Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Award-Winning Custom Home Builders in Durango, CO
Founded in 1975, Mantell-Hecathorn Builders has established itself as a leader in custom home construction, driven by a commitment to superior craftsmanship and innovation. With over five decades of experience, we specialize in transforming architectural visions into high-performance, energy-efficient homes that harmonize with Colorado's natural landscape. Our team prioritizes personal oversight, limiting annual project starts to 3-4 to ensure meticulous attention to detail and client satisfaction. We collaborate with skilled subcontractors and architects to deliver projects within 12-18 months, reducing costs and timelines without compromising quality. As the only builder in Southwest Colorado certified for 100% of homes under the DOE Zero Energy Ready program, we integrate advanced building science with sustainable practices.Our expertise spans extreme climate construction, having built in Alaska and California before settling in Durango, where we continue to set industry standards. We emphasize transparency, offering third-party verified certifications and continuous client communication throughout the design-build process. Our legacy includes 20 certified energy-efficient homes and numerous national awards, reflecting our dedication to excellence. We pride ourselves on fostering long-term relationships, providing post-construction support, and adapting to evolving technologies while maintaining ethical business practices. This combination of experience, technical proficiency, and client-centric values positions us as trusted leaders in high-performance home building.
Services
Custom Home Building
Energy-Efficient Construction
Design-Build Services
Green Building Certification
High-Performance Homes
Details
- Year established: 1975
Highlights and features
- We limit annual projects to 3-4 for personalized oversight and quality control
- 50+ years of combined experience in extreme climate and high-performance construction
- Only builder in Southwest Colorado with 100% DOE Zero Energy Ready certification
- Third-party verified energy efficiency with HERS scores as low as 7 (93% more efficient)
- Award-winning design-build process with 12-18 month project completion timelines
Associations and certifications
- ENERGY STAR
- NAHB Green
- DOE Zero Energy Ready Home
- EPA Indoor Air Quality Plus
- EPA WaterSense
What people say
Personal oversight
Energy savings
Transparent communication
Award-winning quality
Timely delivery
Services
Custom Home Building
We specialize in transforming architectural blueprints into bespoke residences tailored to client specifications. Our process combines personalized design collaboration with technical expertise in energy-efficient construction. Each project benefits from hands-on oversight by our president, ensuring adherence to strict quality standards while maintaining 12-18 month completion timelines. Our approach minimizes client stress through transparent budgeting and regular progress updates.
Energy-Efficient Construction
Our homes achieve 50-100% greater efficiency than code-built homes through advanced insulation, triple-pane windows, and solar-ready designs. We implement rigorous third-party testing under ENERGY STAR and DOE Zero Energy Ready standards, achieving HERS scores as low as 7. This guarantees measurable energy savings while maintaining superior indoor air quality through non-toxic materials and ventilation systems.
Design-Build Services
We coordinate all aspects from site selection to final finishes, eliminating communication gaps between architects and contractors. This streamlined approach reduces costs by 15-20% through value engineering and prevents design-phase errors. Clients work directly with our team throughout the process, ensuring their vision aligns with technical requirements and budget constraints.
Green Building Certification
We secure multiple third-party certifications including NAHB Green Emerald Level and DOE Zero Energy Ready Home. Our homes undergo comprehensive diagnostics like blower door tests (2 ACH) and duct leakage inspections (
High-Performance Homes
Our ultra-efficient homes incorporate radiant heating, heat recovery ventilation, and passive solar design. With R-60 ceiling insulation and 95% efficient HVAC systems, they achieve 72% energy savings compared to standard homes. Optional photovoltaic installations make these residences net-zero ready, combining comfort, durability, and future-proofing against rising energy costs.
People
Hunter Mantell-Hecathorn
President
President with 20+ years in high-performance construction. Oversees daily operations and building science implementation. Holds Master Certified Green Professional designation. Graduated in geology from Fort Lewis College and continues professional education in energy-efficient techniques.
Miranda Mantell-Hecathorn
Vice President
VP managing business operations and client budgets. Former legal assistant with decade of administrative experience. Graduated in English Communications from Fort Lewis College. Active in local business networks and community organizations.
Greg Mantell-Hecathorn
Founder
47-year industry veteran and founder. Pioneered energy-efficient building in Alaska. Retired but serves as consultant. Holds Master Certified Green Professional credential. Recognized for advancing sustainable construction practices in Colorado.
Tara Mantell-Hecathorn
Co-Founder
Co-founder with extensive construction and community involvement experience. Former wildlife ecologist who contributed to early building projects. Active in local education and nonprofit initiatives during her tenure before retirement.
Questions
What makes your homes energy-efficient?
We use advanced insulation, triple-pane windows, and third-party verified systems that reduce energy use by 50-100% compared to standard homes.
How long does construction take?
Most projects complete within 12-18 months due to our streamlined design-build process and efficient subcontractor partnerships.
Are you certified for green building?
We hold multiple certifications including DOE Zero Energy Ready Home and NAHB Green Emerald Level, with 20+ verified energy-efficient homes.
Do you work with out-of-town clients?
Yes, we provide weekly updates and virtual coordination for long-distance clients while maintaining in-person oversight.
What areas do you serve?
Primarily Durango and Southwest Colorado, including North Valley, Painter Ranch, and Twin Buttes developments.
How are energy savings measured?
We use HERS ratings - our homes score as low as 7, meaning 93% greater efficiency than code-built homes.
Videos
Reviews (4)
Marcy Edwards
Jan 01, 2022
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Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Responsiveness
The team at Mantell-Hecathorn are fantastic to work with! SolarWorks! has been their solar partner for 12+ years. They are organized, efficient and build the most beautiful energy efficient homes. Their attention to detail and personal touch make them the best! Thanks Hunter & Greg!
The team at Mantell-Hecathorn are fantastic to work with! SolarWorks! has been their solar partner for 12+ years. They are organized, efficient and build the most beautiful energy efficient homes. Their attention to detail and personal touch make them the best! Thanks Hunter & Greg!
Bob Grunert
Dec 26, 2021
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Mantell- Hecathorn Builders is the premier energy efficient home builder in the southwest. Their commitment to a higher grade product is second to none. They work with the best tradesmen in the area and have built a team that is second to none. If you are looking to build your dream home and are looking for quality and efficiency then the choice is clear.
Brian Huff
Dec 25, 2021
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I have had the pleasure of working with the Mantell Hecathorn team in a professional capacity for the past five years. Their professionalism and open communication throughout the design process is appreciated. With a commitment to their net zero homes and honest dialogue regarding budgets, starting a new project with Greg and Hunter is always a privilege.
Christine Jerpbak
Nov 23, 2021
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From our first meeting with Mantell-Hecathorn Builders, it was immediately clear that Hunter and Greg were the right team for our project. Our goals for our retirement home in Durango were for a high quality, energy efficient structure, with a design that complemented the building site and surrounding Twin Buttes views. We wanted an open interior design that would meet our changing needs as we aged.
Hunter and Greg were very easy to work with; they listened to us and were responsive to our wants and needs during both the design and building process. We lived out of state and construction occurred
Hunter and Greg were very easy to work with; they listened to us and were responsive to our wants and needs during both the design and building process. We lived out of state and construction occurred
