Contractors Archives - Valley Ace Hardware Valley Ace Hardware in Westcliffe, Colorado Thu, 17 Jul 2025 19:07:19 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.3 https://valleyacehardware.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/cropped-Valley-Ace-favicon-1-32x32.png Contractors Archives - Valley Ace Hardware 32 32 Crestone Concrete & Construction LLC https://valleyacehardware.com/blog/crestone-concrete/ https://valleyacehardware.com/blog/crestone-concrete/#respond Tue, 15 Jul 2025 13:06:45 +0000 https://valleyacehardware.com/blog/seifert-enterprises-2/ Seifert Enterprises has been operating since 1975: comprehensive heavy equipment construction, trucking and aggregate source. Read more.

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About

Crestone Concrete & Construction LLC provides comprehensive concrete solutions for residential and light commercial projects in the Valley. Originally from Pennsylvania, the company relocated in 2019 and shifted focus to concrete to meet local demand, though it began with home building from the ground up. The company specializes in Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF) for constructing foundations, basements, and full buildings, offering durable and energy-efficient structures.

Their services include a wide range of concrete work, such as interior and exterior slabs, porches, patios, sidewalks, driveways, monolithic slabs, and retaining walls. For those seeking customized finishes, Crestone offers decorative concrete options, including color, stamping, and staining, ideal for creating unique patios or driveways. With a focus on quality and precision, Crestone Concrete & Construction LLC serves clients looking to bring their building projects to life. Free estimates are available for all projects, ensuring tailored solutions for every need.

BUILD SMARTER, BUILD STRONGER

Crestone Concrete & Construction builds with Nudura ICF.

Nudura Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs) revolutionize construction by combining energy efficiency, speed, and versatility. These forms, featuring EPS foam panels and a reinforced concrete core, create walls that reduce energy costs by up to 58% compared to traditional methods, while enabling faster build times and accommodating diverse architectural designs with ease.

Beyond efficiency, Nudura ICFs deliver superior durability and safety, resisting extreme weather and providing up to four hours of fire protection. With enhanced sound insulation, eco-friendly construction, and comprehensive support, builders can produce sustainable, high-performance structures that meet standards and client expectations.

Services

Crestone Concrete
  • Concrete Foundations
  • Monolithic Slab/ Foundations
  • Retaining Walls
  • Concrete Slabs
  • Porches
  • Patios
  • Driveways
  • Decorative Concrete: Coloring, Stamping, Staining
  • Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs)
  • Basements
  • Complete Buildings

Contact

Crestone Concrete & Construction for questions or a free estimate!

Thank you, Crestone Concrete and Construction LLC, for ordering materials for your business through Valley Ace Hardware. It was a pleasure doing business with you!

*Valley Ace Hardware acknowledges the work of this business and is sharing their services on our platforms. However, please note that we do not endorse or guarantee their work. We encourage you to do your own research and make informed decisions. If any issues arise with the contractor’s services, please reach out directly to them, as we cannot be held responsible for future performance.

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June Market Updates https://valleyacehardware.com/blog/june-market-updates/ https://valleyacehardware.com/blog/june-market-updates/#respond Tue, 17 Jun 2025 16:25:29 +0000 https://valleyacehardware.com/?p=25547280 The post June Market Updates appeared first on Valley Ace Hardware.

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Impact of Wood and Lumber Prices on New Home Costs

Wood products, including framing lumber, plywood, OSB, particleboard, fiberboard, shakes, and shingles, account for a significant portion of a new home’s material costs. According to Home Innovation Research Labs, an average single-family home requires over 2,200 square feet of softwood plywood, 6,800 square feet of OSB, and approximately 15,000 board feet of framing lumber. Softwood lumber also plays a key role in manufactured components like cabinets, windows, doors, and trusses. These materials are subject to manufacturer markups, calculated as the percent difference between receipts and cost of goods in the wood product manufacturing industry, based on IRS data, which further elevates costs before reaching the construction site.

