If you’re exploring new home construction options in the Austin Hill Country, particularly in the Provence neighborhood, you might be considering Ashton Woods as a potential builder. As an experienced realtor who lives in Provence, I’m here to provide an honest overview of Ashton Woods, including the pros, cons, and what you need to watch out for when building with them in Provence.
Overview of Ashton Woods
Ashton Woods is a well-established home builder based in Atlanta, Georgia, with a presence in major Texas cities, including Austin. The company also owns Starlight Homes, a brand targeting entry-level buyers. However, Ashton Woods homes in Provence fall within the mid-range category, offering good quality but not high-end luxury.
Having personal experience with Ashton Woods (I built my first home in Austin with them and lived in it for nine years), I can attest to their solid construction quality. The style of the Ashton Woods homes in Provence is reminiscent of that home, and here’s what you should know if you’re considering building with them.
What You’ll Love About Ashton Woods in Provence
- Variety of Floor Plans
One of the standout features of Ashton Woods in Provence is the variety of floor plans available. With 26 different options, ranging from three-bedroom homes of 1,800 square feet to five-bedroom homes over 4,000 square feet, you’ll likely find a design that fits your needs. - Diverse Pricing Options
Ashton Woods offers three series of homes on 50-foot, 60-foot, or 70-foot lots, providing a range of price points. For example, a one-story, four-bedroom home of around 1,800 square feet is listed at approximately $530,000. On the higher end, a two-story home with over 3,000 square feet on a 60-foot lot is in the mid-$700s. Additionally, Ashton Woods frequently offers incentives such as closing cost coverage, reduced mortgage rates, or upgrades. Be sure to ask about current offers, as they change monthly. - Customization Flexibility
Unlike many builders who limited choices during the 2021 supply chain crisis, Ashton Woods continues to allow buyers to build from scratch. You can select your lot, floor plan, and structural designs. While building from scratch might not come with the same discounts as purchasing an existing home, you could receive credits for the design center or closing costs.
Important Considerations When Building with Ashton Woods
- Changes in the Neighborhood
One potential risk is the uncertainty of what might be built around your new home. Developers can change plans at any time, impacting your lot’s surroundings. I recently assisted clients who went under contract for a lot they believed backed to green space. Shortly after, we discovered that a home would be built directly behind them. Fortunately, they were able to cancel their contract, but it highlights the importance of understanding what is planned around your lot. - Builder Contracts
Builder contracts are designed to protect the builder, not the buyer. With Ashton Woods, your earnest money is non-refundable. Ensure you are 100% happy with your home choice and design selections before signing. Be prepared for possible delays; although the estimated build time is about eight months, this can vary. - Quality Varies by Neighborhood
The finish quality of Ashton Woods homes can differ depending on the community. In Provence, the homes have a higher-end finish, including masonry on all four sides. However, in other communities like Cannon Ranch in Dripping Springs, homes might start at a lower price point but may have different materials, like siding instead of full masonry. Make sure you visit homes in the specific community you are considering to understand what you are getting.
Why Provence Might Be Right for You
If you’re looking for a reasonably priced new construction home within the Lake Travis ISD, Provence is a strong option. While other builders, like Chesmar Homes in Sweetwater, also offer homes in the $700,000 to $1 million range, Ashton Woods provides larger lot sizes and slightly lower prices. Plus, Provence will eventually have its own elementary school, which is a big draw for families.
However, keep in mind that the neighborhood is still developing, so expect some ongoing construction. The upside? There’s plenty of room for growth and great opportunities to build your dream home.
A Cautionary Tale and a Valuable Lesson
Recently, I helped a family go under contract for an Ashton Woods home in Provence, specifically choosing a lot with no neighbors behind it. Shortly after signing, we were informed of a change in the developer’s plans, meaning a house would be built directly behind them. Thankfully, Ashton Woods helped us transfer the contract to another lot that was actually better, with a dedicated greenbelt and additional upgrades.
The lesson here is to opt for a lot with a dedicated greenbelt or one where you can see what is already built around it. If you’re relying on a developer’s plans that aren’t finalized, be prepared for changes.
Building a new home is an exciting journey, and Ashton Woods offers a lot of flexibility and options in Provence. Just make sure to do your research, ask the right questions, and work with a realtor who knows the ins and outs of the area. If you have any questions or want to learn more about Ashton Woods or other builders in the Austin Hill Country, feel free to reach out.
