The thought of waking up in your beautiful, newly constructed custom home surrounded by acres of land and nature sure sounds like a homeowner's dream. That's why here at Dunn & Stone, we love turning our home buyers' dreams into their reality with our ‘Build On Your Own Land' Program!
While there are plenty of important aspects to consider when you build and design your own home, securing the best-suitable land to get the construction process started is the most critical step in the building process.
Below you'll find a list of everything you need to know when you're looking to build on your land in and around the Houston area, where you can find beautiful new housing developments in great locations with amazing amenities.
Find Your Perfect Lot
First thing's first: when you're ready to build your dream home on your own lot in the Greater Houston area, you will need to find the right amount of land that fits your needs.
The lot size will depend on the type of custom home you're looking to build and your personal preference. Whether you're looking to acquire five acres or fifty, knowing how much land is available in the area of your choice will help determine which lot size best suits your needs.
From neighborhoods within the top Houston and surrounding area school districts to plots of land to plant your family roots, our lot experts can help connect you to the best land opportunities right here in our community. Here's what to consider when choosing the perfect location for your new home.
Considerations When Choosing The Perfect Lot
First, think about the location and how close it is to essential services and amenities.
Is the lot near top-rated schools, healthcare facilities, and shopping areas?
These factors can have a huge impact on both your family's quality of life and the property's resale value.
You'll also want to consider the natural environment of the lot. Does it offer the scenic views or privacy you're looking for?
At the end of the day, it really comes down to preference. Understanding how factors like these can affect your comfort will help in creating a home that really feels like yours.
Things To Avoid When Choosing A Lot
Steer clear of lots that are near busy roads and under flight paths to reduce noise pollution, and be wary of land with poor soil quality or uneven terrain, which can complicate construction and increase costs.
It's also wise to avoid areas far from utilities like water, sewage, and electricity. Extending services can be very expensive, and are likely to delay your building timeline.
Assess whether the lot you want to purchase has any of these issues and avoid buying a lot that needs many adjustments down the line, since this can quickly turn into a daunting process.
Make Sure Your Lot Meets Local Requirements
When building a custom home in Houston, TX, you must comply with specific requirements outlined by city and county building codes. These standards are designed to protect property values and keep your new custom-built home safe and structurally sound.
During the site preparation process, it's also important to verify that your chosen lot does not lie within flood zones or wetlands and to make sure your land is ready for electrical and plumbing installations. This helps you avoid complications during your build.
What Are The Local Lot Requirements In Houston?
In Houston, TX, local lot requirements are designed to ensure that every new home built enhances the community and maintains safety standards.
Houston doesn't have zoning laws that dictate how land can be used, but it does require builders to follow ordinance codes that specify how land can be subdivided. You'll also need to stay in compliance with utility access requirements that allow homes to access essential services. Securing a construction loan often depends on compliance with these regulations.
Another critical requirement is setbacks, which dictate the distance from your house foundation to any other buildings on adjacent properties.
Prospective homeowners should choose a homebuilder near their location and consult city planning documents to fully understand these requirements. Careful preparation helps to make the homebuilding process a win-win situation for both the builder and the homeowner by ensuring all legal and practical standards are met before construction begins.
What Are Setbacks?
Setbacks are specific regulations set by home owner’s associations in Houston that require a certain distance to be maintained between a building and the property boundaries or other structures.
The rules around setbacks exist to ensure privacy, safety, and adequate space for emergency services to operate.
Setbacks can vary widely depending on things like the size of the lot,and its location. It's important for homeowners and builders to verify these details early in the planning stage so they can customize the home's design accordingly.
Survey The Land
Next, it’s time to thoroughly survey your plot of land in the Greater Houston area.
You’ll want to have a licensed surveyor examine the property to identify obstacles like trees that might complicate the construction process.
Surveying your land often prevents costly surprises as you build your new home, but it's important to remember that discrepancies between the survey results and the actual conditions of the land are common.
How To Choose A Licensed Surveyor
Choosing a licensed surveyor is a crucial step in ensuring your plot of land is accurately evaluated before you begin to build your home.
It's important to work with one or more professional contractors with experience in Texas and the Greater Houston area who understand the unique challenges of the local terrain and ordinance regulations.
Look for a surveyor who is part of a recognized lot program and who holds a commitment to precision and ethical practice. Make sure to check their credentials and read reviews from other builders or homeowners.
Sometimes, you can also contact their previous clients to discover how effectively they managed land discrepancies and contributed to the success of their construction projects.
Visiting their past survey sites can provide additional assurance of their expertise.
What Is Checked In A Land Survey?
During a land survey, a professinoal examines key features of a property to verify that every aspect of the land meets the necessary conditions for construction.
