If you’re thinking about building in Texas, here are the five things you really need to know first.
1. The Lot Comes First — Not the Floor Plan
We say it in almost every podcast episode because we have seen the consequences:
Owners — pick your lot before you draw your plans!
A lot that “looks flat” can hide major grade changes, soil conditions, drainage issues, utility complications, and HOA restrictions that dramatically impact cost — and in some cases, feasibility. As we discussed in multiple episodes, just a few feet of elevation change can translate into tens of thousands of dollars in dirt work or retaining walls.
Our advice remains the same:
2. Choose Your Builder Before You Choose a Lot
We do not expect our Owners to know about elevation changes or if a lot has access to water/utilities, and you should not be the expert! We recommend choosing someone who has an extensive background in custom home building that can help guide you through the process. Luckily, we happen to know a few of them…
3. What Elements to Include in Your Custom Home in 2026
We regularly track market trends. If you are looking to build a custom home in 2026, then we recommend:
4. Prepare For the Emotional Investment
Ask any of our Owners:
The hardest part of building a home isn’t the budget — it is the emotions.
In our podcast, we talk about this often. Custom homebuilding stretches people in ways they do not expect. There will be delays; there will be decisions; there will be moments when something does not arrive on time, a countertop does not match, or a feature does not fit. None of that means the home is not exceptional — it means it is in progress.
That being said, we want you to choose a builder that understands this. Choose someone that:
- Educates you
- Guides you
- Communicates openly with you
- Transparently manages expectations
5. The Best Homes Are Built Together
We emphasize this in nearly every episode:
Owners get the best results when their builder is involved early in the architectural process.
Involving the builder early ensures:
- Engineering plans can realistically be accomplished
- Function of the home is prioritized
- Global budget is understood
There are a lot of moving parts in building a custom home. You want someone that has trusted connections with an interior designer, an esteemed architect, and other Professional Partners, so that when you go to build your home, you can focus on what’s important.
Trends We Are Seeing in 2026
Modern homes have become increasingly customizable. The biggest changes we are seeing include:
- Adaptive lighting systems like Ketra + Lutron
- Advanced whole-home water filtration
- Energy efficiency strategies for pool cleaning
- Outdoor living spaces that function year-round
As we discuss on our show, Uniqueness… “Built-In” these features require early planning — electrical, plumbing, structure, and spatial allowances must be designed intentionally.
Build With Confidence, Build With Garabedian
Texas is one of the best places in the country to build a custom home — find someone that understands its diverse landscape.
We want every Owner to step into this journey with confidence, a sense of partnership, and a clear understanding of the path ahead. If you are considering building a custom home, we are happy to discuss the process with you:
📲 Call Us Anytime At: 817.748.2669
📧 Email Us At: Info@GarabedianProperties.com
