The Typical Wood-Frame Home Which Has Dominated Subdivisions Since the 1990s May Soon Be History
Let’s say that the writing is on the wall. The kind of site-built wood-frame homes that have dominated new American subdivisions since about 1990 are getting too expensive to satisfy America’s needs in a time of severe housing shortage.
Several factors are at work which make that style of home construction soon to be obsolete.
Factor #1: Labor shortages, especially with immigrant labor being deported.
Factor #2: Wildfire vulnerability of wood-frame homes, as demonstrated in Boulder County and more recently in southern California.
just a few years ago, but is now becoming mainstream. Other builders have learned from Lennar’s experience and multiple companies have entered that space.
Factor #3: Climate change, which is spiking a demand for greater resiliency in home construction — not just from fire, but from high-wind events like tornadoes and hurricanes.
Factor #4: Higher costs, aggravated no doubt by 25% tariffs on the Canadian lumber used in most new homes.
Having followed trade publications for the home construction and related industries, I am convinced that other technologies and techniques for home construction are about to go mainstream, making today’s wood-frame, onsite building process soon to be obsolete, or at least out of favor except for super expensive custom homes.
I also believe we will see more attention paid to the siting of new homes. It’s easy enough to site a home so that it benefits from solar gain, even if it is not solar-powered. Simply having big windows to the south with a wide overhang allowing solar gain from the low sun in the winter and shade from the high sun in the summer is a no-brainer, but it seems there has been a shortage of architectural brains in current and past siting of new homes. Similarly, having fewer windows on the north side of the house is simply smart “passive house” design.
Having an enclosed rather than open foyer (what’s called an “air lock”) is common sense too, and costs very little to implement.
That’s just the beginning of the changes I expect to see in new subdivisions. Lennar has already built a 3D printed subdivision in Texas (see picture). 3D printing of homes using concrete was a novelty (which I wrote about)
A Fast Company article in January 2023 proclaimed that “3D-printed houses are the suburbs of the future.”
The pictures at right are from that article. Here’s an excerpt: “Iowa City-based Alquist 3D, which specializes in reasonably priced automated construction in rural areas, has already started building Project Virginia, in which it will create 200 3D-printed homes (all variations on craftsman designs, also framed in layered concrete and topped with gabled wood-framed roofs) around the state, starting in tiny Pulaski (population 8,691). It’s also starting a 25-home project in Malvern, Iowa and a 10-home development in Muscatine, Iowa. Alquist founder and CEO Zachary Mannheimer says the firm has about 500 total units — ranging in price from $250,000 to around $400,000 — in the pipeline in Virginia, Florida, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, and Texas.”
Nothing says “mainstream” quite like Iowa and those other states. Colorado can not be far behind. Just last month, CBS Colorado (Channel 4 News) reported on a $638,000 grant under Colorado’s Innovative Housing Incentive Program to a Salida company, Verotouch, following the completion of their two 1,100-square-foot 3D-printed homes in Buena Vista.
“We are proud to accelerate innovation in housing to better address Colorado's housing needs,” Gov. Jared Polis said. “The unveiling of the first 3D-printed homes in the state is a great example of our state’s efforts to support new construction methods and create more housing now.”
The layered concrete walls of 3D-printed homes are naturally fire resistant. They are typically one-story homes with a standard peaked roof made from wood trusses, as you can see in the picture above. The front three homes in that picture show a 3-D home at different stages of completion. A gantry straddling the foundation transports the tube which lays down layer upon layer of concrete slurry following a computer program.
