WEST UNIVERSITY, TX, CUSTOM HOME BUILDERS

West University carefully regulates building and construction to protect property values. They have adopted a variety of codes, but when you choose Design Tech Homes to build your home, you don’t need to worry about all these regulations! Some of the required regulations in the city include:

• International Building Code
• International Residential Building Code
• International Plumbing Code
• International Mechanical Code
• National Electric Code
• International Fire Code
• And more

We are a premier West University home builder and have built homes for thousands of people throughout the Texas Gulf Coast and Central Texas. We believe that building your dream home shouldn’t become a nightmare: Our team is committed to going the extra mile in everything we do. We work with you on both the little details and the big picture so that you get exactly the home you want when you build on your lot in West University.

Our homes don’t just meet but exceed all current energy efficiency industry standards, and we offer diverse amenities and customization options so that every part of your home is exactly the way you want it. You don’t have to worry about making trade-offs between functionality and your bottom line or your family’s comfort and safety. We use industry-leading eco-friendly techniques and materials and offer turnkey services that start with finding your perfect lot to financing your mortgage. As your custom home builder in West University, DTH is also proud to offer homeowners a 1-year Workmanship Warranty and a 20-year Structural Warranty.

West University offers water, sewer, and trash pickup. AT&T offers landline phone service while cable and satellite can be accessed via Comcast, Uverse, Dish Network, and DirectTV. In Texas, the electric industry is deregulated, which means that you can choose from a number of energy suppliers, including Volt, Texans Energy, Express Energy, Life Energy and Infuse Energy.

There are many schools that provide educational services to the city, including:

• West University Elementary School
• The Rice School (STEM Magnet School)
• Pershing Middle School
• Pin Oak Middle School
• Lanier Middle School
• Lamar High School

Located in the heart of Houston, this city has plenty to do in all locations at all times! You will find the following inside or close to the city:

Attractions

• Bellaire Town Square Family Aquatic Center
• Nature Discovery Center
• NRG Stadium & Arena events
• Everything Downtown Houston has to offer!

Shopping

• The Galleria Shopping Mall
• Rice Village
• Highland Village
• West U Towne Center
• West U Marketplace

Parks

• Colonial Park and Pool
• Weir Park
• Friends Park
• West University Place Recreation Center
• Community Building and Senior Center

Restaurants

• Tony’s
• The Capital Grille
• Morton’s Steakhouse
• One Fifth Mediterranean

Don’t work with just any home builder when planning and mapping out your forever dream home. You want a team that cares about your needs and desires, and that is one of the many things that make us here at Design Tech Homes stand out from other home builders in the area. We listen when you speak and use the information you give us to craft our approach, which is how we give you exceptional results. Building a home is no small choice, and we will treat you the way we would want someone to treat us: like family.

We serve the following West University zip codes: 77005, 77265, and other Harris County zip codes.

Lauren D:
“I recommend going out to this location and exploring! They have 12 houses already built, plus a ton of additional floor plans to choose from. The houses and styles are unique. They have been tailored by select vendors and are staged with furniture that gets swapped out frequently. They have cool hand-held bar-scanning technology to help you collect your ideas and to customize your future home/remodel. Design Tech handles everything from finding your land to the mortgage to the furniture, if you need, which is great for all those additional things you might want handled for you. I have really enjoyed working with them.”

Shawn M:
“Wow! My wife and I have driven past the Main Street America model home park on I-45 in Spring dozens of times on our way out of town over the years. Last week we decided to take the tour of homes, as we recently have been discussing transitioning to a larger home for our growing family. The level of service at our initial visit was “concierge” as my wife explained it! We’ve owned several homes, and have visited many communities, but this experience was very different. It was fantastic! Shannon Stem, our Sales Consultant, was friendly, knowledgeable, and respectful of our time. All in all, our time there was purposeful and we look forward to working with Shannon and the rest of the team of pros at DTH!”

Bo J:
“We had our home built seven years ago. We are so pleased with our home that we are thinking about moving to another area and having Design Tech build us another home like the one we have now.”

Do I have to own land?
In order to execute an agreement to build your home, you will need to have a property either owned or under contract to close, soon.

Does Design Tech Homes own any lots that I can buy?
We are a custom home builder that has specialized and one of the first to introduce the “Build on your Land” concept. We currently do not own any lots or land for you to purchase, however, we are constantly looking for available properties to purchase and this may change in the future.

