From empty lot to dream home — we build custom residences from the ground up throughout Southern Utah
There’s something extraordinary about watching a home rise from bare ground. No compromises inherited from previous owners. No limitations imposed by existing structures. Just your vision, translated into reality one phase at a time.
Ground up construction is exactly what it sounds like — building a home from scratch, starting with nothing but land and ending with a finished residence designed entirely around your needs. It’s the most complete form of custom home building, offering total control over every aspect of your new home.
At OPD Construction, we specialize in ground up residential construction throughout St. George and Washington County. From the first shovel of dirt to the final coat of paint, we manage every phase of the building process — transforming empty lots into exceptional homes that our clients are proud to call their own.
Whether you already own land or are still searching for the perfect parcel, ground up construction offers possibilities that existing homes simply cannot match. This guide explains what the process involves, what to expect, and why building from the ground up might be the right choice for you.
Building from scratch offers benefits that buying existing homes or renovating simply cannot match.
When you build from the ground up, nothing constrains your design. Room sizes, layouts, ceiling heights, window placements — every element responds to your preferences and lifestyle. Want an open-concept main floor with 12-foot ceilings? A primary suite on the main level? A three-car garage with workshop space? Ground up construction makes it possible.
New construction allows you to position your home precisely on your lot. Orient living spaces toward the best views. Capture morning light in the kitchen. Shade western windows from afternoon sun. Place the garage to minimize driveway length. These decisions significantly impact daily living and long-term satisfaction.
Ground up homes incorporate current energy codes and technologies from the start. High-performance insulation, efficient HVAC systems, quality windows, and tight construction reduce utility costs and improve comfort. Retrofitting these features into existing homes is expensive and often compromised.
Understanding each phase helps you anticipate what’s ahead and appreciate the transformation taking place.
Before any dirt moves, thorough planning sets the foundation for success. This phase includes site evaluation, soil testing, design development with architects, material selections, detailed estimating, permit applications, and financing arrangements. Rushing pre-construction leads to problems during construction — we invest the time needed to plan properly. 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.
Your lot transforms from raw land to construction-ready site. This involves clearing vegetation, rough grading to establish proper drainage and building pad elevation, installing erosion controls, and creating access for construction vehicles. For challenging lots, this phase may include excavation for basements or retaining wall construction.
The foundation anchors your home to the earth. Depending on design and soil conditions, this may be a concrete slab, crawl space, or full basement. Footings are excavated and poured first, followed by foundation walls or slab preparation. Concrete requires curing time before framing begins — typically 7-10 days minimum.
The skeleton of your home takes shape. Walls rise, roof trusses are set, and the structure becomes recognizable as a house. This is often the most visually dramatic phase — your home transforms from flat concrete to three-dimensional structure in weeks. Windows and exterior doors are installed, and roofing is completed to protect the interior from weather.
Ground up construction involves coordinating dozens of subcontractors, hundreds of material deliveries, and thousands of decisions. We manage every aspect — so you don’t have to become a construction expert to build a home.
Southern Utah’s terrain presents unique challenges. From rocky hillsides to expansive soils, from utility extensions to complex grading, we’ve navigated every type of site condition Washington County presents.
You’ll never wonder what’s happening with your project. Regular updates, clear documentation, and responsive communication keep you informed from first shovel to final walkthrough.
We build homes we’re proud to show. Our craftsmanship is visible in straight lines, tight joints, smooth finishes, and details that lesser builders overlook. Quality isn’t just a promise — it’s evident in every home we deliver.
Every exceptional home starts somewhere. An empty lot. A vision. A decision to build something that didn’t exist before.
OPD Construction has guided homeowners throughout St. George and Washington County through the ground up construction process — transforming vacant land into homes where memories are made. We’d be honored to do the same for you.
Let’s talk about your vision, your land, and what building from the ground up could look like for your family.
Ground up construction means building a completely new home from scratch on vacant land — starting with site preparation and foundation, and ending with a finished residence. It’s distinguished from renovations, additions, or purchasing existing homes.
Plan for 10-16 months of construction time depending on home size and complexity. Add 3-5 months for pre-construction planning, design, and permitting. Total timeline from initial consultation to move-in is typically 15-20 months.
It depends on market conditions, home specifications, and land costs. In some cases, ground up construction provides better value — especially when existing inventory doesn’t meet your needs and would require renovation. We can help you compare options for your specific situation.
We can begin discussing your project before you’ve secured land. We also help evaluate potential lots before purchase to identify any construction considerations. However, land must be secured before design can be finalized and permits obtained.
This varies by builder. Our estimates include the complete home — foundation through finishes, appliances, and standard landscaping. We clearly specify what’s included and excluded so you can compare accurately.
Yes, and we encourage clients to observe progress. We schedule regular site visits and provide updates with photos throughout construction. Watching your home rise from the ground is one of the rewarding aspects of ground up building.
Changes are possible through our formal change order process. Early-stage changes are easier and less costly than late-stage modifications. We document all changes, their cost impact, and timeline effects before proceeding.
Construction loans fund the building phase with draws released at project milestones. Upon completion, the construction loan converts to a permanent mortgage. We recommend working with lenders experienced in construction financing early in your planning process.
