Elk Ridge Custom Homes stands out from other custom home builders in many ways, and one of the most notable is our innovative two-contract Design | Build process. With hundreds of successful projects behind us, we’ve seen the challenges inherent in industry-standard practices and developed a streamlined, low-stress, low-risk approach that our clients love.

Our process begins with a Design & Estimation contract, covering all the front-end work required to design, budget, and plan the project. Once every detail has been carefully refined and an agreeable budget is in place, we move to a Build contract and begin construction. This two-contract system ensures that no one is locked into a build contract without a clear understanding of exactly what their home will look like and what it will cost.

Building a custom home is a significant investment, and we are deeply honored by the trust our clients place in us. That’s why we’re dedicated to safeguarding both our clients and their investments every step of the way.

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HERE IS A QUICK SNAPSHOT OF OUR DESIGN | BUILD PROCESS

FROM OUR INITIAL MEETING TO OUR WARRANTY PHASE:

INTRODUCTIONS

We love starting our client relationships with a face-to-face meeting at our office. It’s an opportunity for you to see where the magic happens, meet our dedicated office team, and gain a deeper understanding of our systems and processes. This meeting also allows us to get to know each other and determine if we’re the right fit to bring your vision to life.

At the end of our discussion, we’ll provide you with a detailed questionnaire designed to help you start thinking through the many elements that go into creating a custom home. If you choose to move forward with us, we’ll ask for the completed questionnaire to guide us through the design process and ensure every detail reflects your unique vision.

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DESIGN & ESTIMATION

Once we’ve agreed that we’re a great match and ready to move forward, we’ll sign the Design & Estimation contract and dive right in! During this phase, we collaborate closely to work out every aspect of your home’s design, secure necessary engineering, select all the materials and products, and gather estimates for every component.

By the end of this phase, we’ll have a comprehensive budget and everything required to obtain a building permit, allowing us to seamlessly transition into the Build phase. For a detailed breakdown of this process, we invite you to download our Design & Estimation Guide.

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BUILD PHASE

This is where the vision we’ve crafted during the Design & Estimation phase comes to life! We start with an on-site meeting with the surveyor to determine the ideal placement and orientation of your home, making the most of the site’s unique features and views.

From there, we move through every step of the construction process—from excavation to the final finishes—bringing meticulous care and attention to detail. Throughout this phase, we’ll meet with you on-site several times to review progress and ensure everything is just as you imagined. Depending on the complexity of your custom home, this phase typically takes 8 to 12 months and results in a one-of-a-kind space perfectly tailored to you.

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WARRANTY

At Elk Ridge Custom Homes, we work tirelessly to ensure your home is perfect and fully functional for you and your family by the time we hand you the keys. However, our commitment to your satisfaction doesn’t end there. Our warranty program provides you with peace of mind, knowing we’re here to address any issues that may arise after move-in.

We stand behind our craftsmanship and want you to feel confident in both the home we’ve built and the relationship we’ve established. Our builder’s warranty covers your home for one year from the issuance date of the certificate of occupancy, ensuring continued support as you settle into your new space.

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FAQs​

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Design | Build process, and how does it work?

The Design | Build process streamlines home creation by integrating design and construction under one roof. We begin with a Design & Estimation phase to refine the design, establish a budget, and prepare for construction. Once all details are finalized, we move into the Build phase, where your vision comes to life. This cohesive approach ensures a seamless experience and exceptional results.

Why do you use a two-contract system? How does it benefit me?

Our two-contract system eliminates uncertainty and reduces risk. The first contract focuses on designing your home, budgeting, and planning every detail. Once the design is finalized and the budget is approved, the second contract covers the construction phase. This ensures you’re never locked into a build without knowing exactly what your home will look like and what it will cost.

How long does it take to design and build a custom home?

The timeline depends on the complexity of the project, but typically, the Design & Estimation phase takes 2-3 months, and the Build phase lasts 8-12 months. We’ll provide a detailed timeline early in the process and keep you informed throughout.

What is included in the Design & Estimation phase?

This phase includes creating your custom home design, obtaining necessary engineering, selecting materials and finishes, and securing accurate estimates. By the end, we’ll have a finalized design, detailed budget, and everything needed to obtain a building permit.