Previous Columns on Innovation & Technology
The dates are clickable links on our blog, http://RealEstateToday.substack.com April 3, 2025 —International Builders’ Show 2025 Showcased Some New & Inspiring Products Feb. 27, 2025 — As Society Deals with Affordability, Expect Greater Focus on Manufactured Homes Sept. 26, 2024 — Is a Heat Pump Right for You? Here’s Some Information to Help You Decide. Aug. 15, 2024 -- What to Ask If Buying Solar-Powered Home; Level-Up Sustainability & Recycling July 18, 2024 — Renovation Trends Reflect a Desire for Comfort, Warmth and Healthy Living May 23, 2024 — Model Home Tour Was Uninspiring. Where’s the Innovation & Sustainability? Also: Here’s the Innovation and Sustainability — Thrive Home Builders’ Loretto Heights Project May 16, 2024 — EPA’s ‘Energy Star NextGen’ Designation Is for Fully Electrified Homes May 2, 2024 — Break Away from Common Exterior Products With These Winning Products Mar. 21, 2024 — What’s Behind the Buzz About ‘Indoor Air Quality’ and ‘Sick Building Syndrome’? Feb. 22, 2024 —Startup Develops Concrete That Absorbs CO2; Another Turns Straw into OSB Boards Feb. 15, 2024 — Here’s an Innovative Approach to the Off-Site Modular Home Construction Industry Dec. 21, 2023 — D.R. Horton Inks Deal to Build with OSB Made From Grass Instead of Wood Nov. 9, 2023 — Here Are Some Ideas for the ‘Adaptive Reuse’ of Vacant Office Buildings
Also: 3D-Printing Home Construction Firm Is Relocating to Greeley, Colorado
Oct. 12, 2023 — Here’s a Company Selling ‘Self-Powered’ Manufactured Homes Starting at $310,000 Sept. 14, 2023 — I Found Only One Marshall Fire Home Being Rebuilt with Fire Resistance in Mind
Sept. 7, 2023 — Geothermal Energy, Big Sister of Geothermal Heating & Cooling, Is Coming Along June 1, 2023 — Innovative Startup Makes ‘Carbon Negative’ Building Materials Made From Grass
May 18, 2023 — Liv-Connected: A New Player in the Manufactured and Modular Housing Industry
Apr. 6, 2023 — YouTube Features 40+ ‘Top Green Products’ from the International Builders Show
Mar. 23, 2023 — Geothermal Heating & Cooling Can Be Practical & Affordable on Community Level
Feb. 23, 2023 — Boxabl, the Las Vegas Manufacturer of ADUs, Is Ramping up Production
Feb. 9, 2023 — Understanding Indoor Air Quality and How It’s Managed in Super-Insulated Homes
Jan. 26, 2023 — This Year’s CES Show Featured Some Exciting New Technologies and Products
Dec. 15, 2022 —Lennar’s New Subdivision Near Austin, Texas, Features 3D-Printed Homes
Dec. 8, 2022 — A Subdivision in Pueblo Sets the Standard for All-Electric Home Construction
Nov. 10, 2022 —KB Home Is Building All-Electric Homes — But Not in Colorado
Oct. 13, 2022 — Homes That Survived Marshall Fire Were More Airtight & Had Conditioned Attics
In past columns, I have written about a local company, Colorado Earth, which has pioneered construction of homes using compressed-earth bricks called EcoBlox. That’s more labor intensive, since the walls have to be laid by workers, but homes share the same benefits of being fire and weather resilient.
New technology abounds in the other components that go into home construction. For example, in June 2023 I wrote about a company, Plantd, in North Carolina, which has developed an alternative to OSB, the wall sheeting and roof decking used in virtually all home construction, made from a fast-growing perennial grass, grown locally on former tobacco plantations, saving 17 trees per house
and sequestering 8 tons of carbon dioxide per house. See www.PlantdMaterials.com
A Fast Company article in October 2024 reported that homebuilder D.R. Horton had ordered 10 million of Plantd’s panels, enough to build 90,000 homes.
The innovation taking place in every other component of home construction — doors, windows, manufactured housing, appliances, and more — is stunning to behold, confirming for me that a major revolution in the home construction industry is already unfolding. Be sure that I’ll continue to write about it here!
I have posted links for everything mentioned in this article on our company blog at http://RealEstateToday.substack.com
Does Your Older Home Have a Federal Pacific Electrical Panel?
