At Silverton Custom Homes, we believe building your custom home should be one of the most exciting and rewarding experiences of your life. But we also know that without the right guidance, it can become stressful, costly, and overwhelming. As a trusted Austin custom home builder, we’ve helped hundreds of families navigate the process and avoid the most common, and most expensive, mistakes.
If you’re planning to build a custom home in the Austin, Lake Travis and the surrounding Texas Hill Country, here are the five biggest mistakes to avoid:
1. Choosing the Wrong Location
This is one of the most critical decisions you’ll make. The right location can enhance your lifestyle and protect your home’s future value. But choosing a lot without doing your homework can lead to challenges like difficult terrain, expensive utility costs and potentially blocked views.
At Silverton, we help you evaluate your lot from every angle; views, slope, orientation, deed restrictions, and resale potential, so you can build with confidence.
2. Ignoring Deed Restrictions
Before you fall in love with a piece of land, make sure you know what you can and can’t do with it. Deed restrictions can limit everything from your home’s color and size to the number of pets or vehicles allowed.
As a seasoned custom home builder in the Austin area, we’re familiar with the wide range of neighborhood restrictions in the Hill Country and can help you understand what applies to your property before you build.
3. Not Budgeting for the Unexpected
Unexpected expenses are part of almost any home-building project, whether it’s rising material costs, weather delays, or last-minute design changes. The best way to prepare? Build a contingency fund into your budget.
We always recommend setting aside a buffer of 10–15% of your construction budget for flexibility. That way, if something changes mid-build, you’re ready and your project stays on track.
4. Having Unrealistic Budget Expectations
It’s easy to fall in love with ideas from Pinterest or dream-home inspiration boards. But the reality is: your budget will determine what’s possible. Being honest about what you can afford from the beginning helps avoid painful compromises or costly redesigns down the line.
As your builder, we’ll walk through every detail with you, from finishes to square footage, at the beginning of the process to make sure your dream home is both beautiful and realistic.
5. Choosing the Wrong Builder
Price should never be the only deciding factor when choosing your builder. Going with the lowest bid can lead to cut corners, poor communication, and frustrating delays. You want a builder who not only fits your budget but also brings experience, craftsmanship, and a proven track record to the table.
With over 30 years of experience and 600+ homes built, Silverton Custom Homes is proud to be one of the most respected custom home builders in the Austin, Lake Travis and Texas hill country. We invite you to explore our portfolio and see the quality for yourself.
Build Smarter. Build with Confidence.
Avoiding these five common mistakes can make all the difference in your custom home journey. At Silverton Custom Homes, we combine expert guidance, thoughtful design, and local knowledge to help you create a home that fits your lifestyle and your land.
