For many Colorado homeowners, owning a few acres outside town sounds like a dream: wide open skies, mountain views, space for animals or outbuildings, and peace and quiet. But when it comes to building on acreage in Pueblo West or surrounding areas like Beulah, Florence, or Rye, there are important—and often surprising—costs that aren’t obvious from the listing price alone.
At Cut Above Construction & Design, we specialize in building fully custom homes on rural parcels throughout Southern Colorado. If you’re considering buying land or building on property you already own, here’s what you need to know before you start.
It’s Not Just Dirt: What “Raw Land” Really Means
Many rural parcels in Pueblo West are considered “raw land,” meaning they haven’t been prepped for construction. That means no utilities, no grading, no road access—and a lot of upfront work before a foundation can even be poured.
These costs vary widely based on location and terrain, but they can quickly add tens of thousands of dollars to your budget.
Hidden Cost #1: Access and Driveways
If your parcel sits off a county road or requires a private driveway, you may be responsible for building and maintaining your own access. This can include:
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Grading a road
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Adding culverts for drainage
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Laying gravel or paving the surface
Long or steep driveways, especially on sloped parcels, can require extensive site work. Snow removal also becomes a personal responsibility once you’re out in the country.
Hidden Cost #2: Utilities and Infrastructure
Unlike in suburban neighborhoods, rural parcels don’t come pre-wired or plumbed. That means you’ll likely need to budget for:
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Well drilling and pump systems
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Septic system design and installation
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Electrical service poles or trenching
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Propane tank installation (since natural gas is often unavailable)
Bringing utilities to your build site can cost significantly more the farther you are from public connections. And don’t forget, all of this must be permitted and approved through the county.
Hidden Cost #3: Soil Conditions and Site Prep
The ground may look flat, but until a soil test is done, there’s no telling how well it will support a foundation. Expansive clay soil, like we often see in parts of Pueblo West, can require special footings or deeper foundations.
You may also need:
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Retaining walls or grading to level the site
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Tree removal or brush clearing
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Drainage planning to avoid erosion
All of this affects your construction timeline and cost—especially if your parcel is heavily wooded or uneven.
Hidden Cost #4: Zoning, Setbacks, and Easements
Every parcel is subject to local zoning regulations, which determine what you can build, how big, and where. Some rural parcels are agricultural or special-use, requiring rezoning or conditional use permits.
Setback rules often require you to build far from property lines or existing easements, limiting where your home, workshop, or garage can go. And recorded easements (even for things that no longer exist) can derail plans if not discovered early.
Design/Build Makes the Process Easier
When you choose a design/build remodeling and construction team like Cut Above Construction & Design, we don’t just draw a pretty plan—we look at every inch of your parcel and create a custom strategy that works with your land, your goals, and your budget.
We’ve built on raw acreage, sloped parcels, and remote lots throughout Pueblo West and beyond. We handle the permitting, site planning, and coordination so you avoid costly surprises.
Ready to Build on Acreage in Pueblo West?
Owning land is exciting—but building on acreage in Pueblo West requires careful planning. If you’re ready to turn that dream into a real, functional, and beautiful home, we’re here to help.
Let’s build your dream! Book your free discovery call with our team online by clicking here.