“Even though we were done with the process, we weren’t done.”
A stone wall framed like a picture, a wine room that beat expectations, and a phone call during a winter storm long after move-in.
See the home
Our Story · Client Stories
Client Stories
The homes we build. The relationships that last.
In our clients' words: what it's like to build with Jenkins.
30 for 30 · Client films
Thirty years of homes. In our clients’ own words.
For our 30th anniversary, one of our clients opened her home and hosted a celebration for Jenkins homeowners, friends and our team. During the evening, a few of them sat down with us to talk about what building with Jenkins was really like. These are their stories.
Featured film
See the home“If we can retire and live on the lake, we will have made it. So now we can look back and say, hey, we made it.”
“They took what we wanted and made it real.”
A glass wine room, a pool with its own sushi boat, and a design that needed very few changes.
“Everybody looks up and says, wow.”
A kitchen tower that stops guests in their tracks, arches the team suggested, and a house built for the whole family.
“It’s our Oasis.”
Building through COVID, good-luck messages hidden in the walls, and a home where the whole family fits.
See the home“Has anybody ever thought of linoleum?”
The view, one memorable design meeting, and the simple test behind every person on the Jenkins team.
“A place that we call home for good.”
A French farmhouse guests mistake for a church, a team that got ahead of COVID shortages, and builders who became friends for life.
Featured client story
More than a home. A shared vision.
“My wife and I started planning our retirement about 10 years before we actually retired. It started with finding the right lot…location location location, as they say. Then we turned to finding the right builder to help us put our retirement dreams into action. We interviewed six builders in the Austin area. We talked with them and visited their built homes. After about a month or two, we finally decided on Jenkins Design Build.
Read their story
Jenkins was the only builder that had the passion and quality for which we were looking. In fact, the only reason it took any time at all is that Jenkins wasn’t the cheapest option, and we were worried about how they would build a home at our price level. As it turned out, Shan was very straightforward with the cost. We knew all along the way how much the final number was going to be…no big surprises at the end.
Another reason we chose Jenkins was that Shan had a civil engineering background, which eased our worries on the foundation for our house. The design-build team also met with us on our lot to discuss various things like slope, setback, and house location and angle on the lot. In fact one of the best decisions made was the angle of the house on the lot. Their architect plotted our plan on the lot survey and its relation to the various views we have, so we could maximize our views by turning the house just 10 degrees from parallel with the lot lines. When people come to our house it’s one of the first things they notice…the extra view we got from that decision. All of this is to say that Jenkins takes their job very seriously and looks at every detail.
We have had many people tell us that the quality of our house is great. One friend, who just moved to California, said that the quality Jenkins built into our house was better than anything he was looking for in 7 years in California. Working with the Jenkins team was great. We immediately felt like family. The first step was the design meeting (Lifestyle Analysis). We sat down with the various team members to talk about how we wanted to live in this house. This process was critical and never stopped for my wife and me. We were in constant communication with our Superintendent about what-if scenarios. We literally lived in our house on paper throughout the process. By the time we moved in, it was if we actually had lived here already. In fact, every detail in our house was designed for very specific reasons/uses. Now over a year later, the house has performed exactly like we hoped it would. We have had many family get-togethers, church retreats, parties, and even our youngest daughter’s wedding in this house. The Jenkins team has already helped make our retirement dream a reality.”
Lloyd Warner · Austin
Featured stories
A few words from those who know us best.
A Home Designed Around Living
“After answering extensive questions, the resident architect designed our home. The design was so well done, we only changed approximately 10%. Even though we were not present during the construction, it was as if we were there. Jenkins kept us updated on progress during the construction of our home. Changes to the cost of the house were approved by us before those changes were implemented. They even sent photographs of the house during the different stages. They have been wonderful to work with. We would recommend them to any of our friends.”
Cathy Leblanc · Austin
From First Sketch to Final Detail
“Jenkins made our dream become a reality. Early on, the Design Team came out to our land, helped in the placement of the home and created a design that captivates the view from every room. Our meetings with them during this process developed into a lasting friendship with the team. They secured our trust that lasted through the construction with the many questions that arise during this process. Shan’s response is immediate, helpful, and most of all accurate. We also developed a great relationship with the Construction Superintendent who is an extension of the Jenkins family. The Jenkins experience gave us the design we wanted and the home we desired. Working with them creates a solid relationship with a builder you can trust. We are proud of our Jenkins home and most of all, the Jenkins experience.”
