of plants, including some succulents, orchids, pothos, philodendrons and jades, prefer distilled water for optimum happiness.
When plants begin to look overgrown, it may be time to prune or
repot them. Blooming is not always a sign that plants are thriving. Flowers, while beautiful, can keep essential nutrients away from the other stalks.
“For flowering plants, like orchids, it’s a good thing to see them bloom. [For others], like spider plants, it just means that they’re creating babies,” Kirkely said.
When it comes to pruning, she adds, ”It just depends on the plant and how you want it to look and grow.”
Some plants, like jades, prefer the contained environment of a smaller pot in order to grow larger. If the pot is too big, a jade won’t grow to a thriving size. For most other plants, repotting eventually becomes a necessity to pre vent stunted growth.
For those who feel perennially cursed when it comes to plant care, Kirkley recommends finding spe cies that require less water and atten tion, such as umbrella trees, happy beans or spider plants. In addition, plant identification apps are a helpful tool to increase one’s knowledge and determine their plants’ specific care requirements.
Terra Kirkley can be reached by phone at 970.617.6425, via Instagram @terracarellc or by email at plantcarebyterra@gmail.com.
If you build it, they will
The great backyard pastime of cornhole has mysterious beginnings. Some say it started in Germany in the 14th Century, while others believe it was created by the Blackhawk Tribe in Illinois. Perhaps it was invented by a Kentucky farmer in the 1800s. Regardless of its origins, you’ve likely seen the game played in a backyard, brewery, or at an outdoor gathering, accompanied by rowdy cheers and the thunk of small, square sand bags bouncing off plywood.
I rarely impress friends and family with my cornhole skills, so I decided to build a set for at-home practice. I can’t say I saw a large improvement in my game, but people were definitely impressed by the shiny, new cornhole set that I laid out at my last barbeque. Below are the plans I used to build my set over a weekend using easily-accessible tools. I chose cedar wood because it’s naturally rot-resistant and will hold up better outside. Baltic birch plywood is not necessary, but I would recommend something of similar quality.
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Materials:
28” x 48” 1/2” Baltic birch (or simi lar) plywood x 2
8’ x 1” x 4” cedar board x 4
2” x 4” x 1” cedar board (approximately 4’ long) x 1
Wood glue
3/4” pocket hole screws x 24 1-1/2” pocket hole screws x 24
Polyurethane for finish Paint or decal of your choice 120 grit sandpaper
3” x 1/2” carriage bolts x 4 1/2” washers x 8
1/2” wing nuts x 4
Tools:
Pocket hole jig
Measuring tape
Circular saw (or miter saw)
Jigsaw
Pencil
Clamps
Drill Router
1/4” roundover bit
Flush trim bit
Router circle guide
Random orbit sander
Speed square
1. Cut the plywood top to the 24” x 48” dimensions. These cuts can be made by the lumber yard or store where you purchased the plywood.
2. Use a round over bit in your router on the top and bottom sides of your plywood to give it a nice round edge.
3. Cut all 1” x 4” cedar boards for the frame using the following cut list. You should have four pieces at 47” for the long sides and six pieces at 21” for the cross pieces.
4. Set the thickness to 1” on your pocket hole jig. Drill all the holes using the pocket hole drill bit that came with the pocket hole jig. Be sure to set the collar at the correct distance.
5. Assemble the frame using the cut cedar boards and the 1-1/2” pocket hole screws. Apply glue to each joint and attach with two pocket holes. Corner clamps or a pocket hole clamp can help hold the pieces together.
6. Check that the frame is square using your speed square.
7. Reset the depth of material on your pocket hole jig to 1/2” thick material and adjust the depth collar on the drill bit.
8. Clamp the frame to the plywood top, making sure to inset the frame 1/2” on all sides. This is to ensure that the pocket hole screws do not blow through the sides of the plywood.
9. Attach the frame to the plywood top using the 3/4” pocket hole screws evenly spaced around the frame. Be sure to not over-tighten these screws
and blow through the top or side of the plywood.
10. Flip the frame and plywood top over so that the plywood is facing up. Measure 12” from the side and then down 9” from the top to mark the center of the circle.
11. Place your circle guide pivot point on the center of the circle. Using your router and the circle guide, make shallow cuts until you are all the way through the plywood and the hole has been cut.
