Building a custom home in St. George, Utah, is an exciting opportunity to bring your dream home to life. However, choosing the right custom home builder is the most critical step in this journey. With the housing market booming and many home buyers looking to settle in Southern Utah, selecting a builder who aligns with your vision, budget, and expectations is essential.
This guide will help you navigate the process of selecting the perfect builder for your custom home in St. George. Follow these steps to ensure you make the best decision with confidence.
A custom home builder offers complete control over your home’s design, layout, and features, unlike production builders who offer limited customization. With a custom builder, you can:
Begin by creating a list of potential builders. Use these strategies to find the best options:
Once you have a list of potential builders, read client testimonials and reviews online. Reviews provide insight into a builder’s reputation and quality of work. If possible, contact past clients to ask about their experiences.
After compiling your list, narrow it down based on factors such as:
Your first meeting with a builder sets the tone for the entire process. Since custom home building requires close collaboration, you must feel comfortable working with your builder. During this meeting:
Since building a custom home is a significant investment, never hesitate to ask detailed questions. Some important questions to consider include:
If possible, contact previous clients and subcontractors to gain further insights into your builder’s reputation. Some key questions to ask include:
Custom homes come with flexible budgeting options. A good builder will help you allocate funds efficiently while maintaining transparency. Before signing a contract:
Your builder should not only be experienced but also be able to bring your unique vision to life. Look for:
Dennis Miller Homes is a trusted custom home builder in St. George, Utah, with over 35 years of experience. We specialize in creating fully customized, high-quality homes tailored to each client’s unique needs. Our process includes:
At Dennis Miller Homes, we believe in honesty, communication, and genuine care. When you move into your dream home, we want you to be thrilled with the final product yet sad that the home-building journey has ended.
Choosing the right custom home builder in St. George is essential to ensuring a smooth and enjoyable home-building experience. By following this guide, you’ll be equipped to select a custom home builder who aligns with your vision, communicates transparently, and delivers quality craftsmanship throughout the custom home building process.
If you’re ready to turn your dream into reality, Dennis Miller Homes is here to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward building the perfect home in Southern Utah for you and your family.
Pools and spas are some of the most popular features to add to new home builds in St. George. With hot, dry summers and mild, temperate winters, St. George is the perfect place to build a new pool and spa with your custom home.
But if you're building a custom home, don't settle for just any pool design. Create a custom pool to match the beauty of your new custom home's unique architecture. At Dennis Miller Homes, we create custom homes with pools and spas that you can enjoy year-round. Whether you're building a family home in St. George or a vacation home in Southern Utah, we'll help you design something you love.
Did you know that adding a custom swimming pool increases your property's value and boosts luxury appeal? Adding a pool to your home can increase the property's value by up to seven percent. Homes with pools in St. George also have higher resale value because of the ability to enjoy the pool throughout the year.
St. George has many stunning landscapes, from seemingly endless black lava fields to red rocks and desert cliffs. When you create a custom home spa and pool with Dennis Miller Homes, you can incorporate beautiful desert aesthetics and functionality, such as red rock waterfalls or lazy rivers. It will be your own piece of desert paradise.
While custom home pools are a popular addition to vacation homes, they can also be added to your home to provide a resort-like atmosphere. Your home will become a popular neighborhood gathering spot for barbecues, dinner parties, and more. If you’d like to create a place where visitors can be wowed, a custom pool is the obvious choice.
Luxury custom pools are works of art. By incorporating a custom in-ground pool into your home's landscape, you can create a custom design that flows seamlessly with the beautiful natural surroundings of St. George. Design a freeform pool that complements your natural backyard environment or a stunning modern pool with infinity edges and desert landscaping.
Outdoor living spaces have many benefits, including increased home value and even improved health. The desire for a connection with the outdoors has gained popularity in recent years and is expected to impact home design significantly in the years to come. Custom home pools add an area for extra entertainment space, providing a unique versatility to any property. Additional spaces such as pool houses with extra entertainment space, guest accommodations, and changing rooms enhance the overall functionality, comfort, and overall appeal of the property.
