801-787-5401Park City isn’t just a resort town. It’s a feeling of fresh powder under your boots, aspen-lined trails behind your backyard, and evenings that stretch a little longer because the view is just that good. For those drawn to its unique mix of outdoor adventure and luxury living, building a custom home here is more than a real estate move—it’s a lifestyle shift.
But how do you get from vision to reality in a place with steep slopes, tight architectural controls, and one seriously competitive housing market?
That’s where Highland Custom Homes comes in. We’re more than just Park City’s premier custom builder—we’re your partner in creating a space that feels like home from the very first sketch.
If you’re dreaming of settling into the mountains, here’s everything you need to know about building a custom home in Park City—from lot to lock-and-key.
Step 1: Secure the Lot (and the Lifestyle)
Most Highland clients come to us with a lot already purchased. But if you’re still on the hunt, you’re not alone—and you’re not behind.
We help clients find their perfect slice of Park City. Whether you’re dreaming of panoramic views in The Colony, lakeside mornings in Tuhaye, or a walk-to-ski lifestyle near Old Town, we can connect you with listings that align with your vision, HOA preferences, and even long-term investment goals.
What Makes a Great Lot in Park City?
Park City’s terrain is gorgeous, but it can also be tricky. Here’s what we help you evaluate:
- Topography: Steep lots can offer stunning views but may require retaining walls or more complex excavation.
- Access: Will you need a heated driveway? Can emergency vehicles reach the property year-round?
- Utilities: Not all lots are ready to build—some require water, sewer, or power hookups.
- Snow and Sun: Solar exposure matters here. A home on the north-facing slope may mean icy driveways and darker interiors in winter.
We’ll also help you think long-term. That “perfect” lot today should also serve your needs five, ten, twenty years down the line—whether that means hosting grandkids or selling at a premium.
Step 2: Start the Plans—Design That Feels Like You
If you already have an architect, we’re ready to collaborate. If not, we’ll connect you with the right design partner—someone who understands Park City’s natural elements, city ordinances, and your personal style.
Our design phase is structured to be exciting, not exhausting. You’ll sit down with a team that listens first, draws second. We’ll ask questions you might not expect:
- How many people are in the home on a typical weekend?
- Do you need space for gear—skis, bikes, ATVs, snowmobiles?
- Will this home be rented seasonally or occupied full-time?
- Do you entertain outdoors year-round? (Hot tip: many Park City homeowners do.)
The Park City Style Spectrum
One of the best parts of building here is the flexibility of design styles. You’ll see it all: modern mountain, farmhouse chic, alpine lodge, clean-lined contemporary. We help you find the balance between timeless and trendy, with materials and finishes that can stand up to elevation, snow, and seasonal shifts.
We’ll also advise on energy efficiency, sustainability, and ways to maximize natural light without blowing your heating budget in January.
Step 3: Finance with Confidence
Custom building often requires a construction-to-permanent loan, which can be more complex than a traditional mortgage. We’ve worked with nearly every major and regional lender in Utah, and we can help you find one that:
- Understands Park City’s unique build timelines
- Offers flexible draw schedules
- Knows how to appraise custom mountain homes (a surprisingly niche skill)
What You’ll Need for Loan Approval
- An initial design or schematic
- Preliminary budget or bid
- Proof of land ownership or offer
- Personal financial documentation
We don’t just introduce you to a lender and walk away—we’ll stay involved, helping you prep documents, understand terms, and avoid common snags that could delay construction.
And yes, we’ll speak lender-ese so you don’t have to.
Step 4: City Plan Submission—We’ll Navigate the Red Tape
The approval process in Park City is no joke. Between the city’s planning and zoning departments, architectural review boards, HOA committees, and environmental protections, it’s easy to feel lost before you’ve even broken ground.
That’s where we shine.
We’ve been through the process more times than we can count, and we know what each board is looking for. We handle submission of your architectural plans, engineering reports, and permit paperwork. We’ll also coordinate with surveyors, inspectors, and subcontractors to get the pre-build stage humming.
