Residential construction in Colorado is governed by the locally adopted IRC, the local AHJ's permit process, manufacturer warranty conditions, and Colorado-specific overlays for snow load, frost depth, and ADU programs. The biggest cost and schedule drivers are lot conditions and zoning, the design-build versus design-bid-build choice, finish level, change-order frequency, and inspection scheduling. Earth Saving Solutions handles residential construction from pre-design through certificate of occupancy.
Earth Saving Solutions delivers exceptional residential construction services with uncompromising quality, innovative designs, and personalized attention. From custom homes to complete renovations, our experienced team brings your vision to life with superior craftsmanship and detailed project management.
GET A CONSULTATIONAt Earth Saving Solutions, we understand that your home is more than just a building—it's the center of your family's life and one of your most significant investments. Our residential construction division combines technical expertise with personalized service to create beautiful, functional living spaces that exceed expectations while respecting your budget and timeline.
Earth Saving Solutions brings over 20 years of construction expertise to every residential project. Whether you're building a new custom home, renovating an existing property, or adding living space through an addition, our team delivers exceptional results with transparency, integrity, and craftsmanship.
What sets us apart is our comprehensive approach and attention to detail. As a full-service residential contractor, we handle every aspect of your project—from initial concept through final finishing touches. Our in-house capabilities include architectural collaboration, structural work, mechanical systems, and specialized finishing, allowing us to maintain consistent quality control throughout the entire construction process.
We treat every customer like family, bringing the same level of care and precision to your project that we would expect for our own homes. Throughout the Denver metro area and Front Range communities, our residential construction services have earned a reputation for quality, value, and exceptional client experiences.
Whether you're looking to build your dream home from the ground up or transform your existing house to better meet your family's needs, Earth Saving Solutions provides the expertise, resources, and commitment to bring your vision to reality.
Earth Saving Solutions offers comprehensive residential construction services throughout Colorado, delivering quality craftsmanship for new homes, renovations, and specialized projects.
Personalized new home construction tailored to your unique vision, lifestyle needs, and preferences, delivered with exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail.
Comprehensive home transformations that modernize outdated properties, improve functionality, and enhance aesthetics throughout the entire residence.
Expertly designed and constructed additions that seamlessly integrate with your existing home while creating valuable new living space for your family.
Stunning kitchen transformations that combine beautiful design with practical functionality, creating the perfect space for cooking, entertaining, and family gathering.
Luxurious bathroom renovations that create spa-like retreats with upscale fixtures, beautiful finishes, and efficient layouts designed for your daily routine.
Professional basement transformations that convert underutilized space into valuable living areas, adding significant functionality and value to your home.
Comprehensive exterior updates that enhance curb appeal, improve energy efficiency, and protect your home from Colorado's challenging weather conditions.
Custom outdoor environments that extend your living space beyond your home's walls, creating beautiful areas for relaxation, entertainment, and enjoying Colorado's climate.
Earth Saving Solutions follows a systematic approach to residential construction and remodeling, ensuring clear communication, quality results, and exceptional client experiences at every stage.
We begin with a detailed discussion of your vision, needs, preferences, and budget to establish the foundation for your project. This includes on-site evaluation for existing homes or lot assessment for new construction.
Working in collaboration with architects and designers, we develop comprehensive plans for your project, including architectural drawings, material selections, and detailed specifications tailored to your requirements.
Our team creates a detailed construction plan including timeline, budget breakdown, material procurement schedules, and coordination of all required permits and approvals to ensure a smooth process.
Before construction begins, we finalize all material selections, secure necessary permits, schedule trade contractors, and establish site preparation requirements to prevent delays during the building phase.
Our experienced construction team implements your project according to approved plans, maintaining strict quality control, regular inspections, and frequent communication throughout the building process.
Throughout construction, our dedicated project managers oversee every aspect of your project, coordinating trades, managing timelines, addressing challenges, and providing regular updates on progress.
We conduct thorough quality inspections at key phases of construction, ensuring that all work meets our exacting standards and complies with applicable building codes and regulations.
