A vibrant city, such as Denver, is teeming with activity, often 24/7. The sounds of building construction, horns blasting and constant traffic are part and parcel of a dynamic city brimming with opportunity. Unfortunately, it is also noisy, and this can be annoying and even unhealthy.

There was time when a swimming pool surrounded by a concrete border was the height of luxury. Those days are long gone, especially among custom homes in the $2 million and greater range. In fact, many architects and real estate experts feel the hottest trend in luxury homes is the outdoor space.

While it may seem counterintuitive, the minimalist design found in many tiny apartments in large cities has become extremely popular in luxury custom homes. Some of these are found in upscale neighborhoods of Denver and surrounding areas. This “loft” look—which features reclaimed wood, vintage-looking fixtures, exposed pipes and brick walls—is particularly prevalent in the bathrooms of these homes.

Coloradans are justifiably proud of the natural beauty of their state. Indeed, the “purple mountain majesty,” which was immortalized in the song “America the Beautiful,” first came to the song’s lyricist, Katharine Lee Bates, as she witnessed this breathtaking beauty from Pikes Peak, located near Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Watch the home improvement channels, such as HGTV or DIY Network, for more than an hour and there’s a good possibility that some great new ideas will be presented for the “largest room in the house”—the backyard. While this outdoor oasis has been popular since rural families started moving to urban areas, there have been many changes in the form and function of the backyard, and custom home builders have taken notice.

The opening words of Charles Dickens’ 19th century novel, A Tale of Two Cities are eerily appropriate for today in the description of the economic forces which are affecting mortgage interest rates.  “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.”

At some point in life, most people experience the often gut-wrenching process of buying a home. That first home is usually something modest but the excitement is still palpable because it is a rite of passage.   As life continues, families decide they can afford and desire a custom-built home, with features and amenities that are designed specifically for their lifestyle. This is when the complications really kick in!

In the past 50 years, the economics of home construction have changed dramatically both in Colorado and the rest of the country. When vinyl siding and synthetic insulation materials were introduced in the 1960’s as a substitute for traditional brick and wood, tract homebuilders found their costs were reduced dramatically. In recent years, it is estimated by trade associations that homes wrapped in vinyl siding and synthetic insulation are purchased by 33 percent of new home buyers.