The final price of a new home is driven higher by additional factors such as interest on construction loans, brokers’ fees, and margins needed to secure financing and underwrite loans. Per the National Association of Home Builders’ study on regulatory costs, items used during construction can increase the home’s final price by nearly 15% above the builder’s cost. Consequently, fluctuations in softwood lumber prices directly influence home affordability, compounding challenges posed by rising construction wages and higher interest rates, contributing to the housing market’s ongoing affordability crisis (NAHB, 2025).

Housing Market

The U.S. housing market in 2025 faces a complex landscape shaped by affordability challenges, high mortgage rates, and economic uncertainties. Experts from Fastmarkets highlight that persistent high mortgage rates and rising material costs are dampening builder confidence, despite pockets of strong demand. Affordability pressures are intensified by tariffs impacting the construction supply chain, adding near-term risks and increasing costs by an estimated $10,900 per home. Demographic shifts, such as a surge in immigration and a growing number of young adults living with parents due to cultural shifts and high housing costs, continue to drive shelter demand but strain affordability. New construction is expected to remain subdued through 2025, with a projected rebound in 2026 as mortgage rates ease and tariff-related uncertainties stabilize, potentially leading to an 8% increase in housing starts in 2026 and 6-7% in 2027.

Looking ahead, the housing market is poised for modest growth in wood product demand, driven by a slight uptick in housing starts and repair and remodeling (R&R) activity, forecasted to grow by 4% and 1%, respectively, in 2025. Despite a cooling labor market and policy uncertainties, the Federal Reserve’s anticipated rate cuts in 2025 could spur construction, particularly in single-family homes, with an estimated 1.5 million units, including 1.1 million single-family starts. Regional variations and supply chain dynamics, particularly in lumber and timber markets, will play a critical role, with timber prices expected to rise due to tightening supplies outside the U.S. South. However, the market remains competitive, with no imminent crash expected due to robust lending standards and sustained demand, though affordability will continue to challenge first-time buyers (FastMarkets, 2025).

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Rocky View Construction https://valleyacehardware.com/blog/rocky-view-construction/ https://valleyacehardware.com/blog/rocky-view-construction/#respond Wed, 11 Jun 2025 14:15:59 +0000 https://valleyacehardware.com/blog/wise-iron-forge-2/ The post Rocky View Construction appeared first on Valley Ace Hardware.

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Orva Yoder

Owner

Since its founding in 2013, Rocky View Construction, a licensed and insured company, has served counties including Custer, Chaffee, Pueblo, Teller, El Paso, Park, Fremont, Huerfano, Saguache, and beyond. They specialize in pole barns, agricultural buildings, garage/shops, and barndominiums.

Guided by their motto—God, Family, and Community—the company prioritizes work-life balance. Owner Orva, who relocated from Rochester, MN, to Westcliffe, CO, in 2007, reflects this in his voicemail, noting he does not take work calls after 5 PM to focus on family. After serving as a construction crew foreman in Westcliffe for four years, Orva launched Rocky View Construction, completing 45–50 buildings annually with one to two crews.

Rocky View Construction

Services

  • Barndominiums
  • Garages/Shops
  • Pole Barns
  • Custom Buildings
  • Equestrian and Ag. Buildings
  • And more!

Local Colorado Barn Builder. Simple or Custom Work.

Barndominiums

The Rocky View Construction Barndominium, located in the picturesque Poncha Springs, masterfully combines a 3,600-square-foot residence with a 2,800-square-foot shop, offering both spacious living and versatile workspace. Its exterior showcases a robust design with a wrap-around post and beam porch adding rustic elegance, providing an inviting outdoor space to enjoy the stunning natural surroundings. The expansive shop, visible in the exterior view, is built for durability and versatility, making this barndominium a perfect blend of contemporary convenience and serene, rural charm.

Riding Arenas

60′ x 100′ riding arena built in Salida, CO.

