Photo of Completed Home

We Did It Ourselves

When we decided to build our dream home in Boulder County, everyone told us to hire a general contractor. The quotes came back north of $4 million — before the inevitable overruns.

So we did it ourselves. We acted as our own general contractor, managed every subcontractor, pulled every permit, and made every decision. The result? A home valued at over $5 million, built for a total of under $2 million including land.

We saved over $3 million. And we learned every lesson along the way — so you don’t have to learn them the hard way.

What You Get in a $50 Consultation

A focused 30-minute call with someone who’s actually done it.

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Project Assessment

Honest evaluation of whether owner-building is right for your specific project, timeline, and experience level.

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Permit & Code Walkthrough

Colorado's owner-builder exemption, local permit process, and the new 2026 energy codes — what you actually need to know.

Budget Reality Check

What it really costs per square foot in Colorado right now, where to save, and where not to cut corners.

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Mistake Prevention

The costly mistakes we made (and the ones we avoided) so you can skip the expensive learning curve.

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Your Next Steps

A clear action plan tailored to where you are right now — whether you're buying land or ready to break ground.

Why Be Your Own General Contractor?

10-25%

Skip the GC Markup

General contractors typically add 10-25% on top of every subcontractor and material cost. On a $1M+ build, that's six figures you keep in your pocket.

100%

Total Control

You choose every subcontractor, every material, every finish. No one substitutes cheaper options behind your back. It's your house — built your way.

Legal

Colorado Allows It

Colorado has no statewide GC license requirement. The homeowner exemption lets you act as your own general contractor on your primary residence. It's your right.

How It Works

Book a Call

Schedule a 30-minute consultation for $50. Tell us about your project and where you are in the process.

Get a Game Plan

We'll review your project, give you honest feedback, and map out the steps ahead — permits, budget, timeline, subs.

Build with Confidence

Move forward knowing what to expect. Need ongoing support? We offer hourly coaching throughout your build.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a contractor's license to build my own home in Colorado?+

No. Colorado does not require a statewide general contractor license for residential construction. The homeowner exemption allows you to act as your own general contractor on a home you'll live in as your primary residence. You'll still need building permits and inspections, but you don't need a license.

Can I get a construction loan as an owner-builder?+

Yes, but it's harder. Most banks want to see a licensed GC. However, some Colorado lenders work with owner-builders, especially if you have a solid plan, good credit, and significant equity or down payment. We can point you in the right direction during your consultation.

I've never built anything before. Is this realistic for me?+

You don't need to swing a hammer. As an owner-builder, you're the project manager — you hire and coordinate the subcontractors who do the actual work. If you can manage a project, read a contract, and make decisions, you can do this. That said, not every project is right for owner-building, and we'll be honest with you about that.

How much can I actually save?+

It depends on the size and complexity of your build. Typical owner-builders save 10-25% of total construction costs by eliminating the GC markup. On a $500K build, that's $50K-$125K. On a larger custom home, the savings can be significantly more. We saved over $3 million on our Boulder County build.

What's the biggest risk of owner-building?+

The biggest risk is what you don't know: scheduling trades in the wrong order, missing inspections, underestimating costs, or hiring the wrong subs. That's exactly what our consulting helps you avoid. The second-biggest risk is taking on a project that's too complex for your experience level — and we'll tell you upfront if that's the case.

Do you act as my general contractor?+

No. We are consultants and coaches only. We provide advice, guidance, and education to help you succeed as your own general contractor. We do not hire subcontractors, pull permits, or manage construction on your behalf.

Ready to Build Smarter?

Book a 30-minute consultation and find out if owner-building is right for you. Just $50 — the best investment you’ll make before breaking ground.

Book Your Consultation

Video or phone call. Evening and weekend slots available.