The survey assesses the topography of the land to identify variations in elevation that could affect the foundation and overall structure of the home. It also measures boundaries to confirm the exact dimensions of the property, which makes it easier to complying with local building laws and setback requirements.
The surveyor also checks for any easements that may affect where utilities and driveways can be placed.
They'll also map natural features such as trees, water bodies, and significant rock formations that could influence the final design and development plans.
Check On Deed Restrictions
Next up, be sure to consult with your building team or Realtor to review any deed restrictions before purchasing your plot of land.
Understanding these restrictions is important because they dictate everything from the type of custom homes you can build to standard features and energy efficiency requirements.
This ensures your final walkthrough meets all community standards, keeping your home financing process straightforward and aligned with local guidelines.
What Are Deed Restrictions?
Deed restrictions are sometimes called restrictive covenants. They are legally enforceable conditions written into the title of a property.
These restrictions dictate various aspects of what can and cannot be done on the property.
Typical restrictions include the types of structures that can be built, the minimum size of buildings, architectural styles, color schemes, and landscaping requirements.
They can also limit the type of alterations that may be made to existing plans. This is to be sure that all modifications meet community standards.
Deed restrictions often increase property values. They are put in place by developers or homeowner associations to maintain a certain level of uniformity and quality within a neighborhood.
Are Deed Restrictions Common?
Deed restrictions are very common in planned communities, especially in the Greater Houston area and other urban centers. They often exist in neighborhoods with high development interest, and can help manage growth while preserving the area's character.
Potential home buyers should thoroughly review deed restrictions before completing their purchase, and consult with professionals to understand how these might affect their property rights and building possibilities.
Start Working With A Custom Home Builder In Houston Today
Now that you've found your ideal plot of land in the perfect location to build on, it's time to put your building plans into action.
As one of the best custom home builders in Houston, Dun & Stone is equipped to guide you through the home building experience from start to finish.
We'll help you do everything from choosing the right floor plan to selecting the materials that match your style and budget. Whether you need advice on construction loans or another pair of eyes during the final walk through, we're here to help you build the home of your dreams.
180-day workmanship guarantee, longest on this list
Covers rust, corrosion, and unknown pre-existing conditions
Great for normal wear and tear on HVAC, electrical, and plumbing
Straightforward plans
Lower-than-average service request fees
Several plans come with no service fees
Highly flexible, system-specific plans tailored to your needs
Affordable entry pricing starts at $7/month for individual plans
Fixed $85 service fee helps homeowners budget confidently
Broad home warranty cover for HVAC, appliances, and more
Includes optional coverage for issues like roof leaks
Generous HVAC coverage, ideal for Texas heat
Transparent pricing, rare in the industry
Wide range of add-on options for upscale homes
Cons
Lower coverage limits on some repairs raise out-of-pocket repair costs
Some service fee options are unclear until you begin the sign-up process
Occasional complaints about delays in technician assignment
Higher premiums compared to more affordable plans
Few add-on coverage options
Some complaints of poor customer service and long claim resolution times
Less budget-friendly for cost-conscious homeowners
Limited add-on coverage selection
Does not cover pre-existing conditions, limiting protection for older homes
HVAC coverage not included in the “Repair Only” plan
No roof leak coverage
Higher service request fees than competitors
Limited add-on options
Comprehensive coverage requires stacking plans
Bundled options are confusing, not necessarily comprehensive
Frequent reports of claim denials
Mixed customer service reviews
Fewer added perks than competitors
Some customers report slow claim processing
Add-ons can raise the overall cost quickly if you're not careful
Our Top Pick: Liberty Home Guard
If you're looking for the best home warranty company in Texas, Liberty Home Guard stands out as the top choice in 2025.
It’s not the cheapest option on the list, but it consistently ranks as one of the top home warranty providers thanks to its strong home warranty coverage, fast service, and unmatched flexibility.
Liberty’s plans are designed for real life in Texas, where dual air conditioning systems, major home systems, and high summer temps are the norm.
It’s one of the few home warranty companies that includes coverage for two electric AC units in its standard plan.
What also sets Liberty apart is its level of customization.
With over 30 add-on coverage options, homeowners can build a plan that fits their property perfectly, whether they need coverage for a septic system, a swimming pool, or extra laundry appliances.
This kind of flexibility is rare among other home warranty companies.
It’s not just the coverage options that impress, though.
Liberty earns high marks from home warranty customers for its responsiveness and customer service.
You can manage your home warranty contract through their mobile app, which many Texas homeowners love for the convenience when filing a claim or tracking repairs.