Garages/Shops

Across Custer, El Paso, Fremont, Pueblo, and Teller Counties, a variety of impressive buildings showcase diverse architectural styles and purposes. These structures, captured in multiple photos, highlight the craftsmanship and versatility of local construction, with standout features like wrap-around porches and sturdy exteriors. Bring a rough sketch and they build off of there, with builds including engineering, permitting, and inspections to ensure a seamless process from concept to completion.

Rocky View Construction

Orva Yoder

(719) 221-6926

orva@rockyviewconstruction.co

Not a sign of the ‘times’. From the first contact to completion every phase was perfect! Communication was prompt and accurate. Every skilled crew showed up when promised, were professional, skilled beyond measure, and left the sight cleaned up. If you want a product done as promised then I HIGHLY recommend Rocky View Construction!

Bruse S.

Salida, CO

Rocky View Construction

I was very satisfied, and even impressed from start to finish with the communication, quality of craftsmanship, and speed at which the project was performed. I am a construction contractor, and thought about building the project myself, ( schedule did not allow this) I am very glad that I hired it out. There is no way I could have performed the job in the time frame that this crew did. Thank you so much, I will be using Rocky view again.

Fred V.

Peyton, CO

They helped design and build a hay barn. Very professional service and excellent craftsmanship. Would highly recommend them.

Jeff W.

Salida, CO

Fantastic crew and the owner was involved in making sure everything was to our liking.

Elvis F.

Peyton, CO

Thank you, Rocky View Construction, for buying business products through Valley Ace Hardware. It was a pleasure doing business with you!

*Valley Ace Hardware acknowledges the work of this contractor and is sharing their services on our platforms. However, please note that we do not endorse or guarantee their work. We encourage you to do your own research and make informed decisions. If any issues arise with the contractor’s services, please reach out directly to them, as we cannot be held responsible for future performance.

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Lumber Market Update and Builder Strategies: May 2025 https://valleyacehardware.com/blog/lumber-market-update-and-builder-strategies-may-2025/ https://valleyacehardware.com/blog/lumber-market-update-and-builder-strategies-may-2025/#respond Thu, 08 May 2025 18:20:34 +0000 https://valleyacehardware.com/?p=25547169 The post Lumber Market Update and Builder Strategies: May 2025 appeared first on Valley Ace Hardware.

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Lumber Update

The lumber market in May 2025 is stabilizing but faces significant pressures that contractors and builders must navigate. Prices have seen a slight decrease recently but remain elevated compared to last year, driven by robust housing demand and supply constraints. Single-family housing starts are projected to rise 11% in 2025, fueled by a 4.5 million home shortfall, while repair and remodeling projects sustain over 40% of softwood demand. However, mill closures, reducing North American capacity by 7% since 2023, and labor shortages are tightening supply. The Section 232 investigation, initiated March 10, 2025, to assess if wood product imports threaten national security, adds uncertainty. Potential tariffs on Canadian lumber (70% of U.S. imports) could increase costs by February 2026. Natural disaster rebuilding needs further strain availability, keeping the market volatile.

Builder Strategies

High mortgage rates and rising costs are squeezing budgets, so adopt cost-saving techniques like panelized construction. Monitor trade policy updates and engage with Valley Ace Hardware for real-time market insights. Planning projects with flexibility and maintaining open communication with us will be beneficial to navigating potential disruptions.

Valley Ace Hardware’s Actions

Valley Ace Hardware is taking decisive steps to support contractors in this dynamic market. We’re actively expanding our supplier network, sourcing high-quality lumber from diverse domestic and Canadian partners to ensure consistent stock levels, even if tariffs or supply chain issues arise. Our team is closely monitoring market trends, enabling us to provide timely advice and competitive pricing. We’re committed to working hand-in-hand with contractors, offering pre-order options and customized inventory planning to secure the materials you need for your jobs. Contact Valley Ace Hardware today to discuss your project requirements, lock in supplies, and benefit from our dedication to delivering the best value and service in the industry.

