Better Built Homes and Gardens — Design-Build Studio

We build homes that grow with gardens

One team for architecture, construction and landscape. Custom homes from $385k, whole-home remodels in 12–16 weeks, and pollinator-friendly gardens that cut water bills by 40%.

Get my free estimate → See 240+ builds

27 yrsDesign-build craft

480+Homes & gardens done

4.9★Homeowner rating

Modern custom home with garden by Better Built

Garden + Home = One plan
Save $18k vs separate contractors

☀ Net-zero ready

SIP panels, heat pumps, solar-ready roofs and rain gardens in every project.

About us — since 1998

Foundation to flowerbed, built better.

Better Built Homes and Gardens started as a two-brother framing crew. Today we are a 42-person design-build studio: architects, carpenters, horticulturists and soil nerds obsessed with homes that are healthy, efficient and rooted in landscape.

🏡True design-build: one contract, one team, fixed price. No architect vs builder blame game. 3D walkthrough before we dig.
🌿Home + garden together: we grade, drain, plant and build at once — better views, better drainage, lower maintenance.
♻️Built for 2075: FSC lumber, low-VOC finishes, 2x6 walls, ERVs, native planting, drip irrigation and compost-rich soil.

What we build Meet us on site

Services

Everything for home & land

Fixed pricing, 5-year craftsmanship warranty, weekly photo updates. From blueprint to blueberry bushes.

Custom Homes

2–5 bed net-zero-ready homes, SIPs or advanced framing, 1,400–4,500 sq ft. From lot search to keys in 9–12 months.

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Remodels & Additions

Kitchens, baths, whole-home gut, second-story adds, ADUs. Dust-free system, you can live on site.

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Garden Design

Native, edible and pollinator gardens, soil rebuild, rain gardens, lighting. 3D planting plan + 2-year care.

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Outdoor Living

Decks, pergolas, outdoor kitchens, fire pits, pools, fences, sheds. Cedar, composite, stone.

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Landscape Care

Seasonal cleanups, mulch, pruning, irrigation tune-ups, lawn-to-meadow conversions. Plans from $189/mo.

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Energy Upgrades

Insulation, heat pumps, windows, solar-ready, water capture. Cut bills 30–60% with rebates handled.

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Selected work

Recent builds & blooms

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Austin • 2,840 sq ft • 2025

Hill Country Modern Farmhouse + Meadow

White oak, standing seam, 1-acre native meadow, outdoor kitchen. Built in 10 months.

Remodel • 6 weeks

Walnut Kitchen + Pantry Wall

Garden • 1,200 sq ft

Pollinator Courtyard & Rain Chain

Before / After • $68k

From patchy lawn to food forest in 21 days

12 fruit trees, raised beds, drip, gravel paths, chicken-ready coop pad. Water use -45%.

ADU • 640 sq ft • $189k

Backyard cottage for grandparents + rental

Vaulted ceilings, mini-split, full kitchen, private patio garden. Permitted in 38 days.

How it works

Clear process, no surprises

Walk & Talk

Free 60-min site visit. We measure, listen, test soil and drainage. You get ballpark + ideas in 48h.

Design in 3D

Floor plans, garden plan, materials board and photoreal renders. Revise until you love it.

Fixed Price

Line-item contract, schedule, allowances. No hidden extras. Financing and permits handled.

Build & Plant

Weekly drone + photo updates, clean site, final walk + 5-year warranty + garden coaching.

Reviews

Loved by homeowners

★★★★★

“They rebuilt our 1972 ranch and designed the garden at the same time. Our energy bill dropped from $310 to $118. The crew was insanely tidy.”

— Sarah & Tom M., Whole-home remodel

★★★★★

“Three contractors ghosted us. Better Built gave a fixed price in a week and finished our ADU two weeks early. The garden patio rents itself.”

— Daniel K., ADU build

★★★★★

“I wanted no-mow and birds. They turned lawn into meadow with paths and veg beds. My kids eat tomatoes off the vine daily.”

— Priya R., Garden transformation

Journal — tips & builds

Fresh from the field

Remodel costs, plant guides, before/afters. Click any story to read the full guide.

New guides coming soon

We are preparing cost breakdowns and planting calendars. Check back next week.

FAQ

Questions? Answered.

Transparent pricing, timelines and warranties. Still unsure? Call us for a free walkthrough.

How much does a custom home cost?

Most Better Built homes run $285–$420 per sq ft turnkey, including landscape starter. A 2,000 sq ft home is typically $570k–$780k. We give fixed price after 3D design.

How long does a remodel take?

Kitchens 5–8 weeks, baths 3–4 weeks, whole-home 12–16 weeks, ADUs 5–7 months including permits. You get a day-by-day schedule upfront.

Do you do garden-only projects?

Yes! From $8k courtyard refresh to $90k full food-forest + irrigation + lighting. Every garden includes soil test, drip and 2-year plant warranty.

Are you licensed and insured?

Fully licensed general contractor, $2M liability, workers comp, 5-year craftsmanship warranty — double the industry standard.

Can you help with permits and HOA?

Absolutely. We handle city permits, surveys, engineering and HOA packets. Average ADU permit in 30–45 days.

Free estimate — this week only

Get a fixed price for your home + garden

Send address + photos. We reply within 24h with ballpark, timeline and next steps. No pressure, no spam.

Book site visit →★ 4.9 — 480+ reviews

✓ Fixed-price contract & 5-year warranty
✓ 3D design + garden plan included
✓ Financing from 6.2% APR available