Dual AC coverage in the base plan, ideal for Texas heat
High customer satisfaction
Over 30 add-ons for extra coverage
Mobile app and live chat support
Cons
Lower coverage limits on some repairs raise out-of-pocket repair costs
Some service fee options are unclear until you begin the sign-up process
Occasional complaints about delays in technician assignment
Runner Up: American Home Shield
Coming in close behind Liberty, American Home Shield ranks as one of the best home warranty providers in Texas for 2025.
With over 50 years of experience and broad home warranty coverage that includes preexisting conditions, this provider has built a strong reputation among homeowners with older homes, aging heating systems, and major appliances.
In a 2025 This Old House survey, 44% of Texas homeowners selected American Home Shield as their current provider, making it one of the most widely used Texas home warranty companies.
Our favorite features is the $5,000 HVAC coverage cap per system, which is ideal for the Texas climate. The reason we love it is because A/C repairs are some of the most common (and expensive) home service calls made in the Houston area.
Quick Facts: American Home Shield
Feature
Details
Texas Coverage
✅ Yes
Covers Major Home Systems & Appliances
✅ Yes
Monthly Premium
Starts at $39
Service Fee
$100–$125 (customer selects at sign-up)
Typical Response Time
Varies (reports range from 24 hours to multiple weeks)
Mobile app allows you to request service anytime, anywhere
Cons
Higher premiums compared to more affordable plans
Few add-on coverage options
Some complaints of poor customer service and long claim resolution times
Other Great Home Warranty Companies In Texas
While Liberty Home Guard and American Home Shield earned our top spots, they’re not the only Texas home warranty companies worth your attention.
Several other home warranty providers offer solid coverage, competitive pricing, and reliable service.
If you're looking for alternatives that still deliver great value and protection for your covered home systems, the options below are absolutely still worth considering.
First American Home Warranty
While it’s a bit pricier than some affordable plans (with monthly premiums starting at $42), First American Home Warranty makes up for it with higher coverage limits and solid protection for both major appliances and covered systems.
This is especially appealing to owners of high-end homes in Houston.
Some plans offer up to $7,000 in appliance coverage and unlimited HVAC system coverage, which is what makes this company a strong contender for anyone who wants broad, comprehensive coverage (as long as you’re willing to pay a little more for it).
One standout feature is the First American Advantage upgrade, which adds protection for poor installation issues not always covered under standard home warranty plans.
Great for normal wear and tear on HVAC, electrical, and plumbing
Straightforward plans
Lower-than-average service request fees
Cons
Limited add-on options
HomeServe
HomeServe offers a different take on home warranty coverage in Texas, and it works well for homeowners who want low service fees and highly targeted protection.
Instead of bundling everything into one plan, HomeServe allows you to pick and choose the covered systems you care about most, like plumbing, electrical, or HVAC.
To sweeten the deal, several of their plans have no service fees at all.
That’s a massive advantage if you’re looking to reduce out-of-pocket costs on normal wear repairs.
But because each system is covered under a separate plan, achieving full comprehensive coverage can get pricey.
You may need to purchase multiple plans to match the kind of protection you’d get from bundled providers like Liberty or options found on American Home Shield’s website.
Highly flexible, system-specific plans tailored to your needs
Affordable entry pricing starts at $7/month for individual plans
Cons
Comprehensive coverage requires stacking plans
Bundled options are confusing, not necessarily comprehensive
Choice Home Warranty
With one of the most affordable home warranty plans in Texas, Choice Home Warranty offers monthly premiums starting at $35 and a predictable, fixed $85 service fee.
It’s a budget-friendly option for homeowners who want wide home warranty coverage without a complicated pricing model.
Choice’s plans cover both HVAC systems and major appliances, and they include extras that other low-cost providers skip like limited roof leak coverage.
It’s a strong fit for value-seekers who still want protection for high-cost repairs.
However, Choice’s reputation comes with a caveat.
Despite its large customer base (49,000+ reviews on Trustpilot), it has received criticism for poor customer service and claim denials more frequently than top competitors.
Fixed $85 service fee helps homeowners budget confidently
Broad home warranty cover for HVAC, appliances, and more
Includes optional coverage for issues like roof leaks
Cons
Frequent reports of claim denials
Mixed customer service reviews
Fewer added perks than competitors
Home Warranty of America
Home Warranty of America (HWA) offers plans designed for both homeowners and real estate professionals, which makes it a versatile choice for a wide range of Texans.
Known for its transparent pricing and solid HVAC coverage, HWA is a wise pick for those living in hotter climates like Houston where AC systems get put to the test.
Plans start at $46/month, and coverage includes major appliances and systems, with HVAC protection capped at $5,000.
While the base pricing is competitive, be aware that add-on options can increase costs quickly, especially if you’re customizing coverage for a high-end or custom-built home.