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Wise Iron Forge https://valleyacehardware.com/blog/wise-iron-forge/ https://valleyacehardware.com/blog/wise-iron-forge/#respond Mon, 05 May 2025 20:28:24 +0000 https://valleyacehardware.com/blog/seifert-enterprises-2/ The post Wise Iron Forge appeared first on Valley Ace Hardware.

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Sam Wisecup

Owner

With nearly three decades of construction experience, including timber framing and log building, Sam Wisecup has become a trusted name in custom home construction across the valley. Fifteen years ago, he founded Wise Iron Forge to channel his passion for the artistic side of building—where metal, wood, and design meet to create one-of-a-kind finishes that elevate a home’s character.

Sam’s path has taken him from hands-on metalwork in Aspen, Colorado, to being the Operations Manager for Oakley Construction in Westcliffe, CO. There, he managed subcontractors, coordinated with homeowners, and oversaw residential builds from the ground up. This hands-on role sharpened his skills in planning, problem-solving, and execution—experience he now brings to each project through Wise Iron Forge.

Wise Iron Forge

Services

  • Project Management & Consultation
  • Custom Timber
  • Custom Stairs & Railing
  • Blacksmithing
  • Interior Finish
  • Metal Fabrication

All around craftsman delivering one-of-a-kind work.

Custom Timber

Custom Stairs & Railing

Interior Finishing

Inspired by his father, Kenneth Wisecup, an artist who worked with exotic woods to bring unique visions to life, Sam continues the tradition of blending craftsmanship with creativity. From metalworking in Aspen to managing large-scale construction projects, he blends craftsmanship with creativity to deliver exceptional custom finishes and consulting for home projects across the valley.

Wise Iron Forge
One of a kind Blacksmithing Art

Wise Iron Forge

Sam Wisecup

(719) 285-3237

wiseironforge@gmail.com

Thank you, Wise Iron Forge, for buying business products through Valley Ace Hardware. It was a pleasure doing business with you!

*Valley Ace Hardware acknowledges the work of this contractor and is sharing their services on our platforms. However, please note that we do not endorse or guarantee their work. We encourage you to do your own research and make informed decisions. If any issues arise with the contractor’s services, please reach out directly to them, as we cannot be held responsible for future performance.

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Seifert Enterprises https://valleyacehardware.com/blog/seifert-enterprises/ https://valleyacehardware.com/blog/seifert-enterprises/#respond Mon, 05 May 2025 17:53:27 +0000 https://valleyacehardware.com/blog/colorado-forestry-earthworks-2/ Seifert Enterprises has been operating since 1975: comprehensive heavy equipment construction, trucking and aggregate source. Read more.

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Seifert Enterprises

About

Seifert Enterprises is a family-owned and operated business based in Westcliffe, Colorado. Operating since 1975 the company has evolved into a comprehensive heavy equipment construction, trucking and aggregate source. They provide an extensive range of services including general excavation, septic and vault system installations, road building and maintenance, foundation digs, culvert and cattle guard installations, utility trenching and snow plowing. Seifert Enterprises is equipped to handle diverse commercial and residential projects. Additionally, Seifert Enterprises operates five aggregate pits in the county and offers materials such as rock, road base, sand and topsoil that are available for pickup at the Westcliffe yard or delivered.

Seifert Enterprises

The company is led by experienced owners Eric Seifert, Jake Seifert, Robert Buffum, and Lindsey Seifert. Eric, a Marine Corps veteran with over 25 years in construction project management, Jake with 30 years of heavy equipment experience, Robert with 30 years in excavation, and Lindsey with years of office management, bring extensive expertise to the business. Guided by a mission to deliver exceptional service and high-quality results, Seifert Enterprises emphasizes professionalism, industry innovation, and a commitment to excellence, ensuring projects are completed correctly the first time.

