Home Shells & Garages

What is a code-compliant home shell?

A code-compliant home shell is a finished structural home shell — built to residential code with framing, sheathing, roofing, siding, windows, and doors — delivered ready for you or your contractor to complete the interior systems and finishes. We explain how shells work as affordable housing in affordable housing still exists in Colorado.

How long does it take to finish a home shell?

The shell itself goes up quickly once the foundation is ready. Finishing the interior usually takes several months and depends on your permits, your trades, and how much you do yourself — six to twelve months from shell delivery to move-in is a realistic Colorado planning window. See a real timeline in our Sunny Side home shell project in Jefferson, Colorado.

Can I use a shed as an office or studio in Colorado?

Yes — insulated studio sheds make excellent Colorado home offices, gyms, and art studios. Once you add permanent electrical, insulation, or plan to sleep in it, the building leaves the accessory-storage exemption and needs a permit and inspections. Layouts, insulation, and power are covered in our custom studio sheds in Colorado guide.

Can I build an affordable home in Colorado with a shell?

Yes — that is the point of a code-compliant shell. You buy a finished structural shell at a fixed price, then complete the interior yourself or with your own trades, which is how many Coloradans get into a new build well under local turn-key pricing. Read more in affordable housing still exists in Colorado.

Why choose a detached garage over a carport or an addition?

A detached garage gives you fully enclosed, lockable, weather-tight space without touching your home's structure or roofline. It is usually cheaper per square foot than an addition, faster to permit, and it adds resale value in Colorado. We break down the numbers in our cost to build a detached garage in Colorado guide.

What size 1-car garage do I need?

A 12x16 is the practical starting size for a smaller vehicle, a 12x20 suits most passenger vehicles, and pickup owners usually step up to a 12x24. Measure the vehicle with mirrors, then add room for doors, walking space, and storage — size-by-size square footage is in our 1-car garage size guide.

What is the difference between a prefab and a site-built garage?

A prefab garage is built completely at our Penrose shop and delivered fully assembled, usually with no delivery fee within 150 miles of Penrose. A site-built garage is built as sections in the same shop by the same crew and erected at your property, which adds on-site construction at $6.50 per square foot with a $550 minimum. We compare both in prefab vs. site-built 1-car garage.