Every day we hear it from astonished homebuyers:  can it really be true?  Is it really possible to have a  low-maintenance home?  Since the overrwhelming majority of Boulder Creek communities are classified as low- or no-maintenance, we have to answer a resounding yes!  Here’s why:

• Because you have a life.  When you build your home with Boulder Creek, you build a lifestyle that’s all about access to the best shopping, dining, and recreational activities.  All that hiking, biking, and relaxing isn’t going to leave you for much time for toiling in the garden or throwing your back out with that snow shovel.  That’s why we take care of it for you.
• Because low age equals low maintenance.  We build our houses from the ground up, and our commitment to green efficiency shows.  Even as your home ages, you can rest assured that it was built right the first time:  no shortcuts, no exceptions.  This reduces maintenance over time.
• Because you deserve it.  Whether you’re a young family eager to purchase your first home or a world traveler looking for a place to land, you deserve a life without the cares and stresses of routine maintenance.  So go ahead…take advantage of the unparalleled lifestyle offered by our low-maintenance homes.  Click here to learn more about Boulder Creek’s award-winning communities and to view current listings.

We’ve said it before…there are many great reasons to buy a new home instead of purchasing a used one.  And we’re glad to note that U.S. News and World Report agrees.  In fact, they point out a reason to buy new that, given our commitment to environmentally friendly building practices and great design, really hits home — buying new means buying greener.

Building codes have mandated increasingly higher energy efficiency standards since they began to address the issue in the late 1970s, says Kevin Morrow, senior program manager for the National Association of Home Builders’ green building programs. “The most recent International Energy Conservation Code came out in 2009 [and] required roughly 17 percent more efficiency than the codes of three years prior,” he says. “So using that as sort of a gauge to how newer homes should perform from an efficiency standpoint compared to older homes, it’s pretty clear that just as homes meet code, they are going to be more efficient.”

Newly constructed homes use energy more efficiently in two ways, Morrow says. First, they tend to have a tighter-sealed building envelope that helps prevent conditioned air—cool air in the summer, warm air in the winter—from escaping. Features that create this envelope include higher-efficiency insulation, doors, and windows. “Gone are the days of the single pane window … now I think you are starting to see triple- and quadruple-paned windows,” Morrow says. “These are windows that are designed to really minimize the transfer of heat either from warm to cold or vice versa, and they of course will help the building envelope.”

In addition, the article notes that newer appliances are more energy-efficient and Earth-friendly.  And luckily, buying green doesn’t mean scrimping on things like storage, custom finishes, stunning design, or the exemplary lifestyle that comes with great location.  Find out more about what we mean…drop by one of our homesites today!  Click here to learn more about Boulder Creek’s communities.

Here at Boulder Creek, we spend a lot of time helping homebuyers discover the home that’s perfectly suited to their family, their lifestyle, and their aspirations.  But while we pride ourselves on providing “right size” homes that are eco-friendly to boot, there are some considerations that come into play.  Here are some things we take into account when right-sizing homes:

Storage.  Given the amazing recreation opportunities in Boulder County and beyond, all that gear can really add up!  Bikes, skis, sportswear, fishing poles, hiking boots…not to mention cars and other conveyances.  We believe that the right-sized home has the right amount of storage for your prized possessions.  That’s why we take storage into consideration from the moment the pencil hits the drawing board.  (Hint:  in most Boulder Creek homes, rakes and snow shovels aren’t necessary!) For example, our Kingsbridge Townhomes in Longmont feature attached two-car garages, bike storage AND ample closets and cabinets.

Space.  The interior spaces you live in are just as important as where you stow all that gear.  We think the right interiors are spacious, beautiful, and livable.  Take the colorful cottages at Erie Village, where perfectly-proportioned ranch and two-story floorplans were built with your lifestyle in mind.

Second to None.  There’s a reason behind the awards and honors…Boulder Creek’s ironclad commitment to excellence in building.  From building techniques that are better for the Earth to the exquisite designs, locations, and finishes that make a house a home, we are committed to bringing life and home together in new homes that are sized right, placed right, and priced right.  Is Boulder Creek right for you?  Click here to explore our award-winning green communities today.

A new office in Louisville and not one, but two national press mentions…it’s been an action-packed week for Boulder Creek Life + Home!

The Boulder County Business Report had this to say about our impending office move:

Boulder Creek Builders will relocate its headquarters from Boulder to Louisville in an effort to accommodate its recent growth and expansion.

