Saltbox Custom Homes is a multifaceted custom building company.
You name it, we can do it.
The widespread knowledge of our staff sets the bar high above the rest.
We put every bit of knowledge from our experiences and backgrounds into our projects. Ground up builds, excavation, and design build. If you have a design concept or vision, we can bring it to life for you. All excavating, framing, architectural plans in CAD and labor is facilitated in-house. Welcome to Saltbox Custom Homes.
Nick Salter Owner
Nick is a 25 year veteran of the construction business. He has an extensive excavation background. Nick is verse in every facet of the building process. His strength lies in the ability to visualize a project from start to finish to bring forward the best possible results for his clients. His exceptional attention to detail stems from his lifetime of building ground up homes.
Mark Newman
Architectural Designer/Engineer
Mark had great pleasure working as a Structural Engineer for 15 years in the Vail Valley. As an intricate part of the Saltbox team, Mark brings new architectural concepts to the fore front while maintaining a timeless mountain feel. He has thrived on deriving structural creative solutions to complex architectural builds.
Michelle joined forces with the Saltbox team in 2020 working as their Steamboat Realtor®. She has spent the past 8 years as a Real Estate Agent in Steamboat, cultivating relationships and creating exceptional experiences for her clients, which is the backbone of her real estate practice. At Saltbox Custom Homes Michelle works with custom home build clients from their first inquiry and will help walk you through the process!
OUR TEAM
PRE-BUILDING PROCESS
Why We Focus on Budget Over Price Per Square Foot
Building a custom home is one of the most personal and significant investments you can make. At Saltbox Custom Homes, we understand that this process is deeply intertwined with your individual needs, preferences, and financial realities. That’s why we prioritize discussing your overall budget rather than focusing on the price per square foot. Here’s why this approach is crucial for creating a home that truly meets your expectations and fits within your financial plan.
1. Personalization Over Standardization
When you build a custom home, you’re embarking on a journey to create a unique living space tailored specifically to your needs and lifestyle. Focusing on the price per square foot can obscure the personalized nature of this process. Every home is different, and various factors influence the cost, such as:
• Design Complexity: Intricate architectural designs or custom features can significantly impact the cost, regardless of the overall square footage.
• Materials and Finishes: The choice of materials—whether high-end or budget-friendly—affects the final price but doesn’t correlate directly to square footage.
• Location and Site Conditions: The costs associated with the land, foundation work, and site preparation vary widely and can impact the overall budget more than the per-square-foot price. By focusing on your budget first, we ensure that every aspect of your home aligns with your personal vision and financial comfort.
2. Comprehensive Budgeting
Price per square foot is a useful metric in standard construction scenarios but falls short in custom home building. The nuances of custom design and construction mean that a simple square-foot calculation can be misleading. Here’s how our budget-focused approach benefits you:
• Holistic View: By starting with your overall budget, we can address all elements of the project—design, materials, labor, and any additional costs. This comprehensive view ensures that nothing is overlooked.
• Tailored Solutions: We work with you to understand your priorities and needs, adjusting the design and material choices to fit within your budget. This way, you get the home you want without unexpected financial stress.
• Flexible Adjustments: If initial plans exceed your budget, we can explore adjustments. Whether it’s tweaking the design, opting for different materials, or changing the scope, we work together to find a solution that meets your needs and stays within your financial parameters.
3. Avoiding Misleading Comparisons
Price per square foot can be a deceptive metric. Here’s why:
• Variability: The cost per square foot can vary greatly depending on numerous factors, including the quality of materials, the complexity of the design, and regional construction costs. This variability makes it an unreliable measure for custom homes.
• Misalignment: Focusing on price per square foot may lead to comparisons that don’t reflect the true value or suitability of the home being built. It can divert attention from more critical aspects such as design, functionality, and personal preferences.
4. Building Trust and Transparency
Discussing your budget openly can be challenging, but it’s an essential part of our process. At Saltbox Custom Homes, we value transparency and aim to build a relationship of trust with our clients. By sharing your budget with us:
• Informed Decisions: We can provide realistic options and recommendations that align with your financial situation, ensuring you make informed decisions throughout the building process.
• Collaborative Process: Understanding your budget allows us to work collaboratively to create a home that meets your desires without compromising on quality or exceeding your financial limits.
• Peace of Mind: Knowing that your budget is carefully considered and respected helps alleviate stress and ensures a smoother, more enjoyable building experience.
At Saltbox Custom Homes, our focus is on understanding your budget and needs first and foremost. While price per square foot can be a common discussion point in conventional home building, it doesn’t capture the essence of a custom home’s unique aspects. By prioritizing your budget and personal preferences, we ensure that your dream home is not only a reflection of your vision but also a financial investment that fits within your comfort zone. We know that sharing your budget might feel daunting, but it’s a crucial step toward creating a home that truly fits your life. Let’s embark on this journey together, focusing on what matters most to you and crafting a home that exceeds your expectations.