Integrating a spa into your pool design provides a unique luxury and comfort experience. By having a spa connected to your pool, you can transition between the spa's warmth and the refreshing coolness of the pool. Integrating a spa into pool design can be accomplished in many ways, such as creating an infinity edge spa or a waterfall where the water flows over from the spa into the pool. Some spas are even incorporated into the pool access stairs so the users can sit and enjoy the jets without leaving the pool.
By integrating some luxury pool features into your home's pool design, you'll have an incredible vacation-worthy hangout you'll never want to leave. Custom luxury pool features such as waterfalls, underwater lighting, fire features, and Baja shelves can make your pool more attuned to your aesthetic preferences.
At Dennis Miller Homes, we recognize that every home embodies a distinct taste, reflecting the individuality of each client. By collaborating with our clients, we can create new homes with pools or spa designs tailored to your home and landscape. As a St. George custom home builder, we strive to design breathtaking custom pools that perfectly blend both aesthetics and function.
Smart home technology is becoming increasingly popular, and the integration of pool technology is no exception. Popular upgrades such as automated pool maintenance systems, smart pool lighting, and real-time water quality monitoring offer many benefits, including energy efficiency and water conservation. Add some of these smart features for a pool that provides convenience and modern innovation.
Everyone loves pools, but not everyone loves maintaining them. Because pools are becoming more popular, the demand for maintenance and cleaning services has also become popular. In addition to smart pool monitoring systems, automated pool cleaners, ultraviolet (UV-C) water treatment technology, and chemical dosing systems make pool maintenance a breeze.
At Dennis Miller Homes, we know what it takes to design and build luxury custom homes in St. George. Whether you're building a family home or a vacation home, we collaborate with you while paying attention to every detail. As Southern Utah vacation home builders, we craft a truly customized experience by getting to know you and your lifestyle, allowing us to create the perfect pool and spa you've always envisioned. Come build your dream home with a custom pool and spa with us. Contact Dennis Miller Homes today.
St. George, Utah is known for its stunning, sprawling desert landscape. It’s characterized by red cliffs, black volcanic rock, and green sagebrush stretching for miles. With warm sunshine and an arid climate that hardly ever drops to below-freezing temperatures, it’s easy to understand why Southern Utah has become a worldwide destination for outdoor enthusiasts and retirees.
The natural landscape has had a large influence on desert homes both structurally and aesthetically. In the past, it has been a challenge for architects to create modern desert architecture that combines the natural surroundings of the desert with contemporary architectural elements. With ingenuity and experience, architects at Dennis Miller Homes have perfected the modern desert house that unites modern architecture with desert aesthetics-- a true high desert custom home.
What constitutes a modern home design? Modern homes are characterized by clean lines, open floor plans, minimalist interiors, natural materials, neutral colors, and the integration of sustainable materials like glass, wood, cement, and rock. Modern homes are constructed to feel open and breathable and often utilize windows and skylights for natural lighting.
Sustainability has become increasingly popular and more affordable in recent years. It’s especially critical in Southern Utah because, as a desert, the area is prone to droughts and water restrictions. Dennis Miller Homes’s integration of smart resource usage will ensure your home is visually stunning and environmentally responsible. It will also help your utility bill to stay low amid rising utility costs.
Other popular design elements found in custom homes in Southern Utah include large windows and expanded indoor-outdoor living spaces. Since St. George gets little rain and lots of sunlight, large windows make natural lighting a clear choice. Indoor-outdoor living spaces can combine a comfortable atmosphere with the fun of a pool or patio that can be used year-round. At Dennis Miller Homes, anything is possible.
So how do you achieve a custom desert home look? It largely comes with integrating elements from the natural environment. Architects and builders will use materials like stone, wood, and adobe to reflect the southwest region. Popular stones like sandstone and basalt are used because they are native to the Southern Utah area. Adobe characteristics might also be implemented because they reference the homes of the Pueblo people who lived here before Latter-Day Saint pioneers settled in the area.
