When it comes to building your dream home, everything starts with the lot. Preparing your property correctly on the front end saves time, reduces unexpected costs, and sets the stage for a smooth construction process.

At Two Structures Homes, we’ve helped many families build on their own land across the Oklahoma City metro. Whether you’re preparing for your first lot walk or reviewing your site before construction, here are 9 key things to keep in mind when getting your lot ready for your new home.

1. Home Placement, Topography & Site Costs

It’s easy to focus on views, natural light, or curb appeal when deciding where to place your home—but placement affects more than just aesthetics. The elevation impacts drainage, grading, and ultimately, site development costs.

For example, positioning the home farther back can increase the length of driveways, utility runs, and excavation costs. And here in Oklahoma, proper drainage is critical to protect your foundation long-term. A thoughtful placement plan balances beauty, functionality, and budget from the start.

Pro Tip: You can’t legally divert water runoff onto a neighbor’s land. Proper grading protects everyone and avoids costly disputes

2. Natural Features Worth Preserving

Mature trees, gentle slopes, and unique site features can give your property instant character. Preserving these elements can influence where your home, driveway, and outdoor living spaces are located.

Some lots may also have tree preservation or waterway buffer requirements, so it’s worth walking the property early with your builder to identify what’s worth keeping—and what may require special permits.

3. Driveway Placement & Access

Even if you picture a winding, tree-lined driveway, local regulations often determine its placement for safety and line-of-sight reasons. Culvert sizing, distance from intersections, and driveway grade are all factors.

For rural properties, consider year-round accessibility: Will delivery trucks and emergency vehicles have room to maneuver? How will the driveway hold up to Oklahoma’s heavy rains or icy conditions?

4. Power, Water, Sewer, Well & Septic Connections

Every lot is different when it comes to utilities, and understanding your site’s needs early will save both time and money:

     - Electric: Homesites located far from the power source may require additional poles, a transformer, or underground conduit.

     - Water/Sewer: Tapping into city services is usually straightforward, but costs can increase with distance. Check tap and capacity fees early—they vary by location.

For rural lots without city utilities, private systems are common:

     - Septic: Oklahoma soils vary, so soil testing will determine what’s required. At Two Structures Homes, we typically use aerobic septic systems, which work well in a variety of soil conditions and provide efficient wastewater treatment when public sewer isn’t available.

     - Wells: Private wells must be strategically placed and tested for water quality. Some Oklahoma wells contain higher levels of iron or sulfur, which may require filtration or softening systems. Wells also need to be a minimum of 50 feet from septic systems to prevent contamination.

Getting clear on your utility plan upfront helps prevent costly delays and change orders once construction begins.

5. Planning for Private Utilities

Some lots may not have access to natural gas, so propane is often the alternative. Be sure to plan for the tank location and ensure there’s easy access for future refills. If you’re on a rural property, it’s also wise to consider backup power options or additional utility planning for future expansions.

6. Zoning, Setbacks & Environmental Factors

Before breaking ground, confirm that your lot’s zoning allows for residential construction. Review setback rules, easements, and any floodplain maps—especially for lots near creeks or low-lying areas.

Flood zones can impact foundation design, insurance costs, and site work expenses. A quick check of FEMA maps and a conversation with your builder can save you from mid-project surprises.

7. HOA or Community Rules

If your property is part of a homeowners’ association, familiarize yourself with any architectural or design guidelines early on. Roof pitch, exterior colors, siding materials, and even landscaping rules may affect your plans. Knowing these guidelines ahead of time keeps your design process smooth and avoids delays during approval.

8. Soil, Safety & Environmental Checks

Soil testing is one of the most important steps in lot preparation. Oklahoma soils can vary greatly—even on the same property—so testing ensures your foundation is designed appropriately.

Check for any old wells, septic systems, or previous land uses that may need remediation. Some areas may also require radon testing or erosion control plans to comply with county regulations.

9. Timelines & Long-Term Considerations

A good lot plan looks beyond today and considers the future:

     - Insurance: Lots located more than 5 miles from a fire station may have higher insurance rates.

     - Infrastructure: Future road widening or utility projects could impact your frontage.

     - Access: Easements and rights-of-way may affect where you can build or how the property can be accessed later.

Knowing these factors upfront gives you confidence and helps prevent costly surprises down the road.

The Bottom Line

Your lot is the starting point of your dream home. With careful preparation, good communication, and the right builder, potential challenges can become opportunities.

At Two Structures Homes, we guide families through this process every step of the way—making sure your lot is properly prepared so construction goes smoothly. The more groundwork you do now, the more you can enjoy focusing on the fun part: designing and building a home that fits your life and your family for years to come.

Ready to Build on Your Lot?

If you own land or are considering purchasing a homesite in the Oklahoma City metro, our team can help you evaluate your lot and prepare it for your dream home.

Contact Two Structures Homes to schedule a lot walk or consultation today.