--- title: "Olson Defendorf Custom Homes — Home Builders | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/home-builders/olson-defendorf-custom-homes-pfvwus-pf~595649542 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~595649542.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Olson Defendorf Custom Homes" category: ["Home Builders"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/49c368140fa0470e_1034-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "3355 Bee Cave Road, Ste 501, Austin, Texas 78746, United States" latitude: 30.2971 longitude: -97.8181 phone: "(512) 243-6508" website: http://www.odcustomhomes.com rating: 5 review_count: 25 best_of_houzz_awards: 16 followers: 205 last_updated: 2026-09-07 --- # Olson Defendorf Custom Homes Original Houzz profile: [Olson Defendorf Custom Homes](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/home-builders/olson-defendorf-custom-homes-pfvwus-pf~595649542) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Home Builders - **Location:** Austin, TX - **Serves:** Austin, Lakeway, Bee Cave, Lost Creek, West Lake Hills, Barton Creek, Hudson Bend, The Hills, Rollingwood, Volente, Sunset Valley, Bear Creek - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (25 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 16 awards (2015–2026), for Design, Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 25,000 Ideabook Saves 2024 AUSTIN CUSTOM BUILDER OF THE YEAR Troy and Eric met in 1999 while working for a national homebuilder in Austin. Troy was a detailed-oriented engineer from upstate New York while Eric was a finance major from Texas. Even with our diverse backgrounds, we both agreed a home builder should have the highest construction quality and superior customer service. These values grounded us for the next eight years while our careers advanced. Eventually, we were managing a multi-million dollar custom home division for a national builder. In 2007, we started Olson Defendorf Custom Homes with Eric running the business side, and Troy building the homes. We wanted our company to follow two simple principles: outstanding quality and superior service. ### Services Provided - New Home Construction - Custom Homes - Guesthouse Design & Construction - Green Building - Project Management - Pool House Design & Construction - Sustainable Design - Site Preparation ### Areas Served - Austin - Lakeway - Bee Cave - Lost Creek - West Lake Hills - Barton Creek - Hudson Bend - The Hills - Rollingwood - Volente - Sunset Valley - Bear Creek ### Typical Job Cost $1 million - 10 million ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Olson Defendorf Custom Homes | | Address | 3355 Bee Cave Road, Ste 501, Austin, Texas 78746, United States | | Phone | (512) 243-6508 | | Website | http://www.odcustomhomes.com | | Followers on Houzz | 205 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — http://www.facebook.com/pages/olson-defendorf-custom-homes/273873162543 - X (Twitter) — https://twitter.com/ODCustomHomes - Blog — http://odcustomhomes.blogspot.com/ ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Olson Defendorf Custom Homes](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/home-builders/olson-defendorf-custom-homes-pfvwus-pf~595649542) - **Website:** http://www.odcustomhomes.com - **Phone:** (512) 243-6508 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - 2016 Custom Builder of the Year - Certified Graduate Builder - **Best of Houzz:** 16 awards (2015–2026), for Design, Service. **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 National Sales and Marketing Council](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/professionals/schools-and-organizations/nahb-national-sales-and-marketing-council-pfvwus-pf~1704914709) - [NAHB Certified Graduate Builder](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/professionals/schools-and-organizations/nahb-certified-graduate-builder-pfvwus-pf~27188443) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 25 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 50.0 - Communication: 50.0 - Value: 50.0 ### Reviews **★★★★★ — John Staleski, Sept. 2025** > Hi, > > I am making a strong recommendation for Olson Defendorf Custom Homes. We built a very complex project in downtown Austin. There are lots of nuances and rules that make building difficult downtown. The PM was very quick at resolving issues with the city as well as making changes throughout the project. Essentially, we walked through the impacts of changes every time. The house was perfect on all details and the delivery of the home was first rate. The final key is the warranty work. It was fantastic support! **★★★★★ — John Mireur, Sept. 2025** > We are very happy with our experience with Olson Defendorf Custom Homes. They did a big remodel on our home. The experience was turn key, efficient, on budget, and on time. Most of all, it turned out great. They helped with some design issues and had excellent ideas to get our job done in our budget. > > Crews were respectful, competent and always cleaned up the site. Project managers responded promptly. And the post project followups have been a great touch. > > I would absolutely use them again for future projects. **★★★★★ — LP, Aug. 2025** > If you are considering Olson Defendorf as your builder, you've found your team! The house they built for me in South Austin is of the highest quality, which is the most important aspect of a custom home, but the way they worked with me was even better. I had challenges with my original architect, and OD managed the project despite everything. Most customers will not encounter these types of issues, but you can rest assured that OD can manage any challenges that arise during your build. The software they use for billing lets you know where every dollar is spent, and provides access to pictures. Lastly, OD will be proactive with meetings to ensure everything is running smoothly. I had a great experience with Olson Defendorf Custom Homes. **★★★★★ — lehaggy, June 2024** > When we decided to build our house, we interviewed several builders. Eric Olson and team came highly recommended by a neighbor who had used them for a remodel. When we met with Eric, he was very personable, knowledgeable and patient in answering all of our questions. He treated us as if we were going to be his only project and that he would be honored to work with us (while other builders we met with treated us like we were lucky to even be considered for a project with them). Eric eased any of our concerns and made us feel like a valuable client from day 1. He earned our trust and we would use him again for any and all new builds or remodels. **Comment from Olson Defendorf Custom Homes:** > Thank you for the kind words. We hope you love your home. **★★★★★ — thecarmens, Feb. 2022** > OD Custom Homes built us our dream home. Eric provided a thorough and complete proposal that included his ideas, with our ideas, to make our home one of a kind. During the construction, Troy was accessible, involved and ensured the details were met as intended. In the end, the house exceeded our expectations and it would not have been possible without OD Custom Homes. For our next project we will use them again. **★★★★★ — Cate Black, April 2020** > I worked with Eric on a project last year, and he was an absolutely delight to work with. Eric and his team are extremely professional and build gorgeous custom homes. His outdoor entertainment areas will blow you away! The house we photographed went on to win multiple awards and featured on a variety of publications. I look forward to working with them again! **★★★★★ — Jorie Himmel, Jan. 2020** > We loved our experience with having Olson Defendorf Custom Homes build our house! Building a home can be stressful - but Troy and Eric are SO organized and attentive to detail, they make it easy. We felt guided through the process every step of the way (these guys know their stuff)! Our home is gorgeous and the craftsmanship and little details throughout make it so special. We are very thankful to OD for building our dream home! **★★★★★ — Ryan Frazier, July 2019** > My wife and I originally contacted Olson Defendorf (ODCH) in the summer of 2015 to build our custom modern-ranch-style home in Leander, TX. We worked with a separate architect firm to design a set of plans which we presented to Eric Olson at the initial meeting. His courteous professionalism in meeting with us, clear experience in managing complex projects, focus on customer satisfaction during challenges, ODCH’s shared-accountability business/profit model, and their consistently positive feedback from recent clients really differentiated ODCH from other builders we explored. Yes, we interviewed our builders before we selected one! > > Eric quickly and effectively led us through an initial selection and bidding process with an expert designer and we were able to have an approximate scope, duration, and cost for the project in about 45 days. Due to our financial position at that time, we decided to postpone the start of construction so that we could get the home we wanted rather than sacrifice features or square footage. That decision was after multiple discussions with Eric about potential ways to reduce cost. He was consistently patient and accommodating as we explored what were probably even silly options and he brought creative ideas to the table. He managed our expectations and was transparent and forthcoming the entire time. > > We ultimately delayed the start until the summer of 2017 (2 years), and while we knew that we would continue to use ODCH when we were ready, we didn’t expect them to be available to us in the interim. To our surprise, Eric reached out periodically and remained available for us to ask questions and even crunch numbers on occasion. When we started discussions up again, we were immediately impressed by how prepared he was to resume our project, even having all our original documents and notes in mind (from meetings 2 years ago). We felt like we picked up where we left off, rather than started over. That gave us even more peace of mind that we picked the right team. > > When we officially broke ground in November 2017, Troy Defendorf became our primary contact as our project lead. He proactively reached out a minimum of once a week – usually a lot more than that – with status updates, upcoming design decisions, issues and resolution ideas/options, plans for the week and the following week, etc. We felt informed and that we were doing this together throughout the entire process. > > The total construction time was approximately 16 months, which is to be expected with the complexity of a custom project and duration was in-line with the initial estimate Eric gave us when we started - not to mention, we had a wet 2017/2018 winter which delayed foundation, and had repeated challenges with the city (permitting/inspections) which caused weeks of delays over time that were outside of ODCH's control. Regardless of the obstacle, ODCH worked behind the scenes to expedite resolution to keep the project on track. > > Throughout the project we brought friends and family over to see the progress, some of whom are in the residential and commercial construction field. They consistently commented on the high quality of building materials used and the cleanliness of the project site. > > Custom projects are complex and will have changes and challenges: The wrong component is delivered or installed. Vendors/suppliers don’t do things according to expectations. Selections are discontinued and must be re-selected. 