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 real projects move—then use PlanGrounds to compare professionals and proposals when you're ready.
Finish level, site work, jurisdiction, and energy goals change cost per foot more than floor plan aesthetics alone.
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Design ideas & typologies
Sustainable home design ideas that 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.
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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
Architect vs design-build: which path is right for you?
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.