Building custom homes in one of America’s most breathtaking regions — where red rock canyons meet blue desert skies
There’s a reason people fall in love with Southern Utah. Maybe it’s the way morning light paints the red rock cliffs in shades of orange and gold. Perhaps it’s the realization that world-class national parks are your neighbors, not distant vacation destinations. Or it could be the simple pleasure of outdoor living in a climate that cooperates nearly year-round.
Whatever draws you here, building a custom home in Southern Utah means creating more than shelter — it means designing a life framed by some of America’s most spectacular landscapes.
At OPD Construction, we’ve been building custom homes throughout Southern Utah for over 15 years. We understand this region intimately — its diverse communities, its unique building challenges, its extraordinary opportunities. From luxury estates overlooking Snow Canyon to family homes in growing communities, we help clients translate their vision of Southern Utah living into reality.
Whether you’re a longtime resident ready to build your dream home, or you’re relocating from California, Arizona, Colorado, or beyond, choosing a builder who truly understands Southern Utah makes all the difference. This isn’t generic home building — it’s creating residences that belong here, designed for this landscape, this climate, this lifestyle.
Welcome to Southern Utah. Let’s build something extraordinary.
Southern Utah isn’t just another place to live — it’s a destination people dream about. Here’s what makes this region extraordinary
Southern Utah's geology is world-famous for good reason. Red rock canyons, sandstone cliffs, ancient lava flows, and dramatic mesas create a visual environment found nowhere else on Earth. Living here means waking up to scenery that tourists travel thousands of miles to photograph.
Zion National Park lies within an hour of most Southern Utah communities. Snow Canyon State Park, Red Cliffs National Conservation Area, and countless other protected lands surround you. Weekend adventures that others plan for years are your everyday backyard.
The climate enables a lifestyle built around outdoor living. Covered patios, outdoor kitchens, pools, and seamless indoor-outdoor transitions aren't luxuries here — they're how Southern Utah homes are meant to be designed.
Southern Utah encompasses diverse communities, each with distinct character and opportunities. Explore the areas where we build custom homes.
The heart of Southern Utah — full amenities, diverse neighborhoods, convenient access
St. George The region’s largest city offers everything from historic downtown neighborhoods to master-planned communities like Desert Color. Full urban amenities, excellent healthcare, and diverse housing options make it Southern Utah’s hub. Character: Urban/Suburban | Options: All price ranges
Washington City Family-oriented community with excellent schools, newer development, and strong value. Popular neighborhoods include Coral Canyon, Green Springs, and Washington Fields. Character: Family/Suburban | Options: Mid-range to High-end
Santa Clara Historic community with mature landscapes, Swiss heritage, and proximity to Snow Canyon. Charming small-town feel with St. George convenience. Character: Established/Charming | Options: Mid-range to Luxury
Premier destinations for discerning buyers
Entrada at Snow Canyon Southern Utah’s most prestigious address. Guard-gated community with Johnny Miller Signature golf course, resort amenities, and dramatic red rock setting. Character: Luxury/Resort | Options: $800K – $5M+
Stone Cliff Exclusive gated community atop black lava cliffs with commanding valley and mountain views. Privacy and prestige define this enclave. Character: Luxury/Private | Options: $900K – $4M+
Kayenta Unique artist community emphasizing earth-integrated architecture and desert harmony. Homes built into the landscape with generous spacing. Character: Artistic/Unique | Options: $700K – $3M+
Growing towns, water recreation, Zion gateway
Hurricane Rapidly growing city with more affordable options and access to Sand Hollow Reservoir. Small-town feel with expanding amenities. Character: Growing/Value | Options: $350K – $1M+
La Verkin Quiet community between Hurricane and Toquerville with valley views and relaxed pace. Gateway to Kolob section of Zion. Character: Quiet/Rural | Options: $300K – $800K+
Leeds Small town near Silver Reef historic district with affordable lots and proximity to Zion. Appeals to those seeking uncrowded lifestyle. Character: Small-town/Quiet | Options: $300K – $700K+
Cooler temperatures, larger lots, rural character
Dammeron Valley Mountain community at 5,500 feet offering cooler summers, larger lots, and pine-dotted landscapes unlike the desert below. Character: Mountain/Rural | Options: $500K – $2M+
Diamond Valley Growing mountain community with similar elevation benefits and more affordable options than Dammeron Valley. Character: Mountain/Value | Options: $400K – $1.2M+
Pine Valley High-elevation retreat near Pine Valley Reservoir. Seasonal cabin community with limited year-round residents. Forested mountain setting. Character: Retreat/Seasonal | Options: $400K – $1.5M+
Southern Utah’s high desert environment demands specific building strategies. Homes designed for other climates underperform here.
