--- title: "Sterling Custom Homes — Home Builders | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/home-builders/sterling-custom-homes-pfvwus-pf~503442296 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~503442296.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Sterling Custom Homes" category: ["Home Builders"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/701307610ee776ee_7493-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "3503 Wild Cherry Drive, BLDG 8, Austin, Texas 78738, United States" latitude: 30.3337 longitude: -97.9824 phone: "(512) 263-2214" website: http://www.SterlingCustomHomes.com rating: 4.7 review_count: 14 best_of_houzz_awards: 4 followers: 357 last_updated: 2026-09-05 --- # Sterling Custom Homes Original Houzz profile: [Sterling Custom Homes](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/home-builders/sterling-custom-homes-pfvwus-pf~503442296) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Home Builders - **Location:** Austin, TX - **Serves:** Austin, Lakeway, Spicewood, Sweetwater, Bee Cave, Dripping Springs, Horseshoe Bay, West Lake Hills, Barton Creek, Hudson Bend, The Hills, Briarcliff, Point Venture, Volente, Seven Oaks, Caliterra, Caslano, Driftwood Golf and Ranch Club, Flintrock Falls, Hacienda Heights, Loraloma, McCormick Ranch on Lake Austin, Reserve at Lake Travis, Rough Hollow, Spanish Oaks, Travis Club - **Houzz rating:** 4.7 out of 5 (14 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 4 awards (2015–2026), for Service, Design. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 50,000 Ideabook Saves Founded in 1989 by Duke McDowell, Sterling Custom Homes is Austin’s premier full-service custom home builder. We take pride in our industry reputation, earning accolades such as the Texas Custom Builder of the Year 3 times, recognition as Best of Houzz.com, and winning hundreds of other local, state, and national industry awards. Our systematic approach guides clients through seamless processes, including lot selection, home design, specifications, pricing, and construction. At Sterling Custom Homes, we are passionate about bringing our clients' dream homes to life with precision, dedication, and quality. ### Services Provided - New Home Construction - Custom Homes - Site Planning ### Areas Served - Austin - Lakeway - Spicewood - Sweetwater - Bee Cave - Dripping Springs - Horseshoe Bay - West Lake Hills - Barton Creek - Hudson Bend - The Hills - Briarcliff - Point Venture - Volente - Seven Oaks - Caliterra - Caslano - Driftwood Golf and Ranch Club - Flintrock Falls - Hacienda Heights - Loraloma - McCormick Ranch on Lake Austin - Reserve at Lake Travis - Rough Hollow - Spanish Oaks - Travis Club ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Sterling Custom Homes | | Address | 3503 Wild Cherry Drive, BLDG 8, Austin, Texas 78738, United States | | Phone | (512) 263-2214 | | Website | http://www.SterlingCustomHomes.com | | Followers on Houzz | 357 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/sterlingcustomhomes - LinkedIn — http://www.sterlingcustomhomes.com - Blog — http://sterlingcustomhomes.com/education/blog/ ## Offers 10 Hours Free Interior Design Services ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Sterling Custom Homes](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/home-builders/sterling-custom-homes-pfvwus-pf~503442296) - **Website:** http://www.SterlingCustomHomes.com - **Phone:** (512) 263-2214 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Best of Houzz 2015, 2018│Texas Custom Builder of the Year 1992, 2004, 2008│Austin Business Journal's 2010 Custom Builder of the Year│Graduate Master Builder│Certified Graduate Builder│Certified Green Professional - **Best of Houzz:** 4 awards (2015–2026), for Service, Design. **Affiliations** - [National Association of Home Builders](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/national-association-of-home-builders-pfvwus-pf~562065019) - [Texas Association of Builders](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/texas-association-of-builders-pfvwus-pf~2014183583) - [Home Builders Association of Greater Austin](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/home-builders-association-of-greater-austin-pfvwus-pf~596733322) - [NAHB Certified Green Professional](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/professionals/schools-and-organizations/nahb-certified-green-professional-pfvwus-pf~1100930283) - [NAHB Certified Graduate Builder](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/professionals/schools-and-organizations/nahb-certified-graduate-builder-pfvwus-pf~27188443) - [NAHB Graduate Master Builder](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/professionals/schools-and-organizations/nahb-graduate-master-builder-pfvwus-pf~186571986) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 