An estimated 28 million American homes built in the 1950s through the 1980s, including many in Colorado, have an electrical panel manufactured by Federal Pacific Electric, which lost its UL certification decades ago because of multiple failures of its Stab-Lok breakers to trip when overloaded, thereby causing a fire hazard.
Our friends at Alpine Building Performance, LLC, shared these additional issues with the FPE panels:
The breakers often don’t connect properly to the panel’s bus bars, causing arcing, overheating, and potential fire hazards.
Some Stab-Lok breakers get stuck in the “on” position, even when manually switched off, making it impossible to cut power.
Reports suggest that FPE manipulated UL testing results, leading to unsafe products being approved for use.
Studies indicate that homes with FPE panels have a significantly higher likelihood of electrical fires compared to other panels. For these reasons, any home inspector hired by a buyer can be expected to recommend that replacement be demanded of the seller.
Charities Which Used Our Free Box Truck Miss
It. So, We’ve Launched a GoFundMe Campaign to Bring It Back.
Back in February, I announced that our truck needed a new engine and other repairs and that we decided to retire it instead. This was a big loss to such non-profits as the Wounded Warrior Project, Family Promise, BGoldN, Christian Action Guild, Buffalo Bill Days, and the International Rescue Committee, among others, which used the truck more often than our clients!
The truck is off the road but still available to be repaired — or replaced, if we raise enough money. If you’d like to contribute, visit www.BringItBack.info. Thanks!
Above: A 3D-printed home in Desert Hot Springs CA. Below: A Lennar 3D subdivision in Texas
FIREPLACES
From Page 5
can install a direct vent gas insert. You may need to run a gas line to the replace but once installed, you have a safe and reliable source of heat. You can also opt for adding gas log sets as an aesthetic addition to a former wood-burning replace, but these will not increase its e ciency.
How Do I Know If a Fireplace Insert Will Work For Me?
Most existing masonry (brick or stone) wood burning replaces can accommodate an insert! If you’re not sure if your replace is suitable for an insert, our NFI-Certi ed experts will assess your replace to make sure an insert will work.
Each type of insert (gas, wood, or pellet) has its own installation requirements and challenges. Our technicians will install the insert
and utilize the existing chimney by installing exible chimney liners. We adhere to building codes and plan for and resolve issues such as proper ventilation and clearances. We handle the logistics ahead of time and don’t leave anything to chance.
Which Is More Expensive to Operate, a Wood or Gas Insert?
Wood has the potential of being less expensive than gas but you have to be resourceful, plan ahead, and try to source nd cordwood for free. Hardwoods, which burn hotter and longer, are much more expensive than pine and not commonly found as “free rewood” but the trade o is that you use less wood. Pine, r, and spruce can o en be sourced locally for free.
E cient wood-burning inserts burn up to 50% less wood than old-fashioned wood stoves (which are already a giant step up from open replaces). Modern inserts use secondary combustion to incinerate combustible gases and
Please see FIREPLACES, Page 11
is Kozy Heat Nordik 34 Gas Insert transformed this homeowner’s lower level from cold and uninviting to her favorite hangout.
ArborRx Family Tree Service Suggests Taking Steps NOW to Reduce Fire Risk Damage to Your Property
By Jo Ann M. Colton Special to Lifestyles
Recognizing wild re dangers in all seasons and taking action to harden your home/property against wild res by creating a defensible space will make an immense di erence in ensuring the safety of your family.
“Colorado’s wild re season intensi es from July-October,” said Bryan Nash, Certi ed Fire Mitigation Specialist, member of the National Fire Protection Association, and co-owner (with his wife Jennifer) of ArborRx Family Tree Service. “Consequently, we make ourselves available to help residents; and groups like Colorado State Forest Service, Evergreen Fire/ Rescue, and Community Wild re Protection.”
Since 2010, ArborRx Family Tree Service has served its residential/business/commercial customers in Evergreen/Conifer/Denver, and beyond. e all-season company provides prescriptive treatments/wellness care for your trees/plants, in-tree trimming, shaping/shearing, tree removal, new plantings; snowplow services, storm damage repair, and re/pest mitigation.