Boulder Creek Builders purchased a 2,880-square-foot office building at 841 Front St. in historic downtown Louisville on June 23 for $388,000 to secure more space for its employees and day-to-day operations.

“We were looking for an opportunity to own a building in a location that reflects our culture and enhances our daily work life,” said David Sinkey, principal of Boulder Creek. “We looked at some very nice space throughout Boulder County but decided the small-town feel of Louisville was perfect for us. We look forward to enjoying the Louisville Downtown Street Faire and all of the other community related events that take place there.”

Boulder Creek has begun renovations on the building, which are scheduled to take around 60 days to complete. Once completed, the building will have an entirely new look and feel with improvements to the exterior facade. The company plans to make the move into the new space in late August at which time it will host an open house for friends, clients and neighbors.

Surety Realty Inc. listed the building, and Todd Walsh of The Colorado Group brokered the deal.

Want to know more about Boulder Creek’s innovation and success?  Check out our recent features in BUILDER News and Builder Magazine!

New Homeowners Look Forward To A Low-Maintenance Future

As confidence returns to our market, attractive pricing and record low interest rates have created the ultimate time to invest in a new home.  And Boulder Creek Life and Home has saved the best for last…with its final two home sites backing to open space views.

“We had been looking for several months, but we fell in love with the ranch floor plan the first time we stepped into the show home,” says Ken Mason, who together with his wife Jean chose the Nantucket plan at The Cottages at Erie Village. “It has plenty of useable space, and a dormer window that allows plenty of natural light and a spacious feel in the kitchen area. Our home is next to open space and has a nice view of the Front Range. It’s still in Boulder County, but the drive has a nice country feel to it.”

“We couldn’t be happier for the Masons,” says community manager Bill Besher. “They are another fantastic addition to a wonderful community that’s full of friendly neighbors. Ken and Jean have already met a handful of their neighbors and I see them sharing laughs almost every time they stop by to check on the progress of their home.

“The best part of what we do at Boulder Creek isn’t just building great homes,” he adds. “It’s building great communities, and that’s exactly what we have at Erie Village.”

Residents at The Cottages at Erie Village enjoy classic, colorful Craftsman homes, each with a welcoming front porch, set-back garage and private patio space. Mature trees and picket fences line the streets and pedestrian trails wind through the neighborhood. The location provides semi-rural living that is still just minutes from shopping, recreation and enticing city amenities.

Erie Village’s low-maintenance living takes care of all exterior maintenance, snow removal and lawn and landscape care, allowing homeowners to enjoy their free time.

“I’m used to doing all the maintenance, but this ‘lock and leave’ lifestyle is going to be nice,” Mason says.

The Masons needed to sell their current single-family home to make the move. Despite perceptions that it is difficult to sell a home right now, Ken says that their experience was very positive. “We made sure our house showed well. Working with the Realtor recommended by Boulder Creek, we had a solid offer within the first week.”

Like each of the communities that Boulder Creek develops, all homes in Erie Village are constructed to Built Green standards, with 2-by-6 wall construction, Low-E Argon-filled windows, advanced insulation package with R-23 walls and R-38 ceilings, Energy Star appliances and high-efficiency heating and cooling systems.

One of the benefits of buying a home “from dirt” is the opportunity to choose the features and finishes that turn a new house into a home. “We had a few special requests,” Ken Mason says. “We asked for a wider window on one wall. We needed a wider garage door to accommodate our boat. And we added a pocket door for the bathroom, and every step of the way Boulder Creek has been very accommodating.” Mason says they have been quite satisfied with the cost and very pleased with the craftsmanship.
Choosing their own finishes and fixtures was also a delight. “The design center was a lot of fun to work with, very helpful. We could bounce things like color combinations off them. They helped us narrow down our choices but it didn’t feel overwhelming. We got to pick out our hickory hardwood floors, alder cabinets, and granite countertops. And of course we got to choose all the wall colors.

“We’ve watched other models like ours being built, and now we’re seeing ours, and it’s exciting.”

You Need to See This for Yourself

Find out for yourself why The Cottages at Erie Village community is such a special place. From Boulder: Arapahoe east to 287. Left (north) on 287 to Isabelle Road. Turn right (east) on Isabelle Road to County Line Road. Turn left (North) and drive through Erie to Bixler Road. Turn left on Bixler and look for the flagpole. From Denver: I-25 to Exit 229, drive three miles west on Highway 7 to County Line Road, north through the Town of Erie to Bixler Blvd., look for the flagpole on the left.