With all these materials and elements, you’ll find common colors of red, tan, white, grey, and green. At Dennis Miller Homes, we can take an artful mix of these colors and materials to create a villa to be proud of. We can also include responsible, low-maintenance xeriscaping utilizing native desert plants that add beauty and variety to your property while preserving water and lowering maintenance.
St. George's deserts can be harsh and unforgiving. For this reason, a home must be constructed that’s prepared to handle the demanding climate. Materials must be selected for their durability and blended with a state-of-the-art HVAC to ensure your home stays cool and comfortable during St. George’s hot summer months.
With Dennis Miller Home’s network of trusted subcontractors and HVAC specialists, we’ll ensure that your custom home is built to be an oasis from St. George’s harsh climate. We’ll construct your home with premium materials to reduce utility costs and increase comfort so you can enjoy the beautiful desert landscape in peace for years to come.
Dennis Miller Homes has extensive experience building luxury custom homes in Southern Utah. We’ve worked with satisfied clients worldwide who come to settle in this beautiful desert valley. Whether you’d like a modern desert house or a custom home with other influences, we have the expertise and established network of contractors to make your dream a reality.
We meet with you to understand your vision and goals, then work for you to solidify land and service approval, create design and development plans, review bidding and budget, and build your custom home promptly. Explore our gallery of luxurious custom homes for examples from previous custom home projects.
Building a custom home in St. George, Utah, provides so many benefits. You get to live in one of the most beautiful, fastest-growing communities in the United States. You’re close to fabulous Las Vegas, world-famous hiking spots like Snow Canyon and Zion National Park, professional stage plays at Tuachan Amphitheater, multiple golf courses, world-class mountain biking, and so much more. With so much to do in Southern Utah, it’s easy to see why people rush to live here.
If you’re looking into St. George custom homes built to your vision, contact our talented team of custom home designers at Dennis Miller Homes. Let us create the custom luxury home design you dream of and outfit it with the desert style, modern architecture, and amenities to make it your veritable desert oasis. Contact us today to see what we can build for you.
When considering the importance of stairs in home design, they're more than just a function in the room. Not only do they have a purpose, but they can be one of the most prominent design elements in a space. These centralized features can often be a beautiful focal point of the home, helping to make a statement and setting the tone for the rest of the house.
Stairs usually function as the home's backbone, allowing designers to create an eye-catching feature. At Dennis Miller Homes, we incorporate custom staircase design that perfectly blends functionality with a modern design and complements your home's aesthetic.
The best staircases know how to balance the art of design and functionality. They know how to make a statement while ensuring safety and allowing for the movement of people and materials. Instead of putting stairs wherever they're the most convenient, we believe they should play a critical role in home design and function.
All staircase designs must adhere to strict guidelines and building regulations, including straight-to-winder and spiral stairs. They should also be constructed of sustainable building materials that will endure longevity and enhance stability. At Dennis Miller Homes, we prioritize safety in our staircase designs, ensuring that they are beautiful and provide a secure environment for your home.
Poorly designed stairs have a poor impact and can be a safety hazard. When designing stairs, it's important to consider safety regulations and building codes. Stairs should be designed with handrails, sufficient lighting, level surfaces, tight carpeting, and sufficient carrying capacity.
Most building codes around the country are based on the International Residential Code, a nonprofit standards organization that has established minimum regulations for one- and two-family houses. A summary of Utah Code 15A-3-202 concludes the following regulations for staircases:
When designed correctly, stairs can maximize space efficiency and traffic flow. New homeowners don't always consider the placement of stairs and how it impacts the flow of your home. Properly placed stairs improve the circulation, or flow of people, around your home.
Moving the stairs to a corner of the house sometimes allows specific rooms to expand and create centralized traffic patterns. While maximizing space efficiency in the room varies based on the design, stairs should be placed on one side of the home, often near the garage, for maximum efficiency.
It seems like anything is possible in modern custom staircase design. From floating stairs to smart stairs, designers are embracing cutting-edge aesthetics and new functionality. Many innovative trends redefine how we move from one floor to another. Some popular stairwell design trends are floating staircases, incorporating nature-inspired elements, and sculptural staircases. In-home design, modern staircases enhance overall home aesthetics and are sculptural masterpieces.
