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How DEN Works
How DEN works

Buy a proven design. Build the home you've been picturing.

Skip the year-long custom design process. Start with a $299 Planning Package to learn what DEN's about — then move into Feasibility, Building, or Prefab when you're ready.

40+ house plans · 300+ homes built · 48 states · 4.6★ on Trustpilot

Find your path

Where are you, really? Five quick questions.

No house gets built without land and a budget — so we start there. Answer these and we'll point you to the right next step.

1.Land — do you have a site to build on yet?
2.Timing — when are you looking to build?
3.Permits — your plans need an engineer's stamp to get permitted. Arrange that yourself, or have DEN handle it?
Guide
Do DEN plans need an engineer?
4.Materials — source and coordinate them yourself, or have DEN ship them to you?
Included with Prefab — DEN coordinates and ships your materials.
5.Your builder — brief and manage them yourself, or have DEN train & guide them?
Included with Prefab — DEN trains and guides your builder.
The actual problem

Building is risky. We take the risk off the table.

Most people who want a modern home never start, because the early questions are the scary ones: What will it cost? How long? Can I even build this here? DEN answers those before you've spent real money.

01

Cost risk

You get a number you can take to a builder and a bank — not a guess that balloons mid-project.

02

Timing risk

Proven plans skip the year-long custom design loop. Most builds finish in under a year.

03

"Can I build it?" risk

Plans get you in front of your town and a local GC early, so feasibility isn't a surprise.

Or compare them yourself

The two paths, side by side.

Exactly what each path does for you — and where it takes you next.

Path one · hands-on

Plans

from $299 · credits forward

Plans get you to a local GC, to real pricing, and into your first feasibility conversations with the town. You drive — we hand you the proven design.

Buy plans Instant download Talk to town, builder & bank Customize
The bonus

Cuts your cost and timing risk before you commit — and proves you can actually build the thing on your land.

Guide
Stick-built vs. prefab
More hands-on Shop Plans
Path two · guided

Prefab

from $133K+ · engineered kit

Prefab gets you the rest: a structure engineered to your site, hands-on process management, and your house — the insulated envelope with windows and doors — fabricated and shipped to you.

Prefab deposit Kickoff Customize Engineer Fab & ship
The bonus

You lock in the price up front. Even less cost and timing risk than plans — and a lot less hands-on for you.

Less hands-on Shop Prefab
Not sure which path?

Confirm everything first, for $999.

Whichever way you lean, Feasibility is the no-regret way in. We pressure-test your land, layout, and budget before you commit — and the full $999 credits forward to Building or a Prefab deposit.

$999 Fully credited forward if you move ahead. Nothing wasted.
Start with Feasibility
  • Remote site feasibility reviewAccess, slopes, utilities, setbacks, terrain — and red flags that could hit cost or viability.
  • Turnkey project pricing estimateA realistic, all-in projection so you know the real number before you buy.
  • Preliminary site planConceptual placement and orientation for views, privacy, and solar gain.
  • 60-minute working sessionA live review of findings, budget, goals, and next steps with the DEN team.
Guide
How to choose where to build
The full ladder

Plan, confirm, then build.

Both paths share the same credit-forward ladder: start small, confirm with Feasibility, then build with Plans or Prefab. Open the full comparison to see what each step includes — and what it costs.

Customer Story

I've been inspired by DEN's designs since day one. So I purchased a few of them and they influenced our approach to building out Live Oak Lake. Whether you're a first-time developer or a seasoned pro, DEN's plans are a great starting point for a design-forward short-term rental or hospitality endeavor.

Isaac French
Former owner & operator of Live Oak Lake
FAQ

Common questions.

Does DEN build my home? +
No — we design homes; your local contractor builds them. Most jurisdictions require a local engineer to stamp plans before construction, and a licensed local contractor to do the work. Our designs are made to be priced, permitted, and built by your team. Don't have a builder? We have a vetted network of partners we can refer you to.
What's the difference between Plans and Prefab? +
With Plans, you buy a proven design and run the build yourself — hiring your own engineer, contractor, and managing the project. With Prefab, DEN engineers the structure to your site, manages the process, and ships your house as a panelized kit ready to assemble. Plans give you control and the lowest cost; Prefab gives you a guided path with less on your plate.
Guide
Stick-built vs. prefab
What do I actually get for $999? +
The Feasibility Package is your real-world go/no-go. We perform a remote due-diligence review of your parcel, deliver a turnkey project pricing estimate, draft a preliminary site plan, and meet with you for a 60-minute working session. It includes a Planning Package for your preferred design, and the full $999 credits forward to Building or Prefab.
How does the credit ladder work? +
Start with $299 Planning. When you're ready, that full $299 credits toward the $999 Feasibility Package, so you only pay $700 more. Your full $999 then credits toward Building ($1,999+) or Prefab ($133K+). Move at your own pace; nothing's wasted at any stage. Active promotions may supersede credit-forward pricing — the better deal always applies.
Can I tour a DEN home before I commit? +
Yes. We have a national network of DEN homes available to rent, so you can sleep in one before you buy. It's the best way to feel the space and finishes in person.
See all FAQs → Still have questions? Email support@denoutdoors.com

Start with $299 and build at your own pace.

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