Custom Home Builder in Gila County, AZ

Welcome to Kelso Custom Builders, Inc., where your vision of a dream home becomes a reality. As a family-owned and operated company based in Arizona since the early 2000s, we specialize in designing and building high-quality custom homes and home renovations. We bring a strong work ethic, dedication to craftsmanship, and personalized attention to every project we undertake. If you are planning to build a custom home or renovate your existing property in Gila County, Arizona, we are here to make the process seamless, transparent, and rewarding from beginning to end.

At Kelso Custom Builders, we understand that building a home is a major life event. Our goal is to eliminate the stress and confusion that often comes with construction and replace it with confidence and clarity. We offer a full-service experience that covers every stage of the project, including initial design, 3D renderings, permitting, construction, finishing, and final walkthrough. When you choose us, you will work directly with our owner, Mark Kelso, and a dedicated team that prioritizes your needs and satisfaction.

Building Custom Homes

Gila County is a uniquely beautiful part of Arizona, offering a blend of mountain terrain, desert vistas, forested lands, and charming small towns. From the pine forests of Payson and Pine to the historic towns of Globe and Miami, and the scenic foothills around Young, Gila County offers a range of possibilities for custom home construction. Whether you dream of a rustic cabin near the Mogollon Rim, a ranch-style home with sweeping desert views, or a family home tucked into a wooded hillside, we can help you bring it to life.

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Building in Gila County presents both opportunities and challenges. Terrain varies significantly depending on location, and access to utilities, fire safety considerations, and zoning regulations must all be carefully managed. Our team has experience navigating these regional factors, which allows us to deliver results efficiently and avoid costly delays. We are knowledgeable about the permitting process in Gila County and stay up to date with local building codes, environmental guidelines, and community requirements.

No matter where in Gila County you plan to build, we are equipped to evaluate your lot, discuss your ideas, and propose solutions that meet your goals. We take pride in helping clients turn raw land into functional and beautiful living spaces that last for generations.

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Custom Design & Permitting

The first step in any custom home project is creating a design that fits your vision, budget, and lifestyle. At Kelso Custom Builders, we offer comprehensive design services that make the most of your ideas and bring clarity to the planning phase. We begin with a free consultation where we discuss your goals, the features you would like to include, the size and style of the home, and any site-specific considerations. Whether you have detailed plans or are just beginning to explore your options, we can help you create a design that works.

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Our team uses advanced design software to develop floor plans and realistic 3D renderings, which allow you to visualize your home before construction begins. These renderings provide valuable insight into spatial layout, natural light, room flow, and how the home will look on your specific lot. They also allow you to make changes early in the process so that the final design is exactly what you want.

Once we finalize your design, we take care of all necessary permitting. In Gila County, this often includes building permits, fire access and safety approvals, septic or well permits for rural lots, grading and drainage plans, and zoning compliance checks. Because we are familiar with local regulations, we can manage these processes efficiently and proactively address potential issues. Our goal is to ensure you are fully compliant and ready to build as quickly as possible.

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Our Custom Home Building Process

At Kelso Custom Builders, our approach to building custom homes centers on quality, transparency, and communication. Once your design and permits are approved, we begin the construction phase. Our team manages every aspect of the build, including site preparation, foundation work, framing, utilities, interior and exterior finishes, and final inspections. We do not rely on multiple outside contractors. Instead, we provide a fully integrated construction service that keeps everything coordinated and under one roof.

Owner Mark Kelso is involved in every project and visits each job site regularly. His hands-on management style ensures that workmanship remains consistent, timelines are met, and any questions or concerns are addressed promptly. This level of direct involvement sets us apart from larger builders and guarantees that your project is treated with the attention and respect it deserves.

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You can expect a collaborative experience where your preferences are prioritized. We will walk you through key decisions such as material selection, finishes, energy efficiency options, and layout modifications. Our goal is to create a home that reflects your personality, functions according to your lifestyle, and exceeds your expectations in terms of comfort and durability.

We have built a variety of home styles in Gila County, including mountain cabins, ranch-style homes, two-story family residences, and modern designs with open floor plans. Regardless of style, we maintain a high standard of craftsmanship and use materials chosen for their quality, sustainability, and suitability for the local climate.

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Home Additions & Expansions

If you already own a home in Gila County and are looking to expand your space, we also specialize in custom home additions. We understand that families grow, needs change, and sometimes your existing home needs to evolve along with you. Whether you are planning to add a new bedroom, expand your kitchen, build a guest suite, or add a second story, we can help you plan and execute the addition in a way that complements your existing structure.

Our process for additions is similar to our new home construction process. We begin with a design consultation and use 3D modeling to show how the addition will integrate with your current home. We then handle all permitting and construction. Our focus is on creating a seamless transition between old and new, so the finished result looks and feels cohesive.

Common Types of Additions We Build:
  • Master bedroom expansions
  • In-law suites or guest accommodations
  • Kitchen bump-outs
  • Additional bathrooms
  • Multi-room additions
  • Second-story additions
  • Detached garages and workshops
  • Home offices or creative spaces

Additions are a great way to increase your home’s functionality, improve its value, and make it better suited to your current needs. We are happy to provide guidance on how to make the most of your space while staying within your budget.

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Frequently Asked Questions

We serve all of Gila County, including but not limited to Payson, Pine, Strawberry, and various rural areas and subdivisions throughout the region. Our experience in both urban neighborhoods and remote properties allows us to tailor our home construction services to the unique needs of each site. Whether you have a small lot in town or a large parcel in the forest, we have the tools, expertise, and knowledge to build your custom home or complete your renovation project.

No, you do not need to have plans in place before reaching out to us. Many of our clients come to us at the idea stage, and we work with them to create complete designs from the ground up. During our consultation, we discuss your vision, preferred style, layout ideas, and budget. From there, we develop floor plans and 3D renderings that give you a clear picture of the proposed home. You can make revisions as needed until we arrive at a design you love. We also ensure that the final plans comply with zoning, setback, and permitting requirements before construction begins.

The timeline for building a custom home can vary depending on the size and complexity of the home, site conditions, permitting timelines, weather, and material availability. On average, most custom homes we build in Gila County take eight to twelve months from permit approval to completion. Larger or more complex homes, or homes built in more remote areas, may take longer. We provide a detailed timeline during the planning phase and keep you informed throughout the build. Our team is committed to finishing projects on time without compromising quality.

Yes, we have experience building homes on various types of terrain, including forested lots, sloped properties, and remote areas that may require special access. Gila County has many areas with rugged landscapes and limited utility infrastructure, and we are well-versed in building under these conditions. We evaluate your lot early in the process and develop strategies for site access, grading, drainage, foundation design, and utility installation. Our team understands how to build durable homes that are suited to the specific environmental factors of your land, including fire safety and energy efficiency.

Yes. We can connect you with trusted lenders who specialize in construction loans and custom home financing.

At Kelso Custom Builders, Inc., we are proud to serve Gila County and its surrounding areas. Please refer to the map below for our service area.

Need a Custom Home Builder in Gila County, AZ?

If you are planning to build or improve a home in Gila County, Arizona, Kelso Custom Builders, Inc. is your trusted partner. With decades of experience, a commitment to personalized service, and a passion for craftsmanship, we are here to bring your dream home to life. Whether you are starting from scratch with a custom build, expanding your current space, or updating a home you love, we offer the expertise, resources, and care needed to get the job done right. We invite you to contact us today to schedule your free consultation. Let’s discuss your project, explore your ideas, and start planning a home that reflects your lifestyle and values. Call us today to begin the conversation. We look forward to working with you to build something truly exceptional in Gila County.

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