Incorporating a custom staircase design into your home can have many benefits. Custom stairs are designed to fit any space, including tight areas. They can also be designed to blend in with landings, curves, and mezzanines. Custom staircase design also allows for the ability to match specific themes or lifestyles.
Designing custom stairs also allows you to choose the material they're made from. We recommend choosing high-quality, long-lasting materials such as concrete, metal, wood, stone, or glass.
When planning a staircase for your home, you can choose from many styles: straight, L-shaped, U-shaped, winder, spiral, curved, cantilever, and split. While settling on one style is difficult, several factors help you choose. First, consider the amount of space you have available. For example, straight or L-shaped stairs work because for smaller homes. Larger homes can accommodate a more decorative or curved staircase. Don't hesitate to ask us for ideas and our opinion in choosing the right staircase.
These high-end design elements are often the focal point in many larger homes and commercial spaces. While adding a touch of sophistication and elegance, they are designed to make a statement and are commonly made from stone, glass, and wood. In some cases, they feature intricate detailing and finishes, such as ornate railings, carved balusters, and inlaid stone.
The biggest advantage of designing a spiral staircase is saving space. Compared with other staircases, a spiral staircase occupies a very small area. Spiral staircases are also incredibly durable, often made from hard materials such as metal or timber. Modern spiral staircases are usually made with a combination of steel and have simple, clean lines.
Often known as open riser staircases or floating staircases, these types have gaps between the treads inside risers to bridge the gap. Open stairs have a light look and have minimal visual obstruction, making the space feel bright and spacious. They're a great alternative to traditional staircases. Open staircases look great, whether up against a wall or in the middle of a room.
When you sit down with us to design the stairs in your home, we'll consider several things. First, we'll review your floor plan and determine where a staircase might be best. Keep in mind that stairs can be moved in most cases. We'll review the type of staircase you'd like, reviewing any inspirational photos you may have. Next, we'll discuss design, style, and materials. In some cases, budget is also a consideration. If this is the case, we'll discuss how to design a stunning staircase that fits within your budget.
The best staircases perfectly balance the combination of functionality and style. At Dennis Miller Homes, we're here to help you plan your ideal staircase, the one you've always wanted. We understand the importance of fine-tuning these elements in your house. After all, this is the home you'll live in and experience life for years to come. Contact Dennis Miller Homes today!
Welcome to Dennis Miller Homes! As a leading new home builder in St. George, Utah, we know St. George is a place unlike any other. With its stunning red rock landscapes, warm climate, and abundance of outdoor recreation, it’s no wonder why people seek homes for sale in St. George, Utah.
Today, we want to share four of our favorite new homes in the beautiful city of St. George: an ultimate desert oasis retreat, a red rock dream come true, a fantastic family home, and a model of modern elegance.
As new home builders, we take great pride in creating unique homes tailored to the dreams of their owners. When you choose Dennis Miller Homes, your home will be built to the highest standards possible, using the best materials and superior craftsmanship. We believe a home should function to inspire and rejuvenate its occupants, so with innovative design elements and luxurious finishes, our homes accomplish just that and more.
Escape to the serene heart of the desert in The Ultimate Desert Oasis Retreat. Embracing the natural beauty of St. George, Utah, this home offers a luxurious sanctuary to relax and unwind.
A spacious open floor plan that maximizes natural light and provides breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Desert-inspired architecture that seamlessly blends with the natural surroundings while creating spacious interior and outdoor entertainment areas.
Individuals or families seeking a peaceful retreat away from busy city life and want to immerse themselves in the tranquility of the St. George desert landscape.
Red Rock Dreams Come True perfectly captures the essence of St. George's stunning red rock formations and awe-inspiring landscapes. This home uniquely blends modern design and natural beauty, creating a harmonious living space.
Floor-to-ceiling windows showcase the breathtaking views of the surrounding red rocks and allow natural light to flow in.
Architectural features such as angular rooflines and stone accents pay homage to the unique rock formations native to the area.
