We build custom homes in and around Denver to fit your needs & goals
Whether it's a new build or existing space, we'll listen to what you deem important. We take a lot of pride in our work and our ability to align it with your lifestyle.
Our new home construction work
Explore real photos from our custom home builder projects
We start with a conversation about your home design goals
Let's first talk about what you find important in a home, and what you'd like to have done. Help us understand what's important in your life-style and goals. We take all that into account with your new home, or re-designs.
Custom floor plans to match your needs.
Expert material selection for durability and style.
Clear communication you can count on.
Why choose us as your Denver based custom home builder?
Our entire business has survived for 20 years just by word-of-mouth. We'll do a good job. We take pride in being a well reviewed custom home builder in Denver.
New Home Construction FAQs
We've done our best to provide you answers to the most searched questions surrounding new home construction in Denver, and surrounding areas.
At Denver Dream Builders, planning your new custom home begins with a clear conversation about your goals, lifestyle, and long-term vision. From the very first site visit, we guide you through feasibility analysis, zoning restrictions, architectural direction, and cost alignment.
We don’t just hand off your project — our in-house team walks you through every milestone: site selection, layout development, structural engineering, city permitting, and pre-construction planning. Whether you’re building from raw land or replacing an existing home, we create a roadmap that’s realistic, customized, and built for Denver’s unique construction landscape.
We don’t believe in cookie-cutter homes. Instead, DDB starts with how you live. Do you need a multi-generational layout? Want to maximize views? Need space for pets, gear, or a workshop? We work hand-in-hand with you during your new home design, creating floor plan options that reflect your routines, preferences, and future plans.
Whether you’re starting from scratch or refining an idea, our team ensures your plan is structurally sound, code-compliant, and tailored to your lifestyle — right down to room flow, natural light, and functional storage.
Yes. 100%. Unlike production builders or firms that offer limited templates, Denver Dream Builders offers true design freedom. Every inch of your home — from the shape of your foyer to the size of your pantry — can be crafted to your vision.
Our design-build model means the team designing your home is the same one building it, so you don’t run into costly surprises down the line. We tailor each project to your needs while managing code requirements, energy standards, and city-specific constraints in the background.
Zoning in Denver can be complex, with each neighborhood — and sometimes each block — governed by specific building codes and overlays.
Denver Dream Builders starts every project by analyzing your property’s zoning designation, lot setbacks, height limits, floor area ratio (FAR), and any historic or contextual design rules.
We incorporate all of this into our early-stage planning so you never waste time designing something that won’t be approved. We’ve worked in every zone — from suburban enclaves to dense infill lots — and we handle all communication with the city.
Traditional builds often separate design from construction — which can lead to beautiful plans that blow the budget or aren’t structurally feasible. At DDB, our design-build process keeps everything in sync. The same team that designs your home also prices it, permits it, and builds it.
That means fewer change orders (we don't charge these), more accurate budgets, and a smoother experience overall. It also means our designs are grounded in real-world construction know-how — not guesswork.
Ideally, before you even buy land. Denver Dream Builders can assess lot viability, utility access, zoning challenges, and overall buildability — helping you avoid costly missteps.
If you already own the land, we jump in right away to help map out your home’s position, orientation, driveway access, and future-proofing options. Early involvement lets us streamline the entire process and spot issues before they become problems.
Yes — and we recommend it. We regularly design homes with future flexibility in mind, whether that’s for a basement ADU, an aging parent suite, or a garage apartment later down the road.
We can rough-in utilities, reinforce foundations, and lay out walls to support future expansion. Even if you’re not ready to build those features now, we plan ahead so you won’t have to tear things apart later.
This is where we really shine. Because our designers, estimators, and project managers all work under one roof, we keep your project grounded in real costs — from day one. We help prioritize design elements that deliver the most impact per dollar and offer guidance on where to splurge and where to save.
Through open-book budgeting, value engineering, and transparent milestones, we make sure your home feels custom — not compromised.
We’ve seen a strong move toward warm modern interiors, thoughtful outdoor integration, and spaces designed for real life — not just Instagram. Some standout requests include oversized mudrooms, vaulted living rooms with exposed beams, built-in breakfast nooks, folding patio doors, and solar-ready rooftops.
Clients also love mixing natural textures — like white oak, iron, and matte tile — with energy-efficient building methods. Whether you’re after a Scandinavian sanctuary or a modern craftsman retreat, we tailor the design to your style, while keeping it Colorado-ready.
Still have questions?
