The General Contractor’s Role in Site Selection (Yes, We Help Early!)
When people think of hiring a general contractor, they usually imagine someone stepping in once plans are drawn and permits are in motion. But the smartest commercial developers and business owners bring in their GC much earlier—sometimes before a site is even selected.
That’s because an experienced general contractor isn’t just there to build; we’re there to help guide smarter decisions from the ground up. And one of the most overlooked areas where a GC can add serious value is in site selection.
Choosing the right piece of land or suite for a new commercial space isn’t just about price or location. There are hidden costs, code requirements, utility access issues, and even soil or drainage factors that can drastically affect your project’s feasibility. A real estate broker can help you find available properties. An architect can help you envision what’s possible. But only a seasoned GC can tell you what it will actually take—and cost—to build on a specific site.
For example, a property might look perfect online but have no nearby sewer tie-in, requiring thousands in utility trenching. Another site might sit in a floodplain, limiting your building footprint or requiring elevation work. These are the types of issues we identify early—before you’re locked into a bad investment.
Even in existing structures, a general contractor can spot potential build-out problems. Are the ceilings high enough for your mechanical systems? Are load-bearing walls where you need open space? Will the electrical service need a costly upgrade to handle your equipment?
We’ve helped clients in places like Addison, Plano, and Frisco avoid these pitfalls just by walking properties with them early and asking the right questions. That quick input can save months of rework and prevent unexpected line items from blowing up your budget later.
In fact, many developers and medical tenants we work with now involve us during the due diligence phase—well before lease signing or land purchase. We review existing conditions, estimate construction costs based on the intended use, and flag any issues that could delay or complicate the project.
This isn’t just about avoiding risks. It’s also about strategic planning. When your GC is part of the site selection process, we can help you compare options not only by price and location—but by buildability and long-term value. That leads to faster openings, smoother construction, and fewer surprises.
At Texas Built Construction, we pride ourselves on being more than just builders. We’re long-term partners who help you make confident decisions from the start. Whether you’re scouting land for a veterinary clinic or looking at shell spaces for a retail tenant, bring us into the process early. We’ll help you choose the site that sets your whole project up for success.
Email us today @ projects@txbuiltconstruction.com or call us @ (972) 219-0729.