Building Custom in South Denver
South Denver’s luxury real estate market includes some of Colorado’s finest existing homes — but for many buyers, nothing compares to building exactly what you want. Whether you’ve secured a ridge-top lot in Castle Pines, an acreage parcel in Cherry Hills Village, or a tear-down in Greenwood Village, choosing the right custom builder is arguably the most important decision you’ll make.
The South Denver custom home market is robust and competitive. Dozens of builders operate in the area, but only a handful consistently deliver the level of quality, design sophistication, and project management that $2 million to $10 million builds demand. This guide profiles the top custom home builders working in South Denver today — their specialties, signature styles, price ranges, and what sets each apart.
Thomas Sattler Homes
Thomas Sattler Homes has been one of Colorado’s most respected luxury builders for over 30 years. Founded by Tom Sattler, the company has built hundreds of custom and semi-custom homes across the Denver metro area, with a particular concentration in South Denver’s most prestigious communities.
Specialties
- Mountain contemporary design — clean lines, expansive glass, natural materials (stone, timber, steel)
- Indoor-outdoor living — covered patios, outdoor kitchens, retractable glass walls
- Energy efficiency — high-performance building envelopes, smart home integration
- Challenging lots — experience with sloped, view-oriented, and irregularly shaped parcels
Where They Build
Thomas Sattler Homes is active in Castle Pines, Highlands Ranch, Lone Tree, Castle Rock, and surrounding communities. They’ve built extensively in The Village at Castle Pines and the Country Club at Castle Pines, as well as in newer luxury developments like Daniels Gate and Pradera.
Price Range
Semi-custom homes start around $800,000–$1.2 million. Fully custom builds typically range from $1.5 million to $4 million+, depending on lot, size, and finishes. Their most elaborate estates have exceeded $5 million.
What Sets Them Apart
Sattler’s longevity and volume give them advantages in purchasing power and subcontractor relationships. They can often secure better pricing on materials and preferred scheduling from trades. Their design team is experienced with Douglas County and Castle Pines architectural review processes, which can save weeks during the approval phase.
Celebrity Custom Homes
Celebrity Custom Homes is one of the Denver metro area’s most awarded luxury builders, with multiple Parade of Homes awards and a portfolio that reads like a tour of South Denver’s finest addresses.
Specialties
- Transitional and contemporary design — bridging traditional elegance with modern functionality
- Exceptional interior finishes — custom millwork, imported stone, designer lighting
- Spec home expertise — Celebrity builds high-end spec homes in prime locations, offering move-in-ready luxury for buyers who don’t want to wait 18–24 months
- Basement finishing — elaborate lower levels with theaters, wine cellars, sports courts, and spas
Where They Build
Celebrity Custom Homes works throughout Cherry Hills Village, Greenwood Village, Castle Pines, Lone Tree, and Cherry Creek. They are particularly well-known in the Cherry Hills and Greenwood Village markets, where they’ve completed numerous tear-down-and-rebuild projects.
Price Range
Custom builds typically start at $1.5 million and range up to $6 million+. Their spec homes in prime locations often list between $2.5 million and $4.5 million. The per-square-foot cost for a Celebrity custom home typically runs $350–$600+ depending on finishes.
What Sets Them Apart
Celebrity’s design-build model keeps architecture and construction under one roof, which streamlines communication and reduces the design-to-completion timeline. Their spec home program also gives buyers a chance to see finished quality before committing to a custom build — effectively a showroom approach that most custom builders can’t offer.
Sterling Custom Homes
Sterling Custom Homes focuses on the ultra-luxury segment — homes that are architectural statements, not just well-built residences. Their portfolio features some of the most visually striking contemporary homes in the South Denver market.
Specialties
- Modern and ultra-contemporary architecture — flat roofs, cantilevered volumes, floor-to-ceiling glass
- High-end materials — exotic hardwoods, custom metalwork, imported tile, designer fixtures
- Smart home technology — fully integrated automation systems (Crestron, Savant, Control4)
- Outdoor living spaces — infinity pools, fire features, outdoor entertainment areas
Where They Build
Sterling works primarily in Cherry Hills Village, Greenwood Village, the Polo Club, Observatory Park, and other premier independent city in the South Denver metro areas. They also take select projects in Castle Pines and Bow Mar.