Services

  • Excavation
  • Road Maintenance & Repair
  • Vault Systems
  • Soil Analysis
  • Septic System Installation
  • Site Prep
  • Erosion Control
  • Culvert & Cattle Guard Installation
  • Utility Trenching
  • Stream & Lake Restoration
  • Demolition
  • Material Hauling
  • Snow Plow
  • Aggregate Sales and Delivery

Aggregate Sales & Delivery

Rock, Roadbase, Sand, & Topsoil Options

Seifert Enterprises

These materials can be picked up at the yard located 2 miles north of town at 198 Range View Loop or delivered by one of their dump trucks.

Call (719) 783-2757 for orders or questions!

I can’t even begin to say how proud we are of the job that was done on our place! It looks fantastic and was done just like we were told, with even a good bit of money saved! Wow  you don’t see that often.

Willie W.

We had a driveway with culvert installed, large parking pad, and septic with a pipe for us to empty our water tanks in our camper. Communication from Lindsey and Eric was good, pricing was fair, the work was done fairly quickly and it all looks fantastic. Very happy with our decision to use them.

Tracey & Kevin Waugh

So communicative. Fair prices, and they were super speedy with our septic and driveway. Would absolutely recommend.

J. Behan

Contact Seifert Enterprises

Friendly office staff available to answer any questions, take rock orders and schedule estimates Monday – Friday 7:30 to 5pm.

Thank you, Seifert Enterprises, for ordering materials for your business through Valley Ace Hardware. It was a pleasure doing business with you!

*Valley Ace Hardware acknowledges the work of this business and is sharing their services on our platforms. However, please note that we do not endorse or guarantee their work. We encourage you to do your own research and make informed decisions. If any issues arise with the contractor’s services, please reach out directly to them, as we cannot be held responsible for future performance.

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Colorado Forestry & Earthworks https://valleyacehardware.com/blog/colorado-forestry-earthworks/ https://valleyacehardware.com/blog/colorado-forestry-earthworks/#respond Thu, 24 Apr 2025 22:44:43 +0000 https://valleyacehardware.com/blog/k2-custom-builders-barndominium/ The post Colorado Forestry & Earthworks appeared first on Valley Ace Hardware.

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Colorado Forestry & Earthworks

Brenda & Shawn Gaide

Colorado Forestry & Earthworks (CF&E) is a family-owned business in Westcliffe, Colorado, offering expert excavation, forestry, and land management services. With over 25 years of combined experience, CF&E provides site preparation, septic system installation, land clearing, and sustainable forestry using advanced GPS and laser-guided equipment, serving residential, commercial, and industrial clients with timely, budget-friendly results.

CF&E recently announced a new equity partnership with Valor Development!
Together, they are combining a deep well of knowledge and decades of construction experience to deliver a one-stop solution for property development, agricultural projects, and barndominium construction across South Central Colorado.

Colorado Forestry and Earthworks

Led by Brenda Gaide, President and co-owner, CF&E has thrived since 2011, leveraging her diverse background in telecommunications, real estate, title work, and more. Shawn Gaide, co-owner and Vice President, brings over 20 years of excavation and logging expertise, ensuring customized, high-quality solutions. Known for reliability, sustainability, and community commitment, CF&E is a trusted name in Colorado land management.

CF&E Forestry

Services:
  • Fire Mitigation
  • Land Clearing
  • Tree Thinning
  • Custom Timbers
  • Timber Harvesting
  • Stump Removal
Colorado Forestry and Earthworks

CF&E provides fire mitigation services, including masticating, saw cutting, mulching, and tree thinning, to reduce fuel loads and create defensible spaces against wildfires. Specializing in expert vegetation removal and land clearing, they help protect properties while promoting healthy native tree growth and enhancing property value.

