Building in Fort Collins
Fort Collins is the Larimer County seat and the largest city in Northern Colorado, anchored by Colorado State University and Old Town. Its building stock runs from late-1800s homes near downtown to large newer neighborhoods on the south and east sides.
Older homes near Old Town and campus often need structural, electrical, and plumbing updates along with any remodel, and some properties fall under historic preservation review. Rental homes near campus also turn over every year, which keeps update and repair work steady between tenants.
The city runs its own electric, water, and wastewater utilities through Fort Collins Utilities, which shapes how service upgrades, new meters, and some energy requirements are handled on a project.
Projects we take on in Fort Collins
- Older-home remodels near Old Town and campusKitchens, baths, and additions on older homes, with the structural and systems updates those houses usually need.
- Basements and additions in newer neighborhoodsBasement finishes and room additions in the south and southeast neighborhoods built over the last few decades.
- Rental and investment property updatesKitchen, bath, flooring, and paint updates on rentals between tenants, scheduled to keep vacancy short.
What building in Fort Collins takes
- Some neighborhoods sit on expansive clay, and much of the city is on the Poudre River and Spring Creek drainages, so grading and drainage get attention on every exterior job.
- Designated landmarks and properties in historic districts can need design review before exterior changes.
- Fort Collins Utilities provides electric and water service inside city limits, so service changes go through the city.
Permits and jurisdiction in Fort Collins
Building permits are issued by the City of Fort Collins. Designated landmarks and properties in historic districts can require an additional design review for exterior changes. We check for that before design work goes too far.
Construction cost planning in Fort Collins
Preliminary Front Range planning ranges, not fixed bids. These figures apply to Loveland-area budgeting only until SBC verifies local subcontractor and material costs.
- Basement finishing: $45–$110 per sq. ft.Economy: resilient sheet flooring and standard trim. Luxury: premium Italian tile, upgraded millwork, and specialty spaces. Bathrooms and egress can increase cost.
- Kitchen remodeling: $175–$450 per sq. ft.Economy: Formica-style laminate countertops, linoleum or sheet-vinyl floors, and stock cabinets. Luxury: granite countertops, Italian tile, and custom cabinetry.
- Bathroom remodeling: $250–$650 per sq. ft.Economy: standard fixtures and resilient flooring. Luxury: Italian tile, stone countertops, custom shower, and premium fixtures.
Economy finishes include laminate countertops and linoleum or sheet-vinyl flooring where suitable. Luxury finishes can include Italian tile and granite countertops. Structural work and mechanical systems affect costs separately.
Other home projects
Additions, garages, ADUs, decks, siding, concrete, and structural repairs require a custom scope and estimate. See pricing assumptions or request an estimate.
Basement finishing in Fort Collins
Planning a bedroom, family room, home office, or bathroom downstairs? Read our Fort Collins basement finishing guide for permitting considerations, planning steps, and pricing factors.
Services in Fort Collins
- Kitchen RemodelingCabinets, countertops, tile, lighting, and layout changes, managed by one contractor.
- Additions & Whole-Home RemodelsRoom additions, second stories, primary suites, and full-house renovations.
- Bathroom RemodelingCustom tile showers, tub conversions, vanities, and aging-in-place upgrades.
- Basement FinishingBedrooms, bathrooms, wet bars, and theaters, with egress and permits handled.
Standard Building Company works on homes only. For commercial, industrial, or public projects, contact Standard Development Company.
Fort Collins remodeling questions
How far is Fort Collins from your office?
Our office is in Loveland, about 20 minutes south of Fort Collins on US 287 or I-25, so Fort Collins is part of our regular working area.
Does my older Fort Collins home need historic review to remodel?
Only if it is a designated landmark or in a historic district, and usually only for exterior changes. Interior remodels generally go through normal building permits. We check the property before design work starts.
Can you update my rental between tenants?
Yes. We plan kitchen, bath, flooring, and paint updates around your lease dates so the unit is back on the market quickly.
Can you add on to a house in Fort Collins?
Yes. We handle room additions and primary suites, including the structural engineering, permits, and tie-in to the existing house.
Also nearby: Loveland, Timnath, Wellington, and Windsor.