Upon project completion, we conduct a comprehensive walkthrough with you to review all aspects of the work, address any questions, and ensure your complete satisfaction with the finished result.
After addressing any final adjustments, we provide complete documentation including warranties, operation manuals, and maintenance recommendations for your new or renovated home.
Our relationship continues after project completion with warranty service, maintenance support, and assistance with any questions or needs that arise as you enjoy your new living space.
Colorado Homes & Design (CHD) is the residential design-build division of Earth Saving Solutions, specializing in custom homes, major renovations, and historic property restoration throughout Colorado. This specialized team combines architectural expertise, construction knowledge, and interior design capabilities to deliver cohesive, beautifully executed residential projects.
The CHD approach emphasizes thoughtful design that reflects both client lifestyles and Colorado's unique environment. Our team works collaboratively with homeowners to create living spaces that balance aesthetics with functionality while incorporating sustainable building practices and energy-efficient solutions appropriate for Colorado's climate.
From contemporary mountain retreats to urban historic renovations, Colorado Homes & Design delivers exceptional residential environments through:
Whether working on a ground-up custom home or transforming an existing property, Colorado Homes & Design brings the expertise, creativity, and attention to detail needed to create exceptional living environments that enhance daily life while reflecting the unique character of Colorado living.
Explore examples of our residential construction and renovation work, showcasing our commitment to quality craftsmanship and client satisfaction.
This century-old Denver home required extensive renovation to preserve its historic character while integrating modern amenities and addressing structural issues that had developed over the decades. Our Colorado Homes & Design team approached this project with meticulous attention to architectural details and a deep respect for the home's legacy.
The comprehensive renovation included foundation repairs, complete systems updates (electrical, plumbing, and HVAC), restoration of original woodwork and architectural elements, and careful modernization of kitchen and bathrooms. Energy efficiency improvements were integrated throughout, including updated insulation and high-efficiency systems that respected the historic envelope. The result was a harmonious blend of preserved architectural heritage and modern functionality that will serve the family for generations to come.
This Lakewood family sought to completely reimagine their kitchen, transforming a compartmentalized, outdated space into an open-concept heart of the home designed for both entertaining and daily family life. The project involved removing a load-bearing wall, reconfiguring the layout, and installing custom cabinetry and premium finishes.
Our team handled all aspects of this transformation, from structural modifications through final finishing touches. The renovation featured custom maple cabinetry, quartz countertops, porcelain tile backsplash, hardwood flooring, and professional-grade appliances. Specialized lighting layers included recessed fixtures, pendant lights over the island, and under-cabinet illumination. The completed kitchen seamlessly blends with adjacent living spaces while providing dramatically improved functionality, storage, and aesthetic appeal that exceeded the homeowners' expectations.
This comprehensive renovation involved transforming an outdated 1970s home into a contemporary living environment that better suited the needs of a growing family. The project encompassed every room of the home, with significant layout modifications to create more open, connected spaces while improving functionality throughout.
Key elements included a completely redesigned kitchen opening to the main living areas, primary suite expansion with luxury bathroom, finished basement with home theater and guest suite, and modernized systems throughout. Exterior updates included new siding, windows, and an expanded deck for outdoor entertaining. Throughout the home, updated finishes, improved storage solutions, and energy-efficient features created a completely transformed living experience that dramatically enhanced both daily function and property value.
Earth Saving Solutions is proud of our commitment to supporting the veteran community through specialized residential construction initiatives. Our dedicated programs help veterans with housing-related needs, providing both construction expertise and community support to those who have served our country.
Our veteran support activities include:
A recent example of our veteran support work was the Pat Smith Project, where we completed a comprehensive home remodel for an 82-year-old Vietnam veteran after a 54-foot cottonwood tree severely damaged his residence. Working with community partners and volunteers, we restored and improved his home to ensure safe, comfortable living conditions.
These initiatives reflect our core value of giving back to those who have served, providing practical support that improves quality of life while expressing gratitude for their sacrifice. We're committed to continuing and expanding these efforts as part of our company's mission to build value in our community.
