Our Story
Croatan Custom Homes is built on a legacy of craftsmanship, management expertise, and family values.
Founder Austin Kelly grew up on jobsites in New England, the son and grandson of architects and engineers. From an early age, he learned how structure, detail, and design come together to create something lasting. By high school, he was working construction, managing crews, and learning firsthand how leadership and grit make a difference.
Austin’s career path wound from East Coast construction to California real estate and back to the Outer Banks — along the way earning an MBA in Project Management and honing the blend of financial precision and building expertise that defines Croatan Custom Homes today.
Together with his wife, Timmery — our Selections Coordinator — Austin returned to the Outer Banks to raise their family and build a company rooted in both heritage and process. What started as a one-man effort has grown into a dedicated team known for delivering clarity, craftsmanship, and coastal resilience.
Our Promise
Every build follows our proven GPS system with 500+ checks to ensure nothing is overlooked.
We educate and guide our clients through every step — no surprises, no confusion.
We design specifically for Outer Banks living — salt, storms, sand, and summer rentals included.
We care about relationships as much as results — treating every home like it’s our own.
Our Mission
To deliver homes that maximize every square foot, elevate coastal living, and give families and renters the confidence to enjoy the Outer Banks for generations.
“Attention to detail ... he loses sleep over it!”