You’ve found the perfect piece of land. Now let’s build the perfect home to match it.
Owning your own lot in Southern Utah is something special. Maybe it’s a parcel with unobstructed views of the red rocks near Snow Canyon. Perhaps it’s a quiet acre in Dammeron Valley or a hillside property overlooking the St. George valley. Whatever drew you to your land, you chose it for a reason — and you deserve a builder who respects that vision.
At OPD Construction, we specialize in building custom homes on client-owned lots throughout St. George and Washington County. Unlike production builders who only work in their own developments, we bring our expertise to your property, wherever it may be.
Building on your own lot offers freedom that development homes simply can’t match. You choose the location. You control the orientation. You design a home that responds to your specific site — its views, its terrain, its unique character. Our job is to help you realize that potential while navigating the complexities that come with custom lot construction.
Whether your land is ready to build or needs significant preparation, we have the experience to guide you from raw property to finished home.
Choosing to build on land you own — rather than purchasing in a builder’s development — offers distinct advantages for homeowners who value control, location, and customization.
Development homes limit you to available lots within specific communities. When you own your land, you choose exactly where to live — whether that's a secluded mountain property, a lot near family, or a parcel with the precise views you've always wanted.
Your home can be designed to respond to your exact property. Orient living spaces toward the best views. Position the home to capture morning light or afternoon shade. Design outdoor areas that take advantage of your land's unique features. The site drives the design, not the other way around.
Without developer restrictions on square footage, elevation styles, or approved plans, you have complete freedom to design the home you want. From architectural style to floor plan to finishes, every decision is yours.
Building on your own land involves unique considerations compared to development construction. Here’s how we guide you through each phase.
Before anything else, we visit your property to assess its buildability and identify any factors that will influence design, cost, or timeline. This complimentary evaluation covers: Topography & grading requirements — Is the lot flat, sloped, or challenging terrain? Soil conditions — Does the soil suggest standard foundations or special engineering? Utility access — Are water, sewer, electricity, and gas available? What's required to connect? Access & setbacks — Can construction equipment reach the site? What are the buildable boundaries? Views & orientation — Where are the best views? How does sun exposure affect placement? Zoning & restrictions — What does local code allow? Are there HOA or CC&R limitations? After our evaluation, you'll have a clear picture of what building on your lot involves — including any red flags or opportunities we identify.
With site factors understood, we work with you and our architectural partners to design a home tailored to your property. This isn't about fitting a stock plan onto your lot — it's about creating a design that belongs there. During this phase, we address: Floor plan development based on your lifestyle and site orientation Exterior design that complements the landscape Structural considerations for your specific terrain Energy efficiency strategies suited to your site's exposure Outdoor living spaces that maximize your property's potential Design typically requires 8-12 weeks for custom homes, with multiple review sessions to refine every detail.
Once design is complete, we develop comprehensive construction estimates specific to your lot and plans. This isn't a rough ballpark — it's a detailed, line-item budget covering every aspect of construction. For build-on-your-lot projects, we pay special attention to: Site preparation costs (clearing, grading, excavation) Utility connection expenses Foundation requirements based on soil and terrain Access and staging considerations Any special engineering or permits required You'll understand exactly what your project will cost before committing to construction.
We handle the permit process with local jurisdictions, drawing on our experience with St. George, Washington, Ivins, Santa Clara, Hurricane, and other Washington County municipalities. Permitting requirements and timelines vary by location — our familiarity with local processes keeps your project moving efficiently. Pre-construction also includes: Finalizing material selections and specifications Ordering long-lead items to prevent delays Scheduling trade partners and establishing the construction timeline Completing any required HOA or architectural review board approvals
We don’t rely on cookie-cutter plans designed for flat, development lots. Every home we build responds to its specific site — maximizing views, working with terrain, and solving the unique challenges each property presents.
From soil conditions in different areas to permit processes across multiple jurisdictions, we understand Washington County’s building landscape. This knowledge prevents surprises and keeps projects moving.
Building on your own lot involves more variables than development construction. We keep you informed about site conditions, decisions, and progress at every step. No surprises, no guesswork.
From initial lot evaluation through design, permitting, construction, and final walkthrough, we manage the entire process. You have a single, accountable partner for your entire project.
You’ve invested in a piece of Southern Utah. Now it’s time to build a home worthy of it.
Our free lot evaluation gives you a clear, honest assessment of your property’s buildability, potential challenges, and estimated costs. There’s no obligation — just valuable information to help you move forward confidently.
No. Our initial lot evaluation is complimentary. We visit your property, assess key factors, and provide honest feedback on buildability and considerations — no obligation attached.
It depends. You avoid development premiums and may have purchased land at favorable prices. However, site preparation costs vary significantly. Some lots require minimal prep; others need substantial investment in grading, utilities, or access. We provide detailed estimates so you can compare accurately.
We have experience with challenging sites throughout Southern Utah. Difficult doesn’t mean impossible — it means additional planning, engineering, and budget. Our evaluation identifies challenges upfront so you can make informed decisions.
Yes, we build on client-owned lots throughout St. George and Washington County, as well as help clients identify and acquire ideal parcels.
Timeline depends on home size, complexity, and site conditions. Typical custom homes require 10-14 months of construction. Add 3-5 months for design and pre-construction. Challenging sites may extend timelines for additional site preparation.
While we’re not real estate agents, we can evaluate lots you’re considering before purchase and connect you with land specialists in Washington County. This helps you avoid buying property with hidden construction challenges.
Yes. A current boundary survey is required before design begins. If you don’t have one, we can recommend local surveyors. Survey costs typically range from $400-$1,500 depending on lot size and complexity.
We regularly build in HOA communities with architectural review requirements. We handle the approval process, ensuring your design meets community guidelines while still reflecting your vision.
