Discover What Does a General Contractor Do with Werts Construction
Established in Durango in 1976, Werts Construction began with a singular vision: to build homes that are as enduring as the San Juan Mountains. What started as a small family business has evolved over three generations into one of Colorado's premier builders of luxury mountain estates. Our journey is marked by a deep-rooted commitment to precision, architectural integrity, and the preservation of our region's natural splendor. With budget and time on the forefront of our mind.
What Does a General Do?
A general contractor offers a piece of mind and expertise every step of the way. We take care of permits, scheduling, booking sub contractors and overseeing every part of the project from start to finish to ensure you get the project you've dreamt of at the price point you've dreamt of.
Projects begin with us getting your plan solidified and submitted to the building department for finalization and approval. Once apporoval has been aquired the excavator and concrete work together to complete one of the most important steps of your project, the foundaton. After the foundation has had proper time to cure the excavator completes the sewage system, while we begin the framing process to bring your vison to life. Through out the framing process multiple sub contractors(HVAC, Electrician, Plumbers) will come in to complete the rough in phase of their job. Now we hit a crucial but exciting stage of your build called the Rough Inspection. This inspection verifies all sub contractors have properly completed each of their task up to code and every hole and crevice on the interior of the house has been sealed. Now the build is ready to progress to the next stage, insulation and sheet rock. While the interior is being completed we simutainously complete the exterior siding. When the sheetrock has been taped and texutred to our standards. We let you choose your colors and finishes and bring this build to life! The next and final stage is finish work including but not limited to cabinets,tile,trim,flooring,interior doors,and closets,decks,concrete driveways/walkways. We are now in the final days of our time on your project needing a blower door test to insure the house is properly sealed and meets code. Once that test is completed and we have checked off all the proper boxes we recieve our final inspection and recieve our Certificate of Occupancy! The "project" is now completed and is now your home to move into and begin making long lasting memories!
Crafting homes with integrity, precision, and mountain soul.
OUR CORE PRINCIPLES
Artisanal Craftsmanship
Rooted in decades of experience, we bring a master-builder’s touch to every architectural detail, ensuring your home is a work of art.
Uncompromising Quality
From the foundation to the final finish, we select the finest materials that stand the test of Colorado's rugged mountain terrain.
Client Partnership
We believe in transparency and collaboration, ensuring your unique vision remains the heartbeat of the building process.
Meet the Team
Eric Werts
Austin Werts
Elliot Ryan
Founder & Principal Builder
"Meet Eric, Owner and Onsite General Contractor. With 35 years of hands-on experience building homes, commercial projects, and major renovations, Eric is the heart and backbone of our company. He personally oversees every project from groundbreaking to final walkthrough, ensuring quality craftsmanship, tight schedules, and honest communication every step of the way. From framing to finish work, he’s done it all and he still shows up on site every day. Trusted by generations of clients, Eric builds with integrity, experience, and an unwavering commitment to doing things the right way.
Project manager
Meet Austin our Project Manager and In-House Welder. With over 13 years of hands-on experience, Austin brings together expert welding skills and strong project leadership. From precision SMAW and MIG welding on structural steel and custom fabrications to managing full projects from start to finish, he ensures every job is built strong, on time, and to the highest standard. He’s the guy who’s just as comfortable in the shop laying down perfect beads as he is coordinating crews, materials, and timelines in the field. Reliable, detail-oriented, Austin always makes sure your project is done right the first time.
Meet Elliot, our master carpenter.
With many years of turning raw timber into beautiful, lasting structures, Elliot has a true craftsman's touch. From built-in furniture to full home renovations and precision new framing, he brings creativity, attention to detail, and old-school reliability to every project.
Master Carpenter
Why Choose Us?
Building a home is about more than layouts—it’s about trust and the precision of fine craftsmanship. Discover the Werts difference. We are one of few companies that offer a onsite General. We take Pride in doing as much of the work ourselves to ensure high end quality.
Local Heritage
Deeply rooted in the Durango landscape since 1976, we understand high-altitude and snow lasting construction.
Total Transparency
Our process is open and honest. We provide clear timelines and constant communication.
Artisanal Quality
We treat building as a craft, employing traditional techniques with modern precision.
In House Metal Fabrication
From custom brackets to structural welding we have in house welders that allow us to maintain a tight schedule not matter what we encouter.
Voices of Craftsmanship
We first met Eric and Dave Werts in 2005 . We were building a custom home in the Durango area and contracted with Dave and Eric for many aspects of the construction and as we progressed we were able to use them for much of the construction.
My only regret is that we did not use them for everything possible. We would have save both time and money. As time passed we made additions and alterations to the home and Eric was my first and only call. Dave retired and Austin Werts stepped up to join his father in the family business. During the past 20 years that I have used Werts Construction they never let me down. If I needed a tradesman they knew who to call to help. Great attention to detail, honest, and hard working. As a retired police detective and now retired Realtor I trust Werts Construction and have referred them to friends and clients. Thanks Eric, Melissa, Austin, and cousin Elliott for everything. It's been fun the whole time.
Matt Lindvall
In 2021 I retired from work and moved to Durango, Colorado to build and
retire in my new custom dream house. Well, I got very lucky when I connected with Werts Construction. Yes, I was made aware of the cold corporate builders around town, but I did
not want to be just some large company’s statistic. From the beginning I was highly impressed with Werts Construction care and concern as to what I wanted for the home. They provided ideas and thoughts when I requested. They were never pushy or overbearing.
Once we got the plans finalized and completed, the work began. I quickly
started to see why Werts Construction has been the choice of so many
over the years. The Werts’s attention to detail is amazing. Every measurement, every placement of material is perfect. Nothing is secured until Eric Werts (owner) is
satisfied. The real secret to this long-time family run business is pride by good family
members. They save their clients’ money by doing many parts of the construction while increasing quality of workmanship due to their family pride.
Eric Werts has set up strong relationships with top level sub-contractors
such as electrical, plumbing etc. Throughout the entire building process, I was made aware of every cost and expenditure. Werts Construction will not spend your money until YOU
approve. Home construction is always challenging and distressful. But if you plan to build or remodel in the Durango area, I strongly suggest you contact Eric Werts at Werts Construction. They smooth out the many bumps in the construction road. They have my highest recommendation.
SCOTT CARBAUGH
We’ve had the privilege of working with Werts Construction on multiple projects over the years, from building two Durango Joe’s drive-thrus to completing several remodels. They have been an incredible partner in our growth, and their attention to detail, honesty, and strong work ethic consistently set them apart. Werts Construction has played a meaningful role in helping us build and improve our business, and we couldn’t be more grateful for the partnership.
Joe Lloyd