As more out-of-state families move to Texas, the demand for custom home builders continues to rise. Families choose to relocate to Houston due to its ethnically diverse population, family-friendly communities, and breathtaking surrounding views. When families decide to build a dream home, it’s important for them to find the right firm, the one that can help bring their vision into reality, one that can incorporate lifestyle with design and functionality. In this article, you’ll read about some of the best custom home builders working in Houston, firms known for their stunning projects, talented teams of professionals, and their years of experience in the industry.
Frankel Building Group
7800 Washington Avenue, Houston, TX 77007
Based in Houston, Frankel Building Group is a family-owned custom home builder established in 1988. The firm offers one-stop-shop services to clients, and that includes everything from interior design to construction. The chairman and founder of the firm is Jim Frankel who graduated from The University of Texas. Frankel is known as one of the first Graduate Master Builders in the United States, and he built the first custom home in Cinco Ranch. Frankel was also a former president and served on the executive committee of the board of directors for the Greater Houston Builders Association (GHBA). Frankel Building Group has received numerous awards, including the Best in American Living for Single-Family Custom by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) in 2020. In the same year, the firm was given the Custom Builder Grand Award by the Texas Association of Home Builders Star Awards. In 2010, 2013, 2014, and 2016, the firm received the Grand Award as Houston’s Best Custom Builder. Additionally, Frankel Building Group’s work has been featured in a number of publications, including the Authority Magazine, Houston Chronicle, and Forbes.
One of the well-known works by the firm is the Lake Kent project. It is a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified transitional home. Since 2010, Frankel Building Group has been customizing LEED-certified homes which promote better air quality, water efficiency, and energy saving.
Aspire Fine Homes
2233 Yale Street, Suite #170, Houston, TX 77008
Founded by David Gordon, Aspire Fine Homes is an award-winning luxury custom home builder. The firm has been recognized for its meticulous attention to detail and superior craftsmanship. It offers all-inclusive design-build services and promotes efficiency throughout the entire construction process. The goal of the firm is to help clients elevate their lifestyles via a high-quality luxury home. Aspire Fine Homes’s impressive projects are award-winning. In 2020, the firm won the Best Custom Home Elevation in the $750,000 to $1 million category from GHBA Awards. In 2019, it won the Best Custom Home Elevation in the $1 to $1.5 million. In 2017, the firm was recognized in the Star Awards by the Texas Association of Builders (TAB) winning the Custom Builder Best Kitchen in the $750,000 to $1 million category.
The firm has worked on transitional-themed homes, including the project featured here. The living room features a modern look with neutral colors and clean lines. The presence of large windows in the living room makes it more spacious and welcoming to guests.
Matt Powers
8505 Technology Forest Place, Suite #102, The Woodlands, TX 77381
Matt Powers Custom Homes & Renovations is made up of a team of specialized craftsmen and professionals that work side by side with clients on each project. The firm integrates traditional processes with modern construction technology to come up with an efficient design. The firm is a recognized full-service custom home builder that prioritizes integrity, professionalism, and experience. The firm is led and owned by Matt Powers. Matt has more than 20 years of industry experience in The Woodlands and Houston. Powers obtained his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Finance from Baylor University, and he has been building homes since 1992. He is also a LEED Certified Specialist and well-known for his green building techniques. In 2022, the firm was a TAB Star Award Winner in six categories and in four categories in 2020. The firm also won during the GHBA Best Prism Awards in 2015. More than that, Matt Powers Custom Homes and Renovations has been featured in publications such as Houston Design Magazine, Houston Business Journal, and Houston Chronicle.
A featured project by the firm is this classic contemporary-style home. The custom home features a neutral color scheme, big windows, and light wood floors throughout the interior.
