Our Proven Process for Custom Home Projects in Denver
Building a custom home or taking on a home renovation in Denver should feel inspiring, not stressful. At Forest St Builders, our proven approach walks you confidently through each step of the process, from your initial ideas to the moment you walk into your finished home.
Thoughtful planning, clear communication, and expert craftsmanship are at the heart of our process, ensuring every detail aligns with your vision. Whether you're planning a new build or upgrading your current home, our structured approach ensures your experience is smooth and expectations are exceeded.
Step 1: Initial Consultation
Every project begins with a personal consultation. We take time to understand your preferred style, layout, number of rooms, and any must-have features. You are encouraged to share design inspiration from Pinterest, Instagram, or other sources to help us fully understand your vision. If there are any unique ideas or custom elements you’d like to incorporate, such as a kids’ loft bed, an in-home gym, or an indoor-outdoor entertaining area, this is the perfect time to share them.
We also discuss any plans for outdoor living spaces, including patios, decks, or other exterior features you envision. Additionally, we’ll dive into your long-term goals, such as multigenerational living or maximizing future resale value, as these help us understand how your home can best serve your needs now and in the future.
This meeting also includes a conversation about your budget and desired timeline. Whether you already own land or need help connecting with an architect or designer, our team is here to support you from the start. If you are interested in an energy-efficient home, we’re happy to explore sustainable options that suit Denver’s climate.
Watch the video below for 10 questions we cover in your first meeting with our team:
Step 2: Home Design with an Architect
If you haven't selected an architect already, our team helps pair you with an architect whose design style and approach complement your unique vision. Together, you'll collaborate to craft detailed plans that reflect your home's ideal layout, functionality, and aesthetic.
Throughout the design process, we provide feedback and revisions to the architect until the final plans are ready for permitting.
Step 3: Permitting
Permitting is often one of the biggest unknowns in the building process. Because the architect is the one who prepares the construction plans, we prefer to have them submit for the permit directly. They have a deeper understanding of the city’s review process, speak the same technical language as the permit reviewers, and are best positioned to respond quickly and accurately to any requests for revisions or clarifications.
While our team stays closely involved—tracking progress, coordinating with the architect, and keeping you informed—we’ve found that this approach helps streamline the process and reduce unnecessary delays. Depending on the complexity of your project and the City of Denver’s current workload, permit approval can range from as little as three months to seven months or more. By maintaining consistent communication with all parties involved, we work hard to keep things moving forward as efficiently as possible.
Step 4: Budget and Contract
Prior to permits being submitted, we create a detailed budget that outlines costs for materials, labor, permits, etc. This budget becomes the foundation for a well-detailed agreement that outlines the entire construction, including the budget & milestone payment schedule and amounts. Our goal is to eliminate surprises and ensure full transparency from the start.
Step 5: Pre-Construction Planning
Before construction begins, we plan every phase of your project in detail. This includes scheduling for key construction phases, selecting trusted trade partners, and ordering long-lead materials, such as cabinetry, to avoid delays. During this stage, we collaborate with you to select a cabinet supplier and finalize layout details, as well as choose a window supplier. Specifying these longer-lead items early allows us to place orders at the right time to avoid delays and keep the project on schedule.
You will also be introduced to JobTread, our project management platform. Through JobTread, you can track real-time project updates, view daily photo and video logs, follow payment schedules, and monitor progress at every step.
Step 6: Construction
Construction begins with site preparation. This includes setting up fencing, installing job site protection, placing a portable toilet, and notifying nearby neighbors about the project. At the same time, we are surveying the location of the house on the lot, marking underground utilities, and laying the ground work for your new house to be excavated for the foundation. We introduce ourselves and share contact information so neighbors know who to reach out to with any concerns.
Once site prep is complete, we move into the building phase. During this stage, we hold weekly check-ins to review progress and make timely decisions. Meetings typically begin virtually and transition to on-site once drywall has been installed. We manage all subcontractors and maintain quality control throughout this phase. We also provide regular updates through JobTread, including photos, progress notes, and alerts about material deliveries, keeping you fully informed every step of the way.
Step 7: Interior Finishing
As construction passes the framing, system installation, insulation and drywall we move smoothly into interior finishes. During the planning phase we have already worked with you or your interior designer to finalize choices for flooring, cabinetry, countertops, tile, and paint. Once installation is complete, we conduct a detailed walkthrough and address any final touch-ups to ensure your home is move-in ready.
Step 8: Project Completion
At the final handoff, we meet with you to review the completed home, go over all final details, and ensure everything has been delivered as expected. We also provide warranty information and answer any remaining questions you may have.
Even after move-in, our team remains available for follow-ups, ongoing support, and maintenance guidance. We want you to feel confident and cared for long after the build is complete. We take pride in delivering custom homes and remodels that are built to last, designed to fit your lifestyle, and completed with expert care.