Two Ways Home
Build Custom or Buy a Spec Home
There are two ways into a Sotol home. With a custom build, you bring the lot (or we help you find one) and your wish list, and Zane builds a home designed around how your family lives. It takes more time and more decisions, and the result is all yours. With a spec home, Zane has already started building, so you can walk through it, see the finishes in person, and move in sooner. Same team and same standard either way.
Step by Step
Spec homes
Five Steps to Move-In Day
1. Tour the home
Walk through a spec home that's finished or underway. Bring your questions (and your tape measure).
2. Get pre-approved
Talk with a local lender so you know your budget before you fall in love with a house.
3. Make it yours
Buy early in the build and you can still help choose finishes. That's our Best of Both option.
4. Make an offer
We'll walk through price, closing date, and exactly what's included.
5. Close and move in
We do a final walkthrough together, you close with your lender and title company, and you get your keys.
Custom builds
Eight Steps From Lot to Keys
1. Let's talk
A relaxed first conversation about your land, budget, timeline, and wish list. No pressure.
2. Get pre-approved
Custom builds usually use a construction loan, which works a little differently than a regular mortgage. We'll point you to local lenders who know them well.
3. Find your lot
Already own land? Great. If not, we'll help you look, and check the easy-to-miss stuff like utilities and deed restrictions.
4. Design your plan
Start from an existing plan or from scratch. We'll price it out so there are no surprises.
5. Sign and schedule
You'll get a clear contract, a written price, and a timeline.
6. Pick your finishes
Flooring, cabinets, counters, and fixtures. We'll explain your allowances and help you choose.
7. Watch it go up
Zane is on site from slab to final walkthrough, with check-ins at key stages so you can see what's behind your walls.
8. Walkthrough and keys
We walk it together, take care of anything on the punch list, and hand you the keys.
Good Questions
New to this? Start here.
What's a spec home?
A home the builder starts before there's a buyer, built to the same standard as a custom home. You get a finished (or nearly finished) home on a shorter timeline.
What does Best of Both mean?
Buying a spec home early in the build, while there's still time to help choose finishes.
Can I build on my own land?
Yes. We'll walk the lot with you first to make sure it's ready to build on.
What's an allowance?
The budget set aside for a category like flooring or lighting. Choose something under it and you save. Go over and you pay the difference.
How long does a custom build take?
It depends on size, design, and weather. You'll get a realistic timeline in writing before you sign.
Custom or move-in ready?
Which is Right for You
Not sure whether to buy a spec home already underway or start a custom build from scratch? A spec home is one we're building or have completed on our own. You can walk through it before you commit, and move in sooner. A custom home starts with your lot and your list, built from the ground up around exactly what your family needs. Either way, it's the same team, the same standard, and Zane on-site from start to finish.
