Avoid These 5 Mistakes When Building a Custom Home in the Tetons

Jul 24

Building a custom home in the Tetons is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. But between design decisions, weather constraints, and local regulations, things can go wrong fast. These are the top five mistakes homeowners make when building in Jackson Hole and how to avoid them.

1. Starting Without a Local Advocate

Many clients fall into the trap of trusting a long-distance team without on-site oversight. An Owner’s Representative serves as your trusted project manager, ensuring every detail is handled, even when you're not around. Without one, small issues can spiral into major delays and cost overruns.

*Zero-G Projects founder, Kris Hopkins, reviewing with the construction team to plan and execute critical architectural details.*

2. Failing to Budget for Site-Specific Costs

In Jackson Hole, what you see isn’t always what you get. Site conditions like poor soils, bedrock, steep slopes, and utility access can drastically increase costs. Always conduct geotechnical and civil evaluations before finalizing your budget, and build in contingencies of at least 5-10 percent.

3. Overdesigning Without Considering Buildability

It’s easy to fall in love with dramatic designs, but not all architectural concepts are practical for mountain conditions. Avoid plans that rely on excessive excavation, unsupported spans, or materials that don’t perform well in harsh climates. Collaborate with both your architect and builder to design something beautiful, functional, and buildable.

4. Ignoring Local Permitting Complexities

Teton County has some of the strictest building regulations in the region. Mistakes in land use, site disturbance, or environmental compliance can lead to permits being delayed or denied. Hire professionals who understand local codes and have experience working with the Planning and Building Department.

5. Making Decisions Too Late

Waiting until the framing stage to choose windows, doors, or other critical path items will delay delivery, installation, and ultimately, schedule. From design approvals to material delivery, timelines can stretch to 16 weeks or more. Avoid this mistake by finalizing key selections early, and having your design and procurement teams aligned from the start. Seek further assistance from an owner’s rep to identify schedule milestones, making sure target approval dates are in line with the demands of the construction schedule.

Zero-G Projects Helps You Avoid the Pitfalls

At Zero-G Projects, we’ve seen what can go wrong and we know how to keep it right. From pre-construction planning to final walkthroughs, we represent your interests and protect your investment at every step.

📞 Thinking about building in the Tetons? Contact us today to talk about your goals and how we can help.

Kris Hopkins

Kris Hopkins is the founder of Zero-G Projects, a Jackson Hole based firm specializing in residential general contracting and owner’s representation. With over a decade of experience managing high-end custom homes in Teton County, Kris brings a practical, client-first approach to construction oversight. When he’s not on a job site, you’ll find him pursuing his passions for skiing, biking, and surfing across the globe.