Custom Kitchens in Highlands Ranch
Castle Rock Kitchens remodels kitchens in Highlands Ranch, an unincorporated community in Douglas County. Its timeline is unusually well documented: the county approved Planned Community District zoning in 1979, the Mission Viejo Company bought 22,000 acres, construction began in 1980 and the first families moved in during 1981. By 1994 it was recognized as the best-selling master-planned community in the country.
That means the oldest homes are now more than forty years old, while others are much newer. A kitchen from the first decade of construction may need more than new doors: electrical capacity, ventilation and the layout itself can all be due for change.
Cooking at 5,817 Feet
At about 5,817 feet, the National Fuel Gas Code derate comes to roughly 15 percent, so an 18,000 BTU burner delivers about 15,300 BTU. Water boils near 201°F, based on CSU Extension's high-altitude figures. Confirm a range's high-altitude rating before it is ordered.
Douglas County Issues the Permits
Because Highlands Ranch is unincorporated, residential permits come from the Douglas County Building Division. The Highlands Ranch Metro District has its own applications for some projects, and those ask for a copy of the county permit. Expect both when the work calls for them.
Hard Water, Radon and the Kitchen
Highlands Ranch Water reports hardness of 11 to 13 grains per gallon (188 to 222 mg/L), which is hard water. In a kitchen that shows up as spotting on fixtures and glassware and scale in kettles and dishwashers. Plan room under the sink for treatment equipment, and choose fixture finishes and stone that are easy to keep clean.
Separately, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment says about half of Colorado homes test above the EPA's radon action level. It's a whole-house matter more than a kitchen one, but a remodel is a sensible moment to test.
Updating a Highlands Ranch Kitchen
Many updates here start by asking what the original plan got wrong. Kitchen design answers that on paper; custom cabinets replace builder boxes with construction that lasts; and the remodeling work is scheduled around county permits and inspections.
Highlands Ranch Kitchen Remodeling Questions
Who issues kitchen remodel permits in Highlands Ranch?
Douglas County, because Highlands Ranch is unincorporated. The Highlands Ranch Metro District has its own applications for some projects and asks for a copy of the county permit.
Is the water hard in Highlands Ranch?
Yes. Highlands Ranch Water reports 11 to 13 grains per gallon (188 to 222 mg/L). It's worth planning for treatment equipment and easy-clean finishes in the kitchen.
Are older Highlands Ranch homes worth a full kitchen remodel?
It depends on the house. Homes from the 1980s can still need updated electrical, ventilation and layout, which is why a design phase comes before any cabinet order.
Nearby Service Areas
Our Front Range service area runs from Colorado Springs to Fort Collins. We also work in Castle Rock and the rest of the corridor.