At-a-glance
- Hard cost
- $425–$800/sq ft
- Land
- $500K–$2M+ (central infill); $200K–$800K (foothills)
- Permit
- 12–20 weeks (Denver); 6–12 weeks (Jefferson/Douglas)
What moves cost here
- Denver's Site Development Plan review is a real gating item; budget calendar time accordingly.
- Expansive soils in south metro and swelling bentonite in foothills often require pier or caisson foundations.
- Snow load and high-altitude UV exposure push envelope and window specs higher than national norms.
Site considerations
- Wildfire-WUI overlays in Jefferson and Boulder counties require ignition-resistant materials.
- Water taps and utility upgrades on infill teardowns can add $30K–$80K unexpectedly.
- Historic preservation districts (Country Club, Potter Highlands) restrict massing and materials.
Plan your Denver build
Turn these local realities into a portable spec sheet you can hand to any builder or lender.
Related planning reading
Other markets we cover
Compare cost, land, and permit realities
Ranges reflect 2026 builder quotes for custom-grade work. Calibrated against our content methodology.