Common Mistakes People Make When Building on Their Own Lot

Building your dream home on land you own—or plan to buy—is one of the most rewarding paths to homeownership in Middle Tennessee. But it also comes with its share of pitfalls. Without a trusted builder guiding the process, it’s easy to make decisions that can delay your build, balloon your costs, or compromise your long-term vision.

At Hewn, we’ve walked dozens of clients through the build-on-your-lot journey. We’ve seen the good, the bad, and the costly. In this post, we’ll share the most common mistakes building on your lot—and how to avoid them.

Mistake #1: Buying Land Before Evaluating Buildability

That beautiful lot with rolling hills and mature trees might seem like a steal—until you realize it requires tens of thousands in grading, retaining walls, or blasting rock. Always evaluate:

• Topography and slope
• Soil quality (perk testing for septic)
• Zoning and setbacks
• Utility access

We cover this in more detail in Utility Access 101: What You Need to Know Before You Build and How to Find the Perfect Lot for Your Dream Home in Middle Tennessee.

Mistake #2: Underestimating Site Prep Costs

Site work is the hidden variable that can make or break your budget. Clearing trees, cutting in a driveway, installing culverts, and grading for a level build pad can add significant costs before your foundation is even poured.

If your builder isn’t doing a full site evaluation, you’re flying blind. See What Goes Into Land Clearing, Grading, and Site Prep? for a full breakdown.

Mistake #3: Assuming Every Builder Will Build on Your Lot

Not all builders are equipped to handle custom builds on private land. Many production builders require you to build in their controlled developments. Others may not offer true turnkey service—leaving you to coordinate permits, clearing, or utility extensions yourself.

Hewn specializes in custom and semi-custom homes on private land. We act as your guide and general contractor, handling everything from design to final inspection.

Mistake #4: Designing a Home Before Understanding the Land

Too often, homeowners fall in love with a floor plan before understanding how it will sit on their site. Key mismatches include:

• Garage orientation vs. driveway access
• Walkout basements on flat lots (or vice versa)
• Blocking key views or sun exposure

It’s smarter to adapt the plan to the land—not the other way around. Learn how in A Step-by-Step Look at the Custom Home Process with Hewn.

Mistake #5: Not Budgeting for Utilities and Septic

If your lot lacks sewer access, you’ll need to plan for a septic system—and that depends on soil conditions. Similarly, water, electric, and gas lines may need to be extended from the street or even the nearest main road.

This can easily add $10K–$50K+ to your project if not accounted for early. Start with Can You Build on Land with No Utilities? to explore your options.

Mistake #6: Skipping Permitting and Legal Review

Zoning laws, HOA restrictions, environmental overlays, and historic districts can all impact your ability to build the home you want. In some counties, even minor grading requires permits.

At Hewn, we conduct full zoning and compliance research during pre-construction so there are no surprises later.

Mistake #7: Managing the Build Yourself

Some homeowners try to act as their own general contractor, coordinating trades, ordering materials, and navigating permitting. Unless you have deep experience, this usually leads to costly delays, stress, and inconsistent quality.

Partnering with a builder like Hewn gives you a single point of contact and a proven process. You’ll avoid the chaos and move forward with clarity.

Bonus Mistake: Not Considering the Long Game

Think beyond move-in. How will your land function in 5, 10, or 20 years?

• Will you want to build a detached garage or pool later?
• Are you leaving space for future additions?
• Does your home placement preserve privacy from future development?

These are just a few long-term considerations we help you think through early on.

Want to Build Without Regrets?

Building on your lot doesn’t have to be risky—if you avoid the common traps and work with a team that knows the landscape.

Start your project with The Ultimate Guide to Building on Your Lot in Middle Tennessee, then schedule a free site consultation with Hewn.

We’ll help you make informed decisions, protect your budget, and bring your vision to life—without the usual headaches.

Contact Hewn today to take the first step toward a smart, successful custom home build.