Beginning the residential design phase during a quieter construction period gives homeowners more room for creativity, clearer budgeting, and better access to materials and professionals. By starting early, homeowners can refine their ideas, plan strategically, and be fully prepared when construction demand rises again.
Basement finishing projects offer an average 70% return on investment (ROI), making them one of the most profitable home improvements in the Denver metro area. Homeowners typically spend $30,000 to $70,000, with resale value and livability gains that significantly enhance long-term property worth.
A basement remodel typically costs 30–50% less than a home addition, averaging $25,000 to $70,000 depending on design scope, finishes, and layout. Because the structure already exists, basement renovations offer one of the best returns on investment among major remodeling projects.
Converting a basement into a rental suite or ADU typically costs $40,000 to $120,000, depending on layout, plumbing, and finishes. The average price per square foot ranges from $20 to $45, and rental income can offset costs within five to seven years.
The average cost to finish a basement ranges from $7 to $23 per square foot, depending on materials, design complexity, and contractor rates. In Denver, homeowners typically spend $40,000–$70,000 for a finished basement with livable amenities like bathrooms, offices, or media rooms.
To finish a basement adds valuable living space and boosts property value, but the cost can vary widely on design and materials. According to sources and trends, the average cost to finish a basement ranges between $7 and $23 per square foot. For a 2,500-square-foot basement, homeowners can expect to invest between $17,500 and $57,500 on average.
In early November 2025, Littleton voters approved Ballot Question 3A by a margin of approximately 55 percent, enshrining single-family zoning protections into the city’s charter. (The Colorado Sun) The new amendment freezes zoning rules in most residential districts as of January 1, 2025, and requires voter approval for city-initiated rezoning of those districts. (littletonco.gov)
In recent weeks, the Denver Broncos submitted a formal redevelopment plan for their next home at Burnham Yard, a long-vacant industrial site just south of downtown Denver. The proposal envisions a new stadium surrounded by a walkable, mixed-use entertainment district—complete with housing, retail, and public green space.
After sitting empty for more than two decades, the long-vacant lot at 5555 Greenwood Plaza Blvd is finally on its way to becoming a new residential community. Earlier this fall, the Greenwood Village City Council voted 8–0 to approve Century Communities’ plans for 90 single-family homes on 13 acres just south of The Landmark development — a mixed-use area featuring shops, restaurants, and two condominium towers.
As of 2025, the City and County of Denver has overhauled its permitting system to reduce approval times that once exceeded 300 days. The new Denver Permitting Office (DPO) now targets a 180-day review period, adds public tracking dashboards, and streamlines coordination among city departments. This means faster approvals and clearer timelines for homeowners and builders planning remodels, additions, or custom homes with firms like Sustainable Design Build (SDB).
This Halloween season, discover how Sustainable Design Build helps Denver homeowners transform their basements and beyond from dark, unused spaces into warm, functional areas perfect for everyday living.
Expanding your home with a home addition is one of the most effective ways to gain space, comfort, and long-term value without moving. Whether you’re planning a new family room, primary suite, or connected guest quarters, the addition process transforms both your home and how you live in it. Once the design and permitting phases are complete, construction begins—and with it comes the exciting (and busy) phase of activity at your property.
As remote and hybrid work continue to redefine how professionals live and connect, the need for a dedicated home office has never been greater. Many Denver homeowners are now turning to home additions as a way to create productive, comfortable spaces that fit seamlessly into their existing homes. A thoughtfully designed addition offers more than square footage—it enhances daily function, privacy, and long-term property value.
A recent Denver Post article highlighted a remarkable property in the Washington Park neighborhood: a six-bedroom, six-bathroom estate at 2111 E. Alameda Ave., listed for $4.2 million.
Setting an interior design budget is one of the most important early steps in creating a cohesive and comfortable home environment. In the Denver metro area, homeowners continue to balance design goals with the realities of construction costs, material pricing, and lifestyle priorities. Understanding what defines a reasonable design budget can make the process smoother and more rewarding from start to finish.
How much does an interior designer cost in Denver?
In 2025, most interior designers in the Denver area charge between $100 and $300 per hour, or offer flat-rate packages ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 per room. For larger home renovations or full design-build projects, fees typically represent 10 to 25 percent of the total construction cost. Actual pricing depends on project size, designer experience, and material selections, but local homeowners can expect costs that reflect Denver’s active remodeling market and growing demand for personalized spaces. Firms such as Sustainable Design Build often integrate design coordination directly into construction planning, helping homeowners align budgets, timelines, and aesthetic goals more efficiently.