PRE-BUILDING PROCESS
Working Through the Details Before Construction Begins
Initial Meeting
Let us learn about the ideas you have envisioned for your space. We want to understand all the ins and outs surrounding your project. An overall budget is discussed to see if that range is a good fit to work together. Our personal approach forms a welcoming relationship between the client and builder.
Design Deposit
This deposit engages our in-house architect to meet with you for an initial design meeting. During this 90-minute (or so) meeting, we will look at your project and we can talk about a whole range of items – scope, lifestyle, functionality, budget, aesthetics and so on. This consultation allows us to fully understand the scope of your project and accurately prepare an architectural fee. We put our passion into designing your dream home.
Architectural Design Package
Once we know your needs and wants - we go to work! Each of our projects begin with a pen and paper, which later evolves into CAD drawings and 3D renderings. Three design phases are included with your architectural fee 1.) Prelim. Arch. 2.) Refined Arch. 3.) Final Arch.. We truly are a custom design-build firm. “You name it, We can build it” .
Estimate & Contract
Commitment
Know we have captured all of your details and our estimate is current with todays pricing. Our detailed estimate is transparent to see all the costs up front
Selections
Working with Saltbox Custom Homes you will find we have made the process simple. Whether it is Saltbox, or our preferred vendors or a personal designer, we will walk you through each selection. We are here to make the experience enjoyable.
Plan Development and Permits
While selections are made, we are taking care of the plan development, scheduling, and permits required to get your house ready for construction. Don’t worry we will keep updating you on shipments, selections made, and plan development progress.
Construction Begins
The big day everyone dreams of - construction begins! You have completed your selections, the permit is in-hand, and we are breaking ground. We will continue to work with you to ensure your vision comes to life!
BUILDING PROCESS
From Groundbreaking to Homeowner Walkthrough
By following this systematic approach, Saltbox Custom Homes ensures that each stage of the home building process is executed with precision and attention to detail, resulting in a high-quality home that meets the needs and expectations of the homeowner.
Site Preparation:
The home building process begins with site preparation, where the land is cleared, leveled, and prepared for construction. This involves removing vegetation, grading the soil, and installing utilities such as water, sewer, and electricity.
Foundation:
Once the site is prepared, the foundation is laid. This typically involves pouring concrete footings and constructing foundation walls to support the structure of the home. The foundation provides stability and serves as the base for the entire building.
Framing:
With the foundation in place, framing begins. This stage involves constructing the skeletal framework of the home using wood or steel studs. Walls, floors, and roofs are assembled to create the basic structure of the house. At this stage, an owner box walk is scheduled to assure we capture the design of the home.
Rough-In Mechanics:
After framing is complete, rough-in mechanics take place. This involves installing essential mechanical systems such as plumbing, electrical, heating, and cooling. Rough-in mechanics lay the groundwork for the home's essential utilities and ensure they are properly integrated into the structure.
Insulation and Drywall:
Once rough-in mechanics are in place, insulation is installed to regulate temperature and improve energy efficiency. Drywall is then hung and finished to create interior walls and ceilings. This stage transforms the skeletal structure into enclosed living spaces.
Finish Carpentry and Painting:
Flooring is installed prior to carpentry and paint. With the interior enclosed, finish carpentry and painting can begin. Trim work, cabinetry, and other finish carpentry details are installed to add character and functionality to the home. Walls are painted to enhance aesthetics and reflect the homeowner's style.
Finishing Touches:
Finishing touches such as light fixtures, plumbing fixtures, and hardware are added to complete the interior spaces. Exterior finishes are before insulation.
Homeowner Walkthrough:
Before finalizing the construction process, the homeowner walkthrough takes place. This allows the homeowner to inspect the completed home, identify any issues, and ensure the build specifications have been met. Any necessary adjustments are completed for your new home to enjoy.
DESIGN CONCEPTS
4,321 Total Square Feet | 5 Beds | 4 Baths
This new contemporary build has a Scandinavian twist designed by Saltbox to stand above the rest. This home was created with a minimalistic and simplistic custom luxury design that spans over 4300 sqft. Saltbox intentionally incorporated the south facing driveway and south facing roof lines to warm this home all year long. A sleek integration of wood/natural materials, natural light, clean lines and neutral colors bring this new build to life.
Pedro
2,679 Total Square Feet | 4 Beds | 4 Baths
This single-family home consists of over 2600sqft, four bedrooms, four baths, and an additional flex space. You will find the main bedroom suite, primary guest suite, kitchen, dining and living room on the main level. The 10’+ ceilings allow you to take advantage of views in every direction. Two expansive sliding doors provide access to a walk out patio designed to take in the lake views. A large mudroom from the entrance above the oversized attached two car garage provides plenty of additional storage. Large laundry room and full bath are located just steps from the two guest bedrooms and mudroom. This home is finished with standing seam metal roof, natural stone siding, and natural wood to give the mountain modern home excellent curb appeal.
