Building a home in Texas is a big undertaking, and the difference between a smooth build and a stressful one usually comes down to preparation. This checklist walks through every major phase — from raw land to final walkthrough — so you know what to expect and what to verify before you release each payment.
Before You Break Ground
- Confirm your budget and financing. Construction loans in Texas typically convert to a permanent mortgage; line up your lender before signing a build contract.
- Verify the lot. Check zoning, deed restrictions, HOA rules, easements, and floodplain status (much of South Texas and the Gulf Coast has flood zones that affect insurance and slab height).
- Order a soil test. Texas is full of expansive clay. A geotechnical report tells your engineer whether you need a standard slab, a post-tension slab, or pier-and-beam — skip this and you risk foundation cracks.
- Finalize plans and a fixed-price contract. Get an itemized scope with allowances spelled out (flooring, fixtures, countertops) so "upgrades" don't blow your budget mid-build.
- Pull permits. Your builder should handle building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits with the city or county. Confirm they're issued before any work starts.
Foundation Phase
- Site cleared, graded, and rough plumbing/electrical sleeves set
- Forms and reinforcement (rebar or post-tension cables) inspected before the pour
- Foundation inspection passed — this is a critical hold point; don't let framing start until it's signed off
- Concrete poured, finished, and given time to cure
Framing & Structure
- Walls, roof trusses, and sheathing complete and square
- Windows and exterior doors installed; house "dried in" before weather exposure
- Framing inspection passed
- Walk the framed home yourself — confirm room sizes, window placement, and outlet/switch locations match the plan while changes are still cheap
Rough-Ins (Behind the Walls)
- Plumbing, electrical, and HVAC rough-ins complete
- Each trade's inspection passed before insulation
- Insulation installed and inspected
- Spray foam or upgraded insulation verified if you paid for it — this matters a lot for Texas energy bills
Interior Finish
- Drywall, texture, and paint
- Cabinets, countertops, and trim
- Flooring, fixtures, and appliances
- HVAC, electrical, and plumbing trim-out and tested
Before You Close Out
- Final inspection and Certificate of Occupancy issued
- Walk the home with a punch list — test every outlet, faucet, door, and window
- Confirm all warranties, manuals, and lien releases from subcontractors are in hand before final payment
- Consider an independent third-party inspection in addition to the city's
A Note on Draw Payments
Most Texas custom builds pay the builder in draws tied to completed phases (foundation, framing, rough-in, finish, completion). Never let payments get ahead of the work — tie each draw to a passed inspection or a clearly finished phase, and keep a retainage until the punch list is closed.
Build With a Team You Trust
At 365 Builders, we've guided Texas homeowners through every step of this checklist since 2015. We keep you informed at each phase, handle the permits and inspections, and stand behind our work.
Learn more about our custom home building services or browse the areas we serve across Texas.
Call us at (956) 607-0470 or request a free quote to talk through your build.