Outdoor enthusiasts who want to be surrounded by the beauty of nature offered by the red rock landscape.
Family-Friendly Living caters to the needs of growing families, offering a perfect balance between functionality and style. This home provides a warm and inviting atmosphere where memories can be shared.
Thoughtfully designed spaces that provide comfort, entertainment, and privacy for every family member.
Incorporation of child-friendly materials like durable flooring and easy-to-clean surfaces to withstand the demands of a busy household.
Individuals who value a sense of community and desire proximity to schools, parks, and other amenities.
Modern Elegance in the Desert showcases contemporary design and luxurious living. With its sleek lines, high-end finishes, and innovative features, this home offers a modern oasis in the heart of the desert.
Private outdoor living space with a pool, spa, and fire pit, perfect for enjoying the warm desert evenings and hosting gatherings.
The Integration of cutting-edge smart home technology allows homeowners to control lighting, temperature, and security systems with ease.
Individuals or couples who enjoy having company and entertaining guests in a luxurious and stylish desert environment.
At Dennis Miller Homes, we make your dream home a reality. Our commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and personalization ensures bringing your vision to reality. When you choose us as your custom home builders, you can trust that we’ll exceed your expectations.
Take the first step toward your St. George dream home. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and tour. Our team of experts will guide you through the process and help bring your vision to life.
St. George, Utah, offers a truly unique and captivating lifestyle. As a leading new home builder in the area, Dennis Miller Homes crafts dream homes that reach the pinnacle of style and comfort. Take the first step toward your St. George dream home today and experience the Dennis Miller Homes difference.
The timeline for building a custom home typically takes longer than other home types. While the exact length depends on location and size, you can expect to wait an average of 12-18 months before moving into your dream home.
Another variable that many new homebuyers should account for is the current construction market. For instance, many areas are recently experiencing a construction material shortage.
According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Commercial Construction Index, 71 percent of general contractors are recently facing a shortage in at least one type of material. The most common is lumber, while also shortages in steel, electrical, and lighting supplies
While the current market is putting more pressure on homebuilders, there are still many reasons to be optimistic:
As you consider relocating to a new home, one of the questions you might ask is whether to buy or build.
The answer? Build a custom home.
Custom home builders team up with you to customize every inch of your new home.
Dennis Miller Homes, a St. George custom home builder, gives Southern Utah homebuyers the tools and services needed to bring their vision to life. As your custom home building partner, we will work with you to select the perfect lot, design the perfect plans, and build the perfect home.
Our unique home-building process also ensures an efficient custom home-building timeline. The process includes:
Along with a proven construction process, Dennis Miller Homes dedicates our custom home building services to providing experiences that will last a lifetime.
As you count on us to bring your dream home to life, we will give you complete control over every aspect of the building process. From selecting the materials to designing the floor plan, you have the final say in what stays and what goes.
Although the custom home building process isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach, most custom home builders follow a similar timeline.
In short, the total construction of a custom home ranges from about 12-18 months. Along with building time, your will also need to account for design and plan approval time.
Typically, design takes an average of 2-3 months, while city/county approval can take 4-8 weeks.
After these steps, your custom home builder will begin the actual construction process, which can take about a year to 18 months.
To help you fully understand the average time to build a house, our team takes an in-depth look at the custom home building timeline step-by-step.
Before building a custom home, you must undergo the planning and design stage. You will need to select a lot to build your home. You will also need to find an architect, interior designer, and partner with a custom home builder, either simultaneously or after finding a lot.
After acquiring a place to build your custom home, you will work closely with your design team to develop a series of plans detailing the scope of your project.
Your architect and builder will work together to create a preliminary design that is both functional and beautiful. The builder then builds an estimate that is based on your budget and fits your needs.
While you and your interior designer make the first phase of design selections, your custom builder will provide a few different things. These include:
During this time, your builder or general contractor will also sign on subcontractors to install the major systems required in your new home plan.
The new construction phase will also include finalizing all remaining design decisions. Together, you will determine your flooring, cabinetry, lighting, and bathroom fixtures. It might be overwhelming, but your team will be by your side to help guide you to the best choice.