On Point Custom Homes
940 Corbindale Road, Houston, TX 77024
On Point Custom Homes has been building unique and high-quality homes in Houston since 2004. The firm has been recognized as one of the leading luxury custom home builders in the area for consistently designing and building homes with cutting-edge technology and exceeding client expectations. The firm has a team of talented architects, designers, and construction professionals who work together to create one-of-a-kind homes and impressive floor plans that will suit each individual client’s lifestyle and needs. On Point Custom Homes was founded by John Leggett. He obtained a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the Kenan-Flagler Business School and a master’s degree in accounting from the University of North Carolina. Since starting his own custom build firm, Leggett has prioritized the use of the latest building techniques and technologies. He is a Certified Graduate Builder (CGB) and a Graduate Master Builder (GMB) by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). The firm has received numerous awards, including the Best Outdoor Living Space in the $750,000 to $1 million category from the TAB Star Awards and the Prism Award for Best Home Elevation from the GHBA. Its work has also been included in several publications such as Houston Chronicle, Culture Map Houston, and Modern Architecture + Design Society.
The Houston Heights Modern Farmhouse project was finished in 2019. The custom home has three stories, shingle roofing, and concrete fiberboard siding. A highlight of the project is the kitchen which includes gray cabinets with gold handles, a long island with a farmhouse sink, a blue backsplash, and quartzite countertops.
Partners in Building
2901 W. Sam Houston Parkway, N Suite C255, Houston, TX 77043
Partners in Building has been in the industry since 1986 offering one-of-a-kind luxury homes. The firm services clients in Texas, especially in Houston, San Antonio, Nashville, and Austin. The firm’s principal is Jim Lemming. From 2007 to 2020, the firm has been consecutively awarded in the Star Awards as a four-time winner of the Builder of the Year, seven-time winner of Best Product Design, and six-time winner of the Best Custom Home. On top of that, the firm is also a three-time winner for Best Product Design, two-time winner of Best Patio Home Design, and three-time winner of the Consumer Choice Award by Houston’s Best Prism Awards by the GHBA.
A well-known project by Partners in Building is this contemporary home in Cinco Ranch. The project features a neutral interior, high ceilings, and large windows. A highlight of the custom home is the transitional kitchen that includes a spacious island, an L-shaped counter, white cabinets, and stainless steel appliances.
Alair Homes Houston
9440 Bamboo Road, Houston, TX 77041
Alair Homes Houston is a well-known firm that specializes in a range of custom build homes as well as retirement villas and multi-million dollar estates. The firm offers full service from a detailed consultation up to the final construction. The regional partners for the firm are Chris Bolio and Michelle Bolio. Chris graduated from Texas A&M University and offers 18 years of experience in custom home building. He is also the treasurer of the GHBA Custom Builder’s Council. Meanwhile, Michelle is a graduate of the University of Connecticut. The firm has been a recipient of numerous awards throughout the years, as recognition for its admirable portfolio of previous projects. The firm was given the Prism Award for Best Custom Home Design for $2 million and over by the GHBA. In 2017, it was awarded the Prism Award for Best Custom Kitchen for $500,000 to $750,000 by the GHBA. The firm was also featured in the Houston Builder Magazine, Metropolitan Builder, and Houston Chronicle.
This impressive custom home in Willow Creek Ranch was completed in 2019. It is a one-story modern-themed ranch with walnut floors, cantilevered shelves, stunning architectural design, beautiful lighting fixtures, and huge windows.
David James Custom Builder
6117 Kirby Drive, Houston, TX 77005
Known for building high-end custom homes, David James Custom Builder takes advantage of smart home technologies in its design-build projects. The firm pays close attention to every project from conception to completion to help clients achieve their dream homes. The firm is owned by David James “DJ” Palmore who finished a bachelor’s degree in construction management from Louisiana State University.
Due to the firm’s past projects, its work has been featured in the press, including Luxe Houston in 2019 and 2021, as well as Modern Luxury Interiors Texas in 2020. One of the firm’s projects is this beautiful custom home that received the People’s Choice Award in the 2014 West University Showcase of Homes. The two-story custom build features a transitional style and a white exterior with black trimmings. Throughout the interior of the home, the color scheme of black and white with a pop of black and gold remains consistent.
