I can’t tell you how many homeowners call me after getting a “great” price from another builder…
They’re excited, they’ve budgeted, and they’re ready to start building.
But once construction begins, the surprise bills start rolling in.
- Dirt work because the lot wasn’t perfectly flat.
- Temporary utilities that no one mentioned.
- Insurance your bank suddenly requires before they release funds.
Suddenly, the home they thought was within budget is costing them thousands more in cash. And the worst part is, they’re paying for the same home twice: once in their construction loan and again through out-of-pocket expenses they never saw coming.
It doesn’t have to be that way.
After more than 20 years building custom homes in Flower Mound, Argyle, and Bartonville, I’ve learned exactly which 7 costs sneak up on homeowners, and how to avoid them so your build stays smooth, stress-free, and truly move-in ready.
1. Permits and Permit Documents
I once got a call from a frustrated homeowner who had signed with another builder because their price looked amazing.
But two months later, he was stalled. Nothing had started. Why? The builder hadn’t included permits or the paperwork needed to get them.
He thought that was just… automatic. Instead, he was weeks behind schedule, out another $20,000.00, and trying to rework his loan to cover the gap.
With us, permits are always included. You’ll never get that dreaded call that starts with, “We can’t start until you pay for…”
Because surprises belong at birthday parties, not on your construction invoice.
2. Dirt Work and Excavation
Texas land has a mind of its own. I’ve seen lots that look flat until we pull the first string line… and realize they’re 18 inches off across the slope.
I remember a family who’d signed with a low-bid builder. Almost immediately after starting, the builder told them they needed an additional $18,000.00 in dirt work just to pour the foundation. It wasn’t in the quote. They had to pull from savings to keep the project moving.
We plan for dirt work upfront, so it’s part of the original quote. Your budget stays intact, and your home moves forward without the heart-stopping surprises.
3. Temporary Utilities During Construction
Here’s something most folks never think about: your home needs power and water long before you move in.
I’ve seen homeowners show up to check progress and find the site silent because the builder hadn’t included temporary utilities. Guess who paid for setup and service in cash?
With Victor Myers Custom Homes, we include every step of construction, from the first stake in the ground to move-in day, so you’re never paying for the same home twice.
4. Insurance and Workers’ Comp
I’ve watched builds grind to a halt over this one.
Banks won’t release your funds without builder’s risk insurance and workers’ comp in place. If your builder didn’t include it, you’ll be racing to find coverage, or your build will sit still while interest ticks away.
We never leave you exposed like that. Your fixed-price quote already includes every required insurance, so you can build with confidence and sleep easy at night.
5. Landscaping Requirements
I’ll never forget walking into a gorgeous new home with a young family who should’ve been celebrating.
The kitchen smelled like fresh wood and new paint. The kids were running room to room, already picking out which bedroom was theirs. But when Mom looked out the back window, her face dropped.
All she saw was bare dirt… no trees, and no grass.
The city required five trees and full landscaping before she could legally move in. The builder hadn’t mentioned it, and now she was staring at a $18,000.00 bill she hadn’t budgeted for.
That’s why we handle landscaping differently. We check every city requirement upfront and include what’s needed, like trees, sod, grading, and irrigation, so when move-in day comes, you’re holding the keys, not a surprise invoice.
6. Pools and Fences
Thinking of adding a pool? Great. Just know the city won’t approve your move-in without a fence around it.
I’ve seen it happen plenty of times. A family builds their “dream” home, the pool looks perfect, they’re ready to move in, and then they find out the city inspector can’t sign off.
No fence, no move-in.
And suddenly they’re shelling out cash, rushing to get a fence installed, and wondering why no one warned them.
With us, pools and safety fences are always part of the plan. Your home will be ready to live on the day we hand over the keys.
7. City-Required Extras You Didn’t Know About
This is the sneakiest cost of all.
Every city has its own quirks. Maybe it’s an extra drainage swale the inspector wants. Or a utility hookup that no one mentioned. For some, it could be a grading change because the lot slopes just a little too much.
I’ve seen homeowners get hit with these costs at the worst time, right when they think they’re almost done, because their builder either didn’t know to plan for them or just hoped the city wouldn’t notice.
At Victor Myers Custom Homes, we plan for all of it. We check the city requirements before we ever give you a number, and we make sure it’s in the quote.
How to Avoid Unexpected Surprises
If you want the best advice I can give in one sentence, it’s this:
Always ask, “What’s NOT included in this proposal?”
Most homeowners don’t, and that’s why surprise bills appear when it’s too late to roll them into your loan. That’s when projects pause, savings accounts get drained, and stress takes over.
With us, your fixed-price quote is truly move-in ready. Every permit, every bit of dirt work, every temporary utility, every insurance, every city requirement – it’s all there.
Of course, there’s more to building a home you’ll love for decades than what’s in the quote (or not in the quote).
That’s why I put together a free guide for homeowners who want to build smart and avoid paying for their home twice:
Build With Confidence: 7 Things You Must Know Before Designing a New Home
Inside, I share the steps I walk my own clients through, like how to plan your home the right way from day one, pick the details that keep it comfortable and efficient for years, and sidestep the little mistakes that quietly drain budgets and turn dream homes into headaches.
Download your copy today and start building knowing every cost is accounted for, before the first brick is laid.
Read about the journey of Victor. Victor Myers Custom Homes proudly partners with NAHB, TAB, and Dallas BA.
