The Process
- Conceptual Design: Research
- Schematic Design: Preliminary Plans
- Design Development: Outline Specs
- Construction Documents: Technical Drawings & Specs
- Final Contracting: Building Permit and Construction Agreement
- Administration: Financing
Call For a Quote:
720-263-4949
F.A.Q.
How much will my custom home project cost?
Thank you for this question, we get asked a lot! Let me ask you, what is your budget for your new custom home? I understand they are both very difficult questions to answer quickly. I just want you to consider your answer to my question, as you continue to read. Over the next minute, I will illuminate the complexity of the answer, and summarize what a house “costs”. In truth, to get your answer, it will take months of detailed design and budgeting work to determine what it will cost. I know this isn’t a satisfactory answer. Let’s start by looking at a high level national average, then discuss details that will affect and drive your cost. The average cost to build a new single family custom home, according to a NAHB survey (fall 2019), is $296 per square foot (construction), and over $470 taking into account all the other costs that will factor. Other costs, include finished or improved lot costs, financing, general or soft costs, including all the professional fees. According to the is survey, approximately 62% of the cost will be the home; 18% to the finished lot costs, and the remaining to all the other taxes, fees, financing, etc. This rather ambiguous category can vary city by city and county by county, we are happy to provide detail for your proposed home site! Call us!
Now for my own personal answer, and based on 19 years of budgeting, costing and buying materials and designing homes. Our preliminary answer to this question, goes right to the home cost itself. We know you have found, or are searching for, the perfect lot. Let’s break this transaction apart for an answer on costs to build the home, as there are several other paragraphs needed to explain the other costs, and are mostly independent of what you build.
The cost of your home will depend on primarily three key aspects: 1) excavation and foundation, access, and site work relating to the lot itself, including lot size and topography. 2) size of the home, relating to design complexity, number of stories, decks, patios, and exterior living spaces; as well as garage and other non-living spaces; and 3) materials and finish level. So, a 3200 square foot high-end luxury home with a roof top deck in the city, can cost as much as a 5200 square foot, well-appointed custom home with a 4 car garage and multiple decks on suburban acreage. I would ask you to call for a lot more information, but in summary, I would offer that our average cost to build, based on recent projects is between $174 and $291 per square foot (finished square footage).
How long does the project take (design, permitting and build)?
It depends on the same factors we described in the “how much will it cost” answer. Generally, we plan for design phase to last 2.5 to 4 months. The permitting phase 1 to 2 months, and the construction between 7 and 10 months. We rigorously follow our own systems and process, benchmarking on a proven and successful Design-Build method. We coordinate the team of architects, interior designers, vendors, multiple engineers, and other professionals. We also collaborate with all our key trades in mechanical, electrical, and plumbing design, as well as construct-ability (design for value) assessments for all facets of the project.
Do you pull permits for your remodeling projects?
Yes we are licensed in almost every city and county in the Denver metro area. If we are not licensed in a location we are able to get licensed very quickly due to our experience and extensive resume. We make sure all local and national codes are met by us and all of our trades no matter how small the project. Being in good standing with local building authorities is paramount to our business.
Do you have sub contractors or W2 employees?
All of our project managers are W2 employees and all of our trades are subcontractors. Our expertise is managing and coordinating the trades. We rely on each trade to be experts in their field. 95% of our trades have worked with us for over 5 years. They are an extension of our company and the majority of them are run by small business owners like us. We pride ourselves on maintaining close relationships with them and we truly have partnerships with our trades. Our PMs continuously work closely with the same plumbers, electricians, painters, etc. Our trades know our expectations and know how to deliver. We are often complimented on the high quality trades we work with.
What areas do you serve?
We serve the Denver front range from Longmont to Castle Rock and Golden to Aurora.
What are possible ways to finance my project?
For our remodel customers, many of them use HELOCs to pull the equity out of their current home to finance the project. For larger additions and custom homes, we have referrals we can provide to a few banks we have worked with. Each bank has different packages available for construction loans and they can work with you to determine what would fit your situation best.
How long have you been doing remodeling and custom home projects?
Blue Sky Remodeling has been in business since 2007 with much focus on basements and additions. The company would do one large scrape or custom home every other year, but starting in 2015 decided to formally create the DBA Blue Sky Custom Homes in order to launch a separate custom home division. Since then they have completed one a year and are now at a rate of building 3 to 4 a year.
Who will I communicate with during my project?
Adam Rossi is the company’s sales manager and will be the first person you communicate with. He will take you through the design and budget process and really set the project off on the right path. When the project is ready to submit to the city or county for permitting you will also speak with our project coordinator, Melissa Sommer-Lee, who will help coordinate the process as well as set you up with the vendors to visit for material selections. You will also be in contact with Julie Rossi who will help finalize the budget and work with you on contacting banks and setting up the draw process. Finally, once we are ready to break ground you will be introduced to your project manager. Throughout the build process you will mainly be communicating with your project manager. The project manager will provide you with an online schedule that will be continuously updated. He or she will also give you a weekly status report, meet with you on site as necessary to review progress and make critical decisions on layouts to ensure the construction of your home meets the design intent.
Designing a custom home from just a list of ideas and needs, is exciting. It’s an opportunity get things just right from the beginning, and make every aspect of your home your own. But we’re not really starting from a blank slate. We’re starting from where you and your family are now, and where you may be in the future; and what you need from your home. So new home design should explore that direct, intimate relationship between architecture and the way your family lives. Working with a dedicated Design-Builder can eliminate the scary unknowns. With a detailed analytical approach; through smart and careful planning, and a professional team of experts; we help remove the stress of decision-making and budgeting. Blue Sky Custom Homes is the right fit for your family and your lifestyle.
Assistance in lot or land selection
If you don’t own a lot yet, build on one of ours or we can direct you to our Real estate partners who specialize in land sales.
Plan development and Architecture
We work with the Architect during the design process to ensure a seamless and on budget outcome.
Great communication throughout the entire process.
We use the state of the art Internet communication that allows you to see and articpate in every step of the building process.
Clear and set pricing
You’ll never need to guess on budget or costs. Our award winning team has the experience and passion to build your custom home on time, and within budget, with great results.