As the Denver Broncos pursue success on the field this fall, an equally ambitious project is beginning to take shape off it. The team’s ownership, led by CEO Greg Penner, recently confirmed that planning is underway for a state-of-the-art stadium and entertainment district at Burnham Yard, signaling one of the city’s most transformative developments in recent years.
As the Denver Broncos pursue success on the field this fall, an equally ambitious project is beginning to take shape off it. The team’s ownership, led by CEO Greg Penner, recently confirmed that planning is underway for a state-of-the-art stadium and entertainment district at Burnham Yard, signaling one of the city’s most transformative developments in recent years.
Discover why fall is the ideal time to start planning your home remodel, addition, or ADU in Denver and Wheat Ridge. With the holidays ahead, October offers the perfect moment to evaluate how your home functions, refine your vision, and prepare for spring construction with Sustainable Design Build.
In late September 2025, the federal government announced new tariffs on imported lumber and wood products under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act. According to Reuters, the new policy includes a 10% tariff on imported lumber and up to a 25% tariff on cabinets, vanities, and wood furniture, taking effect October 14, 2025.
Building an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is one of the most rewarding ways to expand your property’s potential. Whether you are creating a private guest suite, a home office, or a rental unit for additional income, an ADU allows you to enhance your home’s livability and long-term value. Once your design is finalized, the next phase—construction—is where your vision starts to take shape.
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are gaining attention nationwide as homeowners look for creative ways to expand housing options, increase property value, and create intergenerational living opportunities. A recent feature from Business Insider illustrates how one California couple built a $500,000 ADU in their parents’ backyard to offset housing costs while gaining flexibility for their family (Lloyd, 2025). Although Denver’s housing market has its own dynamics, the insights from this case highlight the potential benefits and considerations for local homeowners.
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are gaining attention nationwide as homeowners look for creative ways to expand housing options, increase property value, and create intergenerational living opportunities. A recent feature from Business Insider illustrates how one California couple built a $500,000 ADU in their parents’ backyard to offset housing costs while gaining flexibility for their family (Lloyd, 2025). Although Denver’s housing market has its own dynamics, the insights from this case highlight the potential benefits and considerations for local homeowners.
If you’re planning a home addition, you may be asking: do I need a general contractor? For large or complex projects involving multiple trades, structural changes, or luxury finishes, a GC is often the right choice. However, homeowners in Denver are increasingly turning to design-build firms like Sustainable Design Build for an even more streamlined solution.
When considering building a new home in Denver, most people expect the largest expenses to come from land, labor, and materials. Yet, a fourth factor — development fees charged by local governments — has become a significant cost driver, pushing prices higher for new home construction. A recent study by the Home Builders Association of Metro Denver found that these fees account for more than 10% of the total cost of a single-family home (Svaldi, 2025).
Redevelopment in Denver continues to reshape neighborhoods while balancing preservation with innovation. A recent decision by the Denver City Council highlights this balance as the former Denver Rock Drill Manufacturing Co. site prepares for a $585 million transformation into a vibrant mixed-use development (Wenzler, 2025). For residents and design enthusiasts, projects like these illustrate how thoughtful planning, historic preservation, and modern design can coexist to strengthen community identity.
Color is more than a surface choice. It is one of the most impactful design elements in a home, capable of setting a mood, shaping a style, and reflecting the personality of those who live within. As trends evolve, homeowners often look to design professionals to interpret what is current and timeless. For those considering a remodel, addition, or custom home project, Sustainable Design Build (SDB) integrates these shifts in interior design to craft spaces that feel both elevated and deeply personal.
Just twelve miles southwest of downtown Denver lies Bow Mar, a one-square-mile statutory town nestled between Denver and Littleton. Recently profiled by The Wall Street Journal and highlighted by Westword, the community has been described as a “well-kept secret” and a “mythical land” where children fish in the neighborhood lake and residents live with such a sense of security that curtains and blinds often seem unnecessary (Metzger, 2025).
Denver is facing a significant housing challenge over the next decade. According to the city’s Department of Housing Stability, the city will be short approximately 44,000 affordable housing units (Denver7, 2025). While no single solution can address such a gap on its own, one strategy gaining momentum is the construction of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs).
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) have become a growing fixture in Denver’s housing strategy. Recent policy changes, zoning reforms, and rising permit numbers indicate increasing support for ADUs as a tool to address affordability and housing diversity. This article examines how Denver’s regulatory environment is evolving, what the numbers say, and what builders and homeowners should know.
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