Planning your custom home is an exciting new chapter in life—whether you're retiring, right-sizing or making space for a growing family. It’s your chance to design a home that reflects your lifestyle, values, and dreams.
If you’re starting to think about building a custom home in Texas Hill Country or other locations surrounding Austin, Houston, San Antonio, or Bryan/College Station, we have some advice about what you should know before you get started:
Picture the Perfect Home That Fits Your Life
Your custom home should reflect your personality and lifestyle goals. Having a clear vision helps you identify what didn’t work in your previous home and what you want to improve. Kurk Homes offers inspiring videos and virtual tours to help you explore ideas and immerse yourself in the possibilities for your dream home.
Already have a home design ready? Kurk Homes can help you price out the cost of building on your land. Want to make changes? We can modify your existing plan to better suit your needs—or you can collaborate with one of our design experts to create a new custom home plan. Search our database of plans you can customize with our architectural design team.
Understand What “Custom” Really Means
Not all builders mean the same thing when they say custom. At Kurk Homes, we mean custom everything. Alongside our architectural and interior design teams, we design and build completely unique homes from the ground up. From ceiling heights and door sizes to cabinetry styles and layout choices, every detail of your home is 100% customizable to fit your vision.
Know Your Priorities Before Design Begins
Know ahead of time what are “nice to have” and what are “must haves.” Your “must haves” are the features and spaces that are non-negotiable for your daily comfort and lifestyle. Your “nice to haves” are the enhancements that improve your home experience but aren't crucial. These are things that can be added if budget and space allow. Taking time to define these priorities early on can help guide design decisions and keep your project aligned with your goals and budget.
Budget Realistically for the Full Price
Kurk homes can help make sure you’re realistic with your investment level and desired level of finish out. Several factors can influence the overall budget, including location, foundation requirements, interior design choices, and the level of finishes you select.
In addition to our standard features, here are some potential extra costs to consider:
- Foundation requirements may increase costs if your lot has a slope or needs special engineering
- Driveway access beyond 50’ may require extra roadwork construction
- Municipality, community and utility fees vary by location requirements
- Additional surveys and permits like floodplain or elevation certification may be needed
Once you’ve developed a floor plan, we’ll review the details and provide a tailored construction estimate. While we don’t offer in-house financing, our trusted lenders offer competitive rates and excellent service.
Select the Right Spot for Your Forever Home
Choosing the right location for your custom home is an important decision, which is why at Kurk Homes we build on your land in a place you love. From the scenic calm of the Hill Country to other beautiful regions across Texas, your location shapes your everyday comfort.
Kurk homes can also help find the perfect home site that aligns with your visions, as we are a preferred builder in various communities to suit different needs and preferences.
Understand How the Custom Build Comes Together
Kurk Homes simplifies the custom home journey with a personalized design and build approach. Our Four-Phase design process ensures every detail is thoughtfully planned with clear communication at every step and no short cuts taken. The phases you can expect to see are:
- Research & development to create a timeline and gather necessary resources
- Floor plan design for providing an aerial view of the layout
- Subsequent renditions for the designer to provide more exterior and interior details for design refinement
- Final plans to include exact measurement and obtain final sign-off
We guide you through walk-throughs, selections, and tailored construction documents to ensure your home is built with care and precision.
Select the Essential Features for Modern Living
Modern custom homes offer more than just beauty—they’re built for comfort, efficiency, and convenience. Consider integrating:
- Open concept floor plans for better flow and connection
- Custom kitchens built for aesthetic and everyday use
- Luxury bathrooms for comfort and relaxation
- Smart home features that simplify everyday life and enhance comfort
- Energy-efficient systems to create a space that is comfortable and sustainable
These upgrades not only enhance daily living but also future-proof your home.
Consider Comfort That Lasts for Every Season of Life
Your home should support you for years to come. Kurk Homes helps incorporate features designed for all ages and abilities, such as:
- Wider doorways allowing easier movement for strollers or walkers
- Single-level layouts to eliminate the need to climb stairs
- Accessible bathrooms with walk-in showers and wider space to improve safety and comfort
These thoughtful details ensure your home remains comfortable and functional as your needs evolve.
Evaluate Your Custom Builder Carefully
Find a designer and builder with lots of experience, strong warranties, and a history of happy customers. Kurk Homes brings decades of expertise and a collaborative approach that prioritizes your goals. By working with trusted partners and maintaining high construction standards, we ensure your home is built with care, precision, and lasting quality.
Ready to Build Your Next Chapter?
Let’s build the home of your dreams. At Kurk Homes, we make the process personal—from the first conversation to the final walk-through. If you’re ready to take the first step, we’re here to guide you. Explore our custom home design ideas, browse our portfolio, or schedule a consultation to start building a home that’s truly yours.
With over 30 years of experience building 100% custom homes across Texas, we’re here to guide you through every step of the journey—including the process before construction begins.
