As a trusted lakefront home builder with decades of experience around Lake LBJ and the Texas Hill Country, we’ve helped families design homes that maximize waterfront living. Whether you’re building on open water, a cove lot, or elevated terrain, lake properties come with unique topography, engineering challenges, and design opportunities. For a deeper look at hill country lot conditions and planning, visit our Marble Falls lakefront home building process resource page.
If you’re considering a custom build on the lake, here’s what to know—backed by experience, regional data, and real project examples.
Granite Terrain: Tough, but Expensive
Most of the shoreline of Lake LBJ is made of solid granite. It makes for a very stable base, but it costs a lot. To dig up granite, you need special tools, engineering, and time. Costs can be much higher than lots with softer soil.
However, homes built on granite rarely settle or shift. With the right planning, this investment pays off in structural longevity.
“Granite adds stability but increases upfront costs—this surprises many buyers,” says Steve Zbranek, Zbranek & Holt Custom Homes.
(Learn more about our experience building lakefront properties in the area. and how we approach challenging lakefront lots.)
Outdoor Living That Works, Not Just Wows
Lake homes should be built to enjoy the outdoors year-round—not just look good in summer. That’s why our team focuses on functional outdoor design:
- Retractable glass walls
- Full outdoor kitchens
- Negative-edge pools with lake views
- Covered patios with heaters, fans, and misting systems
These features aren’t optional. In a recent Houzz Study, 72% of high-end buyers ranked outdoor livability as a top priority. Our lake homes reflect that.
Regulations Matter: LCRA, Flood Zones & Utilities
Lake LBJ homes fall under multiple layers of regulation—from city and county permitting to LCRA shoreline guidelines. That includes limits on docks, bulkheads, and terraces.
If you are building near or in a floodplain, your home must meet raised foundation and engineered drainage standards. These lots can offer incredible views but must be handled by experienced builders.
“You can build safely in flood zones with the right permits, but the budget needs to reflect those added structural requirements,” per [ZHCH FAQS 2024].
Also, many remote or older lake lots need upgraded utilities—water, sewer, or electric—which can affect timeline and costs.
Designing for the Land and the Water
Modern Hill Country architecture around Marble Falls and Lake LBJ favors clean rooflines, natural stone, steel details, and large overhangs for passive cooling. Our lakefront designs often incorporate:
Large glass walls to capture views
Breeze corridors for natural ventilation
Cantilevered patios for multi-level outdoor living
Tiered elevations to adapt to granite or slope conditions
Site placement is everything. Sun angles, privacy, wind direction, and lake orientation influence how a lakefront home should be positioned.
For more local building considerations, explore our insights on designing homes in Marble Falls TX.
Tear-Downs Can Unlock Hidden Value
Prime lots are often hidden beneath outdated homes. On Lake LBJ, a $500K teardown may uncover a $700K buildable site—once cleared and reimagined.
We often guide clients through the purchase and evaluation process before they ever buy. Demo typically costs $25K–$50K, but it can reveal lot orientation, granite conditions, and dock access opportunities that were previously hidden.
Source: “What You Need to Know Before Building a Custom Home on Lake LBJ” – Zbranek & Holt
Lake Life Means Planning for Every Day, Not Just Weekends
Luxury lake homes should feel effortless for full-time living. Today’s lakefront homeowners often request:
Primary suites with balconies and lake access
Guest casitas or bunk wings
Backup generators & whole-home water systems
Boat storage, dock lifts & lake gear zones
Smart automation for lighting, HVAC & security
Extra laundry or mudroom spaces for beach gear
Waterfront living is as much about daily convenience as it is about views.
Let’s Talk About Your Lakefront Vision
At Zbranek & Holt, we’ve been building on Lake LBJ, Horseshoe Bay, and Marble Falls for more than 45 years. We understand the engineering requirements, LCRA rules, and how to transform complex lake lots into long-term value.
If you’re ready to discuss your next lakefront project, connect with us today. Start planning with guidance from our our Marble Falls lakefront home design team.