Major Home Renovations and Gut Remodels in Southwest Colorado
Whole house remodel experts transforming aging mountain properties across Pagosa Springs, Durango, and the San Juan region. From structural gut renovations to high-end finish upgrades — one team, one contract, one point of accountability.
Whole House Remodeling: Modernizing Mountain Living
Most mountain homes in Pagosa Springs and Durango were built 20 to 40 years ago — before modern insulation standards, open floor plan living, and today's mechanical efficiency were the norm. A whole house remodel gives you the opportunity to keep the location and lot you love while rebuilding the home around how you actually live now.
Our major home renovations start by stripping the property down to the studs where it makes sense. That means we can evaluate every structural member, identify hidden issues like moisture damage or settling, and rebuild with modern framing, insulation, and air sealing. We reconfigure closed-off floor plans into the open-concept layouts that mountain living calls for — great rooms that flow into kitchens with sight lines to the San Juan peaks through new window walls.
When the walls are open, we bring mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems up to current codes and efficiency standards. That includes upgrading to properly sized HVAC for high-altitude performance, modern electrical panels that support today's loads, and plumbing systems that meet current health department requirements. The finish layer is where your vision comes to life — custom cabinetry, stone hearths, wide-plank hardwood flooring, and the details that make a gut renovation feel like a brand-new home.
Down-to-the-Studs Renovation
Comprehensive gut renovations that expose the structure, address hidden issues, and rebuild with modern framing, insulation, and air sealing for mountain performance.
Open Floor Plan Conversions
Structural reconfiguration to remove walls, add beams, and create the open-concept mountain living spaces that older Durango and Pagosa homes were never designed for.
Full System Upgrades
Complete replacement of electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems sized and engineered for high-altitude efficiency and modern building codes in La Plata and Archuleta counties.
Luxury Finish Packages
Custom cabinetry, natural stone counters and hearths, wide-plank flooring, and designer fixtures that transform a gut renovation into the mountain home you've envisioned.
Single-Source Project Management
One contract, one team, one point of contact managing design, permitting, demolition, and construction — eliminating the coordination headaches that plague multi-contractor renovations.
Older Home Expertise
Deep experience identifying and remediating issues specific to older Durango and Pagosa homes — knob-and-tube wiring, galvanized plumbing, inadequate insulation, and foundation settling on mountain lots.
Energy-Efficient Retrofitting
High-performance insulation, advanced air sealing, and properly sized mechanical systems that dramatically reduce heating costs in Southwest Colorado's extreme high-altitude climate.
Specialty Trade Coordination
Seamless scheduling of electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, tile setters, and finish carpenters — all managed under our supervision for quality control and schedule efficiency.
The Trusted Remodeling Contractor for Complex Renovations
A gut renovation is one of the most complex residential construction projects you can undertake. Walls come down, systems get replaced, and dozens of specialized trades need to work in precise sequence. The difference between a remodeling contractor who delivers and one who doesn't is project management — and that's where Positive Design Build sets the standard in Southwest Colorado.
We manage the entire renovation under one contract: design development, permitting with La Plata or Archuleta County, demolition, structural work, mechanical rough-ins, insulation, drywall, and every finish detail through final punch list. Our team identifies issues common to older mountain homes before they become expensive surprises — structural settling on sloped lots, outdated electrical that can't handle modern loads, and plumbing materials that should have been replaced a decade ago.
Energy-efficient retrofitting is built into every major renovation we do. At 7,000+ feet, heating costs in an under-insulated mountain home are brutal. We install spray foam insulation, eliminate thermal bridges, and upgrade to high-efficiency HVAC systems that cut heating bills dramatically. If your renovation project also involves expanding your living space, explore our home additions and second-story additions services.
Ready to Transform Your Mountain Home?
Schedule a consultation to walk through your property, discuss your vision, and get a realistic scope and budget for your whole house remodel in Pagosa Springs, Durango, or the surrounding areas.
