From Lot to Legacy: Things to Know Before Building Your Austin Dream Home

Building a custom home is a dream for many. The good news is that many discerning prospective homeowners are considering turning that dream into a reality. Many factors affect the cost of building a home from scratch, such as location, lot size, design specs, choice of materials, and flooring and fixtures. However, there are additional factors that affect the cost of building a custom home in Austin. Read on to understand considerations that are specific to the Austin market.  

1. Climatic Considerations 

Hot summers, low rainfall, and flash floods in certain areas require design modifications that might impact the cost of building a custom home in Austin. 

• Austin’s sweltering summers make investing in energy-efficient designs, materials, and appliances a good choice. The city gets an average of 300 sunshine-filled days annually, and installing solar panels might be one way to lower your energy costs. While the upfront costs of investing in energy-efficient products might seem high, the long-term benefits might outweigh the initial investment. The Austin Energy Green Building Program encourages sustainable construction practices, and homes that meet the standards may even qualify for rebates or tax incentives. 
• Austin is no stranger to drought, and the city often enforces water restrictions based on water levels. It’s best to discuss rainwater harvesting systems and drought-resistant landscaping options with your architect or builder at the planning stages. 
• Austin is located in the heart of Flash Flood Alley, an area that extends from Dallas to San Antonio and is known for severe flooding. Consult a custom home builder in Austin to determine if your lot or property is vulnerable and ensure your architect or builder plans for proper drainage systems. Having a rainwater harvesting system will also help manage stormwater runoff.  

2. Terrain considerations

Texas Hill Country’s undulating terrain poses unique challenges when building homes. Building a custom home on a slope may require specialized engineering and construction techniques, which could affect the cost to build a custom home in Austin. Another aspect to consider is the type of soil on your land. The soil in Austin is mostly clay, which expands and contracts based on changes in moisture level. A soil test is advisable to understand what foundation will work best for your home. The abundance of clay is one of the reasons why most homes in Austin and Texas do not have a basement.  

3. Waterfront properties

There is no denying the allure of waterfront properties. A sense of being close to nature, a tranquil and aesthetically appealing lifestyle, and easy access to water sports all add to the appeal of waterfront properties. The good news is that communities such as Lakeside at Tessera at Lake Travis and other properties near Lake Austin make it possible to live this life.   

While construction, maintenance, and insurance costs are higher for waterfront properties, they also see the most appreciation and have greater rental potential. Before you decide to invest in a water-facing lot or land adjacent to a lake, it’s essential to get a few questions answered because these will impact the cost of your custom home.  

• Accessibility—Is it a full or partial waterfront property? Is it a shared waterfront? How accessible is the waterfront? Will you need a ramp to access the water? 
• Permits— What permits are needed to build a dock or a boathouse? What permits will be required to repair or rebuild a structure? Are there guidelines or restrictions to future home improvements you may carry out?  
• Water and sewer connections—Will the property have an on-site sewer system or be connected to a city sewer system? 

4. Bringing the outdoors in

Sunny weather and warm temperatures for a significant part of the year make Austin a great place to enjoy the outdoors. Whether you want ample deck space or would like a home design that seamlessly connects the inside and outside, your chosen custom home builder in Austin will be able to present many options that allow you to enjoy the region’s natural beauty. Explore designs that allow natural sunlight into your home or communicate your vision of an alluring garden space to your architect early in the planning process. This will factor into your cost to build a custom home in Austin.  

Explore lakeside living at Lakeside Tessera on Lake Travis, an award-winning community built on the North Shore of Lake Travis. Book a tour and discover the many advantages of living at Lakeside.