About Pueblo County, CO

There is so much going on in Pueblo West that I figured I'd better start a blog to make sure YOU got the word as well. As I'm sure you've noticed, there is a ton of building going on: from our recently completed North side Fire Station to our Library expansion and so much in between. Word is that we will FINALLY be getting a traffic light (by the end of summer) at the intersection of Purcell and Industrial. Anybody who has made a quick stop at Safeway before going home at the end of the day and then tried to turn left from Industrial Blvd. onto Purcell during rush hour knows that it is nearly an impossible task. For those of you on the South side of Highway 50, many of us may be able to switch from propane to natural gas this coming fall. Drive slowly while passing the pipeline workers and be sure to give the people at Colorado Natural Gas a call (1-800-720-8193 extensions 137 or 808 or pueblowestsales@coloradonaturalgas.com) to schedule an appointment to go over conversion requirements.

That's all for today. Wow, so much to talk about! If you have information to share, give me a call at 719-440-6202 or email me so I can include it in this blog!

Pueblo is growing despite the current non-existent recession. With over 300 days on average of sunshine, great location for recreation and afford ability Pueblo is a great place to be.

January - April 2008

Building permits :

• $0 -120,000 permits 58
• $120 - 150,000 permits 50
• $150 -170.000 permits 26
• $170 -200,000 permits 23
• $200 -250,000 permits 19
• $250 - 300,000 permits 1
• $300,000 + permits 3
• Total: $26,719,867

Valuations are calculated by the Regional Building Department based on cost of construction estimates. Values do not include land costs and do not represent to sales values. Information supplied by Pueblo Regional Building Department.

Neighborhoods:

• Regency Crest 29
• Crestview 8
• Forest Glenn 7
• Hyde Park 7
• West Ridge 5
• Pueblo West 73
• Mesa 9
• Colo City / Rye 3
• Beulah 2

2008 New Single Family Residence building permits:

• Jan permits 28 - 61.1 %
• Feb permits 36 -52 %
• March permits 34 - -54.1%
• April permits 82 + 46.4%

Source : http://www.prbd.com/

Colorado Western Real Estate was a proud sponsor of the Pueblo Outlaws 2008 High School Rodeo the weekend of April 26-27 2008. I have to admit I had no idea of what I was watching. No doubt the cowboys in Heaven were yelling down "get that blonde outta there!"

On more than one occasion I've remarked that I don't know one end of a cow from the other. My good friend George Souto will remind me that the end with the horns is the dangerous end, the other end is where we get milk.

The event was held at the Colorado State Fair Grounds in Pueblo CO. And in my opinion the cows being "cut" looked less than enthusiastic. Mostly it looked as if the high school kids were messing with their minds. And I was confused when it was announced that they would be bringing in "new" cows for the boys event. The first set of cows didn't look all that exhausted. But what do I know.

Anyway, the school kids seems to be happy to be there despite the cool weather. And I did pass out a few of my business cards!

Pueblo, Co had a late season storm which produced large and damaging hail. Many homeowners have not yet had a chance to get their roofs repaired. Here are some things homeowners should know before signing a contract.

First call local supply companies or building departments and ask for references. They know which companies can be trusted and which ones should be avoided. Never work with a contractor who wants you to pull a permit for them. This most likely means they are not licensed in the area or have had some problems with the building department. If they ask for money up front be suspicious, but smart. Some smaller companies have been taken by homeowners and want to make sure they get a true commitment before scheduling or want the money to make sure they aren't left covering a material bill and without getting paid. One way to satisfy both you and the contractor in this instance is to pay for the material yourself and have him supply labor only. This is a good idea under many circumstances, it makes sure that no liens may be filed against your property if your contractor finishes the job but doesn't pay his material bill. The contractor may still be able to file liens on your property if he finishes the job and you don't pay him, but you know the material costs were taken care of. It is not always better to go with the biggest and best known companies in town, they often times have more jobs than their regular crews can handle and will hire unfamiliar crews to get the jobs done, planning on going back and fixing problems later if necessary.

Local companies rely on their reputation to stay in business, so research the firm you decide to go with and make sure they are in good standing with both the building department and the local suppliers.

Written by Pam Simmons

For more information or to contact Pam Simmons @ Allied Building Supply 719 560-0401