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New Study Finds Government Regulations Add Nearly $132K to the Cost of New Homes
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Fox 13 News, Approved, National

New Study Finds Government Regulations Add Nearly $132K to the Cost of New Homes

By Bradford Betz | FOX 13 News Government regulations now add roughly $132,000 to the cost of a typical newly built home, according to a new study from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), as industry leaders warn that mounting costs are worsening the nation's housing affordability challenges. The NAHB study found that regulations imposed by federal, state and local governments account for 26.4% of the final price of a new single-family home. Applied to the average sales price of a new home in January, the regulatory burden totals approximately $131,734 per house. The estimate is based on Census Bureau data showing the average sales price of a newly built home sold in January was $499,500. The report comes as housing affordability remains ...
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Simple Backyard Upgrade Leads To Costly Zoning Battle in Denver
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CBS Colorado, Approved, Local

Simple Backyard Upgrade Leads To Costly Zoning Battle in Denver

By Chierstin Roth | CBS Colorado Denver homeowner EJ Braquet built a pergola over his back patio for his aging mother back in 2023. She can no longer make it to the nearby park, so he wanted to give her a shaded spot in the backyard to get outside. However, he could never have imagined what happened next.  "I basically said I don't want to cut any corners," said Braquet. "I want to build it right and build it nice." Little did he know that his backyard project would spark a multi-year battle with the city. "Didn't have anything to hide, didn't realize I needed a permit at the time, I thought this was very similar to what you could buy at Costco and assemble yourself," Braquet said. Braquet says he was contacted by city zoning after a neighbor reported th...
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New Colorado Emissions Law Expected to Push Furnace Prices Up 40% or More
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Approved, kdvr.com, State

New Colorado Emissions Law Expected to Push Furnace Prices Up 40% or More

By Ashley Michels | KDVR FOX31 DENVER (KDVR) — HVAC experts are warning about a significant price increase in the cost of new furnaces and water heaters in 2026. On Jan. 1, a new law went into effect in Colorado tightening the emissions standards on gas furnaces and water heaters. Units manufactured beginning Jan. 1, 2026 must meet Ultra Low Nox (ULN) or Energy Star ratings in order to be sold and installed in Colorado. The law does not require Coloradans to immediately replace their existing furnaces and water heaters with upgraded equipment. However, when it comes time to purchase replacements, they must meet the new standards. The change is meant to improve air quality in Colorado, cut down on pollution and help lower utility bills. However, experts expect u...
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Colorado’s Local Control Eroded by State’s Energy and Housing Overreach
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The Denver Gazette, Approved, Commentary, State

Colorado’s Local Control Eroded by State’s Energy and Housing Overreach

By: The Gazette Editorial Board | Commentary, The Denver Gazette What’s the common thread between Gov. Jared Polis’ roadmap to green energy and his agenda for affordable housing?  That is, aside from the fact each will backfire on the state’s economy in one or more ways.  The answer is that both steamroll local laws that are more in tune with the needs of their communities — in pursuit of pipe dreams.  One aims to eliminate all greenhouse gas emissions — when in fact Colorado has virtually no impact on global climate in the first place. The other seeks to create more affordable housing on a wing and a prayer, oblivious to how the housing market really works. A Gazette report last week on Polis’ mad dash to 100% renewable power generation and “net zero” carbon ...
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Redfin report shows Gen Z buying homes younger than millennials or Gen X
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DENVER7, Approved, National

Redfin report shows Gen Z buying homes younger than millennials or Gen X

By Rachel Wingrat | Denver7 DENVER — New data from Zillow shows the median earner in Denver would need a $44,000 raise to afford a mortgage on a home. It's just the latest statistic that shows how hard it can be to buy a house. But Gen Z seems to be defying the data. According to a recent report from Redfin, Gen Z is actually outpacing millennials and Gen X when it comes to homeownership, compared to when those other generations were the same age. Denver7 spoke with Elizabeth Million, with Elevation Credit Union, about how this is possible when homes seem so unaffordable. "They definitely do their research, which is fantastic," Million said. "The Gen Z segment, they're okay to move or drive as far as it takes to find affordable homes." So Million said, that mi...
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