4.7 out of 5 — 14 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 50.0 - Communication: 42.0 - Value: 44.0 ### Reviews **★★★★★ — HU-16758778, May 2025** > Sterling Homes builds a quality home. My buyer was very pleased with the home she bought, with the attention to detail and that they listened to her and included her in all decisions that she wanted to make. I would recommend Sterling Homes over and over again they are the real deal!!! **★★★★★ — HU-629794222, March 2025** > What distinguishes the exceptional custom home builder from the very best? > For those of us that decide to build our home, choosing the right builder is key. We have built 3 custom homes over the past 35 years and were fortunate enough to have had 3 really good builders, who led us through the home building process with precision and delivered a very high quality home. Until this year we thought that was all you could ask for! 11 years ago we built our dream home with Sterling Custom Homes and we couldn't have been happier with the process and the outcome. They made sure about that. > > This year we noticed that an exterior beam seemed to be sagging. Even though our 10 year home building warranty had expired we called Sterling and Duke McDowell, the president, came over the next day. The following day he had a crew there to shore the beam and start the investigative work of what was wrong. Duke and a few experts diagnosed the issue ( rain over the years), put together the fairly complex repair plan and unleashed a number of contractors to remedy the situation. A number of weeks later everything was perfect once again. I knew the cost was going to be very expensive but when I went to pay, Duke said, "he wanted to take care of it for me" and he did! That is how you know you have chosen an exceptional builder. > > Kent **★★★★★ — Susie, Dec. 2024** > My wife and I are delighted with the home Sterling Custom Homes built for us. Duke has an experienced and collaborative team behind him that provides excellent oversight during construction along with creative solutions/enhancements. This was the first home we built and were a bit nervous about what we were getting into, but the whole thing was absolutely enjoyable and we finished within 1% of budget and on schedule. Sterling Custom Homes comes with our unqualified recommendation. **★★★★★ — HU-89570782, Feb. 2024** > I’ve built two homes with Sterling including the Lonestar Lakefront on Houzz. While issues always come up with a complicated build, Duke handled everything to my satisfaction. In my experience, he’s a man of integrity and his company operated in the same manner. We plan to stay in our current home, but I’d certainly use Sterling if we decided to start another project. **★★★★★ — Matt Mocniak, Feb. 2024** > As a provider of building materials in Austin for 18 years, Duke and the Sterling team are a top notch builder. I visit every jobsite throughout the project and their attention to detail, communication, and customer service are over and above expectations. It is truly a pleasure to work with the Team at Sterling Custom Homes. **★★★★★ — CK & R Cabinets, Feb. 2024** > It is my pleasure to work with the team at Sterling Custom Homes. Their professionalism and attention to detail shows in every aspect of the finished product. The company culture comes from the top, Duke McDowell’s leadership not only builds beautiful custom homes but has built a team whose care and dedication to the goal of delivering a quality product on time and budget is reflected. **★★★★★ — John & Iris Tombari, Feb. 2024** > Sterling Custom Homes greatly surpassed our expectations before, during and after the construction of our home in Summit Rock, Horseshoe Bay, Tx. Before the start they asked all the right questions about what we were wanting, they educated us and helped us with decision making. Their suggestions and explanations were right on the mark. They took us patiently from concept to contract. During the build, As with all construction, issues arose. For us, our satisfaction comes more from how issues are handled versus the occurrence of the issues. They treated every issue with seriousness and professionalism. They were more meticulous about details than we were and caught most issues before we recognized them. The end product, our beautiful home, is more wonderful than what was in our dreams. We use our home a lot for entertainment and the quality of the construction is often a compliment we receive. Lastly, an amazing benefit, we hadn't fully understood was the 3 month & 1 year punch lists. The timing was flexible on these periods but after 3 months, their crews came back and addressed even the smallest of issues. Similarly, after 1 year, crews return and put the house into "mint" condition. I highly recommend Sterling Custom Homes to