2-dimensional architecture plans don’t necessarily work in 3-dimensional space and certain trades may collide. In a custom project, it all comes down to cost, time, and the homeowner’s final decision. Troy and Eric were always available if we had concerns or weren’t happy with a particular result and would work with us and the related suppliers to meet our expectations. We always felt heard, that they were our advocate and partner. One of the many things I appreciated about Troy is that when things came up that needed a decision, he would present refined options with pros/cons in a timely manner, and ultimately let us decide on what we wanted and then coordinate everything needed to reach our desired outcome. > > Kathleen, who manages the accounting, communications, etc. for ODCH projects always ensured we had an accurate running project cost/budget so we could make cost-conscious decisions during a project that is inherently fluid. Additionally, ODCH uses BuilderTrend.com for their projects so we were all on the same page every week and could anticipate any impact to cost or features when changes arose. We even received weekly pictures and status recap emails showing the site progress so we could check in if we were traveling and informing us of what we needed to be doing (i.e. next selections). They really gave us peace of mind at every turn and we knew what to expect. > > Even long after the project completed and we moved in, ODCH is still checking in on us to make sure everything is meeting our expectations and, if anything comes up, they are quick to coordinate suppliers and/or punch crews to remediate an issue. > > In summary, after nearly 4 years from our initial meeting, we are still 100% certain that we selected the right team to build our home. In this day when accountability and ownership are rare, it’s so wonderful to find a firm that really delivers. In fact, we are planning a pool expansion next year and will definitely give Eric a call when we’re ready! **★★★★★ — Rodney Palmer, Oct. 2018** > You will be hard pressed to find a more organized, communicative and professional custom home builder than Olson Defendorf Custom Homes. They have always brought great value and openness to the projects we have collaborated with them on. I know the clients which we have recommended to them have appreciated those qualities applied to their individual projects immensely. I have known Eric Olson for more than two decades and look forward to future successful collaborations for our mutual clients! **Comment from Olson Defendorf Custom Homes:** > Thank you very much for the review! We appreciate it! **★★★★★ — O’Hara Interiors, Sept. 2018** > It has been our absolute pleasure to work with Eric and his team! We currently have four active projects together. Eric is outgoing, funny, kind, and so talented. He’s a blast to work with on every project. Even early in the process, our clients are thrilled with his work. What’s more, Eric and his team are organized, detail-oriented, process-driven, and respectful of our client’s budgets. We’ve worked with countless builders over the year, and Olson Defendorf Custom Homes is the whole package! **Comment from Olson Defendorf Custom Homes:** > Thank you very much for the review! We enjoy working with your company as well! **★★★★★ — Nick Kelly, Sept. 2018** > Olson Defendorf Custom Homes is an incredible company to work with. My wife and I made a decision to build our "Dream House". We had a lot of unique ideas of what we wanted in our home. I'm a tech guy, and I wanted all the newest automation, A/V, and hi-speed networking in every room. My wife is more classic, and wanted a house that hearkened back to the classic American Foursquare's of the early 1900's. We met with multiple "custom home" builders that were anything but custom. They were only willing to offer a handful of options and finish outs, and were not willing to use any materials not directly sourced from their vendor. Olson Defendorf were the only builders we spoke with who were willing to do all of the custom touches we wanted. Ultimately, those custom touches are what really make our house perfect for us. The craftsmanship of their trades people and subs is top notch. We had an antique newel post from 1910 that we really wanted used on the stairs. Their trim craftsman was able to design and build a base that perfectly matched the original and brought the antique piece up to modern code. We had a 1900 stained glass door unit with sidelights and transom that they were able to install in a way that it looks original. The trim work is incredible. They were actually able to save us over $20,000 vs the local "custom closet company" simply by having their trim carpenter build out our custom master closet, and it looks awesome. Any project of this size is going to run into issues. Sometimes those issues are with the City and specific codes that seem to change every other month. Sometimes those issues are due to simple miscommunications. You have to expect that issues will arise, and hope you have a builder that will resolve them for you. Eric and his team addressed every issue we encountered quickly and professionally, and ultimately resolved all of them to our complete satisfaction. This home is very likely the largest purchase that we will ever make. Eric and his team at Olson Defendorf made the process as stress free and smooth as I think it could be. Ultimately, we couldn't be happier with our home and with our experience with Olson Defendorf. Thanks Eric, Troy, Jay, & the rest of the team for making our dream home a reality! **Comment from Olson Defendorf Custom Homes:** > Thank you very much for the review Nick! Your home is beautiful! **★★★★★ — marie Lowman, Sept. 2018** > Our architect recommended Olson Defendorf, we were exceptionally pleased with the end-result and overall quality of the project. Throughout the entire build process Eric and Troy communicated consistently, stayed within the contracted budget and quickly remedied issues as they arose. Navigating a project like this as a first timer was not without trepidation; Eric and Troy offered a team that alleviated much of the stress associated with a first time build. ## Selected projects - [Westlake Glass House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/westlake-glass-house-pj-vj~7053232) - Location: West Lake Hills, TX - Photos: 