Add-ons can raise the overall cost quickly if you're not careful
How We Picked The Top Home Warranty Companies Of 2025
Companies with the best home warranties in Texas respond quickly, partner with licensed local contractors, and actually follow through on their repair guarantees.
Here’s the criteria we used to build our list of the top home warranty companies in 2025. The companies on the list needed to meet at least 4 of 5 of these requirements in order to make the list.
Must cover critical systems and appliances
Texas homeowners face unique challenges due to the climate. Houston’s heat and humidity put a serious strain on air conditioning systems, plumbing, and electrical systems, which means warranties that skip these aren’t worth your time.
In fact, in a recent 2025 survey by Texas Homeowner Trends, 63% of respondents ranked air conditioning coverage as their top priority when choosing a home warranty in Texas.
Builders also care. They want home warranty companies that cover the systems and appliances they install to avoid post-sale arguments over repairs.
Must be priced for Texas homeowners
We only selected companies whose plans fall within the average home warranty cost range for Texas in 2025. That’s between $52 and $80 per month.
This range reflects pricing for the Houston area, which is one of the state’s most active homebuilding markets.
Plans that are too cheap often have low coverage limits. Plans that are too expensive may not offer enough value for what they charge.
Must have strong online reviews
We only considered companies with an average customer satisfaction rating of at least 4 out of 5 stars across sites like Trustpilot.
High scores show how the company handles real-world problems and home warranty service issues effectively.
Must offer fast, reliable service within a maximum of 48 hours
Texas homes can’t afford to wait for repair when the AC unit breaks down in the middle of summer.
Every company on our list offers quick service calls, a strong contractor network, and local availability for licensed repairs.
The Bottom Line
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to home warranty coverage in Texas, and that’s exactly why we created this guide.
From dual AC unit coverage to low service fees and comprehensive plans with high coverage limits, each of the companies we reviewed brings something different to the table.
Here’s the short version:
Liberty Home Guard is our top pick for its flexibility, customer satisfaction, and coverage designed for Texas heat.
American Home Shield stands out for high HVAC caps and coverage for older homes with no maintenance records required.
And for those on a tighter budget or looking for niche protections, companies like Cinch, HomeServe, and First American still offer reliable service — even if they don’t hit every mark.
So which warranty fits your situation best?
Best For First-Time Homeowners: American Home Shield
AHS offers peace of mind with broad coverage, no maintenance history requirements, and helpful tech features like 24/7 service requests and live video chat support.
Best For Budget-Conscious Homeowners: Cinch Home Services
Starting at just $35/month, Cinch offers solid protection with extras like rust coverage and a $500 homeowners insurance deductible reimbursement.
It’s a budget-friendly pick that still comes with a 180-day workmanship guarantee, which is one of the best in the business.
Best For Homeowners Who Want Total Coverage: Liberty Home Guard
With over 30 optional add-ons, dual AC unit coverage in the base plan, and a strong contractor network, Liberty is built for homeowners who want it all.
It’s the best choice for anyone building a custom home or looking to cover systems that most providers skip.
If you’re building a new home in the Houston area, choosing the right home warranty company is only part of the equation. You also need a builder who cares about long-term quality, not just closing day.
At Dunn & Stone Builders, we partner with trusted home warranty providers and build every home with longevity in mind.
Contact us today to talk about how we can help you bring your dream home vision to life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Best Home Warranty Company In Texas?
The best home warranty company in Texas is Liberty Home Guard. It offers fast service, strong customer satisfaction, and plans tailored to Texas homes, including dual AC coverage.
Which Home Warranty Providers Have The Highest Customer Satisfaction?
Liberty Home Guard and American Home Shield lead in customer satisfaction, with 4.5-star or higher ratings on review sites like Trustpilot and the Better Business Bureau.
What Does Home Warranty Coverage Typically Include?
Home warranty coverage usually includes major systems like HVAC, plumbing, and electrical, plus key appliances such as refrigerators, ovens, and washers.
Are All Home Warranty Plans Available In Texas?
No, not all home warranty plans are available in Texas. Only licensed Texas home warranty companies can offer coverage in the state.
Which Home Warranty Companies Offer The Best Repair Guarantee?
Cinch Home Services offers the best repair guarantee, with a 180-day workmanship guarantee that’s six times longer than the industry standard.
How Do I Choose Between Different Home Warranty Providers?
Look for providers with fast service times, high customer satisfaction, competitive pricing, and strong coverage for systems common in Texas homes.
What Should I Look For In Home Warranty Plans For Texas?
Look for home warranty plans that include HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems, offer reasonable monthly rates, and have a solid contractor network for quick repairs.
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