Southern Utah's intense sun exposure — especially on south and west facades — requires thoughtful design. We incorporate proper window orientation, reflective roofing materials, adequate overhangs, and strategic shade structures. Interior comfort and energy efficiency depend on getting these details right.
Daily temperature swings of 30-40 degrees are common in the high desert. Proper insulation, thermal mass, and HVAC sizing keep homes comfortable as conditions change throughout the day. We design mechanical systems for Southern Utah's specific demands, not generic regional assumptions.
When rain comes to Southern Utah, it often comes intensely. Flash flood awareness, proper grading, and drainage systems protect your investment. We understand local soil conditions, typical drainage patterns, and how to engineer sies for desert storm events.
Southern Utah landscapes should celebrate the desert environment, not fight it. We work with landscapers who understand xeriscaping, native plants, and irrigation efficiency. The result: beautiful outdoor spaces that thrive in the local climate without excessive water consumption.
We don’t just work in Southern Utah — we’ve built throughout the entire region for over 15 years. From luxury estates in Entrada to family homes in Hurricane, from mountain retreats in Dammeron Valley to custom builds in Leeds, our experience spans every corner of this diverse area. We understand how communities differ, where opportunities exist, and what each location demands.
Southern Utah’s high desert environment requires specialized knowledge. We build homes designed for intense sun exposure, dramatic temperature swings, flash flood potential, and desert soil conditions. Our construction methods aren’t generic — they’re specifically developed for this region’s unique climate challenges.
Building a custom home — especially if you’re relocating from out of state — requires trust and information. We provide detailed updates, clear documentation, responsive communication, and no surprises. You’ll always know exactly where your project stands, what decisions are ahead, and how your investment is being managed.
We live here. We raise our families here. Our reputation in Southern Utah matters to us personally, not just professionally. When we build your home, we’re building in our own community — and we treat every project with the care that responsibility demands.
Somewhere in Southern Utah, there’s a place where you belong. A lot with the perfect view. A community that matches your lifestyle. A home waiting to be built.
At OPD Construction, we’ve spent over 15 years helping clients find that place and build that home. From first conversation to move-in day, we guide you through every step of creating your Southern Utah dream.
Let’s start the conversation. Our consultations are free, informative, and pressure-free.
15+ Years in Southern Utah | 150+ Custom Homes Built | Locally Owned
Southern Utah typically refers to Washington County (St. George, Hurricane, Ivins, etc.) and surrounding areas. We build throughout Washington County, which encompasses most communities people associate with Southern Utah’s red rock region.
It depends entirely on your priorities. St. George offers the most amenities. Hurricane provides better value. Ivins and communities near Snow Canyon deliver stunning scenery. Dammeron Valley offers cooler temperatures. We help clients evaluate options based on their specific lifestyle and budget.
The high desert climate requires specific building strategies — proper sun orientation, reflective roofing, adequate insulation, drainage planning, and HVAC systems sized for significant temperature swings. Experienced local builders incorporate these elements automatically.
Southern Utah has shown strong real estate appreciation driven by continued migration from higher-cost states. Quality custom homes in desirable communities have performed particularly well. The region’s natural beauty, climate, and lifestyle appeal suggest continued demand.
Absolutely. Many of our clients build from California, Arizona, Colorado, and other states. We’ve developed communication systems specifically for remote clients — detailed photo updates, video calls, documented decisions, and responsive communication keep you fully informed.
Most custom homes require 10-14 months of construction, plus 3-5 months for design and planning. Remote locations or complex projects may take longer. We establish realistic timelines during initial consultations.
Southern Utah generally offers lower construction costs than Northern Utah resort areas (Park City) or Colorado, and is comparable to or slightly below Arizona markets. Lower land costs in many communities further improve overall value.
No. We can help evaluate potential lots before purchase and provide guidance on what to look for. However, we’re equally happy to work with clients who have already secured land.
