There is something about living in and around some of the most spectacular scenery that shifts one’s outlook on life – outdoors – in the mountains.  And day after day our architectural firm in Truckee and Lake Tahoe is hearing from our clients who have made the decision to pack up and move to the High Sierra… for just those reasons. Clear air. Less traffic. Spectacular seasons. Endless adventure right out their backdoor.

So let’s get started.  Here are some top tips from Borelli Architecture who enjoys every opportunity to design homes in the Lake Tahoe and Truckee regions for clients who seek a healthier lifestyle.

Choose a location that fits your needs and dreams. 

Fortunately for all, the Lake Tahoe and Truckee region offer an outstanding variety of new home development opportunities as well as vacant land in residential communities and on the outskirts of town.  From the prestigious Martis Camp development in Truckee, CA, to the new property options in and around Northstar California, to vacant land throughout Tahoe’s North Shore, it is highly likely that the perfect spot for you to call ‘home’ awaits you and yours.

Decide on your ideal home’s style.

When we talk with our clients about their vision of the ‘perfect mountain home,’ we always hear a different answer.  Some want an architectural design ‘brings the outdoors in.’  Others explain their interest to design the home to complement the property’s environmental features.  And there’s always a conversation to ensure the home is structurally sound to last for generations – no matter how tough a winter season may be.

Set a budget.

From the initial purchase of your property, to the last yard of carpet, you will want to be sure you have an appropriate budget to cover the obvious, and sometimes not so obvious, expenses.  As this is one of the most important investments in your life, our team at Borelli Architecture always ensures our clients are financially prepared and comfortable with what’s to come.

For mountain home design, secure a local architect.

Building homes in the High Sierra is an art to be handled by those who have the knowledge and experience in designing mountain homes that will protect your investment, and your family, from the varying and challenging seasonal changes; high winds, deep snowpack, freezing temperatures, and long hot days all come in to play.  Don’t risk purchasing a pre-fabricated plan on line; they won’t hold up to the extreme conditions.

And with a local architect’s insight, they will also help you get the best benefits out of your property’s location.  Windows facing east to capture the morning sun, patios facing west for the perfect sunset spot, and a driveway facing south to melt the winter snow.

Be aware of, and abide by, the local TRPA and County rules and regulations.

There might not be another region around the world that is tied to as many rules and regulations when it comes to building or remodeling a home in Lake Tahoe.  It’s so complex, our team at Borelli Architecture offers an extensive list of services to keep the process of building your home stress free:

  • Personal Architectural Design Services
  • Site Planning
  • Contractor Selection and Bidding Assistance
  • Construction Administration Service
  • Space Planning
  • Permit Processing Assistance
  • Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) Feasibility Studies

Ready to seek a healthier lifestyle for the best of the rest of your life?

We’re ready when you are.  And even if you are just thinking about the option to move to Lake Tahoe or Truckee, feel free to give us a call for some good-old-fashioned local advice on how to build a home in the mountains.

James P. Borelli
Founder/Principal
Borelli Architecture
Truckee / Lake Tahoe
jim@borelliarchitecture.com
775.831.3060