Planning to Build a Custom Home in Texas? Here’s What You MUST Do Before Purchasing a Lot!
- Robert Rutkowski
- 35 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Before you build a custom home in Texas, the single most important step is choosing the right piece of land. A lot may look beautiful, peaceful, and “perfect,” but appearances can be deceiving. The truth is, land can hide costly surprises — and if you don’t evaluate it properly, your dream home can quickly turn into an expensive challenge.
After 15+ years in construction and nearly a decade helping clients build and buy across Austin, New Braunfels, San Antonio, and the Texas Hill Country, I’ve learned exactly what homeowners must look for before purchasing a lot. These insights come from real-world experience walking land with builders, engineers, surveyors, and families planning their forever homes.
Here’s what you need to know before you buy land for your custom home in Texas.
Walk the Lot With a Trusted Custom Builder
Never evaluate a lot on your own. A builder can identify issues in minutes that most buyers would never notice — things like slope, soil movement, drainage paths, utility access challenges, or the need for specialized foundations.
This pre-purchase walk is where you uncover potential grading costs, tree-clearing requirements, or driveway complications. It’s also where you learn whether the land naturally supports your desired home design or if significant modifications would be required.
Always include a feasibility period in your contract and walk the property with your builder before closing.
Understand Hidden Site Preparation Costs
Some of the biggest expenses in custom home construction happen before the first wall is ever framed. Even a seemingly simple lot can require:
Extensive grading
Drainage correction
Retaining walls
Foundation adjustments
Driveway preparation
Tree removal and root management
These are not cosmetic expenses — they affect the stability and safety of your home. Identifying them early is essential for accurate budgeting.
Verify All Utilities (Never Assume They’re Available)
Utility access dramatically impacts cost, timeline, and quality of life. Before purchasing any lot, confirm:
Water availability (city, private water system, or need for a well)
Sewer or septic requirements
Electricity access and distance to nearest pole
Internet options (a major concern in rural areas)
Propane needs, if applicable
Listings are not always accurate. Always call the utility providers directly. A simple phone call can save you thousands of dollars and months of delays.
Review Deed Restrictions, HOA Rules, Zoning, and Setbacks
The land may be yours — but what you can do with it may still be limited.
Before buying, review:
Minimum home size
Exterior material requirements
Roof types allowed
Guest house or casita rules
Short-term rental policies
Fence and outbuilding guidelines
Setbacks that affect the build area
Even rural subdivisions often have restrictions. Make sure your architectural vision aligns with the rules before moving forward.
Order a Survey and a Soil Test
A professional survey shows property boundaries, easements, flood lines, and buildable areas. Without it, you’re essentially guessing.
A geotechnical soil test is equally important. It determines the correct foundation design and prevents structural issues down the road. Soil reports can reveal whether the land is suitable for a standard foundation or if you’ll need deeper piers or reinforced slab systems.
These two documents give you a true picture of your land’s buildability.
Check Floodplain Maps and Drainage Patterns
Texas has unique terrain and weather. Even if the ground looks dry, a portion of the property may fall within a FEMA flood zone. That affects insurance, build location, foundation plans, and sometimes even design.
It’s essential to check both the official maps and the natural drainage paths on the land itself.
Evaluate Road Access and Construction Logistics
Some lots are gorgeous but extremely difficult — and expensive — to build on. Consider:
Width and condition of access roads
Truck access for concrete and lumber delivery
Space for construction staging
Distance from main roads
Seasonal road conditions (especially in the Hill Country)
Good access makes the entire build smoother and more cost-effective.
Study Neighborhood Growth and Long-Term Value
Buying land isn’t just about today. It’s about how the area will grow over the next 5–20 years. Look at:
Planned road expansions
Future commercial development
School district shifts
Resale trends
Potential for appreciating value
Your custom home should be located in an area that supports — not limits — your investment.
Match the Lot to Your Vision and Lifestyle
Not every lot fits every dream home.
Think about:
Where the sun rises and sets
Privacy and view corridors
Pool placement
Outdoor living areas
Driveway orientation
Wind direction and shade
Space for future additions
Your land should support your lifestyle, not work against it.
Work With Someone Who Specializes in Custom Home Lot Selection
Buying a lot for a custom home is not the same as buying a resale house. You need someone who understands construction, utilities, engineering, floor plan design, county requirements, and builder selection — not just real estate.
My role as a Texas Custom Home Specialist is to walk you through every step:
Evaluate buildability
Identify hidden costs
Review restrictions
Coordinate with trusted builders
Guide you from raw land to finished home
This process is personal for me. I treat each project like it’s my own, and I help clients avoid mistakes long before they happen.
Final Thoughts
Building a custom home in Texas is a legacy project — something that should bring joy, comfort, and long-term value. But it all starts with choosing the right lot. If you’re planning to buy land for your custom home, let’s connect. I’ll walk the property with my trusted builder, break down the real costs, and ensure the lot aligns with your goals, your budget, and your vision.
Robert Rutkowski
Texas Custom Home Specialist
Call/Text 210.404.6446