Earth Saving Solutions integrates eco-friendly practices and energy-efficient solutions into our residential construction projects, creating homes that are healthier, more efficient, and environmentally responsible.
We implement high-performance insulation, energy-efficient windows, advanced HVAC systems, and smart home technologies that reduce energy consumption while enhancing comfort and lowering utility costs.
Our projects utilize responsibly sourced materials, recycled products, and low-VOC finishes that minimize environmental impact while creating healthier indoor environments for your family.
From efficient plumbing fixtures to smart irrigation systems and water-conscious landscaping, we integrate water-saving solutions that reduce consumption while maintaining functionality.
We offer solar integration, geothermal options, and other renewable energy solutions that reduce dependence on conventional power sources while providing long-term operational savings.
Our construction practices emphasize careful material usage, recycling of construction waste, and responsible disposal methods that minimize landfill impact during the building process.
We prioritize improved indoor air quality through proper ventilation, low-emission materials, and filtration systems that create healthier living environments for occupants.
Our team brings specialized knowledge across all aspects of residential construction, from foundation work to fine finishing, ensuring quality at every stage of your project.
With our own highly skilled tradespeople in key specialties, we maintain exceptional quality control and eliminate coordination challenges common with multiple subcontractors.
We maintain rigorous standards for materials and workmanship, with detailed quality assurance processes that ensure lasting results and exceptional finishes throughout your home.
From detailed proposals to regular updates throughout construction, we provide clear communication and complete transparency at every stage of your residential project.
We treat every customer like family, taking time to understand your unique needs, preferences, and priorities to deliver a truly customized construction experience.
Our team identifies opportunities to maximize your investment, balancing quality with cost-effectiveness to deliver the greatest possible value for your construction budget.
Whether you're planning a custom home, major renovation, or specialized residential project, Earth Saving Solutions is ready to bring your vision to life with exceptional quality and personalized service.
SCHEDULE A CONSULTATIONReady to discuss your residential construction project? Our team is available to answer your questions, provide information about our services, or schedule an initial consultation.
Most projects finish in 60–540 days. A small addition (bedroom suite, sunroom, garage conversion, single bathroom add) typically runs 2 to 4 months from permit through finals. A whole-home remodel runs 4 to 9 months depending on scope. A custom new build runs 8 to 14 months from permit. A tear-down and rebuild runs 10 to 18 months because demolition, foundation, and the build itself all stack. ADU conversion or detached ADU adds 4 to 8 weeks of permit and plan-review time. Inspection scheduling at the AHJ adds 1 to 5 days of wait time per inspection cycle (foundation, rough, final per trade).
| Aspect | Addition (keep existing home) | Tear-down rebuild |
|---|---|---|
| What it does | Adds new structure to the existing home — second story, ground-floor extension, attached garage, finished basement, sunroom — while keeping the original house in place | Demolishes the existing home and builds a new one on the same lot using the existing utility tap locations and lot prep |
| When it is the right call | The existing home has good bones (foundation, structure, systems), the lot supports the addition footprint, and the owner wants to preserve the original character or save the demolition and foundation cost | The existing home is functionally obsolete, the lot supports a much better design, the foundation or major systems are at end-of-life, or the existing home is in a flood or hazard zone that triggers a rebuild trigger under code |
| Cost driver | Lower up front per square foot for the new space, but adds complexity at the connection between old and new (matching, structural transitions, roof tie-ins, utility extensions) | Higher up front because of demolition, full new foundation, and complete utility rebuild; cost-per-square-foot for the new home is often lower than addition cost-per-square-foot once at scale |
| Permit and inspection scope | Building permit for the addition plus any trade permits; inspections cover the new work and any tie-in points to existing systems | Demolition permit, full site permit, building permit for the new home, all trade permits; full inspection cycle on every system |
| Disruption to occupancy | Owner can often stay in the home during much of the construction, with phased shutdowns for the connection points | Owner relocates for the duration of the build (10 to 18 months typical) and pays for temporary housing or other arrangements |
| Resale impact | Adds to home value but does not reset the home's age or character; comparables stay tied to the original construction era | Resets the home to new-construction comparables and typically lands at the top of the neighborhood's price range |
Colorado does not license general contractors at the state level the way it does specialty trades (electrical, plumbing). General contractor licensing is done at the local AHJ — Denver, Aurora, Lakewood, Boulder, Centennial, Castle Rock, and most counties each issue their own GC license at one or more class tiers based on project value or building type. Specialty trades (electrical, plumbing, mechanical, roofing) work under state-level licensure and pull their own trade permits under the GC's master permit. Verify the GC's local license at the AHJ where your project sits before signing.