CF&E Excavating

Services:
  • Access Roads/ Driveways
  • Septic Tanks
  • Landscaping
  • Earth Dam Construction
  • Concrete Breaking
  • Foundations
  • Erosion Control
  • General Excavation
  • Utility Trenching
  • Site Prep
  • Hauling Services
Colorado Forestry and Earthworks

CF&E specializes in comprehensive site preparation for construction projects, offering services like leveling, grading, excavation, and debris removal to ensure a stable foundation. Equipped to handle tough terrain with advanced machinery, they also provide erosion control using methods like silt fencing and rip-rap to protect sites and comply with environmental regulations. Additionally, they offer hardscaping, subdivision road and driveway construction, and licensed septic system design and installation in Custer and Fremont Counties, including soil analysis and utility trenching, to deliver reliable, sustainable solutions.

CF&E Gravel

Colorado Forestry and Earthworks - Gravel

CF&E operates the Geroux Gravel Pit in Westcliffe, CO.

They offer a variety of gravel types for purchase, suitable for construction and landscaping projects of any scale.

Colorado Forestry and Earthworks

Contact CF&E

Serving Custer, Fremont, Chaffee, Lake, Pueblo, and El Paso Counties.

Our experiences with CF&E, Shawn and his crew are commendable. It is with pleasure that we can recommend them for a project such as ours.

Tom & Susan Daggett

Char and I would like to thank you for returning our phone call and showing up to look at our erosion problem within you said you would. We were so surprised that you could begin work so quickly, get equipment here, arrange for materials and perform the project in a single day. Most comforting was the final invoice matched the original quote.

Bob M. & Char F.

Thank you, CF&E, for ordering materials for your business through Valley Ace Hardware. It was a pleasure doing business with you!

*Valley Ace Hardware acknowledges the work of this business and is sharing their services on our platforms. However, please note that we do not endorse or guarantee their work. We encourage you to do your own research and make informed decisions. If any issues arise with the contractor’s services, please reach out directly to them, as we cannot be held responsible for future performance.

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Select Structural Lumber https://valleyacehardware.com/blog/select-structural-lumber/ https://valleyacehardware.com/blog/select-structural-lumber/#respond Wed, 16 Apr 2025 16:50:44 +0000 https://valleyacehardware.com/blog/april-2025-market-report-2/ Valley Ace Hardware is transitioning to Select Structural Framing Lumber for improved quality and performance.

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Valley Ace Hardware is transitioning to Select Structural Framing Lumber for improved quality and performance.

Select Structural Hem-Fir/ White Fir

The biggest benefit of select structural white fir is its exceptional strength and durability, making it ideal for structural applications. Its uniform manufacture and dimensional stability ensure straight walls and level surfaces, which is crucial for construction projects and drywall bases. While primarily used structurally, white fir can also be used for interior applications due to its clean, bright look and ability to be easily stained. Additionally, its light weight and soft texture make it economical to handle and work with on job sites. As you can see in the table below it is the highest quality grade in the Hem Fir lumber category.

Select Structural Lumber - Valley Ace Hardware

Understanding Select Structural Hem-Fir/White Fir Lumber

Select Structural (SS) Hem-Fir and White Fir lumber is a top-grade framing material prized for its strength, versatility, and clean appearance. As the highest structural grade available, SS lumber is ideal for load-bearing applications in residential and commercial construction—such as beams, trusses, and headers—where maximum performance is required.

Hem-Fir is a regional grouping of Western Hemlock and several true fir species, including White Fir. This combination offers a light, uniform color and straight grain, making it not only structurally reliable but also visually appealing for exposed framing.

Engineers and builders choose SS Hem-Fir/White Fir for its high bending strength, stiffness, and resistance to warping. It’s easy to cut, nail, and treat for outdoor use when necessary, making it a go-to choice for structural integrity and workability.

Whether you’re building a new home or taking on a major renovation, SS Hem-Fir/White Fir ensures quality and confidence from the ground up

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K2 Custom Builders’ Barndominium https://valleyacehardware.com/blog/k2-custom-builders-inc-2/ https://valleyacehardware.com/blog/k2-custom-builders-inc-2/#respond Tue, 15 Apr 2025 18:04:07 +0000 https://valleyacehardware.com/blog/k2-custom-builders-inc-2/ The post K2 Custom Builders’ Barndominium appeared first on Valley Ace Hardware.

