What is included
- Infill homes and tear down rebuilds in Austin neighborhoods
- Custom homes on suburban and rural lots
- Multi unit builds where zoning allows
- Site work, foundations, framing and roofing
- All mechanical, electrical and plumbing coordination
- Interior finishes, driveways and landscaping coordination
How much does a custom home cost in Austin?
A custom home in the Austin area typically costs $250–$500 per sq ft for a custom home, plus land, site work and design and $500–$650+ per sq ft for a luxury custom home, installed and before sales tax.
| Project | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Custom home (plus land, site work and design) | $250–$500 per sq ft |
| Luxury custom home | $500–$650+ per sq ft |
Ranges for full service work by Tier One Builds in the Austin metro: design help, permits, licensed trades and cleanup, installed, before sales tax. They are not quotes; your quote is free and based on your home.
What raises the price in the Austin area
- Rock excavation on Hill Country limestone for pools, footings and plumbing
- Engineered foundations on expansive clay east of I-35
- Moving plumbing in a slab, or upgrading an undersized electrical panel in an older home
- Impervious cover limits, protected trees and historic review that change the design
- Permit, utility and impact fees, which are largest for new units and new homes
Start with the lot
The lot decides more than any floor plan. Before design gets far, we look at zoning and what the city allows, setbacks, impervious cover, protected trees, floodplain, soil type, utilities and, outside city water and sewer, the well and septic requirements. In Hill Country areas such as Dripping Springs, Liberty Hill and western Travis County, many lots rely on an on site septic system (OSSF) that limits where the house, pool and driveway can go.
Building on Austin area ground
Expansive clay on the east side calls for engineered slabs designed for the movement. Limestone to the west means rock excavation for foundations, plumbing and pools. A geotechnical report and engineered foundation are standard for a new home, and they are worth every dollar on these soils.
How the build is run
Once plans are permitted, the build moves through site work, foundation, framing, dry in, rough mechanical, electrical and plumbing with inspections, insulation, drywall, finishes and final inspection. We set a schedule up front and keep you updated at every milestone.
How your project runs
- Free consultationWe meet at your property, listen to what you want to change and look at the conditions that affect it: structure, soil, utilities, trees and the rules for your lot.
- Free quoteYou get a quote based on the scope we agreed, with the decisions that drive cost explained so you can adjust before anything is signed.
- Design and permitsDrawings, engineering and selections are finalized, and we submit the permits your city or county requires.
- BuildWe schedule every trade, order materials early, pass inspections and keep you updated at each phase.
- Final walkthroughWe walk the finished work with you, fix anything on the punch list and hand over the paperwork for your project.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a custom home cost in Austin?
A custom home in the Austin area typically costs $250–$500 per sq ft for a custom home, plus land, site work and design and $500–$650+ per sq ft for a luxury custom home, installed and before sales tax. Your quote is free.
How long does it take to build a custom home in Austin?
Plan on about 9 to 18 months for a custom home, from the start of design to the final inspection: 2 to 4 months for design and engineering, depending on how quickly you make design choices and approve the final floor plan; 1 to 6 months for permits; and 6 to 8 months of construction. Permit comment rounds, rock or clay foundations, protected trees, floodplain, historic or HOA review, material lead times, utility work, weather and changes after construction starts can all add time. We give you a schedule with your quote.
Do you build on my lot?
Yes. Tier One Builds builds on lots you own or are buying. We are happy to look at a lot before you close to flag issues that affect cost.
Can you help with plans?
Yes. We can build from your architect's plans or help you get plans and engineering for the home you want.
Is financing available?
Financing options are available. Ask about them during your free consultation.
Permits
We pull the permits your project needs and schedule the inspections. To see what the city requires, read our new home permit guide, with Austin review times, fees and the surrounding cities' portals.
Guides
Related services
Where we build
We offer custom home building across the greater Austin metro, including Austin, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Georgetown, Lakeway and Kyle. See all service areas.