People love going to the scenic Rocky Mountains for a holiday – whether it’s just for a weekend, a week, or even a work-from-home month. The laid-back lifestyle is appealing, and going home is always heartbreaking. Moving to the Kootenays is a great way of avoiding that heartbreak and enjoying life as it should be. You can also build a new home for this new life.
Why move to the Kootenays
Quality of life matters – and British Columbia’s Kootenay region offers it in bundles.
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Anabundance of outdoor activities
You don’t need to travel to a scenic location to enjoy the beauty of nature when you live in the Kootenays. It’s all right at your doorstep. From hiking in summer to skiing in winter – there are plenty of things to do outdoors, no matter what season of the year.
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Become a part of a close-knit community
You’ll get to live in an area where the honour system still works. The people who call this region home tend to be down-to-earth and friendly with a healthy respect for each other. Plenty of local festivals and gatherings mean you can get to know your neighbours better.
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The best of urban and rural lifestyles
An idyllic rural lifestyle doesn’t mean you don’t have access to tech. High-speed broadband means you can work with ease. In fact, the region is home to several tech start-ups and co-working spaces for entrepreneurs who don’t want to compromise on their work-life balance.
The views everywhere are gorgeous – turning even a mundane grocery run into an event.
Things to consider when building a home in the Kootenays
You want your home to make the most of the stunning views you’ll have every day of the year when you live in a place like the Columbia Valley. A custom–built home will allow you to do just that while taking your lifestyle, preferences, and tastes into account. However, building in a mountainous region requires specialized knowledge of the construction trade, and there are several factors that need to be considered.
1.Time of the year
Most people think about construction when the weather is nice. But there are other times of year when you can build or work on a new home.
However, starting construction in the spring is optimum for peace of mind. It is the most economical time of year to start. Cold weather causes delays that drive costs up. Ideally, the framing is complete before the summer heat is in full swing.
In a perfect world, the build is constructed and waterproofed by the time the fall rolls around. Once you have the roof, shingles, and windows installed, you can always focus on the interior when the days are short, and the temperatures start to drop.
Of course, spring and summer tend to be when everyone else is looking to book.
A fall build may work, but it can be stressful when you’re in a race against the weather. Working in winter conditions can increase the structural work’s cost by 10% or more! A winter build assumes a significant cost burden, especially if the home requires substantial groundwork/excavation.
That’s why it’s good to talk to a reputable builder before you start making plans. They will explain all the pros and cons and the best time to start your build. Some builders are better equipped than others to meet tight deadlines.
2.The weather
The Columbia Valley is a semi-arid desert, and with that comes cold winters with plenty of snow and summers that can get pretty hot. The placement of windows, patios and the kind of insulation used can make a huge difference to how much snow you need to shovel, and your energy bills! A building contractor who is familiar with the quirks of the weather will be able to advise you on the best way to go.
3.Functionality of design
You want your house to be able to support all the activities you like to do or are planning on starting when you move to the Kootenays. Things like a boot room for all your outdoor things, a pantry to store all the produce you grow and process, or a large garage space for bikes, skis, and snowmobiles are all great features to have. Whatever you decide in terms of design, a good builder and home renovator can provide additional advice on the best materials to use and other cost-saving ideas.
Want to know more about building a home? Contact AXM Contracting and let’s talk!