Guide
About 2 min read
If you’re budgeting a new house on the Front Range or in mountain counties, you need numbers you can take to a lender and a builder - not a single sticker price, but defensible ranges.
PlanGrounds is a platform where clients can discover architectural plans, connect with architects, and move from idea to built project in one place.
For 2024 - 2026 planning conversations, many Colorado custom builds fall roughly between about $275 - $450+ per square foot of heated space for mid finishes - before land, financing, and design fees. High-performance envelopes, complex roofs, and mountain sites can land higher.
Luxury interiors, large glazing, steel, and specialty trades can push projects into higher bands. Always validate with local builders using your program and site.
Labor is a major share in tight labor markets. Material volatility still matters - especially for windows, lumber packages, and long-lead equipment. Lock allowances early when your drawings are stable.
Design, engineering, surveys, permits, utility extensions, and financing costs sit outside “per square foot” construction planning estimates but belong in your pro forma.
Explore plans that match your size and style, compare professionals, and start a structured project when you want apples-to-apples proposals.
Short answers grounded in how projects move—then use PlanGrounds to compare professionals and proposals when you're ready.
Continue reading
One follows the suggested path; another stays in the same topic lane; the third opens a different angle. Icons match the sections on the guides hub.
Next in this path
Design ideas & typologies
What sustainable home design ideas actually pay back?
High-performance envelopes, right-sized systems, durable materials, and layout moves that reduce energy and waste - with links to explore plans on PlanGrounds.
ReadSame topic lane
Costs & fees
How much does an architect cost?
Understand architect fees: hourly vs fixed, percentage of construction, phases, and what affects the price - plus how to compare professionals on PlanGrounds.
ReadDifferent angle
Compare approaches
Should I hire an architect or a design-build firm?
Understand the tradeoffs between hiring an architect-led team and a design-build firm - before you choose a contract structure.
ReadTurn reading into a clear project request
Clarify scope on PlanGrounds, then connect with studios through structured proposals, not endless browsing or lead spam.
More on PlanGrounds
Compare professionals, review open projects, and keep reading in the guides hub when you want more context.
This guide is for general education only. It is not legal, engineering, or financial advice. Budgets and codes vary by site and jurisdiction—hire qualified professionals for decisions that affect safety, compliance, or investment.