Pre-construction is the planning stage between signing your custom-home agreement and starting work on the lot. For Texas Hill Country buyers, it turns a home concept into an approved, build-ready plan by aligning selections, site information, community requirements, lender documents, and the construction-loan close.
This guide separates general Hill Country planning from the project-specific work your builder and other partners confirm for your home. The six steps below help you know what to expect before construction begins.
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Six Steps in the Texas Hill Country Pre-Construction Process
1. Finalize Selections and Customization
General guidance: Confirm finishes, fixtures, appliances, and other selections early enough for plans and specifications to stay aligned. Keep a record of decisions and ask which choices affect the budget or schedule.
JLP-specific: For a JLP project, confirm the selection deadlines, allowances, and approval process in your agreement with the JLP team.
2. Complete Site Due Diligence and Land Preparation
General guidance: Review lot access, grading, drainage, soil, utilities, wastewater, and any engineering needs. Texas Hill Country lots vary, so the required checks depend on location and site conditions.
JLP-specific: Ask JLP which site documents and consultant reports it needs for your plan, and how site findings affect home placement and foundation planning.
3. Submit Plans and Engineering to the HOA and ACC
General guidance: If the lot is in a homeowners association, submit the plans and required materials to the HOA or Architectural Control Committee. Requirements vary by community, so confirm the current rules and review process with the association.
JLP-specific: JLP can confirm the drawing and specification package and the submission steps for your project. Approval belongs to the HOA or ACC, not the builder.
4. Submit Plans and Specifications to Your Lender
General guidance: Give your lender the final plans, site plan, and specifications needed for appraisal and construction-loan underwriting. Ask which documents and conditions remain outstanding.
JLP-specific: Confirm with JLP and your lender who supplies each document and when revisions must be reported. The builder's process does not replace lender requirements.
5. Hold the Pre-Construction Meeting
General guidance: Use the pre-construction meeting to review the plan, schedule, site access, responsibilities, communication process, and inspection expectations. Resolve open questions before work begins.
JLP-specific: Ask JLP who your primary contact is, how decisions are documented, and what must be resolved before the project moves into construction.
6. Close on the Construction Loan
General guidance: Complete the lender's conditions and construction-loan close before funds can be drawn. Review the draw schedule and any conversion terms directly with your lender because loan products differ.
JLP-specific: Confirm with JLP the handoff from approved plans and the pre-construction meeting to construction start, including what lender confirmation JLP needs.
How JLP's Process Fits With General Planning
General guidance covers issues common to many Texas Hill Country builds. JLP-specific details come from your agreement, plan, lot, community, and lender. JLP's custom home building process outlines the broader path; use your JLP team and lender to confirm project-specific requirements instead of relying on a generic checklist.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does pre-construction include?
It includes the planning, selections, site checks, approvals, lender coordination, meeting, and loan close that prepare a custom home project for construction. The exact requirements depend on the home, lot, community, and lender.
Does every Texas Hill Country lot need the same site due diligence?
No. Terrain, access, drainage, utilities, wastewater, community rules, and local requirements vary by property. Ask your builder and qualified local professionals which checks apply to your lot.
When should I speak with my construction lender?
Speak with the lender early and keep the lender involved as plans and specifications are finalized. Your lender can explain appraisal, underwriting, closing, and draw requirements for the loan product you are considering.