The sales office (303.772.3063), located at 1111 Village Circle, is open Monday noon to 6 p.m.; Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

For information on other innovative communities by Boulder Creek Life and Home, visit www.LiveBoulderCreek.com.

Article courtesy of Daily Camera – At Home Section.

…but only a few sites remain.

As confidence returns to our market, attractive pricing and record low interest rates have created the ultimate time to invest in a new home.

“We had been looking for several months, but we fell in love with the ranch floor plan the first time we stepped into the show home,” says Ken Mason, who together with his wife Jean chose the Nantucket plan at The Cottages at Erie Village. “It has plenty of useable space, and a dormer window that allows plenty of natural light and a spacious feel in the kitchen area. Our home is next to open space and has a nice view of the Front Range. It’s still in Boulder County, but the drive has a nice country feel to it.”

“We couldn’t be happier for the Masons,” says community manager Bill Besher. “They are another fantastic addition to a wonderful community that’s full of friendly neighbors. Ken and Jean have already met a handful of their neighbors and I see them sharing laughs almost every time they stop by to check on the progress of their home.

“The best part of what we do at Boulder Creek isn’t just building great homes,” he adds. “It’s building great communities, and that’s exactly what we have at Erie Village.”

Residents at The Cottages at Erie Village enjoy classic, colorful Craftsman homes, each with a welcoming front porch, set-back garage and private patio space. Mature trees and picket fences line the streets and pedestrian trails wind through the neighborhood. The location provides semi-rural living that is still just minutes from shopping, recreation and enticing city amenities.

Erie Village’s low-maintenance living takes care of all exterior maintenance, snow removal and lawn and landscape care, allowing homeowners to enjoy their free time.

“I’m used to doing all the maintenance, but this ‘lock and leave’ lifestyle is going to be nice,” Mason says.

The Masons needed to sell their current single-family home to make the move. Despite perceptions that it is difficult to sell a home right now, Ken says that their experience was very positive. “We made sure our house showed well. Working with the Realtor recommended by Boulder Creek, we had a solid offer within the first week.”

Like each of the communities that Boulder Creek develops, all homes in Erie Village are constructed to Built Green standards, with 2-by-6 wall construction, Low-E Argon-filled windows, advanced insulation package with R-23 walls and R-38 ceilings, Energy Star appliances and high-efficiency heating and cooling systems.

One of the benefits of buying a home “from dirt” is the opportunity to choose the features and finishes that turn a new house into a home. “We had a few special requests,” Ken Mason says. “We asked for a wider window on one wall. We needed a wider garage door to accommodate our boat. And we added a pocket door for the bathroom, and every step of the way Boulder Creek has been very accommodating.” Mason says they have been quite satisfied with the cost and very pleased with the craftsmanship.
Choosing their own finishes and fixtures was also a delight. “The design center was a lot of fun to work with, very helpful. We could bounce things like color combinations off them. They helped us narrow down our choices but it didn’t feel overwhelming. We got to pick out our hickory hardwood floors, alder cabinets, and granite countertops. And of course we got to choose all the wall colors.

“We’ve watched other models like ours being built, and now we’re seeing ours, and it’s exciting.”

You Need to See This for Yourself

Find out for yourself why The Cottages at Erie Village community is such a special place. From Boulder: Arapahoe east to 287. Left (north) on 287 to Isabelle Road. Turn right (east) on Isabelle Road to County Line Road. Turn left (North) and drive through Erie to Bixler Road. Turn left on Bixler and look for the flagpole. From Denver: I-25 to Exit 229, drive three miles west on Highway 7 to County Line Road, north through the Town of Erie to Bixler Blvd., look for the flagpole on the left.

The sales office (303.772.3063), located at 1111 Village Circle, is open Monday noon to 6 p.m.; Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

For information on other innovative communities by Boulder Creek Life and Home, visit www.LiveBoulderCreek.com.

Article courtesy of Daily Camera – At Home Section.

Here at Boulder Creek Life + Home, we talk a lot about “low-maintenance living.”  But what does that really mean?