Do you help us find land?
Our sales team can assist you in finding a Realtor® to help you locate a property to purchase.

What are Site Costs?
Site costs include things that are not part of the structure, things that allow your home to be built on the property, and things that provide utility services to the home. Site Costs may include, but not limited to, such things as Septic/Sewer, Water-line/Water Wells, electrical service to the home, driveways, sidewalks, culverts, additional grading material, additional foundation height, etc.

Are Site Costs included in your base prices?
Site costs are estimated during our initial site visit with you, your sales consultant, and the Construction & Area Managers; and then added to the cost of the project.

Can I do my own Site work?
You may perform certain site work on your property; in fact, most of the site work can be done by the land owner. We have specific guidelines to follow to ensure certain site work is performed properly. Your sales consultant can explain and help guide you through this process.

What is the average price per square foot for a custom home?
Custom Home Pricing includes a wide variety of variables that can dramatically affect the price of the project, so it is virtually impossible to quote an average. One small example: let’s compare a 50×50 home that has 2,500 square feet; but so does a 25×100 home. However, the 50×50 home only has 200 LF of frame and slab, when the 25×100 home has 250 LF. So, without even upgrading anything, you already have 50 LF more of framing, flooring, sheetrock, etc. So although it may be frustrating and appear your sales consultant is trying to dance around the question, he/she cannot answer it without knowing everything there is to know about the entire project, before pricing. We run about $120-$160/SF on average.

Can I provide my own materials, such as light fixtures or appliances?
You can select certain materials for your home; however, because we warrant your home and the installation of the materials, we must purchase them for you and have them installed by our vendors (i.e. trades, workers, laborers). If there are certain things you want, please consult with your sales consultant, immediately. Chances are, we carry the same product in our selection line or at least something very comparable.

I know several people that do certain things, like electricians and plumbers, can I use them?
All of our vendors must pass rigorous company guidelines to ensure your home is being built by the highest quality craftsman or licensed professions in the field. However, if you do have a specific vendor you’d like for us to use, please consult with you sales person, immediately, and he/she can get them in touch with the department that handles certifying all our vendors.

I want to finish my own interiors, will you build unfinished spaces?
We do construct unfinished spaces, such as future bonus rooms in attics, etc. However, we cannot construct an unfinished space in any area that would be considered as part of the livable square footage of the home. Please consult with your sales person and they can help guide you through this process.

Do you build GREEN?
Most of the materials used today in residential construction must be “green” per IBC’s (International Building Codes). For example, all paints must be free of or have very low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). And, virtually all lumber is made from forest where they practice re-planting. If you have specific questions about any material, please consult with your sales person.

What if I want to use foam insulation instead of your BIB® system?
We build to the highest energy levels per the ENERGY STAR Certified Program®. In fact, we are typically the only “custom builder” listed in the Houston or San Antonio area per their website. Therefore, we feel the BIB® System is a proven method of insulation. However, yes, we will use foam insulation if you still feel you would like it in place of the BIB® System. Your sales person can price this for you.

Can I include a pool in my plans?
Yes – we can assist you with including a pool in your project. We do not construct pools; however, we can work with your pool contractor and incorporate it into the project. You should consult with your lender, if financing, to ensure they will allow this to occur.

Do I have to sell my house first?
Most of our clients do not have to sell their current homes before starting the construction process. This will be a topic to discuss with the construction lenders that you consider using.

How long does it take from start to finish?
Currently about 10-12 months from signing a contract to move-in. Location and size of project can vary timing.

Do you work on Allowances or a Fixed Cost?
We are a fixed-cost builder. Initially we have some allowances as placeholders in our contract, but once all selections are finalized, we offer a fixed cost for the entire project.

What is your warranty on the home?
1 year builder “bumper-to-bumper” warranty, ACES Warranty, Manufacturer’s Warranties

Do you handle the HOA/Architectural Control Committee approvals? What about Permits?
Yes. We will submit for, coordinate, and handle all aspects of obtaining approvals, permits, and any surveys needed.

Can you give me some references?
Absolutely. We can share references of clients in different stages of the process, as well as those with completed homes.

What if something doesn’t turn out right, or needs to be changed during construction?
We always want you to be completely satisfied. We will always do what is right, and help you get exactly what you want. We can make changes during construction if required, and is not uncommon for adjustments to be considered. “Whatever it takes!” is our perspective.

How many homes has DTH built?
Years in business? We have built nearly 3000 homes in Texas over the past 23 years.