anyone wanting to build their dream house! **★ — gary brauchle, July 2021** > We have built 3 homes and remodeled another from the studs...Sterling was by far the worst experience. If they are all about “the relationship” and addressing every concern of their homeowners, why do we still have issue(s) raised at or immediately after move-in that are unresolved 13 months later? Do yourself a favor and look elsewhere. **★★★★★ — Tiffany Evors, Jan. 2018** > Our company recently worked with Sterling Homes a few times and we are very impressed with their attention to detail and real care for the individual needs of their clients. Great job Sterling—keep up the amazing work guys! **Comment from Sterling Custom Homes:** > Thank you Tiffany! It's a pleasure working with you too! **★★★★★ — J. Mayfield Interior Design, Inc., March 2014** > Sterling Custom Homes is a team of professionals that have a reputation for building well crafted, high end, luxury homes. We have collaborated with them on both individual custom client residences and Parade of Homes Show-houses for many years. The attention to detail, organization, and adherence to the specifications and schedules make the Sterling Customs Home team a pleasure to work with. The pride and care they take in constructing a quality product is the formula for true client satisfaction. **Comment from Sterling Custom Homes:** > Thanks so much Julie! It's always a pleasure to work with you! **★★★★★ — figgs8911, Dec. 2013** > I am Realtor in the area and have referred several clients to Sterling Custom Homes. They are extremely professional and knowledgeable about the market, process and their product. My clients love their homes and loved the process with Sterling Custom Homes. I'll continue to refer them as my primary custom home builder and I recommend them to other Realtors for their clients. **★★★★★ — Jerry Winnett, Dec. 2013** > First of all, the company, from it's founder down, operates with honesty, respect and moral principles.I have worked with this company for over 25 years and can always depend fully on their professionalism. I have seen many Custom Builders come and go in my 35 year real Estate career and it is no coincidence why Sterling Custom Homes is still number One ! > The Company prides itself with continuing to excel and stay cutting edge with the building technologies of today, while embracing their fundamental respect and comittment to their customer. ## Selected projects - [Cove Front Oasis \#3004](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cove-front-oasis-3004-pj-vj~7373040) - Location: Horseshoe Bay, TX - Photos: 46 - Description: A beautifully designed Transitional home found in a quaint cove on Lake LBJ is the perfect place to call home. If owning a lakefront property is your dream, then look no further than this luxury home located in a private, gated 9 lot community. With 4 bedrooms, 2 boat slips, a 2 car garage plus a golf cart bay, and 955 square feet of outdoor living, this Lake LBJ jewel fits any family and lifestyle! - [Fairway Escape \#3642](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/fairway-escape-3642-pj-vj~7373054) - Location: Horseshoe Bay, TX - Photos: 63 - [Casa Sol \#4210](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/casa-sol-4210-pj-vj~7373061) - Location: VLG O THE HLS, TX - Photos: 60 - [2020 Parade of Homes - Luxury Lake Retreat](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/2020-parade-of-homes-luxury-lake-retreat-pj-vj~6703813) - Location: Spicewood, TX - Photos: 37 - [Hill Country Contemporary \#3457](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hill-country-contemporary-3457-pj-vj~7379998) - Location: Austin, TX - Photos: 75 - [Graystone Manor \#3518](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/graystone-manor-3518-pj-vj~7489958) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 90 - [Ivory Pavilion \#5189](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ivory-pavilion-5189-pj-vj~7379972) - Location: Austin, TX - Photos: 82 - [Rustic Ridge Retreat \#3845](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/rustic-ridge-retreat-3845-pj-vj~5610296) - Location: Wimberley, TX - Photos: 12 - [Spanish Modern Lakehouse \#6879](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/spanish-modern-lakehouse-6879-pj-vj~3661683) - Location: Lakeway, TX - Photos: 41 - [Lone Star Lakefront \#8518](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lone-star-lakefront-8518-pj-vj~6709189) - Location: Lakeway, TX - Photos: 35 - [Modern Mediterranean \#3850](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-mediterranean-3850-pj-vj~5622640) - Location: Lakeway, TX - Photos: 21 - Description: Beautiful home with modern Mediterranean feel. Very open and inviting; great for entertaining. - [2016 Parade of Homes - Caliterra Dripping