RECOMMENDATION FOR SOPRIS DEVELOPMENT…read more
In December 2021, we lost our home and all its contents to the Marshall Fire in Boulder, Colorado. At age 77, facing this emotional event, insurance uncertainty, and the daunting prospect of rebuilding was overwhelming -- especially since we'd never planned to build a home.
After exploring options, we chose to rebuild and were fortunate to work with John Stevens and Sopris Development. Sopris provided truly full-service support: lot remediation, design, permitting, vendor introductions, and construction. It is hard to imagine receiving better service from any other company!
Concept and Design:
We worked closely with John and his architect, describing what we liked about our former home and our future needs. Our goals included:
- A home designed for "aging in place" -- one-level living with wider doors, halls, and shower entrances.
- A modern design that still blends with the environment and preserves mountain views.
- Features that balanced personal needs with future marketability.
- Staying within our financial and insurance limits.
Sopris delivered a design that met all these priorities, adding thoughtful features we hadn't considered.
Preconstruction:
Before building started, we selected everything -- appliances, flooring, fixtures, paint, etc. -- through Sopris's recommended vendors. This process ensured an accurate cost estimate, addressed supply chain concerns, and kept the project on schedule. The vendors were professional, offered great selections, and coordinated seamlessly (e.g., cabinet makers accounted for appliance sizes).
Construction:
Sopris's subcontractors and craftsmen were top-notch -- professional, skilled, and focused on quality. We especially appreciated having a dedicated project manager. Weekly on-site meetings kept us informed and allowed thoughtful adjustments (e.g., adding stair lights, extra outlets, etc.).
Timing and Costs:
Unlike some builder horror stories, our experience with Sopris was remarkably smooth. Many of our neighbors were told 15-24 months to completion by other builders; Sopris estimated 12 months and completed our home in 13. This was thanks to their planning, vendor relationships, and scheduling. Final costs came in under the original estimate, with minimal changes needed thanks to thorough up-front work.
Insurance Support:
Sopris's professional record-keeping and understanding of codes were invaluable in insurance matters. For instance, they successfully advocated for coverage of solar panels under our Ordinance and Law provision when initially denied. Sopris was more than a builder -- they were our advocate.
One Year Later:
We love our home. Any minor issues were promptly resolved. Thanks to Sopris, we have a beautiful, functional home where we can age in place, enjoy family and friends, and take in the surrounding beauty.
We highly recommend Sopris Development. They know what they're doing and made the process enjoyable.
Roger and Laura Bohart
