8 Commonly Asked Questions About Custom Home Building in Denver

Feb. 05, 2024

Open kitchen with a central island, pendant lighting, and wooden cabinetry around in a Sheffield Homes home in Superior, CO

If you’ve decided to build a luxury custom home, you’re likely to have more than a few questions about the custom design-build process. We've compiled a list of eight discussion points to jump-start conversation as you begin interviewing builders in Denver to find the right fit for your project.

Questions to Ask a Custom Home Builder

Use this list as a starting point for planning your new-build luxury custom home in Denver.

1. What Are the Most Important Factors to Consider?

Planning to build a custom house requires careful consideration and balance of several key components, including the following:

Budget

The cost to build a house in Denver varies, but the thriving housing market means you will make a solid investment. Define budget parameters up-front—know what you can and cannot afford to include. Remember that the cost of building a custom home in a community may differ from the cost of building on your own lot, and each scenario poses different ramifications to consider.

Factor in costs such as site preparation and permits into your budget, and always set aside a contingency amount for unexpected expenses. Knowing your budget's maximum amount on the front end of the project guides your selection process and helps avoid frustration.

Lot Selection

The right lot impacts everything from views and vistas to resale value. Some lots require extensive grading or utility connections, adding to costs. Some Denver custom home builders, like our team at Sheffield Homes, assist clients in finding the perfect lot and offer resources on the cost of building a custom home on your own lot.

Lifestyle Needs

Consider your current and future needs. Do you work from home? Do you need a reliable, high-speed internet connection for work and recreation? Do you need extra space for entertaining? Are you planning for multi-generational living? The answers to these questions will help you make the best decisions for your long-term lifestyle.

Architectural Style

Custom home builders in Denver, CO, offer a mix of mountain modern, farmhouse, traditional, and Craftsman designs. Work with a builder who understands your vision and can incorporate it into the surrounding landscape. For example, you can build a modern home with the latest energy-efficient techniques and still choose a classic exterior.

2. How Do Denver’s Building Codes and Zoning Laws Affect Custom Home Projects?

Like most regions, every city has strict building codes and zoning regulations that influence custom home building. When you work with a Denver-based luxury custom home builder who is familiar with building codes and zoning laws along the Front Range, you're putting your project in the most capable hands. Below, we've listed a few regulations that can impact your project.

Height Restrictions

Some areas limit the height of new homes to preserve views and neighborhood aesthetics. You don't want to cover up that breathtaking mountain view!

Lot Coverage

Individual community rules and regulations determine how much of your lot can be occupied by your home, driveways, and other structures. An experienced custom home builder knows how to navigate these codes to design your home within the required specifications.

Property Line Setbacks

These rules dictate how close you can build to surrounding homes—something that will vary from community to community.

Working with an experienced Denver custom home builder keeps you in compliance with these regulations, prevents costly delays and redesigns, and gets you one step closer to your new home.

3. How Much Does It Cost to Build a Luxury Custom Home?

Custom home building in Denver starts at $400 per sq. ft. (two-story) to $500 per sq. ft. (ranch) for the luxury home you want to build. Some costs may be controlled by finish and feature selections, while others are more dependent on the size, style, and location of the home.

In addition to the baseline construction costs, it’s crucial to account for expenses such as permits, utility connections, and landscaping, which will add to the overall budget. Knowing these costs can help solve budget disparities and keep your project on track.

4. What Are the Best Practices for Selecting a Builder?

Choosing the right Denver custom home builder is crucial for a smooth building process. Check to see what other people have said and experienced with the builder, and ask direct questions as you interview builders, expecting candid answers.

Reviews

Read builder reviews in Denver to see what past clients have experienced. Look at photo galleries to ensure their style aligns with your vision. Ask about warranties and post-build services to know what kind of support you can expect once your home is finished.

Transparency

You want a team that is candid about pricing and contract details to avoid unexpected costs later. Ask if they use construction management tools, which can help you track progress, stay on budget, and keep communication clear throughout the process.

5. What Are the Pros and Cons of Building a Custom Home?

Every situation has its pros and cons, and building a custom home is no exception. Understanding them up-front lays the groundwork for a successful outcome.

The Pros

Personalization: Every detail is tailored to your lifestyle—from floor plans to finishes.
Quality Control: You have control over materials and craftsmanship.
Energy Efficiency: New custom homes in Denver can include solar panels, electric car hook-ups, high-performance insulation, optimized internet bandwidth, and many forms of smart home technology.
Location: You can build where you choose, not just where homes are already available.

The Cons

Timeline: Custom home building in Denver takes 12 to 18+ months, depending on size, project scope, and whether you're building a custom home on your own lot or are looking at the timeline for building a home in a community.
Decision Fatigue: Managing choices can be overwhelming, but working with an experienced custom home builder in Denver, CO, helps simplify the process.

6. What Comes First, Architect or Builder?

Your custom home doesn't come in a box, so it must be designed. You can choose an architect and then find a builder or select a design-build team to do both. The beauty of a custom home is that it is individualized to you, so whether you opt to work with an architect on your own first or go with a design-build team like Sheffield Homes, you get to decide what works best for you.

If you start with an architect, finding the right Denver custom home builder early on helps you create a team that shares the same goal: getting you into a custom home.

7. What Is the Process of Building a House?

Though each builder may approach the construction process with different nuances, the basic formula is the same: beginning, middle, and end.

The Beginning

Building a custom home typically follows a series of key steps. It begins with selecting a custom home builder in Denver and an architect who can bring your vision to life. You may also wish to consult with an interior designer at this stage to help with design conceptualization. Once your team is in place, the next step is establishing your budget and securing financing.

The Middle

From there, your team creates the home’s design and obtains the necessary permits to begin construction. Site preparation and foundation work follow, laying the groundwork for the home's structure. Then, framing and structural work take shape, and essential systems like electrical, plumbing, and HVAC are installed.

The End

Once the home's bones are complete, the focus shifts to interior and exterior finishes, bringing the design details to life. Finally, after all inspections, you’ll do a final walkthrough before moving into your brand-new custom home.

8. Why Should I Build a Custom Home in Denver?

Your investment in building a luxury custom home along the Front Range is a solid one! Whether you're drawn to the outdoors or are more of a homebody, Colorado offers countless perks to its residents.

Unparalleled Views

Denver offers an unbeatable setting for building a custom home. With breathtaking mountain views and stunning sunsets and sunrises, every day feels special. With 300+ days of sunshine, you can enjoy year-round outdoor living, whether you're relaxing on your patio, entertaining guests, or hiking a nearby trail.

The Lifestyle

The thriving economy and top-rated schools make it an excellent place for families and professionals alike. Plus, with easy access to outdoor recreation like hiking, skiing, and biking, the Front Range is perfect if you love adventure and an active lifestyle. You can't help but get outdoors when you live in Colorado.

Energy Efficient Options

In Colorado, you have various energy-efficient choices when building a new home, including solar panels, DOE ZeroH building options, and NextGen (all electric).

When you build a custom luxury home with our team, we guide you through the available energy-efficient options and show you how to implement them.

Finding the Right Team

It's important to partner with a trusted luxury home builder in Denver before your home construction process can begin. At Sheffield Homes, we're proud to offer custom home services that help you live in a home catered to you in one of the country's most beautiful regions.

Contact Us

If you’re ready to start building, we're ready to start working with you. Learn why our team is one of Denver's best luxury custom home builders and how our decades of experience help us serve you.

Tags: Custom Homes