Just reach out or ask for a quick quote!
Yes — in Denver, all new home construction requires multiple building permits. This includes not just a general building permit but often electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and zoning permits as well.
Denver’s Community Planning & Development department enforces these regulations to ensure safety, energy efficiency, and neighborhood compatibility.
Denver Dream Builders handles the permitting process for all of our new builds, working directly with the city to streamline approvals, inspections, and code compliance on behalf of our clients.
Denver’s zoning is governed by the Denver Zoning Code, which outlines how land can be used and what types of structures are allowed.
For example, lot size, building height, setbacks, and even roof pitch can be influenced by your zoning district. Common zoning categories include SU (Single Unit) or TU (Two Unit).
At Denver Dream Builders, we run a zoning analysis during the planning stage to avoid surprises and make sure the home fits your lot and goals.
On average, the permitting process for new residential construction in Denver takes between 6 to 10 weeks depending on project complexity, backlog at the city, and whether revisions are needed. Faster reviews are possible for simpler or pre-reviewed plans. At DDB, we build permitting into our timeline and keep clients informed at every milestone.
Our deep familiarity with Denver’s permitting workflow helps reduce delays and red tape. - We've got 20 years of experience dealing with it. We can handle well for you! 🫡
Not always.
Lot size, zoning designation, historic overlays, and utility access can all affect whether a custom home can be built on a specific parcel.
Some lots may also be subject to easements or floodplain restrictions. Before purchasing or designing, Denver Dream Builders conducts thorough site feasibility checks and works with city zoning officials to determine what’s possible and what’s not.
Permits can be delayed due to incomplete plans, missing engineering documents, or if the design doesn’t meet setback or height rules. Projects within historic districts often face extra scrutiny.
We’ve seen delays happen when homeowners or contractors aren’t familiar with local requirements — that’s why DDB manages submissions, coordinates with structural engineers, and ensures all documents meet Denver’s strict review standards from day one.
Yes. New construction generally requires more extensive permitting, including full site plan reviews, soil reports, and utility planning.
Remodels may only need trade-specific permits depending on scope. Denver Dream Builders regularly builds both custom homes and remodels, so we adjust our process accordingly and make sure all required permits are filed before breaking ground.
Expect multiple inspections at various stages: foundation, framing, electrical rough-in, plumbing, insulation, and final occupancy.
The city of Denver won’t issue a Certificate of Occupancy (CO) without all inspections passed. DDB handles scheduling and coordination for each inspection and walks the property with city inspectors to ensure all requirements are met.
If you’re building in a neighborhood with a Homeowners Association (HOA), you’ll likely need architectural approval from the HOA before submitting for city permits.
While HOA guidelines aren’t enforced by the city, they can affect timelines or design constraints. We work with clients to submit compliant designs to both the HOA and Denver CPD in parallel when necessary.
Denver follows the 2022 Denver Building and Fire Code, which incorporates the International Residential Code (IRC) with local amendments.
It includes energy efficiency requirements under the Denver Green Code, which may influence insulation values, windows, HVAC, and solar readiness. Our team stays up to date on every code change and integrates them seamlessly into our construction plans.
At Denver Dream Builders, we handle all permitting for you. This includes applying for, managing, and posting permits at the jobsite. Whether it’s zoning clearances, sewer use and drainage permits (SUDP), or green building compliance, we take care of it so you don’t have to deal with paperwork, city portals, or re-submissions.
Still have questions?
Just reach out or ask for a quick quote!
Building a custom home in Denver typically ranges from $250 to $500 per square foot, depending on location, design complexity, finishes, and site conditions. That puts the average 2,500-square-foot home between $625,000 and $1.25 million.
At Denver Dream Builders, we help clients understand what’s driving their costs — from architectural design choices to sourcing materials locally — and we provide line-item breakdowns so there are no surprises. Our process is built around clarity, flexibility, and helping you make confident financial decisions.
Key cost drivers include:
- Lot conditions (slope, access, soil)
- Square footage and floor plan complexity
- Interior and exterior finish selections
- Labor market conditions
- Permits, tap fees, and city requirements
Denver Dream Builders walks you through each of these up front, so you understand how every decision impacts the budget. We also look for smart tradeoffs when needed — without compromising build quality.
Yes — and getting a detailed estimate before construction begins is a critical part of how we work.
We provide:
- A full pre-construction budget
- Cost ranges for key finish categories
- Transparent trade bids
- Contingency recommendations
We’ve built dozens of homes across the Denver metro, so our estimates are grounded in real local numbers — not guesswork.
