Land Development & Site Preparation

Hewn Custom Homes team reviewing site plans and architectural blueprints for a Middle Tennessee luxury home project.

Explore smart solutions for building when available property is limited

Building a luxury custom home starts with one essential question: Where will you build it?

In a region like Middle Tennessee—especially in high-demand areas like Williamson and Davidson Counties—finding the right property is often the hardest part. With limited available land and intense development pressure, many prospective homeowners feel stuck before they even start.

We’re here to simplify that decision—and offer
creative, actionable solutions to help you move forward with
confidence.

Lots vs. Land: What’s the Difference?

While the terms “lot” and “land” are often used interchangeably, they aren’t the same:

Land

Refers broadly to any undeveloped property, whether it’s raw acreage or a cleared field.

Raw Land

Typically lacks infrastructure like access roads, utility connections, or grading for a home site.

A Lot

Is a parcel of land that’s already prepped and zoned for building—often with utilities like electricity, sewer, gas, and water readily accessible.

The Reality of Building in Williamson County & Greater Nashville

Nashville continues to be one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, with over 75 new residents arriving daily. Experts project a shortage of more than 90,000 homes in the next decade across the metro area.

As population surges, large-scale developers—many from out of state—are buying up available land for master-planned communities. While this helps the region overall, it often leaves little opportunity for independent luxury home builds on private lots.

If you’re seeking privacy, acreage, or a distinct architectural style, finding a suitable lot can feel impossible. But with the right guidance and access, there are still ways to build your dream home.

Solutions for Building When Land is Scarce

At Hewn, we specialize in helping buyers like you navigate this complex market. Whether you want 10+ acres for a quiet homestead or a premium location in Brentwood or Franklin, our in-house team can help identify viable paths forward.

We maintain a portfolio of buildable lots and private parcels throughout Middle Tennessee, including some off-market opportunities that are not publicly listed. Our team can help match your vision to properties we already control or can acquire on your behalf.

If you’re committed to a specific neighborhood but can’t find a vacant lot, a tear-down may be your best option. Purchasing an older home and replacing it with your custom build is a growing trend in Williamson and Davidson Counties. It allows you to build in your ideal location—even if no “for sale” signs are present on open land.

We’ll assess the feasibility of any property you’re considering, including:

  • Lot orientation
  • Site restrictions
  • Utility access
  • Demolition and permitting costs

If you own or are considering purchasing raw land, we can help you develop it into a build-ready homesite. Our expertise includes:

  • Site evaluation and surveying
  • Utility and septic planning
  • Driveway layout and clearing
  • Grading and erosion control
  • Regulatory permitting and approvals
Couple embracing on open land at sunset, envisioning building their dream home in Middle Tennessee with Hewn Custom Homes.
Rustic luxury living room with floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace, wood beam ceiling, and large windows in a Middle Tennessee custom home by Hewn Custom Homes.

Why Work With Hewn

Unlike most builders, Hewn is backed by decades of land development experience—including the delivery of over 4,000 homesites across Middle Tennessee through our sister company, Willow Branch Homes.

We bring this same strategic, development-first mindset to individual clients seeking custom builds. From land evaluation and acquisition to home design and construction, we offer a seamless, start-to-finish experience built around your vision.

Let’s Talk About Where You’ll Build

Whether you already own property, need help sourcing land, or want to explore tear-downs and private lot options, Hewn is here to help you get started.