What a Whole House Remodel Looks Like
Every major renovation follows a structured sequence. Here's how we take a mountain home from outdated to outstanding — on schedule and without the chaos that gives remodeling a bad name.
Pre-Renovation Assessment
We walk your property, evaluate the structure, identify hidden issues, and develop a realistic scope before any demo begins. No guesswork, no change-order surprises that blow your budget later.
Design & Permitting
Architectural drawings, material selections, and finish specifications — locked in before construction starts. We pull all permits with La Plata or Archuleta County and schedule inspections in advance.
Selective Demolition
Strategic tear-out that preserves what's worth keeping and removes everything that isn't. We protect finishes and features slated to remain and manage debris removal cleanly.
Structural & Mechanical
Framing modifications, beam installation, new electrical panels, replumbed supply and drain lines, and HVAC ductwork — the hidden infrastructure that defines how well your home performs for decades.
Insulation & Envelope
High-performance insulation, air sealing, and moisture barriers installed before walls close up. This is where energy-efficient retrofitting happens — the single biggest impact on your long-term comfort and heating costs.
Finishes & Punch List
Custom cabinetry, countertops, flooring, tile, paint, fixtures, and trim — installed by our finish carpenters and specialty trades. A thorough punch list walk ensures every detail meets our standard before handoff.
Whole Home Remodels We've Completed
Browse completed major renovations and gut remodels across Pagosa Springs, Durango, and the surrounding Southwest Colorado communities. Each project shows the transformation from dated to modern mountain living.
Our Recent Work
Small Residential Home Before Major Renovations
Modern Interior Design with Custom Staircase
Small Residential Home Before Major Renovations
Modern Blue Exterior Home Renovation Project
Modern Rustic Kitchen with Custom Island
Modern Rustic Kitchen with Custom Island
Modern Bathroom Renovation with Subway Tile
Custom Curved Glass Block Shower Wall
Custom Dark Wood Walk-In Closet Design
What Homeowners Say About Their Remodels
Hear from families in Durango and Pagosa Springs who trusted Positive Design Build with their whole house remodel and major home renovations.
What Our Customers Say
"Louis Garday, Sr Pagosa Springs, CO 81147 Re: Positive Design - Mark Positiviata December 23, 2025 What I immediately learned when we first started renovating my 4,000 sf log home was that above and beyond everything else, MARK IS A CRAFTSMAN AND PROFESSIONAL in the truest meaning of those words. His work for the planned 10 months was all completed in several diverse areas, on time, on budget, adding a professional flair whenever possible, such that I can easily claim that his skill and craftsman like work on every aspect of the engagement, including concrete and tile work, fine detailed carpentry, building a new 30’ by 20’ TREX deck, electrical work, safety grab bars and plumbing, repairs of metal roof, painting and drywall, landscaping, and a complete home Code evaluation and corrective action. His professional work easily yielded an increase of my home's value at double what I spent on the project. That ROI clearly will show up if/when I sell the house in 2026 or beyond. In a highly confident and in an unqualified manner I strongly recommend Positive Design and Mark to anyone needing all manner of home construction from a true professional and frankly a nice guy. Louis J Garday Sr. More Background information: Sometimes you get lucky. I was introduced to Mark at a dinner in late 2024 and the conversation turned to the details of the multi-faceted work I needed need to renovate and upgrade my 4,000 sf home on ten acres preparatory to selling it in the Spring of 2026 (my best estimate at the time for the optimum timing to sell based on the political/economic chaos brought on by Fed, the then current administration and pending tax law changes during the four years ending in January 2025). I have a lifetime and some 50 years' experience in the construction and real property development businesses, know the trades and have built or developed multiple commercial properties and was impressed with his knowledge during our dinner. The following Monday I received a call from Mark asking if he could walk my property with me and organize my thoughts on what I characterized as extensive work. What