Most homeowners choose one of the following:
- Construction-to-permanent loans — A single-close loan that covers both the build and the mortgage.
- Lot + construction loans — Separate financing for land and construction phases.
- Builder-financed options — Rare, but sometimes available depending on the developer.
We regularly work with Denver-based lenders and can point you toward ones that understand construction draws, permits, and local building timelines.
Construction loans are paid out in phases — not all at once. These draws are tied to build milestones like:
- Foundation poured
- Framing completed
- MEP rough-ins
- Drywall finished
- Final walkthrough
At each step, a lender may require inspection to approve the next draw. Our team ensures your build stays aligned with the bank’s expectations and that there’s minimal friction at each stage.
Yes — and we help clients make strategic decisions without sacrificing long-term quality.
Options include:
- Value-engineering the design for structural efficiency
- Swapping select materials for more cost-effective ones
- Reducing non-essential square footage
- Making finish selections earlier to lock in pricing
Denver Dream Builders is proactive about identifying where you can save and where it’s worth investing more — especially when it comes to resale value and functionality.
Delays can drive up costs due to labor availability, weather impacts, or material price fluctuations. On the flip side, rushing a job may result in higher labor premiums or cut corners.
We build a realistic construction schedule from the start and sync it with your financing structure, making sure timing, costs, and expectations stay aligned from beginning to end.
Buying may seem cheaper upfront — but can come with tradeoffs:
- Competing in bidding wars
- Paying over asking for homes that still need updating
- Settling on layout or features that don’t fully suit your lifestyle
Building new with Denver Dream Builders means a home that’s fully tailored to your needs, energy-efficient from day one, and built to your long-term vision. It’s often more cost-effective when viewed over the lifespan of your ownership.
Even with a solid plan, it’s smart to budget for:
- Permit fee changes
- Utility connection charges
- Changes made mid-build (change orders)
- Final landscaping or exterior work
- Upgrades during the finish phase
We recommend setting aside 5–10% of your total project cost for contingency. Our planning process helps you see these items in advance and stay in control of your bottom line.
The most effective strategies include:
- Working with a builder that provides transparent budgeting (like DDB)
- Finalizing designs early to prevent delays
- Avoiding over-customization in areas that don’t add value
- Staying engaged in the pre-construction phase
Denver Dream Builders partners with you on both the design and financial planning sides to ensure that what you’re building is right-sized for your goals — now and long term.
Still have questions?
Just reach out or ask for a quick quote!
A custom home build typically follows these key stages:
- Site preparation & permitting
- Foundation and framing
- Rough-ins for plumbing, electrical, and HVAC
- Insulation and drywall
- Interior and exterior finishes
- Final inspection and punch list
- Move-in
At Denver Dream Builders, we don’t just follow these steps — we guide you through them. Our project managers keep you updated during each phase, provide walk-throughs when decisions need to be made, and make sure timelines, budget, and craftsmanship stay aligned from start to finish.
The average timeline for building a custom home in Denver is 8 to 14 months, depending on:
- Project complexity
- Permit approvals
- Site conditions
- Weather delays
- Material lead times
Denver Dream Builders builds realistic schedules from day one — and sticks to them. We set milestone-based timelines and keep communication open throughout the process, so you’re never in the dark about what’s happening on-site.
Pre-construction is when your vision turns into a detailed plan. This includes:
- Finalizing architectural drawings
- Securing permits and zoning approvals
- Selecting materials and finishes
- Confirming budget and timeline
- Aligning with your lender’s construction draw process
Denver Dream Builders uses this phase to eliminate surprises before we ever break ground. We make sure every spec is locked in, every cost is accounted for, and every decision has your full approval.
Inspections are required at multiple points in the process — especially for structural, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems.
The city of Denver (or your municipality) checks that everything complies with local building codes before we move on to the next phase.
We coordinate directly with inspectors and ensure each step passes the first time. Our relationships with Denver-area inspection offices keep the process smooth and efficient.
We use a detailed quality assurance checklist at every stage of the build. From framing to final paint, every subcontractor and site supervisor is responsible for hitting specific benchmarks before moving forward.
As the homeowner, you’ll also have opportunities to walk the site, ask questions, and point out concerns. We believe transparency and collaboration lead to better homes — and happier clients.
Yes — in fact, we encourage it. While certain phases may have safety restrictions, you’re welcome to visit during scheduled walk-throughs.
