Custom Home Builders OKC: Land Selection & Design Tips

At Shaw Homes, we are a proud builder of new homes in Oklahoma City, and while most of our homes exist in master-planned communities, we also work as custom home builders in OKC. If you are ready to build your custom dream home in the OKC area, our team will guide you through every step – from choosing the perfect lot to customizing floor plans, finishes, and design details to match your vision. Let’s take a quick look at the custom home-building process.

Selecting A Parcel Of Land

Believe it or not, this can be the most challenging aspect of a custom home build. While Oklahoma City offers a myriad of lots and land for sale, finding your perfect lot can be tricky. As home builders in Oklahoma, here are some factors we recommend buyers consider when searching for that parcel of land.

1. Location & Accessibility

• Proximity to Amenities: Consider how close the property is to schools, workplaces, grocery stores and healthcare facilities. Easy access to highways and major roads is also important for convenience and potential resale value.
• Neighborhood and Surroundings: Assess the character and vibe of the neighborhood. Make sure it aligns with your lifestyle preferences and long-term plans. Consider nearby development plans that could impact the area’s appeal.
• Zoning and Land Use Regulations: Check with the local zoning office to ensure the land is zoned for residential use. Some properties may have restrictions that affect what can be built or how the land can be used.

2. Topography & Soil Quality

Evaluate the land’s topography and soil composition to determine its suitability for building. Flat land is generally easier and less expensive to develop, while steep or uneven terrain may require additional site preparation.

You also will want to conduct a soil test to check for drainage capabilities and stability. As any home builders in OKC can tell you, poor soil can lead to foundation problems or additional costs for soil conditioning and grading.

3. Utilities & Infrastructure

• Availability of Utilities: Verify that essential utilities such as electricity, water, gas, and sewage systems are available on or near the property. If not, find out how much it will cost to bring these services to the site.
• Road Access and Maintenance: Ensure the property has legal road access and determine who is responsible for maintaining the roads. Private roads or long driveways may require additional upkeep.

4. Size and Shape of the Parcel

Consider the size and shape of the lot to ensure it accommodates your desired home design and outdoor space. Irregularly shaped lots or those with narrow frontages may limit building options or increase construction costs.

Environmental & Weather Considerations

• Flood Zones and Water Table Levels: Check if the land is in a flood zone by consulting FEMA’s flood maps or local resources. Building in a flood-prone area can increase insurance costs and pose a risk to the property.
• Tornado and Severe Weather Risk: OKC is in Tornado Alley, so consider building strategies and materials that provide extra protection against severe weather. This could influence the design and structure of your custom home.

6. HOA & Covenants

Determine if the property is governed by a Homeowners Association (HOA) and, if so, review the covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs). These rules can affect everything from the home’s exterior design to the types of landscaping you can have.

7. Future Growth & Development

Research city plans for future development in the area. This includes planned roads, commercial projects, or residential communities that could impact your property’s value and desirability.

8. Permitting & Legal Considerations

Familiarize yourself with local building codes and permitting requirements in OKC. Some areas may have specific regulations that could impact the timeline and cost of your custom home project.

9. Cost & Budget

While the purchase price of the land is crucial, you also must factor in the costs associated with site preparation, connecting utilities, and meeting any regulatory requirements. Work with your custom home builder and financial advisor to budget accurately.

Consult with a local real estate agent or builder who is familiar with the OKC market to help you navigate these considerations and find the perfect parcel of land for your custom home. This way, you’ll ensure that the property you choose aligns with your vision and is conducive to the type of home you want to build. At Shaw Homes, our home builders in Oklahoma are happy to help you through this part of the process.

Finding Custom Home Builders In OKC

The next step in building a home is to find either an architect or a new home builder in OKC that provides home plans as well as construction. At Shaw Homes, we offer more than 45 floor plans, and many of these can be modified for custom home builds if needed. Using one of our existing plans could be a great way to reduce the costs of a custom build.

While there are many custom OKC home builders, there are many compelling reasons to consider using Shaw Homes for your custom home project. First and foremost, we are Oklahoma-owned and operated with nearly 40 years of experience building in the Sooner State.

Additionally, we have built thousands of homes throughout the state, and we offer the largest collection of model homes in Oklahoma. While we know you are here to learn about custom home building, visiting our model homes provides you with an opportunity to truly get a look at our quality construction and impeccable design standards. Our OKC model homes include new homes in Edmond OK, as well as Guthrie and Piedmont.

We also invite you to browse through the floor plan collection on our website. We have homes, ranging in size from about 1,440 square feet up to about 3,500 square feet, and these plans often can be modified to suit custom home buyers. If you want a 100% custom build of any size home, our building and construction teams can accommodate whatever you need.

What We Need To Know

When it comes to custom homes, it’s essential to share some key details with your home builders in OKC to ensure that they truly bring your home vision to life. Aside from budget, here are a few factors that we always discuss with clients before a custom build.

Lifestyle & Family Needs

For instance, your family size and the ages of your children are important, and we also need to know about any special needs or preferences. Discuss whether you want to include accessibility features like wider doorways, ramps, or zero-entry showers for aging in place or accommodating disabilities.

Additionally, if you work from home, a designated home space will be crucial. Other needs might include a home gym, movie theater or perhaps a playroom.  Be sure to share any unique features you want, such as a wine cellar, built-in bookcases, skylights, or smart home technology.

1. Preferred Architectural Style and Aesthetic

Specify the architectural style you envision, whether it’s modern, traditional, farmhouse, or something else. Provide examples or pictures to illustrate your taste. Discuss exterior finishes, materials (brick, stone, siding), and any specific design elements you want, like a front porch, large windows, or a particular roof style.

2. Desired Floor Plan & Layout

Provide details on the type of floor plan you prefer, such as open-concept living areas, single-level living, or a split-level layout. Share preferences for bedroom and bathroom locations, kitchen size and layout, and other features like walk-in closets, mudrooms or laundry room placement.

3. Energy Efficiency & Sustainability Goals

Talk about your goals for energy efficiency, such as solar panels, energy-efficient windows, or advanced HVAC systems. If sustainability is important to you, mention the use of eco-friendly materials, green building practices, or certifications like LEED.

4. Future Plans & Resale Value

Consider your long-term plans—do you plan to live in the home indefinitely, or is resale value important? This may influence decisions on layout, number of bedrooms/bathrooms, and overall size. Keep in mind that a flexible design can help you transition room usage as your family changes. For instance, a playroom can become a yoga room, craft room, gym or home office.

5. Timeline & Construction Expectations

Communicate your desired move-in date or timeline for project completion although keep in mind that some projects are more complicated than others, which can extend the timeline of a project. Weather, always an adventure here in Oklahoma, also can delay projects now and then.

Still, be clear about expectations for project updates, progress meetings, and how often you’d like to be involved in decisions during construction. At Shaw Homes, with custom homes as well as with our non-custom new homes in OKC, our goal is to touch base with you as often as possible to provide updates and answer any questions. We want you involved throughout every step of the process.

Contact Shaw Homes Today!

If you have been searching for custom home builders in OKC, please contact our team at any time to discuss your home building needs. We also work as Edmond home builders and Tulsa home builders, so whether you want to build near OKC or Tulsa, we can help make your home-building dreams come true.