12. Using a flush trim bit in your router, run over the hole to ensure a clean cut.
13. Put your roundover bit in your router and run it around the top and bottom of the hole to round over each edge.
14. Cut the 2” x 4” into 11-1/2” for the four legs. Make a full 3-1/2” radius cut on one end of each leg. To make the cut, measure 1-3/4” down from the top edge and use a compass to draw an arc. Cut along the line with a jigsaw. Sand the newly cut edge to make it smooth.
15. Drill a 1/2” hole through the 2” x 4” leg, centered on the point used to draw the arc above. Using washers
as spacers to make sure the leg is not touching the plywood or wood frame, mark a spot on the frame with a pencil through the hole drilled in the 2” x 4” leg.
16. Drill a 1/2” hole through the frame and insert the 3” carriage bolt through the frame from the outside. Add a washer between the frame and the leg. Add the leg and secure it with a washer and wing nut from the inside. Repeat this step until all four legs are attached.
17. Test that all the legs can fold in and out easily and adjust using the wing nut.
18. To cut the angle on the legs, turn the box right-side up and place it on a workbench with the legs extended over the edge of the workbench. Place a spacer (I used a paint can) under the box until the top of the plywood is 12” off the workbench. Using the table top as a guide and your speed square, draw a straight line across the bottom of the 2” x 4”. Repeat on the other leg. Cut the waste off using a circular saw or miter saw.
19. Sand the entire board with 120 grit sandpaper.
20. Wipe down the top of the board with mineral spirits to clean off any dust before applying any vinyl decals or finish.
21. Apply vinyl decals and paint the cornhole boards to your heart’s desire.
22. To finish, apply five coats of Polyurethane, as per the instructions on the container. Be sure to sand lightly between each coat.
23. Enjoy! n
The
315 Main St. Pitkin, CO.
Historic Pitkin Assay Office is part of this 3 lot, multi use par-cel, located on Main St., Pitkin with 3 bedrooms, 1 1/2 bath, fenced in front yard, detached garage and large gazebo for enjoying the days and evenings. Beautiful large pine trees adorn the front yard and an open front porch to sit on and relax.
$329,900 MLS #807821
312 Main St. Pitkin, CO. This custom built, 3 bedroom 2 bath home with an extra large lot already fenced for the dogs, Main St. frontage in the heart of Pitkin. Custom cabinets, large kitchen and open dining / living room area with a two car garage attached. Master bath has a jaquzzi tub for relaxing after a tough day, upstairs sitting area next to the master and oh so much more. Call now. $725,000 MLS #807207
Lot in OHIO CITY at the Big Horn Ranch, waiting for you at $85,000 and MLS # 808292.
PLUS many more coming on the market this spring, in town (Pitkin) and on the mountain (Quartz Creek Properties) from a beauiful log cabin/homes to vacant lots. Come enjoy the area in and around Pitkin, for your spring/ summer/fall recreational enjoyment. A great place to come, explore and enjoy.
Building sites in Pitkin and on the mountain
About 20 years ago, my husband, Alan, and I moved to Denver. We had eight kids between us and, incredibly, found a cheap house to rent that sheltered us all. It had a huge backyard that was nothing more than an empty lot full of ragweed. We had solved the issue of housing ourselves, but we also needed to feed ourselves. We had the
perfect, blank canvas for a home garden, so we rolled up our sleeves. Over the course of the next few years, we transformed our backyard into a foodproducing oasis in the city with the help of our children.
“Carrots, more than any other vegetable we grew, entertained us as much as fed us.”Issa Forrest
When friends and neighbors asked what we were growing, it was easier to list what we were not growing. We had one small patch of grass to wiggle our toes in and kick a hacky sack around. When looking back on what it took to create the garden and then to harvest and process the food, the old adage “labor of love” applies. It was also a labor of bad attitudes, hurt feelings, blisters and, at times, anger. Doing any big project as a family includes those things. But now we all reminisce about how much we loved that backyard.
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Looking for small ways to save energy and money?
GCEA offers weatherization rebates to reduce the cost of your home weatherization projects
GCEA offers home weatherization rebates for the following:
Use energy wisely and save money in your home with energy-efficient products
For more information, scan the QR code
GCEA COOP
970-641-3520
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At the height of the season, we loved seeing our kids go into the garden and grab something off a bush, vine or even out of the ground — they would brush it off and eat it then and there. We had pole beans growing up trel -
lises shaped like tipis. During the summer, if I couldn’t locate our youngest, she could usually be found sitting in the middle of one of those tipis with a stuffed animal or two in tow, eating green beans straight off the vine.
