Build your dream home
From finding the right lot to the day you move in, we help you plan a custom home anywhere in the 12 DFW counties. See how the process works, what matters in your county, and what your budget could look like.
How building a custom home works
Six stages from empty lot to move-in day. Tap a stage to see what happens and what to decide.
Land & feasibility
Find or confirm the lot, then check what can actually be built on it before you commit.
- —Zoning, setbacks and deed restrictions
- —Flood zone and drainage
- —Utilities: city water and sewer, MUD, or well and septic
- —Soil and foundation considerations
- —Access, easements and HOA architectural rules
Building in your part of DFW
Choose the county and whether the lot is inside a city or on rural land. Requirements change with both.
The fastest-growing county in the metroplex — newer construction, master-planned communities, and top-rated school districts.
Expansive clay soil
Much of North Texas sits on clay that swells and shrinks. Foundations are usually engineered for the specific lot, so ask for a soils report.
Flood zones & drainage
Check FEMA flood maps and how water drains on the lot. It affects site work, elevation and insurance.
Utilities
Inside cities you typically connect to municipal water and sewer. Outside them you may need a well, septic system or a MUD, each with its own approvals and cost.
Permits & jurisdiction
A lot in a city follows that city’s permits and inspections. Unincorporated land is handled through the county. Which one applies changes the process.
HOA & builder rules
Many communities require architectural approval or a specific builder list. Confirm before you buy the lot.
Lot size & setbacks
Setbacks and easements reduce the buildable area. A large lot does not always mean a large house.
Budget planner
A planning tool, not a quote. Set the cost per square foot to match the finish level and bids you are getting.
Example figure only. Finishes, plan complexity and the market move this a lot. Replace it with your builder’s numbers.
Set to $0 if you already own the lot.
Site work covers clearing, utilities, driveway and permits, and it varies a lot by lot. A contingency of 10 to 20 percent is common because final costs often run above early estimates.
- Construction$880,000
- Site work & permits$70,400
- Contingency$132,000
- Lot$150,000
Before you commit
Two short checklists that prevent the most expensive mistakes. Tick them off and we will see your progress with your request.
Common questions
What people worry about most before building.
Final costs commonly run above early estimates, so plan a contingency of roughly 10 to 20 percent. The usual causes are changes after construction starts, upgrades beyond the allowances, material price swings and site surprises such as soil or utilities.
Start your custom home
Tell us about your plans and we will reach out to talk through lots, builders and financing. Your request goes straight to our team by email.
Updates live as you use the tools above. All of it is sent with your request.
- Preferred County
- Collin County
- Lot Location
- Inside a city
- Stage Exploring
- Stage 1: Land & feasibility
- Planned Home Size
- 3,200 sq ft
- Planned Cost Per Sq Ft
- $275
- Planned Construction
- $880,000
- Planned Site Work Pct
- 8% ($70,400)
- Planned Contingency Pct
- 15% ($132,000)
- Planned Lot Budget
- $150,000
- Planned Total Project
- $1,232,400
- Planned All In Per Sq Ft
- $385
- Lot Checklist Progress
- 0 of 7
- Builder Checklist Progress
- 0 of 7
Figures are planning estimates only, not a construction bid.
KMA Realty Group provides real estate and land advisory and connects you with licensed builders and lenders. We are not the builder or a general contractor unless stated in a written agreement. Cost figures are planning estimates, not bids. Permit, zoning and utility requirements vary by property and jurisdiction, so verify with the city or county.