How Altitude Affects Remodeling Materials & Design Choices

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Colorado Springs, CO

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Mountain-Ready Homes

Living in Colorado Springs means enjoying fresh mountain air, breathtaking views, and a lifestyle shaped by outdoor adventure. But the same elements that make this region special—high altitude, intense UV exposure, dry air, and dramatic temperature swings—also influence the materials and design choices homeowners should consider when remodeling.

At Fortune Homes, LLC, owner Scott Fortune and our experienced team understand the unique demands of Colorado’s climate. Whether you’re refreshing your kitchen, updating your bathroom, finishing your basement, or adding new living space, selecting materials that can withstand high elevation conditions is essential for long-lasting beauty and durability.

Let’s explore how altitude and mountain weather impact your remodeling decisions—and how to design a home that’s truly “mountain-ready.”

Colorado’s Intense UV Exposure: Choosing Interior & Exterior Finishes That Last

At higher elevations, UV rays are significantly stronger. This can cause fading, discoloration, and faster wear on everything from flooring to paint to roofing materials.

Interior paint is especially vulnerable. Bright natural light can wash out colors quickly, so homeowners should choose high-quality, fade-resistant paints with UV-blocking properties. Matte finishes may look sophisticated, but satin or eggshell coatings typically hold up better under intense sunlight.

Likewise, wood flooring and furnishings near large windows can experience fading. Engineered hardwood with UV-protective finishing, luxury vinyl plank (LVP), or ceramic/porcelain tile tend to perform better in sun-drenched areas.

In kitchen remodels, incorporating natural light is great—just be sure that exposed surfaces are prepared for it. Many homeowners planning a premium kitchen cabinet upgrade choose quartz countertops because they resist both UV rays and heat better than natural stone. Others look into custom kitchen storage enhancements that position cabinetry away from direct, prolonged sunlight.

Dry Mountain Air: Effects on Wood, Flooring, and Fixtures

Colorado’s dry climate is ideal for outdoor activities—but inside the home, it can lead to shrinking, cracking, and warping. Wood floors, trim, cabinetry, and doors are particularly affected.

To reduce seasonal expansion and contraction, engineered wood is often the best flooring choice. It provides the warmth and look of natural hardwood but handles moisture fluctuations much better. Tile, LVP, and stone flooring also perform exceptionally well in dry conditions and are great options for high-traffic areas or families looking for low-maintenance solutions.

In bathrooms, dryness combined with dramatic humidity spikes during showers means homeowners benefit from well-sealed materials, better ventilation systems, and moisture-resistant tile. When planning a remodel, many clients explore high-end shower renovation solutions or incorporate Colorado-style bathroom tile installation that’s both durable and stylish.

High Altitude Temperature Swings: Materials That Stabilize Comfort

Colorado Springs often experiences rapid temperature shifts—warm afternoons followed by chilly evenings. These fluctuations impact insulation choices, window performance, and exterior finishes.

When finishing a basement or creating lower-level living space, proper temperature control becomes even more critical. Basements may stay cool year-round, but without the right materials, they can also trap moisture or feel drafty. Many homeowners explore energy-efficient basement conversions or upgrade insulation as part of a full basement living suite renovation.

In main living areas, dual-pane or triple-pane windows with gas filling help regulate temperatures and reduce energy bills. Low-E coatings can also minimize UV damage while keeping heat where you want it—inside during winter and outside during summer.

Winter: The Planning Roofing Materials That Withstand High Elevation Conditions

At first glance, roofing might not seem like it relates to interior remodeling—but when crafting a mountain-ready home, every layer matters. High winds, strong sunlight, and occasional heavy snow mean roofing materials must be strong and stable.

Impact-resistant shingles, metal roofing, and composite materials tend to outperform traditional asphalt in high-altitude environments. They also help protect additions and remodeled rooms from water damage, energy loss, or structural stress.

Homeowners considering expansion projects often pair roofing upgrades with a mountain-ready home addition design or enhance comfort with a Colorado Springs structural add-on project that integrates energy-efficient roofing and insulation.

Window Selection for Sun, Snow & Everything in Between

Windows are one of the biggest factors in whether a remodeled space feels comfortable or constantly battling the elements. At higher elevations, choosing the right window technology is essential.

