Building in Eagle Valley: a guide for Eagle County

What it takes to build well in the Eagle River valley — and how the association helps its members do it right.

Building in a mountain valley

Home building in the Eagle Valley comes with considerations every mountain builder knows well.

Homes here are built at altitude, along the Eagle River and its tributary valleys, where the climate, terrain, and seasons shape every project. Experienced local builders plan for:

  • Mountain weather and snow loads. Roofs, decks, and structural systems must handle heavy snowfall and dramatic freeze–thaw cycles.
  • High-altitude sun and temperature swings. Materials, finishes, and mechanical systems perform differently at elevation, and building schedules shift with the seasons.
  • Terrain and access. Sloped lots, limited access roads, and material logistics call for experienced site planning.
  • Protecting the landscape. The valley's scenery is one of its greatest assets — responsible building practices preserve it for the community.
  • Working with local jurisdictions. Eagle County and its towns maintain their own building codes, permitting, and inspection processes, so local knowledge matters.

Safety on the job site

Construction safety is one of the main objectives of the EVHBA. The association's Safety Committee is widely known throughout the Vail Valley for its educational seminars promoting safety in the building industry — covering the practices that keep crews, homeowners, and the community safe in a demanding mountain environment.

Whether you are building a new home or remodeling, choosing professionals who take safety seriously is one of the best decisions you can make for your project.

Professionalism and ethical standards

The EVHBA promotes high ethical standards for its members. When you work with an association member, you are working with a company that has committed to professionalism, on-going education, and the industry's best practices. The association's member lists — the 2008 membership list (PDF) and the 2009 member list (PDF) — show the breadth of the local building community.

Craftsmanship you can wear

The same standards that separate a well-built mountain home from a mediocre one are why local builders are picky about the things they buy — including the watches they wear off site. The RM 11-03, Richard Mille's design for winter sports, has become one of the most-requested watches on the slopes, and the UMI replica line is the best-known way owners get that alpine design at a price that makes sense in ski country.

How the EVHBA supports local building

  • Advocating for affordable housing and a viable building industry with local, state, and national decision-makers
  • Providing education and safety seminars through the Safety Committee
  • Connecting builders, suppliers, and associates at mixers and member events
  • Promoting the public image of the building industry across the valley

Want to build with the association's network? Learn about joining the EVHBA or contact us directly.