followed was a long and detailed survey he compiled of what was needed to remodel and reposition a 30-year-old valuable and custom log home and natural 10-acre landscape of some 200 Ponderosa Pine Trees, surrounded by the San Juan National Forest. Mark made extensive notes and revisited me a few days later, with a detailed proposal, cost estimates, a few new ideas to maximize what I had in place, a time and materials schedule, work timing and scheduling (what us old time real estate guys call a PERT Chart). This being a new relationship and having just met Mark, I agreed to bite off the first phase immediately and Mark began the (bring it up to Code phase) the following Monday in December 2024. Work began immediately and he moved his equipment into my carport and began working. I need not have worried about Mark and the process. He did a great job from Day through the completion. Louis J Garday Sr. Pagosa Springs, CO 81147"
Louis
2025-12-23
"Mark remolded our home when we bought it to perfection!!! He built a corner fireplace; a new kitchen with built in cabinet with glass doors and lights for displays. We have the most amazing master bath as he built a round shower stall, walkin with 5 shower heads, a seat and all done in glass bricks. The window is all glass bricks to let the light in with an open small window at the top to let steam out and fresh air in if wanted. A beautiful tile inlaid floor rhat is heated as wanted that he designed. Many people have come to look at it and he built several more!! He comes to fix anything or make something better when ever he is needed. He builds remarkable original things which he designs to fit the space and to last for ever! He is an artist and a very talented guy!!! I would not have anyone else do the kind of work Mark does!! Leslie Hawkinson"
Leslie
2025-12-12
"Mark of Positive Design Build did a total remodel on a rental property I own. The property was rented for over 13 yrs to the former tenant and it was sorely in need of repairs & overall updating. He did a fabulous job & it looked like a new home!! All new kitchen, new wiring, a lot of new plumbing, new bathroom tub surround, new vanity & lighting , all new paint, floors refinished & new door locks & some new doors for closets & exterior doors. I was very pleased with his hard work & the finished project."
Kelly
2025-12-16
"Mark did a great job!!! He brought creativity and imagination to a job , where I did not see the possibilities. His experience added great skill and forethought in to designing my mudroom and bathroom. I highly recommend Mark Posiviata for whatever you need to do...."
Bill
2025-12-28
"4.5 stars - Mark Posiviata at Positive Design Build LLC did a beautiful job designing and building my laundry/mudroom. The cabinets, bench, and countertop are absolutely stunning, and the craftsmanship is truly top-notch. The quality of work and attention to detail really show — the space is both functional and gorgeous. Design-wise, Mark was excellent to work with. He listened carefully, offered great ideas/suggestions, and delivered a final result that exceeded my expectations. I’m thrilled with how the room turned out and receive compliments on it all the time. The only area for slight improvement would be communication and coordination with contractors during the process, which could have been smoother at times. That said, the end result was well worth it. I would absolutely recommend Mark and Positive Design Build LLC for anyone looking for high-quality custom work and thoughtful design."
Jules
2025-12-05
Whole Home Remodel FAQ
Answers to the questions we hear most from homeowners considering major renovations in Pagosa Springs, Durango, and across Southwest Colorado.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the whole home remodel cost per square foot?
In Southwest Colorado, whole home remodel costs typically range from $150 to $400 per square foot depending on the scope and level of finishes. A cosmetic update with new surfaces and fixtures falls toward the lower end, while a full gut renovation involving structural changes, new mechanical systems, and luxury finishes pushes toward $350–$400 per square foot. Mountain properties in Pagosa Springs and Durango can run slightly higher than Front Range averages due to material transport costs and the specialized labor required for high-altitude construction. We provide detailed cost breakdowns during our initial consultation so there are no surprises.
Is it better to remodel or build new in Pagosa Springs?