We’ll point out what’s happening, flag any upcoming decisions, and explain how everything connects behind the walls.
We want you to feel empowered and informed — not like you’re being kept at a distance from your own project.
Changes (also called “change orders”) do happen— maybe you want to upgrade tile, shift a layout, or add lighting. We’ve streamlined the process so that:
- You’re given pricing and schedule impacts before deciding
- All changes are documented clearly in your project portal
- Work doesn’t proceed without written approval
We keep surprises off the job site and in the design — where they belong. This allows us to make educated decisions and not be caught off guard!
Each DDB project has a dedicated site supervisor who manages all subcontractors, deliveries, safety protocols, and quality control on-site.
They’re supported by your project manager, who keeps your timeline, communication, and decisions on track behind the scenes.
This two-layer system ensures your build moves forward efficiently and issues are handled before they become delays.
Even with strong planning, hiccups happen — weather delays, backordered items, or subcontractor scheduling. The key is response time.
Denver Dream Builders solves problems quickly, communicates clearly, and prioritizes keeping the project on track. We document every adjustment and keep your goals front and center at all times.
This is your chance to review the entire home before move-in. Together, we’ll:
- Check for any imperfections
- Test appliances, fixtures, and systems
- Walk through your warranty process
- Note anything that needs touch-ups or adjustment
We don’t consider the job done until you’re completely satisfied.
Our final walkthrough is more than a checklist — it’s a moment of pride, celebration, and turning the keys over to your next chapter.
Still have questions?
Just reach out or ask for a quick quote!
At DDB, layout customization isn’t an upgrade — it’s the foundation of what we do. Whether you want to open up the kitchen, add a dedicated home office, or design a main-floor primary suite, our team collaborates with you and our architectural partners to make it happen.
We start with your lifestyle goals, then translate those into spatial flow and function. Every wall, doorway, and transition is on the table.
Yes — and we love when clients bring inspiration. Whether you’ve sketched a floor plan by hand or saved a folder full of kitchen islands, our team will work with you to translate those ideas into buildable, code-compliant plans. We’ll also offer expert guidance on what’s feasible, what might need adjusting for Denver’s building codes, and how to balance design ambition with budget.
We offer a wide range of curated, high-quality finishes — from quartz countertops and hardwood flooring to matte black fixtures and custom tile patterns. But we also source specialty items when clients have a specific vision. During your build, you’ll work with our design team (or your own designer) to select finishes that match your style, lifestyle, and maintenance preferences.
Yes. We incorporate energy efficiency into every build, from upgraded insulation and air sealing to low-E windows and Energy Star-rated systems. Want to go further?
We offer solar panel pre-wiring, EV charging readiness, tankless water heaters, radiant floor heating, and more. We’ll guide you through the return-on-investment considerations and help future-proof your home.
Absolutely. Smart thermostats, lighting systems, security cameras, smart locks, integrated sound — we’ve installed them all. Whether you want full-home automation or a few app-controlled conveniences, we can hardwire for now or plan ahead for future upgrades. We also coordinate directly with your AV or tech consultant, if you have one.
Many of our clients opt for oversized islands, hidden appliance garages, walk-in pantries, pot fillers, and statement range hoods. Others are leaning into minimalist cabinetry, open shelving, or two-tone finishes. We also see demand for prep kitchens or “dirty kitchens” — especially in multigenerational homes. Whatever your culinary habits, we’ll design the kitchen to support them beautifully.
Changes are possible during construction, but we recommend locking in as many details as possible before we break ground — it saves time, cost, and headaches. If changes do come up (and they sometimes do), our team will document everything clearly, explain the impact on cost and timeline, and work quickly to keep things on track.
Yes. We’ve built homes with main-floor suites, zero-step entries, wider doorways, roll-in showers, and elevator-ready shafts. Whether you’re planning for mobility needs now or simply future-proofing, we can work those features seamlessly into the design. DDB believes good design is accessible design.
You’re welcome to bring your own interior designer — and we love collaborating with them. But if you don’t have one, our in-house design team will walk you through all major selections: finishes, fixtures, cabinetry, paint, and more. You’ll get access to curated packages as well as personalized options based on your taste and budget.
We keep a tight loop between design and construction — and we document every selection in your build book. Site supervisors, trades, and project managers all reference this source of truth. Before key installs (tile, cabinetry, lighting), we invite you to walk the site, confirm placement, and give feedback. Nothing is left to assumption.
Still have questions?
Just reach out or ask for a quick quote!