Price Range
Sterling’s projects typically start at $2 million and regularly exceed $5 million. Their most ambitious builds have surpassed $10 million. Per-square-foot costs range from $400 to $700+.
What Sets Them Apart
Sterling’s commitment to architectural boldness distinguishes them from builders who default to safe, traditional designs. They attract buyers who want their home to be a statement — and they have the technical capability to execute complex designs that less experienced builders wouldn’t attempt. Their homes tend to photograph exceptionally well and often appear in regional architecture publications.
Elevated Development Group
Elevated Development Group has quickly established itself as a rising force in South Denver’s luxury custom market. Led by a team with backgrounds in both construction and real estate development, they bring a developer’s eye to custom homebuilding.
Specialties
- Modern farmhouse and transitional styles — currently the most in-demand aesthetic in South Denver
- Value engineering — delivering high-impact design without unnecessary cost
- Lot sourcing — they help clients find and evaluate lots, sometimes acquiring lots themselves for spec builds
- Tight timelines — known for delivering projects on schedule, often faster than competitors
Where They Build
Active in Greenwood Village, Cherry Hills Village, Centennial, and Lone Tree, with a growing presence in Castle Pines and Highlands Ranch.
Price Range
Custom homes from $1.5 million to $4 million. Spec homes in the $2 million–$3.5 million range. Per-square-foot costs of $300–$500 make them competitive for the quality delivered.
What Sets Them Apart
Elevated’s real estate development background means they think about resale value, market positioning, and return on investment in ways that pure builders sometimes don’t. They’re candid about which upgrades add value and which are purely personal preference — a perspective that buyers appreciate.
Other Notable Builders
Godden Sudik Architects + Builders
An architecture-first firm that designs and builds contemporary luxury homes in Cherry Hills Village and surrounding areas. Known for seamless integration of architecture and construction. Projects typically range from $2 million to $6 million.
Kentwood Custom Homes
An extension of the renowned Kentwood Real Estate brand, this builder focuses on turnkey luxury construction in prime South Denver locations. Their real estate market expertise informs design and pricing decisions. Projects from $1.5 million to $4 million.
Porchfront Homes
Specializes in luxury homes with a focus on livability and family-friendly design. Active in Greenwood Village, Centennial, and Cherry Hills. Known for thoughtful floor plans and quality craftsmanship at $1 million to $2.5 million.
Montare Builders
Focuses on modern mountain and contemporary styles in Castle Pines and Castle Rock. Smaller volume but high quality, with prices from $1 million to $3 million. Strong reputation for client communication and transparency.
Tribute Homes
Builds in Highlands Ranch, Lone Tree, and Castle Pines with a focus on semi-custom luxury in the $800,000–$1.5 million range. A good option for buyers who want custom touches without a fully custom budget.
How to Choose the Right Custom Builder
1. Match the Builder to Your Style
Every builder has a design DNA. Thomas Sattler leans mountain contemporary. Celebrity bridges traditional and modern. Sterling pushes into bold contemporary territory. Look at each builder’s portfolio and ask: does this match my vision? A builder working outside their comfort zone is a risk.
2. Check Their Track Record in Your Target Area
Building in Cherry Hills Village is different from building in Castle Pines — different soils, different architectural review processes, different subcontractor networks. Choose a builder with proven experience in your specific community.
3. Understand the Contract Structure
Most luxury custom builders use one of two contract models:
- Fixed-price — you agree on a total price upfront. Protects you from overruns but may include a builder’s contingency margin.
- Cost-plus — you pay actual costs plus a builder’s fee (typically 15–20%). More transparent but carries overrun risk.
Neither is inherently better. The key is detailed specifications — the more thoroughly selections and allowances are defined before construction starts, the fewer surprises you’ll face.