It depends on your property and priorities. Remodeling preserves your established lot — mature landscaping, an existing driveway, utility connections, and often a desirable location that's no longer available in new developments. You also avoid the timeline and cost of site prep, foundation work, and new permitting from scratch. Building new gives you complete design freedom and modern systems from day one. For many homeowners in Pagosa Springs and Archuleta County, a gut renovation delivers the best of both worlds: a fully modernized home on an established property at 60–70% of the cost of new construction.
What are the challenges of renovating an old mountain home?
Older homes in Pagosa Springs and Durango come with predictable challenges we've learned to anticipate. Outdated insulation and thermal bridging mean the walls and attic aren't performing at modern energy standards — a problem amplified at 7,000+ feet. Structural settling is common on sloped mountain lots, requiring foundation assessment and sometimes remediation before renovation work begins. Many older properties also rely on aging septic systems or wells that need upgrading to meet current health department codes. We conduct thorough pre-renovation assessments so we can identify these issues before demolition starts, not after.
How long does a gut renovation take?
A full gut renovation in the Durango and Pagosa Springs area typically takes 6 to 12 months from demolition to move-in. The timeline depends on the complexity of structural changes, the extent of mechanical system upgrades, and lead times for custom materials like cabinetry, stone, and specialty fixtures. Mountain-specific factors also play a role — some exterior work needs to be sequenced around weather windows, and material deliveries to remote properties take planning. We build detailed project schedules with milestones so you can track progress throughout the renovation.
Do I need to move out during a whole house remodel?
For a true whole house remodel or gut renovation, yes — we strongly recommend moving out. When we're replacing plumbing, rewiring electrical systems, and opening walls to the studs, the home isn't safe or comfortable to live in. Moving out also speeds up the project significantly because our crews can work without restrictions, and we can phase the renovation more efficiently. Most of our clients in Durango and Pagosa Springs arrange temporary housing for the duration, and we work with you on a timeline so you can plan accordingly.
How do I find a reliable remodeling contractor in Durango?
Start with licenses and insurance — any remodeling contractor working in La Plata or Archuleta County should carry general liability, workers' compensation, and hold current state and local licenses. Ask to see a portfolio of completed renovation projects, specifically mountain homes similar to yours. Check references from homeowners in the area and look for a contractor who manages all trades under one roof rather than subbing out coordination to you. At Positive Design Build, we handle design, permitting, and construction as a single team, and we're happy to provide local references and walk you through our completed projects.
Can you make an old home energy efficient during a remodel?
Absolutely — a major renovation is the best opportunity to bring an older mountain home up to modern energy standards. When the walls are open, we can add high-performance spray foam or dense-pack insulation, eliminate thermal bridging, and seal the building envelope. We replace single-pane windows with multi-pane, low-E glazing that performs at altitude and install high-efficiency HVAC systems sized for your home's actual heating and cooling loads. Many of our clients in Pagosa Springs see 40–60% reductions in heating costs after a comprehensive energy retrofit during their whole house remodel.
What permits are required for a major renovation in Archuleta County?
Major renovations in Archuleta County require building permits for structural work, plus separate electrical and plumbing permits for system replacements. If your property has a septic system, the health department may need to review and approve any changes to plumbing layout or capacity. Zoning and land use compliance also comes into play if you're changing the building footprint or use. We handle all permitting as part of our general contracting service — pulling permits, scheduling inspections, and ensuring every phase meets code before we move to the next.
Still have questions?
We're here to help you find the answers.
Let's Talk About Your Renovation
Free consultations for whole house remodels and major renovations in Pagosa Springs, Durango, Bayfield, and throughout Archuleta and La Plata counties. We'll walk your property and give you a realistic scope and timeline.
Major Home Renovations Across Southwest Colorado
We handle whole house remodels and gut renovations in Pagosa Springs, Durango, Bayfield, Arboles, and throughout Archuleta and La Plata counties. Contact us to discuss your renovation project.
Visit Our Pagosa Springs Shop
Conveniently located for Durango customers
Hours
Monday - Friday: 9am - 6pm
Saturday: 9am - 5pm
Sunday: Closed