Helotes, Texas is where the Hill Country begins. This community blends small-town heritage with luxury living while maintaining San Antonio access.
Our team specializes in navigating rocky terrain and strict zoning. We turn your vision into a legacy estate.

Helotes offers small-town Texas charm with San Antonio proximity. You gain large acreage lots and top-rated Northside ISD schools near major employers.
Living here means nature without isolation. You're minutes from Government Canyon State Natural Area. Residents enjoy slower pace while remaining connected.
Most properties sit on one to five acres. This provides room for horses, workshops, or natural buffers.
Medical Center and downtown employers remain accessible without career compromise.
Building on your lot requires navigating Edwards Aquifer Authority impervious cover limits. We guide you through site feasibility, tree preservation, and City of Helotes permitting.
Our building process starts with understanding what your land can support.
Helotes maintains strict standards to protect investments and Hill Country character.
A two-acre recharge zone lot typically allows for approximately 17,400 to 23,200 square feet of impervious cover including home, garage, pool, and driveway.
Comprehensive site assessment helps minimize costly surprises.
Key Considerations: City protects native hardwoods. Heritage oak removal requires permits. Hill Country limestone can increase foundation costs, often ranging from $15,000 to $40,000 depending on site conditions. Edwards Aquifer drilling permits typically take 4 to 6 weeks to process.
A full custom build in Helotes ranges 12 to 18+ months from ground breaking to move-in. This accounts for permitting phases, weather patterns, and premium materials.
Our award-winning process is designed to keep projects on track.
Each phase has specific milestones. We provide detailed schedules at contract signing.
HOA committees in Iron Horse Canyon and Sonoma Ranch require 30 to 45 days for design review. Edwards Aquifer Authority approval adds another layer for recharge zone lots.

Complexity: Hillside lots require more site work, retaining walls, and drainage solutions. Steep slopes add 2 to 4 months.
Change Orders: Altering designs mid-build adds time for revised engineering and permits. Finalize selections during design.
Weather: Hill Country rain delays foundation and exterior work. Summer heat slows concrete curing.
Materials: Custom features like imported tile or unique stonework require longer lead times.
Premium communities include Iron Horse Canyon, Sonoma Ranch, and Los Reyes Canyons offering spacious lots with amenities. Many clients choose private non-subdivision land near Old Town Helotes for maximum privacy.
Where we build spans gated communities and private acreage.
Iron Horse Canyon features dramatic elevation and sunset views with natural limestone outcroppings. Strict HOA guidelines preserve property values. Homes start at $800,000 and reach $2 million+.
Sonoma Ranch offers golf memberships and community events with mature trees and finished landscaping.
Los Reyes Canyons appeals to horse enthusiasts wanting maximum space. Minimal restrictions provide design flexibility.
Private Acreage Near Old Town provides unrestricted building close to Helotes historic district.
Modern Hill Country styles dominate with native limestone, metal roofs, and expansive outdoor living. Homeowners prioritize energy efficiency and open floor plans maximizing natural light and views.
Current trends blend rustic materials with contemporary lines. Our galleries showcase these features.
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Construction costs in Helotes range from $250 to $450+ per square foot depending on finishes, lot conditions, and design complexity. A 3,500 square foot home typically costs $875,000 to $1.6 million+ excluding land.
Get a detailed cost estimate based on your specific lot and design.
Lot Conditions Impact: Rocky terrain adds $30,000 to $70,000 for excavation. Steep slopes require retaining walls at $150 to $300 per linear foot. Private wells add $15,000 to $35,000. Septic systems range from $8,000 to $25,000.
Finish Level Examples:
Builder Grade ($250-$300/sq ft): Laminate countertops, standard cabinetry, carpet and vinyl plank, fiberglass tubs, single-zone HVAC.
Custom Grade ($325-$400/sq ft): Quartz countertops, semi-custom cabinetry, tile and engineered hardwood, tile showers, multi-zone HVAC with smart thermostats.
Luxury Grade ($425-$550/sq ft): Natural stone countertops, full-custom cabinetry, wide-plank hardwood and premium tile, walk-in showers with body sprays, zoned HVAC with home automation.
Helotes offers the closest Hill Country lifestyle to San Antonio's northwest side, while Boerne custom homes provide more rural seclusion and San Antonio builders deliver urban convenience.
Choose Helotes if: You want Hill Country living with easy San Antonio access and Northside ISD schools.
Choose Boerne if: You prioritize maximum privacy, larger acreage, and work remotely.
Choose San Antonio if: You need urban proximity within 20 minutes of work with city amenities.
Location: Northwest Bexar County, Texas Hill Country gateway | School District: Northside ISD | Build Time: 12-18+ months | Build Cost: $250-$450+/sq ft | Lot Sizes: 1-5 acres (subdivisions), 5-20+ acres (private land) | Water: SAWS or private well | Key Regulator: Edwards Aquifer Authority
Construction costs range from $250 to $450+ per square foot. A 3,500 square foot home typically costs $875,000 to $1.6 million+ excluding land. Rocky terrain, steep slopes, and premium finishes increase costs. Contact us for a detailed quote.
You must follow City of Helotes zoning and Edwards Aquifer impervious cover limits. Recharge zone properties limit impervious cover to 15-20% of lot area. Tree preservation ordinances protect native hardwoods. HOA guidelines apply in subdivisions.
Yes. Helotes is the gateway to Texas Hill Country. The terrain features limestone hills, native cedar and oak trees, and scenic vistas. Elevation ranges from 1,100 to 1,400 feet.
This depends on lot location and aquifer zone. Properties within city limits typically must connect to SAWS. Lots outside city limits may drill wells with Edwards Aquifer Authority permits requiring 4 to 6 weeks for approval.
Helotes is served by Northside Independent School District, one of Texas's largest and highest-rated districts. Students attend O'Connor or Marshall High Schools. Some western properties fall within Medina Valley ISD.
Yes. Sonoma Ranch and Iron Horse Canyon offer gated entries with 24/7 security, HOA amenities, pools, and fitness centers. Los Reyes Canyons provides estate-style gated living.
Plan for 1 to 2 months. City of Helotes Development Services reviews plans within 3 to 4 weeks. Edwards Aquifer Authority permits add 2 to 4 weeks for recharge zone properties.
Spring (March through May) offers ideal conditions. You complete site work before summer heat and foundation before winter rains. This targets a potential move-in date approximately 12 to 15 months later.
Our team brings 20+ years experience building in Helotes and throughout the Hill Country. We've navigated Edwards Aquifer regulations hundreds of times.
View our portfolio of completed homes. Request a consultation for a feasibility assessment and preliminary timeline.
KC Custom Homes is a locally-owned, family-focused, custom home builder serving Helotes, Boerne, and the Texas Hill Country. We've earned multiple Summit Awards for design and construction quality.
To request a free quote, please fill the form below. Let us know what features you’re looking for in your next home and our experienced team will contact you shortly.