Each of us spent time in the garden foraging and eating fresh strawberries,
snap peas, edamame and tomatoes. Everyone had their vegetable likes and dislikes, but the kids all agreed that pulling carrots out of the ground was the most fun. Taking time to poke around through the green tops to find the one you wanted, digging down a bit and then giving it a series of jiggles and tugs until you felt the earth let it go was always an adventure. Sometimes the carrot was picture perfect, long and thin. So satisfying! Sometimes they came up looking like a three or fourlegged octopus. Other times, they were desperately clinging to their neighbor in a more passionate embrace than you would ever think a vegetable is capable of. It was those carrots that inspired a “freak-of-the-week” contest and gave us all a good laugh.
Carrots, more than any other vegetable we grew, entertained us as much as fed us. That makes them the perfect vegetable to grow with children. They grow well in the Gunnison Valley and you can grow a lot of carrots in a small space, container or pot. We have several local producers who sell their organic carrots at the Gunnison farmers market during the summer months.
There are four main categories of carrots. Each has a distinct shape and particular cultivation needs to achieve the best results:
Imperator: Sweet and very long if grown in loose, deep soil. These will become your “freaks-of-theweek” if grown in shallow, clay soil. Tendersweet is considered the best heirloom variety of this category.
Danvers: A classic, medium-length carrot with a wide top that tapers to a point. Imagine the kind of carrot Bugs Bunny would snack on. It grows well in heavier, shallower soil. Danvers 126 heirloom variety will not disappoint. A deeply flavorful vegetable.
Chantenay: These are typically short and stubby, so they grow better than any other carrot in shallow clay and rocky soil. If left to mature too long, they tend to get woody and fibrous. Nobody likes that. Red Core Chantenay has a bright orange exterior and a beautiful red core, as the name implies. Chantenay is an excellent variety to can or freeze.
Nantes: A French heirloom variety, cylindrical in shape with a blunt end. Practically coreless and very sweet, Nantes thrives in loose, well-drained soil. Littlefinger is an excellent choice to grow in a container or pot. You can grow a lot of them in such a space. This may be the best kind to share with your children, especially young ones. They are small, in the 3-4 inch range, and they mature quickly.
There are several varieties of carrots that come in purple, yellow, white and red. It is possible to find seed blend packets that contain this rainbow of colors, adding an extra layer of adventure and surprise when harvesting with your kids.
Carrots can be stored for months under the right conditions. The key to storing carrots long-term is keeping them moist and cool. For this, sand is the ideal medium. Put a few inches of sand in the bottom of a box or crate (we used old coolers) followed by a layer of carrots. Repeat layers until the container is full, ending with a layer of sand. Wet the top layer slightly to keep the environment damp. Store the container in a garage or shed to keep the temperature range at about 33-44 degrees Fahrenheit.
In my experience, children love eating home-grown carrots. They are incredibly flavorful and there is no other crunch quite like it! If all of our children agreed on that, I believe yours will, too. n
plants are toxic to cats and dogs
Plants can be beautiful additions to a home and provide a natural way to filter interior air. Many homeowners prefer to enhance their spaces with greenery and flowers. However, pet owners should be cautious with their plant choices to safeguard their furry friends.
Many adults understand that it can be unsafe to consume certain varieties of plants. Children are instructed to avoid eating them as well. Even though many pets can be trained to steer clear of certain dangers, their natural propensity to gnaw on things out of curiosity or even boredom may entice them to investigate plants.
Some plants are more dangerous than others. According to the Farmer’s Almanac, more than 700 indoor and outdoor plants contain toxic substances that are not safe for cats and dogs. Learning about common plants and their hazards can help keep pets safe. The following are some common plants that are toxic to cats and dogs, courtesy of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
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Aloe vera: While the gel of an Aloe is considered edible, consuming the rest of the plant may cause lethargy, diarrhea and vomiting.
Amaryllis: There are many different types of amaryllis. Most will cause vomiting, depression, diarrhea, abdominal pain, hypersalivation and tremors in cats and dogs.
Azalea: These plants of the rhododendron family cause vomiting, diarrhea, muscle weakness and potential cardiac failure.
Begonia: The most toxic part of this plant is underground. However, it may cause vomiting and salivation in dogs and cats if consumed.
California ivy: The foliage is more toxic than the berries, and could contribute to vomiting, abdominal pain, hypersalivation and diarrhea.
