Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about our custom home building process, costs, and services.
General Questions
Showcase Builders serves the Texas Hill Country and Highland Lakes region, including Horseshoe Bay, Marble Falls, Kingsland, Granite Shoals, Sunrise Beach, Llano, Spicewood, Lakeway, Bee Cave, Lago Vista, Burnet, and Dripping Springs. If you have land in the greater Central Texas area, please contact us to discuss your project.
Showcase Builders has been building custom homes and remodeling luxury homes in the Texas Hill Country since 2010. With over 14 years of experience, we have established ourselves as the premier custom home builder in the Lake LBJ area, earning the #1 ranking on Houzz.com in the Texas Hill Country region.
Yes, Showcase Builders is fully licensed and insured. We carry comprehensive general liability insurance, workers' compensation coverage, and builder's risk insurance. We're also a member of the Custom Luxury Builders Network (CLB) and maintain all required state and local licenses for residential construction.
Absolutely. We stand behind our work with a comprehensive warranty program. This includes a one-year warranty on workmanship, extended warranties on major systems (HVAC, plumbing, electrical), and we facilitate all manufacturer warranties on appliances and materials. Our commitment to you doesn't end at move-in.
Process Questions
The timeline for a custom home varies based on size, complexity, and site conditions. Generally, a custom home takes 12-18 months from groundbreaking to completion. The design and planning phase typically adds 3-6 months before construction begins. We'll provide a detailed timeline specific to your project during the planning phase.
Our Collaborative Blueprint process begins with a complimentary Idea Session where we discuss your vision and goals. From there, we move through five phases: Discovery & Vision, Collaborative Design, Transparent Budgeting, Flawless Construction, and Warranty & Beyond. Each phase involves close collaboration to ensure your home reflects your unique style and needs.
We collaborate with nationally recognized architects and interior designers who specialize in custom homes. However, if you have an architect you'd like to work with or already have plans, we're happy to build from your existing designs. We can also recommend architects based on your preferred style and budget.
As involved as you want to be! Our collaborative approach means you're an integral part of every major decision. We provide regular updates, schedule walkthroughs at key milestones, and use project management tools to keep you informed. Some clients prefer daily updates while others check in weekly—we adapt to your preferences.
Cost & Budget Questions
Custom home costs in the Texas Hill Country typically range from $350 to $600+ per square foot, depending on finishes, complexity, and site conditions. A 3,000 square foot custom home might range from $1.05M to $1.8M or more. We provide detailed cost estimates during the planning phase and work within your budget to maximize value.
Several factors influence custom home costs: lot characteristics (slope, soil, utilities), home size and complexity, finish levels (standard vs. luxury), architectural style, outdoor living spaces, smart home technology, and current material costs. Waterfront properties may also have additional requirements like seawalls or specialized foundations.
While we don't provide financing directly, we work closely with local lenders who specialize in construction loans and can recommend trusted partners. We'll coordinate with your lender throughout the project, providing the documentation needed for draws and inspections. Many clients use construction-to-permanent loans that convert to traditional mortgages upon completion.
Transparency is core to our process. We present a comprehensive, line-by-line budget before construction begins. Any changes are documented through a formal change order process with clear pricing before work proceeds. Our detailed upfront planning minimizes surprises, and we proactively communicate if we identify potential cost impacts.
Design Questions
Yes! If you have existing architectural plans, we can build from them. We'll review the plans with you to ensure they're complete and buildable, and may suggest modifications to improve functionality, reduce costs, or adapt to your specific site. We can also help refine plans that need additional detail.
Yes, we collaborate with talented interior designers who can help with everything from space planning and material selections to furniture layouts and décor. Interior design can be included as part of your project or handled separately. Our designers specialize in creating cohesive looks that reflect your personal style.
We've built homes in virtually every style—from Texas Hill Country traditional with limestone and metal roofs to sleek contemporary designs with clean lines and walls of glass. Our portfolio includes Mediterranean, modern farmhouse, transitional, and custom blends. We adapt to your vision rather than imposing a single style.
Changes are possible during construction, though the ease and cost depend on timing and scope. Early-stage changes (before relevant work begins) are typically straightforward. Later changes may require rework and carry additional costs. We use a formal change order process to document all modifications with clear pricing and timeline impacts.
Lake & Waterfront Questions
Lakefront properties require attention to several factors: LCRA (Lower Colorado River Authority) regulations, setback requirements from the water, erosion control, seawall construction or repair, drainage management, and foundation design for lakeside soil conditions. Our 14+ years on Lake LBJ means we know these requirements inside and out.
Yes, we can coordinate dock and boathouse construction as part of your project. These structures require LCRA permits and must meet specific guidelines for size, materials, and placement. We work with experienced marine contractors and can help you navigate the permitting process for a seamless waterfront experience.
Many lakefront properties fall within designated flood zones, which affects insurance requirements and building codes. We're experienced in designing and building homes that meet or exceed flood zone requirements, including elevated foundations, flood-resistant materials, and proper drainage. We'll help you understand the implications for your specific lot.
Still Have Questions?
We're here to help. Schedule a complimentary Idea Session and let's discuss your custom home project in detail.