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About K2 Custom Builders

About K2 Custom Builders

Dennis Kelley

Dennis Kelley, founder of K2 Custom Builders, Inc., holds a Bachelor of Science in Business and brings over 45 years of experience to the custom building industry. His career in construction began with a chance opportunity that quickly grew into a passion. Starting on his own and gaining clients through word of mouth, he expanded into both custom home and commercial projects.

Over the years, he has managed major developments in the Cayman Islands, as well as projects across Florida and Colorado. Now based in Westcliffe, Dennis takes a hands-on approach to building custom homes, cabins, and outbuildings. K2 also offers CAD design services with 3D virtual visualization and full architectural plans—helping clients avoid the high cost of hiring an architect. Whether starting from detailed plans or a simple sketch, Dennis works closely with clients to bring their vision to life.

Mountain Barndominium

Perched in the wide-open landscape of Westcliffe, Colorado, this custom-built barndominium by K2 Custom Builders, Inc. is a masterful blend of rugged charm and modern sophistication. Designed to frame breathtaking mountain views from nearly every window, the home combines the warmth of wood finishes with clean architectural lines for a luxurious yet grounded feel.

K2 Custom Builders
K2 Custom Builders
K2 Custom Builders
K2 Custom Builders
K2 Custom Builders
K2 Custom Builders

Entertain with a View

Upstairs on the second floor is the open-concept living space that is flooded with natural light thanks to expansive floor-to-ceiling windows. Rich wood ceilings, exposed beams, and custom antler chandeliers highlight the rustic character, while contemporary furnishings and finishes elevate the space. The kitchen cabinetry is crafted from 150-year-old barn wood reclaimed from Ohio, lending authentic texture and history to the heart of the home. The living area is anchored by a striking electric fireplace measuring approximately 5 feet by 4 feet, creating a bold and cozy centerpiece. Adjacent to the gourmet kitchen is a large dining table perfect for gatherings, a sleek bar area with leather-accented stools and pendant lighting for entertaining.

This thoughtfully designed interior balances rustic charm with modern comfort, creating an inviting space ideal for both everyday living and memorable entertaining.

First Floor

K2 Custom Builders
K2 Custom Builders
K2 Custom Builders

The front entryway enters you into the living quarters. Which includes four bedrooms, each designed with comfort, style, and an electric fireplace. A one-of-a-kind crafted staircase with an industrial metal railing adds a striking architectural element, leaving you anticipating what awaits upstairs.

View More

Available Services

New Homes
Other Structures
Consulting
Site Supervision
Construction Management
CAD Design
Energy Efficiency

Custom Stick Frame, Hybrid Timber & Cabins.

Outbuildings

Design elements, material purchasing, land purchase, subcontractor recommendation/ selection.

And/or guidance for the homeowner acting as their own General Contractor. This can be achieved on a very flexible basis with K2 involvement in any phase or time frame of the project.

For the total project from start to finish be it residential or commercial.

For your project with 3D virtual visualization and a full set of working architectural plans if need be. The creativity and design phase for a project can be either by a collaborative effort between K2 and the client or by using a clients existing plans, drawings or a “simple sketch on a napkin” that can be tweaked, whatever works best for them. K2 can save the client the very high costs of an Architect.

Evaluation – either existing structure or potential future project.

Thank you, K2 Custom Builders, for ordering products for this build through Valley Ace Hardware. It was a pleasure doing business with you!

*Valley Ace Hardware acknowledges the work of this contractor and is sharing their services on our platforms. However, please note that we do not endorse or guarantee their work. We encourage you to do your own research and make informed decisions. If any issues arise with the contractor’s services, please reach out directly to them, as we cannot be held responsible for future performance.

