The home-building process for new construction can sometimes feel like navigating choppy waters, but with the right know-how, the home-building journey can be as smooth as the shoreline of the Texas Gulf Coast. Here's how to make your dream of owning a Texas waterfront home a reality.
Building a Waterfront Home in Texas: A Step-by-Step Guide
Dreaming of a waterfront home in Texas? Living on the Texas Gulf Coast comes with a boatload of beauty, relaxation, and outdoor recreation!
The home-building process for new construction can sometimes feel like navigating choppy waters, but with the right know-how, the home-building journey can be as smooth as the shoreline of the Texas Gulf Coast. Here's how to make your dream of owning a Texas waterfront home a reality:
Step 1: Find the Right Waterfront Lot
The first step to building custom homes in Texas is selecting the ideal plot of land.
Finding the right land requires more than finding a pretty view (although that matters too!). The location must also meet practical requirements to promote long-term value and ensure suitability for construction. For example, access to utilities like electricity, water, and sewage is essential, as is providing the land with stable soil and the proper elevation for building.
Water levels also play a critical role in the suitability of a plot of land. The natural geography of rivers or tides can impact the cost of the construction process as well as where and how your home is built. You'll want to work with professionals to research land costs carefully, as waterfront properties can command premium prices depending on their proximity to major cities.
Why Beachside?
Beachside in Palacios offers ready-to-build waterfront lots tucked away in a gated neighborhood. Here, you’ll find underground city utilities, a community center, private fishing piers, and beautiful beaches ready for your enjoyment.
Step 2: Acquire the Land
After finding the perfect plot of land, it’s time to make an offer!
After assessing the property to confirm it meets your needs and adheres to local regulations, you must conduct a detailed land survey to determine its boundaries, elevation, and soil quality. For waterfront properties, you’ll need to double-check flood zone classifications since building a house in flood-prone areas requires specific structural designs and adherence to certain laws.
When calculating your budget, don't forget to factor in closing costs, title insurance, and legal fees.
Why Beachside?
At Beachside, our in-house financing experts can help you purchase your dream lot without all the hassle. We only require a 10% down payment for land loans, and our lots are priced significantly lower than our competitors to make your dream of owning a waterfront home more attainable.
Step 3: Navigate the Construction Process
Texas is known for its favorable environment for building new homes, but waterfront properties have unique regulatory requirements.
Local zoning laws and environmental regulations often dictate how close to the water you can build a house and which structures are permitted. In many cases, you'll need special permits for properties located in floodplains or environmentally sensitive areas.
Why Beachside?
At Beachside, we understand the importance of finding the right builder with extensive knowledge of local building permits and regulations. After purchasing your waterfront lot at Beachside, you’ll be free to choose your own builder on your terms and timeline
Step 4: Preparing for Potential Storms
While Texas waterfront properties are relatively protected from hurricanes compared to other coastal states, such as Florida, it’s always wise to be prepared for potential storms. Including storm-resistant features in your custom home design can help safeguard your investment, ensure your family's safety, and make your property more appealing to insurance companies and future buyers.
At a minimum, hurricane-proof windows and reinforced doors should be installed to protect against high winds and debris. Storm shutters can also help to create an extra layer of defense. Electrical systems and HVAC units should be elevated to prevent costly damage in the event of a storm. You can also consider building your home on a piling.
Why Build Your Texas Waterfront Home on Pilings?
One of the most important decisions to make during the construction process is deciding the type of foundation your home will sit on. On the Texas Gulf Coast, building a waterfront house on pilings or piers is a common practice for a few reasons.
First, you will reduce the risk of water damage from flooding or storm surges by elevating your building off the ground. Because of the mitigated risk for flood-related claims, several insurance companies offer discounts for waterfront properties built on pilings.
Second, pier foundations add durability and storm resilience to your home. They can withstand the shifting earth, erosion, and storm winds better than traditional foundations. And, bonus — an elevated foundation helps maximize those gorgeous waterfront views!
Why Beachside?
Though all cities and towns on the Gulf of Mexico are at risk of experiencing storm damage from high winds and hurricanes at some point, the risk of a hurricane hitting Palacios is much lower than in other popular spots to own a waterfront home, like Florida. Plus, our homes at Beachside are much less likely to sustain damage from storms because of our community’s protection from Matagorda Bay and the Matagorda Peninsula, which significantly reduce storm surges.
Step 5: Designing Your Waterfront Home
Now for the fun part — it’s time to bring your vision for your dream home to life!
After hiring an experienced architect and home builder who can help you craft a beautiful, custom waterfront home, you can begin creating a floor plan. Layouts with large windows and open concepts are popular for waterfront homes on the Texas Gulf Coast. Outdoor spaces, like decks and patios, are also a sought-after feature of waterfront homes to make it easier to soak up the beautiful views.
When it comes to building a custom home in Texas, materials also matter. You want to aim for durable siding and roofing to withstand humidity, salt, and extreme weather. Additionally, incorporating energy-efficient appliances can help reduce utility bills.
Why Beachside?
More than just a financial asset, a waterfront home is an investment in your quality of life. The privacy and beauty it provides make it a dream come true. At Beachside, that dream gets an extra dose of freedom. Our ready-to-build waterfront lots allow you to choose your builder and enjoy minimal restrictions. Our in-house finance team will help you maximize insurance discounts!
The Benefits of Waterfront Living
- Recreation Opportunities — There's a reason so many people worldwide dream of living by the ocean. A waterfront house in Texas has endless opportunities for relaxation and recreation, from fishing, kayaking, or simply watching the sunrise from your deck.
- Exceptional Investment — Beyond personal and family enjoyment, waterfront properties can also be lucrative investments. Vacation rentals are in high demand in Texas, especially during peak seasons. Renting out your home when you're not using it can generate substantial income, offsetting costs like local taxes and maintenance.
- Improved Quality of Life — Enhance your quality of life by living on the beautiful waters of the Texas Gulf Coast. Whether you’re looking for a second home, a short-term vacation rental, or a family-friendly spot to settle down, you’ll love the laid-back pace of life in Palacios.
Design a Custom Waterfront Home on the Texas Gulf Coast at Beachside
Ready to claim your perfect piece of the Texas Gulf Coast and build a beautiful, custom waterfront home? We’ve got you covered! Book a tour to discover why our build-ready lots at Beachside in Palacios are perfect for your second residence, family vacation home, or short-term rental property!