Blog
How Long Does It Take to Build a Custom Home in Austin, TX?
Building a custom home in Austin is one of life’s most rewarding experiences—but it’s also one of the most complex. Between design, permitting, and construction, the process involves many moving parts. At Stephen Thomas Construction, we guide homeowners through each...
What to Look for When Choosing a Design-Build Team in Austin, TX
Building or remodeling a home in Austin is an exciting journey—but choosing the right partner makes all the difference. One of the best approaches is working with a design-build team, where the design and construction are managed under one roof. This streamlined...
The Pitfalls of Acting as Your Own General Contractor in Austin, TX
If you’re planning a home remodel or new build in Austin, you may be tempted to act as your own general contractor (GC) to “save money.” While this idea sounds good in theory, the reality is often far more complicated—and costly. At Stephen Thomas Construction, we’ve...
Understanding the Different Drywall Finish Levels: A Guide for Austin Homeowners
When building or remodeling a home in Austin, TX, drywall is one of the most essential materials in creating smooth, finished walls and ceilings. But did you know that drywall is installed and finished in different levels depending on how the surface will be used and...
Why Ordering Long Lead-Time Items Early Is Critical for Construction Success
In today’s fast-paced construction industry, timing is everything. One of the biggest risks to keeping a project on schedule and within budget is delays caused by long lead-time items—those critical materials, fixtures, or equipment that take weeks or even months to...
Why Tile Layout Meetings Matter When Building Your Home
Building a home is full of exciting choices—paint colors, flooring, cabinets, and of course, tile. Tile is one of those details that can completely change the look and feel of a space, whether it’s a bathroom, kitchen backsplash, or entryway. But here’s something many...
Protecting Your Investment: How to Prevent Theft at Construction Sites in Austin, Texas
When you're investing in a home remodel, addition, or new build in Austin, Texas, the last thing you want to worry about is theft. Unfortunately, construction site theft is a growing issue across Central Texas, costing homeowners and contractors time, money, and peace...
How Tariffs Could Impact Your Construction Project
At Stephen Thomas Construction, we believe in keeping our clients well-informed—especially about factors that can affect project costs and timelines. One of those factors? Tariffs. What Are Tariffs? Tariffs are taxes placed on imported goods. In construction, this...
Cost-Plus vs. Fixed-Price Construction Contracts: What’s Right for Your Project?
At Stephen Thomas construction, one of the most important early conversations we have with clients is about choosing the right type of construction contract. Two of the most common and effective structures are cost-plus and fixed-price contracts. Each offers distinct...
Why You Shouldn’t Worry About Your House Getting Wet at Frame Stage
Introduction When building a new home, few sights can be more stressful for a homeowner than seeing their house framing exposed to rain. It's natural to be concerned. After all, water and wood don't typically mix well in our minds. However, it's important to know that...