Numan
2,561 Total Square Feet | 4 Beds | 3 Baths
This single family home consists of over 2500sqft, 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, and a flex space for home office, yoga, craft room, etc. You will find the main bedroom suite, kitchen, dining, office and living room on the top level, with 10’+ ceilings that allow you to take advantage of views in every direction, while an additional living room and 3 bedrooms can be found on the entry level. Two expansive slider doors, off of the kitchen and dining room, give you access to the 2nd level deck adding ample outdoor living area to take in the views of the adjacent peaks. Large mudroom welcomes you home from the attached 2 car garage that provides plenty of storage for your cars and toys. This mountain modern interior with an abundance of natural light brings a fresh new style of home.
Dash Duplex
1,973 Total Square Feet | 3 Beds | 4 Baths
With almost 2000sqft of living space, a thoughtful floor-plan, an oversized 1 car garage, and a private yard this duplex floor plan offers privacy, functionality, and affordability. Each side of the duplex has its own large deck, with oversized slider doors, intentionally on seperate sides of the house. All three bedrooms live lavishly with ensuites and intentional window placement to take advantage of the mountain views. A flex space that can be set up as a home office, yoga space, reading nook, etc has been added to the main floor. Open floor plan on the upper level encompasses the living, kitchen, and dining space, providing an inviting space to either host guests or relax. The shared wall of this duplex adjoins the garage on the lower level and the flex space on this upper level, with no other shared walls allowing each side to live like a single family home.
Stagecoach ‘Scandi’ Haus
3,400 Total Square Feet | 4 Beds | 3 Baths
Construction loans are specialized types of loans designed to finance the construction of a new building or the significant renovation of an existing property. Here's how they typically work:
Application and Approval: To obtain a construction loan, the borrower must apply with a lender and provide detailed plans, cost estimates, and a timeline for the construction project. The lender evaluates the borrower's creditworthiness, the viability of the project, and the borrower's ability to repay the loan.
Loan Disbursement: Unlike traditional mortgages where the entire loan amount is disbursed upfront, construction loans are typically disbursed in phases or "draws" as the construction progresses. These disbursements are usually based on milestones in the construction process, such as completing the foundation, framing, or reaching certain stages of completion.
Interest Payments: During the construction phase, the borrower usually only pays interest on the amount that has been disbursed. This is known as "interest-only payments." The interest rates on construction loans can be variable or fixed, depending on the terms of the loan.
Construction Period: The construction phase of a loan can vary depending on the size and complexity of the project but typically lasts between six months to a year. During this time, the borrower is responsible for managing the construction process, including hiring contractors, obtaining permits, and overseeing the work.
Transition to Permanent Financing: Once the construction is complete, the borrower must repay the construction loan in full or convert it into a traditional mortgage. This process is known as "permanent financing." The borrower may need to provide additional documentation and undergo another round of approval to secure permanent financing.
Loan-to-Value Ratio: Lenders typically impose a loan-to-value (LTV) ratio on construction loans, which limits the amount of financing relative to the appraised value of the property or the cost of construction. This helps mitigate the lender's risk by ensuring that the borrower has sufficient equity in the project.
Contingency Funds: Construction projects often encounter unexpected costs or delays. To account for this, borrowers are usually required to set aside a contingency fund as part of the loan agreement. This fund serves as a buffer to cover unforeseen expenses and ensure that the project can be completed without additional financing.
Overall, construction loans provide a flexible financing option for individuals or developers looking to build or renovate properties, but they also come with unique risks and requirements compared to traditional mortgages. It's essential for borrowers to carefully plan and manage their construction projects to ensure successful completion and repayment of the loan.
Base Level Finishes:
• Paint grade shaker style doors
• Single color slab garage doors
• LVT 7" wide flooring
• Level 1 Quartz
• Stainless steel kitchen appliances package such as LG brand
Upgrade Finish Options:
• Stain grade shaker style doors
• Brizo brand plumbing fixtures
• Smart Thermostats
• Single color slab garage doors with windows
• T&G ceilings
• Open steel stair railings
• LVT 9” flooring or Engineered Hardwood Flooring
• Level 2 or 3 Quartz, or countertops
• Storage shelves in garage
• Mudroom storage and cubbies
• Ceiling fans
• In Floor heat
• Air conditioning
• Concrete patio
• Interior and exterior Sonos speakers
• and the list goes on, we can create your custom home to meet your needs. This list, while not all encompassing, is meant to give you a general idea of what to expect to help you stay on budget
