A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the SDB Custom Home Process

Designing and building a custom home is a deeply personal journey—one filled with excitement, decisions, and dreams turned into reality. At Sustainable Design Build (SDB), we believe that the experience should be just as rewarding as the final product.

Whether you’re exploring a custom home in Denver, planning a second-story addition, or envisioning a luxury ADU, here’s a look at how SDB guides clients through a seamless, professional, and enjoyable building experience—from the first handshake to move-in day.

Step 1: Discovery & Consultation

Every custom home begins with a conversation. During your initial consultation, we take the time to listen—understanding your vision, lifestyle needs, budget expectations, and timeline goals.

We also review:

• Project site conditions (if you already own land)

• City of Denver permitting requirements

• Inspiration photos or architectural references

• Special requests (home offices, aging-in-place, smart tech, etc.)

This phase lays the groundwork for a smooth, informed process—one based on transparency and collaboration.

Step 2: Conceptual Design & Feasibility

Once you’re ready to move forward, our in-house team begins developing conceptual plans tailored to your needs. This phase includes layout options, architectural style studies, and high-level feasibility reviews to ensure your goals align with your site and city regulations.

What makes SDB different is our deep familiarity with Denver’s zoning and permitting landscape. We design with code and constructability in mind—reducing the risk of costly redesigns or delays.

Step 3: Design Development & Budget Alignment

After the concept is approved, we refine your floor plans, elevations, and structural design elements. Our designers work closely with you to select finishes, cabinetry layouts, lighting plans, and exterior materials.

At the same time, our pre-construction team provides budget feedback at every milestone, ensuring your dream home stays financially viable without compromising on quality.

Key features of this phase:

• Collaborative interior and exterior selections

• Engineering coordination

• Updated budgets based on real-time pricing

• Proactive value engineering, if needed

Step 4: Permitting & City Approvals

With Executive Order 151 streamlining Denver’s permitting process, this stage is becoming more efficient—but it’s still one of the most critical. SDB handles the entire submittal and review process on your behalf, coordinating with city officials, planning departments, and review boards.

We stay in direct communication with the new Denver Permitting Office (DPO) to:

• Expedite plan approval timelines

• Clarify any redline revisions

• Respond to city feedback quickly and accurately

You’ll never be left guessing where your project stands—our project management team keeps you updated at every step.

Step 5: Construction Begins

Once permits are approved and your project is scheduled, construction begins. This is where our design-build model truly shines: your designers, estimators, and builders are all working together under one roof to ensure flawless execution of your vision.

Your dedicated SDB site team will:

• Manage daily job site activity and quality control

• Coordinate trade partners and specialty contractors

• Maintain clear timelines and client updates

• Handle inspections and ensure code compliance

We also schedule regular walkthroughs and progress meetings, so you’re always in the loop and confident about the build.

Step 6: Final Walkthrough & Move-In

As construction wraps up, we complete a final quality assurance walkthrough to ensure every detail meets our high standards—and your expectations. We also review product warranties, maintenance info, and answer any final questions before handing over the keys.

Even after move-in, our team remains available to support you with any follow-ups or fine-tuning.

Why Clients Love Working with Sustainable Design Build

From day one, our goal is to take the stress out of building a custom home. With a single, integrated team guiding your project, we eliminate the common friction points that happen with disconnected architects, contractors, and consultants.

What you get with SDB:

• One point of contact from start to finish

• Honest pricing and proactive planning

• Design and construction expertise in one team

• Deep experience with Denver’s building environment

• Commitment to communication, quality, and care

Let’s Build Something Extraordinary—Together

If you’re ready to begin your custom home journey, let Sustainable Design Build be your guide. Our process is built for clarity, confidence, and creativity—so you can focus on what matters most: creating a home that reflects who you are and how you want to live.

Contact us today to schedule your consultation and see how we can bring your vision to life.