Jacob Custom Homes: Delivering national-builder pricing with boutique builder trust

That hands-on foundation became the blueprint for Jacob Custom Homes, now a trusted name in high-end homebuilding in the Denver, Colorado area. With a team of expert designers, supervisors and craftsmen, Jeff leads a boutique operation that specializes in custom builds ranging from $2 million upwards of $11 million. But what sets his business apart isn’t just craftsmanship. It’s his ability to deliver national-level pricing to local clients – a strategic edge made possible by CBUSA.

“Cost-plus means my clients see every dollar,” Jeff said. “CBUSA helps me make sure those dollars go further.”

Jeff’s evolution from interior trim to full-scale custom homes didn’t happen overnight. After years of cabinetry and millwork, he found himself drawn to the artistry of custom homes over tract housing. That was when he took on a project in a gated community and saw a lot that caught his eye. He wasn’t a custom home builder yet, but he knew the right people and had the right mindset.

“We partnered with another builder for excavation and foundation, but from framing on, I finished it myself. That was 18 years ago. I lived in that home for a decade. As soon as I finished it, I knew: This is what I want to do.”

Today, Jacob Custom Homes works on roughly 10 high-end builds a year. The team is intentionally small – tight-knit, specialized and highly efficient. Jeff prefers it that way after once managing over 60 people.

“This is much more manageable, much more laid back,” Jeff said. “I know every detail. We finish homes in about 18 months, and we do it right.”

But as the business grew, so did the pressures: rising material costs, unpredictable pricing and the challenge of competing with national high-volume builders.

Seeing the benefits: Leveraging buying power with CBUSA

Jeff was introduced to CBUSA through one of his project managers, Caleb, who had a conversation with CBUSA’s regional manager of Denver. What started as a casual discussion turned into a pivotal decision for Jeff’s business.

“Even when I ran a trim company, I bought materials directly. But when you become a custom builder, you’re sourcing everything: siding, trusses, tile, carpet, hardwood. Buying direct has been a massive savings for my clients, but CBUSA took it to another level.”

Finding success: Tangible results, real savings

The impact has been immediate and measurable.

As a cost-plus builder, Jeff operates with full transparency. His clients see every penny that goes into their home, making the savings even more powerful. By stretching every dollar and passing on CBUSA’s group pricing, Jacob Custom Homes offers a level of financial clarity that builds trust from the very first meeting.

“You’re at such an advantage for the clients because you’re saving 2 to 5% on average, which is a big number when you are talking multimillion dollar homes,” Jeff said.

The opportunities for builders to save are expanding, too, as more suppliers join the program. Jeff recently brought his preferred local tile supplier into the CBUSA group.

“Once you’re in the group, you all trust each other. We each talk about our resources,” Jeff said. “With our tile company, it’s a one-stop shop – he does his own takeoff and when tile comes out, it’s never short.”

The benefits aren’t just financial. CBUSA gives Jeff the ability to secure pricing early, often before contracts are even signed. That pricing confidence allows him to present accurate numbers to clients upfront, reinforcing trust and control in a cost-plus model. Even without a committed buy in place, he knows he’s getting highly competitive rates through the group.

“Because we are in this group, we get the same pricing as a top 10 national builder. That’s a hugely impactful thing for any client when they feel they are getting that benefit.”

For Jacob Custom Homes, CBUSA isn’t just a backend advantage – it’s a front-end differentiator. Because Jeff knows that even in a cost-plus model, clients are cost-conscious. Being able to show them how CBUSA translates into real savings builds trust early.

“Every single time when I first meet a client, I present to them what we do and the benefit of CBUSA,” Jeff said. “They instantly get it. They know they’re getting something they wouldn’t find elsewhere. I want to make sure clients are going to get the best price they can, and CBUSA is biggest reason for that. It has been a game changer.”