Clematis: Salivation, vomiting and diarrhea are common if the plant is ingested.
Daisy (and other chrysanthemum species): Dermatitis, vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation and loss of coordination may occur.
Elephant ears: Consuming elephant ears may cause oral irritation, pain and swelling of the mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling and difficulty swallowing.
Foxglove: This may cause cardiac arrhythmia, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, cardiac failure and death.
Geranium: Ingesting geranium may lead to depression, dermatitis and vomiting.
Holly: Vomiting, diarrhea and depression may occur. However, the leaves and berries are low toxicity.
Mother of millions: This could cause vomiting, diarrhea, and, in rare instances, abnormal heart rhythm.
Philodendron: Oral irritation, pain and swelling of the mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing could occur.
Sago palm: The Sago palm can cause vomiting, increased thirst, hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, bruising, coagulopathy, liver damage, liver failure and death.
Snake plant: Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea could occur if pets ingest this plant.
For a complete list of plants that are toxic to cats, dogs and horses, visit aspca.org. Those who suspect that their pets may have ingested a potentially toxic substance should call their local veterinarian or the ASPCA at 888.426.4435 as soon as possible.
(Source: Metro Creative)
Consumer efforts to be more ecoconscious are becoming more and more noticeable. One indicator of expanding interest in eco-friendly products is the increasing popularity of energy-efficient homes. A recent survey from the National Association of Home Builders found that energyefficient features rank among the most sought-after “must-haves” among homebuyers. Of those surveyed, 83% desired Energy Star-rated windows, 81% wanted Energy Star-rated appliances and 80% preferred energy-efficient lighting.
Though eco-conscious sensibilities compel millions of homeowners
to make their homes more energyefficient, that’s not the only reason to upgrade your home. Consider the following benefits:
Save money: Inflation was one of the biggest stories of 2022, as the cost of living rose dramatically in the wake of world events. According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, inflation led to an overall 6.5% increase in prices. But that increase was dwarfed by the cost of electricity, which increased by 14.3% in 2022. Energy-efficient appliances can help homeowners overcome that spike, as the U.S. Department of Energy indicates that upgrading to such products can help homeowners reduce their energy costs by as much as 30%. The Gunnison Valley
Rural Housing Authority has several options available to potentially reduce the financial strain that may accompany home energy upgrades through their GV-HEAT program at gvrha.org/ gvheat.
Improve resale value: As the NAHB survey further indicates, modern homebuyers are willing to pay more for energy-efficiency. Research from the mortgage lender Freddie Mac found that homes with energy-efficient ratings sold for nearly 3% more on average than homes without such ratings.
Live healthier: According to the American Council for an Energy-
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Efficient Economy, insulation and air sealing protect individuals from heat waves and other ripple effects of climate change. The ACEEE notes that weatherization can improve indoor air quality and comfort, a notable benefit for asthma sufferers and seniors.
Solar power harnesses the sun’s energy and converts it into electricity that can be used in homes. Many people are familiar with photovoltaics (PV), which are the panels that absorb sunlight and create an electric field across their layers.
The upfront expense of solar panels is significant, costing anywhere from $10,000-$14,000 for initial installation. Comparatively speaking, homeowners can spend $1,500 or more per year on electricity, so solar panels will pay for themselves over time. Keep in mind that costs may vary depending on energy needs and how many panels will be required to service the system.
The Federal Trade Commission’s
Full service electrical contractor serving the Commercial, Industrial & Residential needs of the Gunnison, Crested Butte and Lake City communities.
EC Electric can meet your electrical needs for any project, whether large or small.
“Consumer Advice” says that the amount of power generated from a solar energy system depends on a few factors, including the average num -
ber of hours of direct, unshaded sunlight your roof gets each year, the pitch (angle), age and condition of your roof and the compass direction it faces, the size and strength of your system and environmental factors such as snow, dust or shade that may cover the system.
Homeowners may find it worthwhile to explore solar energy, particularly if they consume high amounts of electricity. The Gunnison County Electric Association offers residents who produce solar power with a net metering program. According to their website, “net metering allows members to take advantage of a grid-tied renewable generation system. With net metering, excess generation can be transferred to the grid, allowing the member to offset the cost of power from GCEA.” More information on net metering can be found on GCEA’s website at gcea.coop.
Energy-efficient products and practices pay numerous dividends, making them a worthy expenditure for anyone looking to upgrade their living space and save money in the long run.
(Source: Metro Creative)
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