How Not to Get Screwed Building on Your Lot in the Texas Hill Country — Hidden Costs

by Vanessa H. Bradford

Written by Vanessa Bradford | REALTOR® | Hill Country Queen | 19 Years Texas Hill Country Experience | 210-707-9029 | vanessa@vhbhomes.com

How not to get screwed in the Texas Hill Country when you build on your lot.

Watch the full breakdown with my favorite lender Will here:

I am Vanessa Bradford the Hill Country Queen. I was a builder for 19 years and I have personally spent $80,000 just on my own foundation.

Bucket one — lot prep. Asphalt transition, bullnose construction, construction driveway. Electricity meter rack about $10,000. Water trenching $3,000 to $5,000.

Bucket two — your foundation. I have never seen a flat lot in the Texas Hill Country. My own foundation cost $80,000 back in 2019.

Bucket three — the design center, or what I call mama's bling. A $2,000 lighting allowance is not enough. These allowances hit you with change orders later.

There are only a handful of realtors who actually understand these hidden costs well enough to protect you.

210-707-9029 | vanessa@vhbhomes.com | https://www.google.com/url?q=http://vhbhomes.com&source=gmail&ust=1782068401807000&sa=E

FAQ

What are the hidden costs of building on your own lot in the Texas Hill Country? Lot prep, electrical trenching, and water line installation can add $20,000 to $40,000. Foundation work regularly runs $40,000 to $80,000 or more.

What is the difference between semi-custom and full custom home builders? Semi-custom builders lock in selections before pouring the foundation. Full custom builders let you choose anything, which frequently leads to change orders.

How does a construction loan based on appraised value help buyers? It lets your paid off land count as equity, reducing cash needed out of pocket.

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Vanessa Bradford is a REALTOR® with Real Broker LLC specializing in new construction, acreage, and custom home builds in New Braunfels and the Texas Hill Country. License 811394. Equal Housing Opportunity.