Congratulations! You’re taking the first step to build your custom dream home in the Texas Hill Country! For most people, building a custom home is the largest expense encountered in a lifetime. Take your time to find the right builder. You’ll be working with this builder for several months, it’s important that you find someone you not only trust, but someone that you enjoy working with. Setting the proper expectations with the builder you select will ensure your custom home building process is smooth and successful!
Research Builders: It is important to know that in the State of Texas there is no certification or license required to become a home builder. This creates a low barrier of entry for many builders to enter the market. When you’re conducting your search the best place to start is with those you trust. Ask friends, family or trusted professionals in the industry such as real estate agents or brokers. You can also do a simple Google search for home builders, but make sure you’re specific. Instead of searching for “Custom Home Builder” search for “Custom Farmhouse Award-Winning Home Builder in Spicewood, TX”. This will typically help narrow down your searches and weed out a lot of the noise.
Location. Location. Location.: You’ve heard this saying in real estate, but it also applies when searching for your Hill Country Custom Home Builder. Find a builder that has experience building in your area. If you’re interested in building in Fredericksburg, TX look for builders that have experience building in the area — they have the local experience that will make the process that much smoother.
Know What You Want: If you’re interested in a Modern German Farmhouse design, don’t go to a builder that specializes in a modern or contemporary design. If you don’t know what you want, do some research — a great tool for this is Pinterest, start a board and pin the styles you like. Then as you go through your list of possible builders, check their website and social media (Instagram & Facebook) to make sure that their work matches your desires.
Interview Your Builder: When you meet with your builder make sure you ask the right questions. Remember you’re going to have to work together for the next several months. If possible, face-to-face on-site visits are always best because it will give you a chance to really get to know your builder and to see their work in person. Before you meet with your builder, make a list of questions you have, no question is too simple to ask!
Past Work: As Ronald Regan taught us, “Trust but verify”. Just because a home builder has great instagram photos, doesn’t necessarily mean they’re a competent builder. Ask for addresses of previous work. Take time to drive by and look at previous projects in person. Also, ask for references — good home builders will have a rolodex of happy customers that would be happy to speak with you about their home building experience.
Select Your Builder: This should be the most exciting part of the process. You have narrowed down to the best custom home builder. Now let the fun begin, congratulations! You have taken the first step in building your custom dream home in the Texas Hill Country!
Agave Custom Homes was founded in 2009 by Tyler O’Brien. Tyler’s mission when he established Agave Custom Homes was to build quality homes of distinct character and design that reflect the unique surroundings of Central Texas. Every home built by Agave Custom Homes is custom designed for the land on which it is built, maximizing the value and creating a “one of a kind” home!
To schedule a meeting with Agave Custom homes email: tyler@agaverealty.net or call: 512-844-0138. You can see some of Tyler’s recent work by visiting: agavecustomhomes.com/portfolio.