If you’re dreaming of designing a home from the ground up, you’ve likely asked one of the most common questions:

“How much does building a custom home cost?”
The answer isn’t always clear—especially with conflicting advice online. But one principle simplifies everything:

Cost is cost.
That’s the insight shared by Bob Hinz of HomeWrights Custom Homes in a must-watch video that clears up confusion and reveals what really impacts custom home pricing.

Why You Can’t Bargain on Materials

Many homeowners assume that comparing builders means comparing material pricing. But in reality, products like lumber, steel, copper, cement, and plywood are commodities, just like gold or oil.

That means:

  • Builders all pay roughly the same market rate
  • You won’t save big by “shopping around” for materials
  • Your real control lies elsewhere—in how the build is managed

So, whether you’re planning to build a custom house using commercial materials like concrete, a custom container home, or a traditional framed house, material pricing is fairly level across the board.

How Can I Save Money on a Custom Build?

This is where your opportunity lies. If you’re searching for:

  • How to save money on a custom home
  • How to save money on custom framing
  • How to save money on a custom-built home

The answer isn’t in cheaper lumber or discount concrete—it’s in smarter construction management.

Ask These 3 Key Questions:

  1. What is the builder’s management approach?
    Do they offer guidance for owner-builders or full-service management?
  2. How are their fees structured?
    Builders should earn a fair profit—but you need clarity to plan your budget.
  3. Are they transparent about costs?
    Do you know where every dollar is going and why?

If you truly want to save money on a custom build, these questions matter more than any spreadsheet of bids.

How Location Affects Custom Home Cost

Let’s talk about regional pricing. If you’re researching the:

  • Cost to build a custom home in Texas: $130–$220 per sq ft
  • Cost to build a custom home in Colorado: $200–$300+ per sq ft
  • Cost to build a custom home in California: $250–$400+ per sq ft

Even with differences in local labor, materials, and permitting, the “cost is cost” principle still applies. The real variable is how you manage the process—and that’s where savings are found.

Smarter Framing = Bigger Savings

Many owners ask: How to save money on custom framing?

Great question. The key is:

  • Ordering only what you need
  • Avoiding waste and overruns
  • Returning excess lumber for credit
  • Choosing experienced framers who work efficiently

An experienced builder or owner-builder can save thousands by managing framing more effectively—not by cutting corners, but by planning well.

The Bottom Line

When it comes to:

  • How to save money on a custom build
  • How much does building a custom home cost
  • Cost to build a custom home per square foot

…the truth is: it’s not about finding cheap materials. It’s about picking a building process that fits your budget, timeline, and goals.

Two Approaches to Stay in Control

At HomeWrights Custom Homes, we offer two proven paths that help homeowners build smarter—with total visibility and cost control.

Owner-Builder Program

With our Owner-Builder program, you manage the project, hire subs, and we coach you every step of the way.

Perfect for those who want to manage the build and save:

  • You hire and manage subcontractors
  • Get coaching throughout the process
  • Gain full financial transparency

Ideal if you’re wondering how to save money on custom home construction

Turnkey Build Solution

With our Turnkey Solution, we run the job—but you see every penny, every bid, every choice.

We handle everything—but you see everything:

  • We manage the timeline, budget, and contractors
  • You stay informed with full visibility into costs

Ideal for those who want control without daily oversight

Let’s Build Smart Together

Whether you’re planning a traditional build, using commercial materials, or going modern with a custom container home, HomeWrights Custom Homes can help you build smart—with total control and transparency.

Call: 303-756-8870

We have representatives in Boulder, Colorado Springs, Denver, Fort Collins, and Pueblo areas. We’re happy to meet at your home, our office, or virtually.