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April 2025 Market Report https://valleyacehardware.com/blog/april-2025-market-report/ https://valleyacehardware.com/blog/april-2025-market-report/#respond Mon, 14 Apr 2025 20:37:21 +0000 https://valleyacehardware.com/blog/march-2025-market-report-2/ U.S. softwood lumber market faces volatility as the 25% tariff on Canadian goods, delayed to April 2025, threatens higher costs and supply shortages.

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Policy-Driven Supply Shock Reshaping Lumber Industry

The North American lumber industry is facing significant challenges in 2025, marked by a combination of permanent mill closures, escalating Canadian duties, and the potential implementation of new Section 232 tariffs under former President Donald Trump’s trade policies. These developments threaten to reverse decades of tariff reductions and fundamentally alter the industry’s cost structure. Senior economist Dustin Jalbert warns that even without the most extreme tariff scenarios, the industry’s cost dynamics are undergoing a significant shift.

The industry has also seen unprecedented capacity rationalization, with approximately 5 billion board feet (BBF) of production capacity permanently closed. This reduction in capacity, coupled with the potential for new tariffs, could lead to supply constraints and increased prices for lumber products. The situation is further complicated by a post-pandemic demand recalibration, with consumption levels approximately 9% below COVID-era peaks.

Economic risks add another layer of uncertainty. The potential for a major recession, coupled with sustained high mortgage rates, poses a significant downside risk. Retaliatory measures from trading partners could further elevate bond yields, eliminating the typical relief provided by lower financing costs during economic downturns.

Overall, the North American lumber industry finds itself at a pivotal and precarious moment, facing policy-driven supply shocks and broader economic uncertainties that could reshape it for years to come. The combination of trade policies, economic risks, and market dynamics requires industry participants to stay informed and adaptable to navigate the challenges ahead.

 

How is Valley Ace Hardware Responding?
We’re keeping a close eye on the ever-changing lumber market and making strategic bulk purchases whenever possible to help manage costs. By staying ahead of contractors’ project timelines, we’re also ensuring that the materials our customers need are available when and where they need them. While the market remains unpredictable—something that’s become all too common—we’re committed to navigating these challenges as a team. Our goal remains the same: to provide every customer with dependable service and high-quality lumber at the most competitive prices we can offer.

Housing Market Update

The Colorado housing market in early 2025 is experiencing a shift toward a more balanced environment. Statewide, the median sales price in November 2024 was $626,600, reflecting a 2.1% year-over-year decrease. Despite this decline, sales activity has increased, with a 12.3% rise in homes sold and an 11.4% uptick in pending sales. Inventory levels have also grown by 18.6%, providing buyers with more options and contributing to a 20% increase in the months of supply, now at 3.9 months . These trends suggest a cooling market where buyers have greater negotiating power, although affordability remains a challenge for many.

In Custer County, the housing market presents a more localized picture. As of February 2025, the median sold price was $501,500, marking a 7.9% increase from the previous year . However, the market has seen fluctuations; for instance, November 2024 recorded a median sale price of $370,000, down 27.8% from the preceding month . Homes in the county are taking longer to sell, with an average of 150 days on the market as of January 2025 . This extended timeframe indicates a buyer’s market, where supply exceeds demand, allowing buyers more leverage in negotiations.

The lumber market plays a crucial role in housing trends. Fluctuations in lumber prices can significantly impact construction costs, which in turn affect home prices and affordability. Increased lumber costs can lead to higher home prices, potentially dampening buyer demand, while decreased costs might encourage new construction and renovations, influencing market dynamics.

Overall, Colorado’s housing market is transitioning toward equilibrium, with increased inventory and slower price growth offering more opportunities for buyers. Custer County reflects these broader trends but with its unique fluctuations, emphasizing the importance of localized market analysis. Prospective buyers and sellers should stay informed about both regional and local market conditions to make strategic decisions.

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