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List the house work and shoreline work separately. Ask each authority what it needs for your address before agreeing to a construction start.

Make two lists before requesting prices

Put the house, room additions, and outdoor living work on one list. Put proposed dock, boathouse, or bulkhead changes on another. Take the survey and those lists to the relevant offices and ask who reviews each part.

SJRA requires a proper permit for a private bulkhead on Lake Conroe. Its application instructions call for an existing survey showing proposed placement and construction plans identifying materials.

For private residential structures on the lake, SJRA requires a permit or license. Its instructions call for scaled plans, a homeowner-executed agreement, and HOA, POA, or architectural committee approval when the subdivision requires it.

Ask about the house application separately

Montgomery County lists separate residential application categories for a single-family home, an addition, a porch or patio, and septic work. Ask which office and application apply to your address and scope.

Ask the local authority and your design professionals about floodplain information, site elevations, drainage, and wastewater arrangements. Request answers tied to the property and drawings. Keep the responses with the survey instead of relying on a general lake-level number.

Agree on responsibilities before a start date

  • Who prepares and submits each drawing or application?
  • Which approvals are still outstanding?
  • Who answers questions or submits revisions?
  • How will deliveries and access be arranged?
  • Which parts of the work belong in separate contracts?

Use this list to start a custom home building conversation. Bring the property information and identify any shoreline work that needs its own discussion.

Questions to bring to the conversation

What should I gather before discussing shoreline work?

Bring the survey, existing approvals, photos, and a sketch of the proposed change. Ask SJRA which application and drawings are appropriate for that work.

Does this mean Dream House LLC builds docks?

Discuss the house and outdoor living scope with us. Ask separately who will design, permit, and carry out any shoreline work before including it in a contract.

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