How involved will I be in the design and construction process?

You’ll be as involved as you’d like! We encourage collaboration during the design phase to ensure your home reflects your vision. During construction, we’ll schedule regular on-site meetings to review progress and discuss any adjustments.

Can you help with site selection and orientation to maximize views?

Absolutely! We specialize in optimizing your home’s placement to take full advantage of your site’s unique features, views, and natural light. From the initial site meeting to the final design, we’ll ensure your home perfectly integrates with its surroundings.

Can I incorporate unique features like wine cellars, home theaters, or art studios?

Yes! We love working with clients to create custom features that suit their lifestyle and passions. Whether it’s a wine cellar, home theater, art studio, or something entirely unique, we’ll bring your ideas to life.

How do you ensure my home reflects my personal style and needs?

Through collaborative design, we get to know your preferences, lifestyle, and vision. Every detail is carefully curated—from floor plans to finishes—so your home is not only beautiful but also perfectly tailored to you.

Do you offer smart home technology and energy-efficient options?

Yes, we specialize in incorporating the latest smart home technology and energy-efficient solutions. From automated systems to sustainable materials, we ensure your home is both cutting-edge and environmentally conscious.

Can I make changes to the design during construction?

While major changes are best made during the design phase, we understand that adjustments may arise during construction. We’ll work closely with you to accommodate changes while keeping the project on track.

What kind of quality assurance do you offer during construction?

We maintain strict quality control throughout every phase of construction. Regular inspections and a hands-on approach ensure that every detail meets or exceeds our high standards.

How do you ensure my home stays within budget?

By thoroughly planning during the Design & Estimation phase, we finalize a realistic budget before construction begins. Our transparent pricing and careful management ensure there are no surprises along the way.

Can you work within a specific budget while still delivering luxury and quality?

Yes! We excel at maximizing value without compromising quality. Through smart design, competitive pricing, and careful planning, we ensure your home reflects both luxury and practicality.

How do I know what my home will cost before construction begins?

The Design & Estimation phase provides a detailed breakdown of all costs, so you’ll have a clear picture of your investment before signing the Build contract.

What is included in your one-year builder’s warranty?

Our one-year builder’s warranty covers workmanship and materials, ensuring peace of mind as you settle into your new home. We stand behind our work and are here to address any concerns.

How do you manage project timelines and communication during the build?

We use custom project management systems to keep everything on track. Regular updates, site meetings, and open communication ensure you’re informed and involved every step of the way.

Will I have regular updates and access to the site during construction?

Yes, we schedule regular on-site meetings and provide consistent updates so you can stay connected to the progress of your home.

How do you handle unexpected challenges or changes during the build?

Our experience and proactive approach allow us to navigate challenges efficiently. Open communication ensures that any changes are addressed quickly, keeping the project on schedule and within budget.

Do you build in areas outside of Colorado Springs, Monument, or Black Forest?

Yes, we also build in surrounding areas and can accommodate projects in select locations across Colorado. Let’s discuss your site and vision to determine feasibility.

Can you help me design a second home or mountain retreat?

Absolutely! We specialize in creating custom homes that reflect your lifestyle, whether it’s a primary residence or a luxurious mountain getaway.

How do you ensure privacy and exclusivity throughout the process?

We prioritize your privacy by maintaining a discreet, professional process and working only with trusted partners. Our small-business approach ensures personalized attention and respect for your needs.

Will you work with me if I have an architect and/or interior designer?

Absolutely! We are happy to collaborate with your architect and/or interior designer to bring your vision to life. Our team values open communication and teamwork, ensuring that everyone involved is aligned and working toward the same goal. Whether we’re partnering with your existing team or providing design services in-house, we’ll seamlessly integrate their expertise with our process to create a home that perfectly reflects your style and needs.

Do you only build on empty lots, or do you also tear down and rebuild?

We offer both options! While we frequently build custom homes on empty lots, we also specialize in tear-down and rebuild projects. If you have an older home on a lot you love, we can remove the existing structure and create a brand-new, custom-designed home tailored to your vision. This allows you to enjoy the location you adore while upgrading to a home that perfectly meets your needs and lifestyle.

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