In total, the items finalized in the new home construction step includes developing:
Along with designing the home, your custom home building team will help you acquire all required approvals and permits. These will include:
Overall, this phase of the custom home build timeline will take 4-6 months.
Now that the design team completed your custom home plans, it will be time to pour the foundation. After preparing the site, your builder will begin to lay the foundation. Usually, site preparation only takes a few weeks.
Once the site is ready, your builder will pour concrete footers. Then, the next step will depend on whether your house calls for a basic slab foundation or a full basement layout.
The timeline for the foundation can range from 2-4 weeks, starting from the beginning of site prep to when the foundation fully cures.
Once your custom home has a strong foundation, it is ready for the frame. This is where the floor plans you spent weeks drawing with your architect and design team are put to the test.
Your builder will take those designs and erect the basic framework of the home, including the roof structure, internal walls, staircases, and more.
Throughout this phase of the process, you can rely on your builder and construction manager to oversee the project. They will work carefully to ensure that all the work goes smoothly and that there are no mistakes or rework required.
This stage is usually quick, but your custom home builder will keep you updated with a realistic timeline to keep your entire project on schedule and budget.
After the contracting team nails down the skeleton of the home to the foundation, it is time to install the major systems of your new home.
Most custom home builders hire subcontractors to complete the plumbing and electrical work on a custom home. These teams provide niche services that require extensive knowledge and skill to install.
At Dennis Miller Homes, we have a relationship with some of the top subcontractors in the southern Utah area. These long-standing relationships give our clients the utmost confidence that all the major systems in their new homes will run in tip-top shape for years to come.
The timeline you can expect for these different systems include:
Another factor you might want to consider when building a custom home is increasing system efficiency with energy-efficient construction. If you require such an elaborate system, your timeline may slightly increase.
Other variables in plumbing and electrical work that might affect your timeline include installing:
Altogether, this step in the custom home building process usually takes about four months to complete.
After your builder or subcontracting team finishes installing the wiring and plumbing throughout your new home, it is time to complete the design.
This next step in the custom home building process is all about finishes. From the drywall and interior finishes to the roofing and exterior finishes, your home building team will work hard to make your dream come to fruition.
During this phase, you can expect your building team to install several items, including:
Since the quality and complexity of a custom home design require a higher level of craftsmanship and materials than other home types, this phase of the process may take longer than usual.
An average custom home building timeline for these materials may look like this:
During this time, your custom home builder will keep you updated on your exact timeline, so you know what to expect.
The length of time it takes to build a new custom home usually takes less than two years, depending on various factors. Some of these variables include:
Contractor Recommendation: Make all your decisions ahead of time and stick to them to shorten the custom home building timeline.
If you are considering working with a St. George custom home builder, you may be asking, "What's the busy season?" Fortunately, St. George is one of the few places in Utah that doesn't experience any serious construction delays related to weather or season changes.
Southern Utah homebuyers aren't constricted to a certain building schedule. Unlike Utah homebuyers in the northern part of the state who experience frequent construction delays due to snow and rain, St. George's warm climate keeps things rolling year-round. In fact, our custom home builders work with ideal circumstances when building new homes.
So, whenever you want to build your new custom home in St George, Utah, Dennis Miller Homes will be ready to make it happen.
How to Build A Custom Home...Now
Begin the custom home building timeline by contacting Dennis Miller Homes today. Call us old-timers, but our custom home builders still believe in the fundamental qualities of any good business— honesty, communication, and genuine care. As the leading custom home building team in St. George, we know what it takes to build a southern Utah dream home.
Whether you are looking for a second home for vacations or a new family home for day-to-day living, Dennis Miller Homes is dedicated to making your home-building experience as stress-free as possible. Together, we will create a home that grows with you.
We offer custom home building services throughout southern Utah, including:
We understand that while every client has different needs, we can do our part to make our services equipped and ready to bring your dream home to life. Count on our 35 years of experience building custom homes in St. George to make your home building timeline quick, efficient, and fun.