Jim and Karen Kuehler · Austin
Building With Confidence
“Watching them pour our slab was like watching a well-orchestrated symphony. Everyone knew their jobs, including the Superintendent and the Subcontractors, and they were just amazing! Everything went just exactly as planned.”
Beth Atherton · Austin
A Relationship Beyond the Build
“With everyone on the Jenkins team, they took such good care of us that when they were done, we kind of missed them…”
Donah Klingsporn · Lakeway
In their own words
Video Testimonials
Watch a few of our clients share their experience building with Jenkins Design Build.
Austin Custom Home Builder Reviews & Client Experiences
For more than 30 years, we've had the privilege of designing and building custom homes throughout Austin, Lake Austin, Lake Travis and the surrounding Hill Country. Our clients trust us for our integrated architecture, interior design and construction approach, our attention to detail, and our commitment to an exceptional experience from start to finish.
Bethany ShineLakeway“We looked for a home in Austin for over a month. This included 3 flights from California to Austin with a new baby. The trips weren’t fun, nor were they successful. I had given up on finding anything in Austin that met the quality that we were looking for.
After 2 weeks of putting the house-hunting on hold, I received a call from my Realtor. Her first comment was “I found it! Just trust me”. She assured me that this house would meet our quality standards. She was absolutely correct. The detail and quality of the construction continues to be commented on when we have guests. Your staff has been awesome in responding to the minor touch-ups and repairs that are expected with a new home.
We can, without a doubt, recommend Jenkins Design Build to anyone thinking of building a home. You have a great reputation in our subdivision and many neighbors have commented on how beautiful all your homes are.”
Kristen ManzAustin“What a pleasure it has been to build a house with Jenkins. We enjoyed going through this process: even when I was stressed out, they were all incredibly patient and reassuring. The result is a fabulous manifestation of our heart’s desire. We have enjoyed weekends in our home with our college kids and their friends. It is very comfortable. We hosted 11 for Thanksgiving and the kitchen functioned like a dream! The working bar and eating/serving bar concept was awesome, and the taller height prevented the dogs from partaking in the feast! Thank you to the whole team at Jenkins for delivering a beautiful product, with excellent craftsmanship. I highly recommend Jenkins!”
Steve BushAustin“I couldn’t imagine having built the house with anyone else. At times it really felt like we were just having a friend build our house. In fact, I was actually enjoying the building process so much, part of me is sorry to see it end. Thanks for everything.”
Rod EdmonsonAustin“One of the many things that we really appreciated about Mr. Jenkins was that he always put us first. He made sure everything was exactly the way we wanted it. We love our beautiful new home, and Jenkins made the whole process enjoyable!”
Jennifer RodriguezAustin“Many, many thanks to you and your competent team at Jenkins for putting our wonderful home together. We are enjoying and admiring it every day. Thank you for the professionalism exhibited all along the way. You made this an exciting and pleasant experience. Please consider us a friend and let us know if we can ever be of assistance to you. Meanwhile, we wish you continued success in business and blessings at home.”
Rebecca NixonAustin“We love being in our new home. The building process went better than we could have ever dreamed… We think very highly of Jenkins!”
April GlennLake Travis“We are absolutely thrilled with our home. Everyone who visits our home comments on the beauty and quality of it. Companies run by people of your caliber are few and far between. We would like to thank you for making this such an enjoyable experience and for exemplifying true professionalism through your honesty and integrity. In the event we choose to build another home, we would love the opportunity to work with you again!”
Bill EppsSummit“They wanted to build what we wanted not what they wanted, and that’s what I liked! After we got our first set of plans, I understood it all. Their process saved a lot of time…and we hardly changed anything from that first design.”
John HaleSpicewood“We first saw Jenkins Design Build at a Parade of Homes. We loved their home and decided to interview Jenkins along with other builders. We chose them to build our 6,500 SF home (with additional large outdoor living spaces), and our 2,000 SF guest house on Lake Travis. Our two sons also chose Jenkins to build each of their lovely custom homes: all on the family’s 45 acres of lakefront property. Our project supervisor was a very talented and hard-working man.