Low-E coatings help block UV rays, improve indoor comfort, and protect materials from fading. Triple-pane windows are ideal for rooms that face strong winds or intense sunlight—common throughout Colorado Springs.

Basements especially benefit from well-insulated windows. They improve natural light, prevent heat loss, and help transform lower levels into warm, welcoming spaces rather than cool, underutilized ones.

Designing for Colorado’s Lifestyle: Function Meets Durability

Beyond materials, remodeling in Colorado Springs also means designing for a lifestyle rooted in nature. Mudrooms, durable flooring, built-ins for gear storage, and moisture-resistant finishes are popular in homes that see plenty of hiking boots, snow gear, and outdoor equipment.

Kitchens often include easy-to-clean surfaces, oversized sinks, and strong ventilation systems. Bathrooms may feature walk-in showers, radiant heat flooring, and tile that withstands rapid humidity changes. Basements frequently become multifunctional spaces—gyms, offices, guest suites—built to stay comfortable despite fluctuating temperatures.

Build a Mountain-Ready Home With Fortune Homes, LLC

Colorado’s altitude makes remodeling uniquely challenging—but with the right materials and thoughtful planning, your home can be both beautiful and resilient. At Fortune Homes, LLC, Scott Fortune and our team specialize in designing remodels that respect both your lifestyle and the demands of our mountain environment.

Whether you’re planning a kitchen upgrade, a luxury bathroom renovation, a basement transformation, or a structural home addition, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Ready to make your home truly mountain-ready? Reach out to Fortune Homes, LLC and let’s bring your vision to life.

Our Work

Our Remodeling Services

Kitchen Remodeling

One of our specialties here at Fortune Homes is Kitchen Remodeling. Click below to learn more about our process!

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Bathroom Remodeling

We want you to feel like royalty every time you enter your bathrooms, and we are here to provide you with that experience!

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Basement Finishing

If you want to get your basement a facelift, you've come to the right place. Click below to learn more about our basement finishing services!

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Home Additions

Adding more space to your home has many benefits, and we've got the expertise for just about any size project. Click below to learn more about our home addition process!

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Whole Home Remodeling

We are experts in every type of remodeling project imaginable, so if you are looking to get multiple remodels or your whole home remodels, you've got to the right place!

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Client Testimonials

Fortune Homes, LLC

5.0

Rated 5 out of 5

I hired Fortune Homes for a restoration project after water damage. They did a fantastic job replacing my tile and wood flooring, drywall, paint. Their workmanship is stellar. Crew was professional, clean, timely, and honest. Will hire them again!

-Crissy S.

Rated 5 out of 5

Fortune Homes has been a long-time trusted friend and business associate to One Source Cabinets. We have successfully completed dozens of remodel projects over the years. Scott’s customers will tell you that he is an extremely knowledgeable regarding all facets of construction, and his finished projects are always outstanding! We highly recommend Fortune Homes for any of your remodeling needs.

-Jeff S.

Rated 5 out of 5

Fortune Homes, LLC

5.0

Rated 5 out of 5

This team is the best of the best. They completed our basement exactly on schedule, worked with us with open communication, demonstrated reliability, and they were professional the entire time. We cannot recommend Fortune Homes more.

-Marle B.

Rated 5 out of 5

Our master bathroom turned out better than we could have imagined. Everyone in Scott’s employment was professional, friendly, and trustworthy. The quote he provided initially did not change on the final invoice. We have and will continue recommending them to anyone looking for a home improvement contractor.

-Chase D.

Rated 5 out of 5

Areas Serviced

HQ: North Colorado Springs, CO
North West Colorado Springs, CO
North East Colorado Springs, CO
Banning Lewis Ranch, CO
Briargate, CO
Cordera, CO
Falcon, CO
Flying Horse, CO
Monument, CO
Pine Creek, CO
Rockrimmon, CO

How Altitude Affects Remodeling Materials & Design Choices

Mountain-Ready Homes

Colorado’s Intense UV Exposure: Choosing Interior & Exterior Finishes That Last

Dry Mountain Air: Effects on Wood, Flooring, and Fixtures

High Altitude Temperature Swings: Materials That Stabilize Comfort

Winter: The Planning Roofing Materials That Withstand High Elevation Conditions

Window Selection for Sun, Snow & Everything in Between

Designing for Colorado’s Lifestyle: Function Meets Durability