ArborRx Family Tree Service can perform a Home Ignition Zone (HIZ) review of your property to assess its strong points and resolve any weaknesses. e Immediate Zone represents an area from 0-5 feet of your home, the Intermediate Zone extends 5-30 feet past your home, and the Extended Zone covers 30-100 feet beyond your home boundaries.
For services/more information/and appointments, contact ArborRx Family Tree Service at 720-629-7033, visit the website (https://arborrxfamily.com) and follow them on Facebook.
Mortgage Loan O cer Grant Brewster is Ready to Assist YOU With All Your Home Financing Needs
By Jo Ann M. Colton Special to Lifestyles
We are living in stressful times, but there’s no need to stress when it comes to your home nancial needs. For thirty-plus years, Colorado Foothills native Grant Brewster of Edge Home Finance Corporation has provided his customers with mortgage services that exceed their expectations—and he is ready and able to assist you! Grant Brewster is a mortgage broker not a bank employee or a liate. As such, he represents YOU—not the lender. Consequently, he can o er (salaried/self-employed) borrowers access to broader selections of available loan types.
Public-sector guaranteed Conventional loans (with/without gi money) tend to have stricter requirements than government-backed loans. Government-insured loans include
FHA (Federal Housing Administration), VA (Veterans Administration), or USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture) $0 down loans for low-income borrowers in speci cally designated rural areas to help improve rural areas’ local economies. Loan terms can be Fixed Rate ( xed for the loan’s entirety) or Adjustable Rate (with uctuating interest rates). All mortgages, including second mortgage/
HELOC lender, or private funds, require you to meet the loan’s funding requirements and Grant can guide you through the entire process with ease.
Conveniently located at Flow eory Coworks, 3540 Evergreen Parkway, contact Grant Brewster (720-668-4183/grant.brewster@ edgehome nance.com/www.grantbrewster. com) for all your home nancing needs.
Bridging the Gap in Mental Health Services
Mental health is a growing concern across Colorado, and in rural communities like ours, the need is even more urgent. Limited providers, nancial barriers, and social stigma o en prevent individuals from seeking the support they need. At All Access Wellness, we believe that everyone in our community deserves access to mental health and wellness services, regardless of their nancial situation.
is vision began with Sara Peterson, a local mental health provider and business owner. rough her work at Conifer Counseling and her involvement in various community initiatives, Sara saw rsthand the gaps in mental health services. She asked herself: What if there was a collaborative nonpro t dedicated to reducing barriers to mental health care? In November 2022, that vision became a reality when All Access Wellness o cially became a nonpro t organization. Since its inception, All Access Wellness
has built a network of mental health providers who can access funding to serve individuals who cannot a ord the mental health services they need to thrive. In 2024 alone, we funded 366 mental health sessions for 97 individuals, ensuring they received the care they needed without the burden of nancial strain. From supporting children who have experienced trauma to survivors of domestic violence to veterans needing support managing medications, All Access Wellness has been a bridge to wellness for our community this past year. But our mission extends beyond individual therapy sessions—we are working to strengthen the overall well-being of our community.
is year, we are expanding our impact through community connection groups and mental health events designed to bring people together and combat the isolation that o en intensi es mental health struggles. ese events will provide education, resources, and
a sense of belonging for individuals who may feel disconnected or unsupported.
One of our most exciting new initiatives is the Dude Talk Dinner, a program speci cally designed to support men’s mental health. Men’s mental health challenges are frequently overlooked despite the fact that nearly 80% of all suicides nationwide involve men. Research shows that men are signi cantly less likely than women to seek help for mental health concerns, leading many to struggle in silence.
Dude Talk Dinner aims to change that by reducing the stigma around men’s mental health, fostering a sense of camaraderie, developing resilience, and creating a support system for men in our community.