27 - [Hamilton Pool Farmhouse](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hamilton-pool-farmhouse-pj-vj~7563626) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 15 - [Westlake Estate](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/westlake-estate-pj-vj~7052490) - Location: Westlake, TX - Photos: 37 - [Westlake Farmhouse](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/westlake-farmhouse-pj-vj~7053388) - Location: West Lake Hills, TX - Photos: 30 - [Dripping Springs Farmhouse](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/dripping-springs-farmhouse-pj-vj~6289582) - Location: Dripping Springs, TX - Photos: 26 - [Lakecliff on Lake Travis](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lakecliff-on-lake-travis-pj-vj~7641161) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 73 - [Cumberland Contemporary](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cumberland-contemporary-pj-vj~7563624) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 43 - [Rosedale Traditional](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/rosedale-traditional-pj-vj~7511557) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 29 - [Tarrytown Santa Barbara](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/tarrytown-santa-barbara-pj-vj~5953397) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 51 - [Leander Contemporary](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/leander-contemporary-pj-vj~5868628) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 28 - [Bouldin Contemporary](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bouldin-contemporary-pj-vj~7563621) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 45 - [Quarry Road Craftsman](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/quarry-road-craftsman-pj-vj~5758837) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 23 - [Hill Country Contemporary](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hill-country-contemporary-pj-vj~4156223) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 10 - [Spicewood Outpost](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/spicewood-outpost-pj-vj~3139830) - Location: Spicewood, TX - Photos: 20 - Description: An amazing, contemporary home nestled into the hillside on a ranch in Spicewood, TX (near Austin, TX). - [Barton Creek Estate](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/barton-creek-estate-pj-vj~2853568) - Location: Austin, TX - Photos: 15 - Description: This estate home is on the Fazio Canyons golf course at Barton Creek Country Club in Austin, TX. - [Tarrytown Craftsman](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/tarrytown-craftsman-pj-vj~2496494) - Location: Austin, TX - Photos: 8 - Description: We built this home it look as though it had always been in the historical Austin, TX neighborhood of Tarrytown. - [Westlake Mountaintop](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/westlake-mountaintop-pj-vj~753397) - Location: West Lake Hills, TX - Photos: 11 - Description: 5,733 sqft on top of Buckman Mountain in Westlake in Austin, TX\> - [Lake Austin Hacienda](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lake-austin-hacienda-pj-vj~106803) - Location: Austin, TX - Photos: 20 - [German Texas Farmhouse](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/german-texas-farmhouse-pj-vj~289006) - Location: Austin, TX - Photos: 7 - [Tarrytown Traditional](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/tarrytown-traditional-pj-vj~1376039) - Location: Austin, TX - Photos: 20 - Description: This home was built in Tarrrytown in Austin, TX . [See all 34 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/home-builders/olson-defendorf-custom-homes-pfvwus-pf~595649542) ## Ideabooks - [New Ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/43235763/list/new-ideas) — 2 ideas - [Travis Heights](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/23826744/list/travis-heights) — 7 ideas - [Urban Farmhouse](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/21283339/list/urban-farmhouse) — 9 ideas - [Blanco Getaway](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/16731700/list/blanco-getaway) — 3 ideas - [German Farmhouse](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/11529670/list/german-farmhouse) — 7 ideas - [Westlake Spanish](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/7524459/list/westlake-spanish) — 8 ideas - [Texas Prairie Home](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/5397187/list/texas-prairie-home) — 8 ideas - [Lake Austin Lodge](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/2288834/list/lake-austin-lodge) — 8 ideas - [Barton Hills Craftsman](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/3658295/list/barton-hills-craftsman) — 8 ideas [See all 9 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/odcustomhomes) ## Community Q&A **Q: Paint color on this siding?** *(in Photo Questions)* Hi! Do you recall the paint color on this siding? A: This color is Sherwin Williams - Tempe Star \#6229 **Q: From where can Iborder the blue/pink wallpaper in the bathroom?** *(in Photo Questions)* The wallpaper would fit perfectly in my daughters’ bathroom A: Here you go. Vendor: Thibaut Pattern \#: T4039 Pattern Name: Prisma Color: Multi **Q: Decking material** *(in Photo Questions)* The decking is beautiful. What is it and what are the dimensions? A: It is a cool deck product. Approx 25' long pool **Q: what is the color of the facia boards?** *(in Photo Questions)* What is the color of the facia boards? A: Sherwin Williams - 6991 Black Magic **Q: what color is the counter?** *(in Photo Questions)* Wondering the color of the counter top A: It is marble. Calcutta Vagli **Q: beautiful exterior color scheme** *(in Photo Questions)* Would you mind sharing the exterior paint colors! I am going to a sage green for my house and need help, thank you! A: It was a color match to another paint. See formula above. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-07.*