Timing Tip:
Depending on where you’re building, this step can take anywhere from 3 weeks to several months. If you’re in a gated community or building on land with historical overlays, expect more layers of review.
We update clients every step of the way—no radio silence, no finger-pointing. If something needs adjusting, we’ll explain your options clearly and keep the process moving.
Step 5: Your Final Build Bid
Once all contractor bids are in, we present a clear, itemized estimate that outlines everything:
- Hard Costs: Labor, materials, site prep
- Soft Costs: Permits, insurance, design fees
- Allowances: Finishes you’ll select later (tile, lighting, flooring, etc.)
- Contingencies: Set-asides for unforeseen adjustments
No vague ranges. No surprise “fees.” Just full transparency and a contract that reflects the actual scope of the build.
We’ll walk through the bid with you line-by-line, answer questions, and fine-tune anything you’d like to adjust—maybe you’d rather upgrade your appliances and scale back on exterior stone, for example.
Once signed, you’re officially on the Highland schedule.
Step 6: Break Ground and Build
Cue the construction boots and backhoes—it’s go time. Our build process is efficient, personal, and incredibly organized. You’ll have:
- A dedicated project manager
- Access to our client dashboard
- Weekly progress updates (with photos)
- Pre-scheduled walkthroughs at key stages
We build in all seasons and understand the quirks of Park City’s alpine climate. Frozen ground? We’ve got the equipment. Supply delays? We build with lead times in mind. Our subcontractor teams are local, loyal, and dialed in to what matters most—quality, safety, and getting it done right.
What We Handle (So You Don’t Have To)
- Site prep and excavation
- Foundation and framing
- Roofing and insulation
- Electrical, plumbing, HVAC
- Drywall, paint, trim
- Cabinetry, fixtures, finish work
- Final inspections and occupancy
We also coordinate all third-party inspections, municipal requirements, and HOA approvals throughout the process.
Step 7: Interior Design (Optional, But Game-Changing)
Some clients know exactly what they want: matte black fixtures, wide-plank white oak floors, a kitchen island bigger than their first apartment. Others need a little guidance.
We work with the best interior designers in Park City—talented creatives who know how to blend function and flair in a mountain environment.
Want a cozy après-ski space with a fireplace and bar? We’ve done that. Need a gear garage with ski lockers, dog wash, and bike storage? Yep. Thinking smart home automation, radiant heat, and motorized blinds? We’re fluent in all of it.
We can also help you furnish your home so it’s move-in ready the day we hand you the keys.
Living in Park City: Why It’s Worth the Wait
A custom home build in Park City takes time. That’s typically 10–16 months, depending on the size, scope, and seasonality of construction. But ask any of our clients who are now waking up to mountain sunrises and deer in the backyard, and they’ll tell you: It’s 100% worth it.
Park City offers:
- Unmatched access to outdoor recreation: Skiing, mountain biking, hiking, fly fishing, golfing—right outside your door.
- A strong sense of community: Think farmers markets, festivals, and neighbors who actually say hello.
- Proximity to Salt Lake City: An international airport just 40 minutes away.
- Luxury amenities: Top-tier dining, shopping, wellness, and cultural arts—plus Whole Foods and fresh powder in the same week.
Why Highland? Because Building Here is Different
Park City isn’t like other towns—and building here isn’t like building anywhere else. You need a team who knows the climate, the codes, and the community.
At Highland Custom Homes, we’re rooted in Utah. We’ve built across the Wasatch Back, from Park City to Heber to Midway, and we bring that knowledge into every project.
We’re not a volume builder. We’re a relationship builder. And we take pride in homes that feel intentional, inspired, and enduring.
Your Next Step Starts Here
This guide gives you the roadmap. But what you really need is a trusted guide—and that’s us. Whether you’re just starting to dream or ready to dig, we’re here to answer questions, offer insights, and build something that’s as beautiful as the place you’re building it in.
Let’s make Park City your next (and best) move.
Visit highlandcustomhomes.com or reach out directly. We can’t wait to meet you.