4. Interview Past Clients
Any reputable builder will provide references. Ask specifically about:
- Budget accuracy — did the final cost match the original estimate?
- Timeline — was the project delivered on schedule?
- Communication — were issues addressed promptly and transparently?
- Warranty response — how did the builder handle post-completion punch list items?
5. Evaluate the Project Manager
Your experience will depend heavily on the project manager or site superintendent assigned to your build — not just the company name on the sign. Meet this person before signing. Ask about their current project load (more than 3–4 custom homes simultaneously is a red flag for attention to detail).
The Custom Build Timeline
Expect the following general timeline for a luxury custom home in South Denver:
- Design & Architecture: 3–6 months
- Permitting & HOA Approval: 1–3 months (longer in communities with strict architectural review like Castle Pines Village)
- Construction: 10–18 months depending on size and complexity
- Total: 14–27 months from design start to move-in
Weather, material delays, and selection changes can extend timelines. Plan for 18–24 months as a realistic baseline for a $2M+ custom home.
Current Trends in South Denver Custom Homes
The luxury custom market in South Denver is evolving. Current trends include:
- Main-floor living — primary suites on the main level, even in two-story homes
- Home offices and flex spaces — post-pandemic demand for dedicated work-from-home spaces
- Indoor-outdoor flow — NanaWall and similar retractable glass systems connecting living areas to covered patios
- Wellness features — saunas, cold plunge pools, home gyms, and meditation rooms
- ADUs and guest houses — multigenerational living driving demand for detached living spaces
- Sustainable building — solar-ready designs, geothermal HVAC, high-performance insulation
- Modern farmhouse fatigue — a gradual shift toward cleaner contemporary lines as the farmhouse trend matures
Ready to build your dream home in South Denver? Explore our South Denver neighborhood guides to find the perfect community and lot for your custom build.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to build a custom luxury home in South Denver?
Custom luxury homes in South Denver typically cost $300–$700+ per square foot depending on the builder, finishes, and complexity. A 5,000 square foot custom home with high-end finishes generally runs $1.5 million to $3.5 million, while ultra-luxury estates of 7,000–10,000+ square feet with premium finishes can exceed $5 million to $10 million. Land costs are additional.
How long does it take to build a custom home in South Denver?
From initial design through move-in, expect 14–27 months for a luxury custom home in South Denver. This includes 3–6 months of design and architecture, 1–3 months for permitting and HOA approval (longer in communities like Castle Pines Village with strict architectural review), and 10–18 months of construction. Weather, material availability, and design changes can extend timelines.
Who is the best custom home builder in Cherry Hills Village?
Several top builders are active in Cherry Hills Village, including Celebrity Custom Homes, Sterling Custom Homes, and Godden Sudik. Celebrity is known for transitional designs and tear-down rebuilds, Sterling specializes in bold contemporary architecture, and Godden Sudik offers an architecture-first approach. The best choice depends on your design style, budget, and project scope.
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How much does it cost to build a custom luxury home in South Denver?
Custom luxury homes in South Denver typically cost $300–$700+ per square foot depending on the builder, finishes, and complexity. A 5,000 square foot custom home with high-end finishes generally runs $1.5 million to $3.5 million, while ultra-luxury estates of 7,000–10,000+ square feet with premium finishes can exceed $5 million to $10 million. Land costs are additional.
How long does it take to build a custom home in South Denver?
From initial design through move-in, expect 14–27 months for a luxury custom home in South Denver. This includes 3–6 months of design and architecture, 1–3 months for permitting and HOA approval (longer in communities like Castle Pines Village with strict architectural review), and 10–18 months of construction. Weather, material availability, and design changes can extend timelines.
Who is the best custom home builder in Cherry Hills Village?
Several top builders are active in Cherry Hills Village, including Celebrity Custom Homes, Sterling Custom Homes, and Godden Sudik. Celebrity is known for transitional designs and tear-down rebuilds, Sterling specializes in bold contemporary architecture, and Godden Sudik offers an architecture-first approach. The best choice depends on your design style, budget, and project scope.