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 on elevated terrain, lake properties come with unique topography, engineering considerations, and design opportunities.
If you’re considering a custom build on the lake, here’s what to know—backed by experience, regional data, and real 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 Texas Hill Country homes around Marble Falls and Lake LBJ tend to favor clean rooflines, stone and steel materials, and large overhangs for passive shading. We often integrate glass walls, breeze corridors, and cantilevered patios to capture breezes and unblock views.
In granite-heavy or sloped lots, we use tiered elevations and structural steel to maintain a low visual profile while giving the client multi-level living and outdoor spaces that step down to the water.
Homes are positioned based on sun angles, privacy buffers, and prevailing winds—because placement matters just as much as architecture.
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 homes on the lake should be useful for everyday life. Some of the features that come with these homes are primary suites with balconies and access to the lake, guest casitas or bunk wings for extended family members, backup generators and water softeners, boat storage, dock lifts, paddleboard racks, smart technology for lighting, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, and security.
We also make utility zones with extra laundry rooms or mudrooms to help organize beach towels, lake gear, and sand.
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 know the engineering requirements, the LCRA codebook, and how to turn granite into long-term value.
If you’re ready to discuss your next lakefront project, connect with us today to learn how our team can help bring your lakefront vision to life.
Explore our main service page to learn more about our custom home-building expertise across Marble Falls and the surrounding Hill Country.