Colorado does not require an architect's stamp on every residential project — most single-family additions, new builds, and remodels can be permitted from stamped engineered drawings (structural engineer) plus the GC's own design or a residential designer's work. An architect is required when the project crosses certain thresholds: multi-family buildings over a code-defined size, properties on the National Register, projects subject to historic-district design review, or when the AHJ specifically requires a stamped architectural set. Many homeowners choose to hire an architect or designer anyway because the design quality affects the long-term value of the work.
Cost per square foot varies widely by scope, finish level, lot conditions, and current labor and material markets — generic per-square-foot numbers are misleading without context. A finished basement at builder-grade finishes is well below the cost-per-square-foot of a custom kitchen or whole-home gut. The most useful number for a homeowner is a fixed-price contract against a specific scope and finish list, not a market average. Get two or three competing fixed-price bids on the same scope of work to anchor the budget to your project, not the city average.
Design-build means a single firm holds responsibility for both the design and the construction — design, engineering, permit, and build all sit under one contract. Design-bid-build means the homeowner contracts separately with an architect or designer for the design, takes the completed design to multiple contractors for fixed-price bids, and signs a construction contract with the winning bidder. Design-build is typically faster and offers single-source accountability through change orders. Design-bid-build often produces a sharper bid because the design is locked before pricing and multiple contractors compete on the same drawings.
Most cosmetic work (paint, cabinet hardware, like-for-like flooring, like-for-like fixtures) is permit-exempt. Permits are required for any work that alters structure, roof, foundation, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, drainage, or building envelope — including replacing a water heater, moving a wall, adding a window, finishing a basement, replacing a roof, or adding any conditioned square footage. The contractor pulls the permit under their local license. The homeowner is responsible for keeping a copy of the closed-permit record for sale, refinance, or future warranty work.
Yes, in most cases, with planning. Single-room remodels (basement finish, attic build-out, exterior project) typically let the owner stay in the rest of the home through the entire build. Whole-home renovations often phase the work so half the home is live at a time, with kitchens and bathrooms handed off in functional order. Tear-down rebuilds, gut renovations that touch every system at once, or projects in homes with only one bathroom typically require relocation. Plan the live-in-or-relocate decision at design time — it affects scope sequencing, costs, and timeline.
An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a fully separate dwelling unit on the same lot as a primary home — its own entrance, kitchen, bathroom, separately metered or sub-metered utilities, and zoning approval that permits two dwellings on the parcel. Denver permits ADUs in specific zoning districts under the 2010 zoning code and subsequent amendments; not every parcel qualifies. Aurora, Boulder, Lakewood, and other front-range cities each run their own ADU programs with different design requirements (size cap, height limit, parking, owner occupancy). Confirm zoning before any design work — an ADU on the wrong lot is a non-starter.
Verify three things before signing: the contractor holds an active local GC license at the AHJ where your project sits, they carry adequate general liability and workers-comp insurance for the project value, and they have a track record on projects of similar scope and budget. Ask for three recent references and request the closed-permit record from one of them. For larger projects, ask for current financial references (suppliers, subcontractors) — undercapitalized GCs are a common source of project failure. Get a fixed-price contract against a specific scope and finish list rather than a time-and-materials arrangement on residential work.
More questions? See our complete FAQ.
Professional residential construction services in Denver and the surrounding areas. Available for both residential and commercial properties.
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