• It means no weeding.  Ever. No more stooping down to get that nasty weed that likes to grow…and grow again.  Your landscape is taken care of by our professionals!
• It means no snow shoveling.  Ever. Count on your sidewalks to be well-maintained all the year round.
• It means sturdy, reliable construction…that’s eco-friendly. Forget constant repairs and unsound structures.  Our green building practices build houses to last.
• It means more time to live, work, and play. So get out there and hike, bike, run, and indulge in all the recreation our communities have to offer!  At your Boulder Creek home, you’ll have plenty of time to devote to the things that matter.

Ready to leave your lawnmower, gardening gloves, and snow shovel behind?  Visit our website to find out more about our green, low-maintenance homes.

As a new home builder, we specialize in brand-new building…but often notice a disconnect when buyers wonder why they’d go for new construction.  Here’s a quick rundown of the benefits of a new home:

Freedom of Choice:  New home construction means that you can choose many facets of your home instead of having them handed down to you.  From the homesite to the finishes in your kitchen, new construction means plenty of choice and customization.

Green Construction:  Each of our new homes is built green…a feature you simply can’t buy in older homes.  Building green up-front means you won’t have to upgrade later…and can significantly reduce your impact on the Earth’s carbon load and pollution while saving you money in the short term.

Low-Maintenance:  Let’s face it…structural and landscaping issues are the name of the game when you buy an existing home.  But Boulder Creek homes are new and under warranty, which means that repairs are our problem, while our lock-and-leave, low-maintenance commitment forever frees you from shoveling snow and mowing lawns.

Ground-Up Communities:  New homes allow you to be truly invested in your up-and-coming neighborhood, creating community from the ground up.  And with our reasonably-priced homes with access to so many recreational opportunities and amenities, there will be plenty of ways to enjoy your new lifestyle with your new friends.

Did you know that new home construction through Boulder Creek Life and Home starts at under $200,000 in Boulder County?  Visit our website http://livebouldercreek.com for more information…and consider new home construction as you prepare to invest in a home!

This week has been rife with news on green building techniques finally, finally! hitting the mainstream.  The New York Times reports that several significant commercial real estate investors have decided to “green” their portfolios, green building expos are on the rise, and some of the country’s largest builders are finally jumping on the green bandwagon.  Of course this news makes us smile…because at Boulder Creek Life and Home, green building practices have been a part of our business as long as we’ve been in business.

So what does green building mean here at Boulder Creek?  Are we bowing to popular trends when we tell our homebuyers about our energy-efficient techniques and Earth-friendly building materials and construction practices?  No way.  Here’s a quick rundown on our green commitment…one that, like our commitment to building quality homes that combine the best in life and home, has never wavered.

• Green building techniques save money:  There’s a common misconception that a green home is an expensive one.  But we find that using green building practices and installing eco-friendly components actually saves money, increasing a building’s longevity and efficiency without a backbreaking up-front cost.  And once a homebuyer moves into their new green home, the costs of living are significantly smaller than the costs associated with inefficient, poorly insulated and energy-wasting structures of a similar size.
• Green building techniques create homes for the long haul:  Not many people realize that many of the very techniques that make a home eco-friendly also increase its durability and “shelf life.”  Properly sealed homes resist degradation from air and water; tough, energy-efficient exteriors require less maintenance and last longer; quality roofing and outdoor components will endure for decades.  This long-haul approach means that your Boulder Creek home is a good investment…not a cheaply-built liability.
• Green building techniques add life to home:  When a home is efficiently lit, properly heated and cooled, well-sealed and decorated with safe, eco-friendly materials, it just feels better.  So you can focus on the things that count.

Learn more about Boulder Creek Life and Home’s commitment to green building techniques (and learn more about the eco-friendly features of our unique communities) by clicking this link.

Great news:  the first-time homebuyer credit has been extended! Here’s what you need to know about taking advantage of this credit to purchase your new home:

• Deadlines:  In order to take advantage of the credit, your home must be under contract by April 30, 2010 and must be closed upon by June 30, 2010.
• Restrictions:  The home must be used as the purchaser’s primary residence and is fully refundable.  Income limits are $125,000 for single persons, $225,000 for couples.  The credit is only valid on residences purchased for less than $800,000.  Primary residences including condos, townhomes, and single-family homes are eligible for the tax credit.
• First-time buyers:  Under the rules, “first-time buyer” is defined as a person who has not owned a home in the last three years.
• Repayment:  Beneficiaries of the credit need not repay itif they live in their new home for three years or more.

What this means for you:  Now is the time to buy!  Boulder Creek Life and Home has plenty of great options for an energy-efficient first home.  Visit our web site for more information our our low-maintenance communities.