A new building on your property is ground-up construction at a small scale: site work, foundation, framing, utilities, and finishes. It is the kind of work a design-build general contractor is set up for, because the zoning check, the drawings, the permit, and the construction all come from one firm.
We design and build accessory dwelling units, garages, shops, and agricultural buildings across Larimer and Weld counties, in town and on rural acreage. ADUs are the fastest-growing part of this work since Colorado required most Front Range cities to allow them.
What we build
- Detached and attached garages
- Accessory dwelling units (ADUs)
- Garage apartments and carriage houses
- Workshops and hobby shops
- Pole barns and agricultural buildings
- Sheds and outbuildings
- Garage storage systems
- Utility trenching and service connections
Accessory dwelling units
Colorado law now requires many Front Range cities to allow accessory dwelling units, and each city still sets its own rules for size, setbacks, parking, and utility connections. An ADU can house a family member, bring in rental income, or both.
We start with what your lot and your jurisdiction allow, then work through utilities, which are often the largest variable in ADU cost.
Shops and pole barns
On rural property in Larimer and Weld counties, a post-frame or pre-engineered metal building is often the most economical way to get a shop, equipment storage, or barn. County zoning and building rules for agricultural and accessory buildings vary, and we sort out which apply before you order a building.
How a project runs
- 01
Walkthrough and concept
We look at the space with you, talk through what you want, measure, and flag anything that affects cost or schedule before design starts.
- 02
Design and written price
Our design side draws the plan, we price it as it is drawn, and you get a written scope and price before anything is demolished.
- 03
Permits and build
We submit the permit set, schedule every trade, protect the rest of your home, and keep you posted as the work moves.
- 04
Final walkthrough
We walk the finished work with you, close out inspections, and take care of the punch list before we call it done.
Common questions
Can I build an ADU on my lot?
It depends on your city or county zoning, lot size, and utility access. We can review the rules for your address and tell you what is allowed before you spend money on design.
Do detached garages and sheds need permits?
Garages do. Small sheds under a size set by each jurisdiction are often exempt from a building permit but still have to meet setback rules.
Can you convert my existing garage into living space?
Yes. A conversion involves insulation, a raised or insulated floor, heating and cooling, egress, and a permit for the change of use.
Where we provide ADUs & garages
Standard Building Company is based in Loveland and provides ADUs & garages across Northern Colorado, including Loveland, Fort Collins, Greeley, Longmont, Windsor, Berthoud, Johnstown, Timnath, Wellington, and Estes Park.
We also take ADUs & garages projects in the mountain towns of Vail, Avon, Aspen, Winter Park, Copper Mountain, and Steamboat Springs.