Springs](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/2016-parade-of-homes-caliterra-dripping-springs-pj-vj~2084391) - Location: Dripping Springs, TX - Photos: 39 - [Texas Hill Country Lakehouse \#6260](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/texas-hill-country-lakehouse-6260-pj-vj~2383064) - Location: Austin, TX - Photos: 49 - [Lakeshore Sanctuary \#8502](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lakeshore-sanctuary-8502-pj-vj~25024) - Location: Horseshoe Bay, TX - Photos: 13 - Description: http://www.sterlingcustomhomes.com/custom\_designs/custom-plan-8502 - [Hill Country Vista \#4675](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hill-country-vista-4675-pj-vj~2383211) - Location: Austin, TX - Photos: 38 [See all 15 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/home-builders/sterling-custom-homes-pfvwus-pf~503442296) ## Ideabooks - [112 Ensenada](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/163754946/list/112-ensenada) — 5 ideas - [Wish List](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/160549329/list/wish-list) — 1 idea - [Hutter](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/159298701/list/hutter) — 35 ideas - [Sam Idea Book](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/159058102/list/sam-idea-book) — 4 ideas - [Chitwood](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/153460302/list/chitwood) — 58 ideas - [Steenbergen](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/145272608/list/steenbergen) — 86 ideas - [Dog Wash Station](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/123392598/list/dog-wash-station) — 8 ideas - [Bram Project](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/123363786/list/bram-project) — 25 ideas - [Crabb Project FRF](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/123320086/list/crabb-project-frf) — 15 ideas - [Nowzaradan / Sterling Collaboration](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/81933751/list/nowzaradan-sterling-collaboration) — 1 idea - [Lunecki / Sterling Collaboration](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/71034341/list/lunecki-sterling-collaboration) — 15 ideas - [Rutledge](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/75131551/list/rutledge) — 2 ideas - [Firepits](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/73039050/list/firepits) — 6 ideas - [Shed Studios](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/47902524/list/shed-studios) — 15 ideas - [Kitchens - Sterling Custom Homes](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/4425930/list/kitchens-sterling-custom-homes) — 24 ideas - [Exterior Elevations - Sterling Custom Homes](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/4425887/list/exterior-elevations-sterling-custom-homes) — 26 ideas - [Swimming Pools - Sterling Custom Homes](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/4425911/list/swimming-pools-sterling-custom-homes) — 25 ideas - [Master Suites - Sterling Custom Homes](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/4425876/list/master-suites-sterling-custom-homes) — 34 ideas - [Outdoor Living - Sterling Custom Homes](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/4425900/list/outdoor-living-sterling-custom-homes) — 41 ideas - [Wish List](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/160549328/list/wish-list) — 1 idea [See all 28 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/sterlingcustomhomes) ## Community Q&A **Q: Where can I find the bar stools? Fantastic!!** *(in Photo Questions)* A: I agree. Unfortunately the homeowner purchased those after the project was completed, so I don't know where they cam from. **Q: Love the two large artworks on the stone. Could you provide a source?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Thanks you! The artwork belongs to the homeowners and I don't know the source. **Q: where is this bed from?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: The bed is from Copenhagen in Austin. **Q: wall paint color** *(in Photo Questions)* what color did you use? A: It is Warm Oatmeal. **Q: Pool wall??** *(in Photo Questions)* Did you need to beef up the pool shell on the side with the exposed pool wall? Usually the dirt in the ground supports it. Was that very costly? How much thicker is the pool wall on that side? A: Yes, it does require additional structural considerations when build a pool up out of the ground like this. This can be an expensive undertaking, but a dramatic effect as well. **Q: What size lot does this house sit on?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: This lot is +/-5 acres, but much of it is unbuildable. We had to create the building area and back yard by bringing in huge stone blocks and terracing retaining walls up about 20 feet. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-05.*