All Access Wellness is also launching free Community Connection Groups through our network of providers. ese groups focus on building a sense of community and support while participating in fun, engaging activities. Whether it’s mindfulness workshops,
movement-based gatherings, or creative arts sessions, these programs are designed to nurture well-being and create spaces where individuals can form meaningful relationships.
Mental health is not just an individual concern—it is a community issue. When people have access to the care and support they need, the entire community thrives. At All Access Wellness, we are committed to breaking down barriers, fostering connections, and ensuring that no one has to navigate life’s challenges alone. Together, we can build a healthier, more resilient community for all.
All Access Wellness is a grassroots 501(c) (3) nonpro t organization committed to improving access to mental health and wellness services for children, families, and individuals in rural Je erson and Park Counties in Colorado. By donating to All Access Wellness today, you can give a neighbor the support they need to be well. Give or learn more at
How to Pick the Right Plants for Your Location
(StatePoint) When planning your yard or garden, you likely focus on the what and the where. A er all, a beautiful plant in a prime location enhances curb appeal and even bragging rights.
You may pay less attention though to understanding how your location, or plant hardiness zone, impacts your garden’s success. To help ensure your plants don’t just survive, but thrive, the experts at lawn care equipment manufacturer Exmark are sharing the following insights about plant hardiness:
What is Plant Hardiness?
Plant hardiness is the secret sauce of any healthy outdoor space. Plant hardiness is the ability of a plant to survive adverse growing conditions such as drought, ooding, heat and cold. Have you ever watched with frustration as a late-season temperature dip leaves your beautiful buds with a serious case of frostbite? Plant hardiness zones were developed to help landscapers, gardeners and lawn care enthusiasts avoid this heartache.
American farming contributes billions of dollars to the gross national product annually, which is one reason why the USDA has long monitored weather data. If determining when the average nal frost may occur for every region in the country is worth billions, what could that same knowledge mean for your garden? Well, choosing plants with hardiness levels appropriate to speci c planting zones gives you the best chance of cultivating healthy, beautiful plants.
What is My Growing Zone?
e United States is divided into 13 zones. Zones 1-6 being the coldest, and 7-13 the warmest. Zone 1 averages -60 degrees F while zone 13 never drops below 70 degrees F. A general guideline is to plant anything designated for your zone or lower, but never higher. Know what zone you live in and make a point
of checking the tag on the back of the plant or seed pack before planting.
Perennials Versus Annuals
ere’s a reason you see palm trees in Sarasota, Florida, not Saginaw, Michigan. When it comes to perennials, it’s not about when the rst frost is, but how cold it gets, and whether that plant can survive and thrive
through winter.
Plant hardiness zones are less important however when it comes to annuals. Because these plants are only meant to last one growing season; waiting until a er the average rst frost date will save you from having to re-plant. Know that even if your plant survives the frost, it may never match the photo you saw advertised at the nursery.
Planting Zone Rule of umb
Plant hardiness zone maps are, well, all over the map. Consider the number assigned to your zip code as a starting point. You may live right at the break between one zone and the other. When in doubt, guess too low, rather than too high. In the South, the heat stress a plant not made for the conditions. Your particular geography can also a ect your hardiness zone, like if you live on a hill or in a valley.
For more insights, check out the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, and watch “Find Your Plant Hardiness Zone,” an episode of “Backyard Smart,” an original series from lawn care equipment manufacturer, Exmark. To watch the video, visit Backyard Life, which is part of a unique multimedia destination with a focus on helping homeowners improve their outdoor living spaces. ere you can also download additional tips and view other Exmark Original Series videos.
Understanding what plants will thrive in your climate is essential to a healthy landscape. Fortunately, free resources abound to help you plant successfully.
A BOOK MAKES A GREAT GIFT.
A womanizing US president. Gin-drinking, poker-playing, skirt-chasing Cabinet members. And a plot from the inside to usurp control of the Navy’s oil reserves. Wild and juicy stuff this. And all of it a true chapter of America’s history.