Between his innovative solutions and Shan’s solid engineering background, we were confident of their work. Shan is educated and experienced which is a great combination. Plus he cares about his clients and will make sure that things are right. The tradesman that Jenkins uses do a wonderful job, and we are extremely happy with our beautiful home. We love our home, have received many compliments, and we are more than pleased to recommend Jenkins Design Build as an excellent builder!!”
Eric LauritzenSpicewood“If you are considering building, my builder recommendation is Jenkins. Jenkins built our home, and we are extremely pleased with the finished product. What I’ve enjoyed most about working with Jenkins is the ‘complete’ service. You have to realize that no matter who you go with, there will be corrections and follow up work. This is a key differentiator between Jenkins and other builders. I’m in a small community of only custom homes, and I have heard all the horror stories regarding follow up work with other ‘live-in builders. With Jenkins, I simply can’t relate to the negative experiences of the other home owners/builders in my area. You’ll find cheaper, but you get what you pay for.”
Scott AndersonHorseshoe Bay“We worked with the Jenkins team to design and build our home and would highly recommend them. The team was easy to work with and very attentive to detail. One thing that really impressed us was that they built the house as if it were their own. It showed us how much care and passion they had for making sure the home was the best it could possibly be.”
Dr. & Mrs. RoarkHouston“I would like to express my appreciation for Jenkin’s Homebuilders and the job they did with our home. Recently, they completed our house and did a superb job. We live out of town and therefore it makes it much more difficult to personally evaluate and approve the work being done. However, Shan and his staff did an excellent job in completing the project and always had wonderful ideas and suggestions from their years of experience. They were easy and fun to work with, and I highly recommend them to anyone interested in building their dream home. Thanks for the opportunity to again say how much we enjoy and appreciate their fine work.”
Alan GahagenDripping Springs“Jenkins builds a great house and is fantastic to work with! We are very glad we used them to build our new house. I highly recommend them and would use them again without hesitation.”
Cory ClaunchAustin“We are a material supplier for Jenkins Design Build. It is important to know that Jenkins has an excellent reputation in our industry. They are known for their honesty, integrity, and sincere focus on the “science” of building. Their team is the reason they are one of the best in the industry. We have seen them make one-of-a-kind installations over and over, and they execute them correctly every time because they ask, listen, and learn from the experts rather than attempt to figure it out alone (which believe it or not is very rare). As you would expect, they have happy clients as a result. Their professionalism and courtesy make working with them fun. Knowing what I know, I can honestly recommend Jenkins Design Build.”
Victoria ButtlerRealtor“When referring a builder, you want someone who is honorable, along with being honest, that is trustworthy and straightforward. You want them to be committed to what they do and to have been around for a LONG time, and that they have relationships with the people they work with. You want them to be established. You want a builder that, above all, listens to what you have to say. Jenkins does all that. They do it happily, with smiles on their faces. It’s a great atmosphere.”
Mike GordonDirector, HSB Realty“Great quality, great people to work with, I trust Shan Jenkins 100%. They have got a great process of not only building, but the architecture and helping with the design. I highly endorse them. I look forward to working with them for a long time.”
Diane DwyerAustin“Bethany was very helpful in giving me information about building, even though she ended up recommending someone else to build my project. Very informative.”
Facebook Reviews
Maripat PowersA well deserved honor!No big surprise to me…I always knew Jenkins Custom Homes was fabulous! CONGRATULATIONS!! A well-deserved honor!
Terese PeabodyTruly Masterpieces!Jenkins Custom Homes are truly masterpieces…congratulations!
James LewandowskiCongratulations on Custom Builder of the YearCongratulations. As a past customer, I can say you deserve it.
Our legacy
Thirty years. Countless stories.
Our 30 for 30 celebration brought together clients, friends and trade partners whose homes, and stories, have become part of our own. We are deeply grateful for the relationships built over three decades, and we look forward to the many stories yet to come.
Watch the films from the evening. More are on the way.
Your story begins here
Every extraordinary home begins with a conversation.
We'd welcome the opportunity to hear your vision and explore what we might create together.
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