There may not be another US scandal that is so heavy with corruption and criminality that weighs so lightly on our collective consciousness as the Teapot Dome Scandal. From 1920 to 1922, power-hungry politicians and corporate tycoons boldly schemed to steal the nation’s newest energy resourcel. In so doing these crooks put a black mark on the pioneering work of those who gave birth to Wyoming’s incredible bonanza.
With a deft researcher’s hand and the heart and attention of a creative writer, Constance Bierkan has written a rst-of-its-kind ctionalized recounting of what led up to this nearly forgotten nugget from the past, the Teapot Dome Scandal. Like No Place on Earth is a spirited coming-of-age story set in Wyoming at the start of the madcap Roaring Twenties and the birth of the oil industry. As much a love story as it is a historical deep-dive, Like No Place on Earth will be irresistible to book clubs and history buffs alike.
particulates that would otherwise go up the chimney, resulting in more heat and a lot less pollution!
As of this writing, natural gas is much cheaper than electricity in the Denver Metro area, which makes a gas insert an attractive option for homeowners looking for more heat without the work of a wood-burning appliance.
Can I Use an Insert
When the Power Goes Out?
Yes! Both gas and wood stove inserts are reliable sources of heat in a power outage. Most gas inserts operate on an electronic ignition system but with a battery backup: once lit, they stay lit. Blowers won’t work without electricity, but a quality gas or wood stove insert will radiate heat even when the power is out.
Does a Fireplace Insert Add Value To My Home?
Yes! According to Red n, homes with attractive replace inserts tend to sell faster and for 13% more than average.
e question then is which fuel is better, wood or gas? Each home is unique, and so is every homeowner. You may have easy access to wood and appreciate the idea of energy independence and the aroma and
crackle of an authentic wood re.
Or, you may prioritize the convenience, cleanliness, and instant on-o of a gas insert. We can help you make the right choice based on your home, heating needs, aesthetics, lifestyle, and budget.
Do Inserts Need Service?
Yes, both wood stove and gas inserts require annual service. e average wood-burning insert should get at least annual service depending on how o en you burn. Gas inserts need annual service to ensure e ciency and safety.
A wood stove insert needs service if you notice backdra (smoke blowing out of the insert rather than going up the chimney), if it’s hard to build or maintain a re, if there’s creosote buildup on the walls, or if there’s soot falling into the insert. e National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends annual inspections and service to ensure e ciency and prevent chimney res.
A gas insert needs service if your pilot won’t turn on or won’t stay lit, or there’s a lot of soot on your logs.
For your convenience, we forward-schedule service a year in advance or on a schedule determined by your service technician.
Can I Put a TV Above My Fireplace Insert?
We get this question a lot. Putting a TV above the replace is
a popular way to optimize space. But, it must be done with caution because heat and electronics don’t mix. We recommend installing a mantel which will block rising heat. It’s a myth that putting your TV higher will protect it! Heat risesde ecting it is the only method that will protect electronics. e simple solution of adding a mantel will divert the heat away from the TV. We feature a variety of non-combustible mantels in our showroom if your replace doesn’t have a mantel and you want to add one.
Let’s Ignite Your Fireplace Insert Project!
Spring is the best time to get a replace insert project going because there’s plenty of time to assess the site, discuss your needs, choose the right appliance, and have it installed and ready to go before fall.
Please stop by our showroom at 7001 Hwy 73 just south of Evergreen to see our fully functioning gas and wood stove inserts in person, or call our friendly team of experts at 303679-1601. Our experts will help you determine whether your replace can accommodate an insert and the type of insert that’s best for your needs. We handle all of the planning and logistics and ensure your insert is installed to the highest standards. We look forward to making your home warmer and more attractive!
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Gas inserts like the Kozy Heat Chaska 29 are top choices for homeowners looking for the ambience of a re but don’t want to burn wood.
A dra y old replace can be completely transformed with an insert like this beautiful Fireplace Xtrordinair 616 EmberGlo Deluxe gas insert with its sleek contemporary lines.
