What should I look for if I want space for a workshop, barn or greenhouse?
Reviewed August 2026 by Shannon Miles Group
If you plan to build a workshop, barn, or greenhouse after you buy, the property needs suitable building sites. Look for level or gently sloping ground with good drainage, road or driveway access for construction vehicles and future deliveries, proximity to existing power and water lines, and compliance with all setbacks and deed restrictions. The septic system and its drain field must not be in the way. Easements for utilities, drainage, or access may restrict where you can build. Just because a property has open land does not guarantee you can place a structure there. Verify building feasibility during your due diligence.
Evaluating a property's future building potential.
This guide covers the property characteristics that determine whether you can build the structures you want. It is distinct from evaluating existing outbuildings. If you plan to add buildings later, these are the questions to ask before you buy.
Usable building area
Not every flat-looking area is buildable. Factor in the minimum setbacks from property lines (often 25 to 50 feet or more for agricultural buildings), the location of the septic tank and drain field (no structures over the field), utility easements (typically 15 to 25 feet from the line), drainage easements, and floodplain areas. Take all of these into account before you decide where a building could go.
Terrain and drainage
Level ground is easiest and cheapest for building. Sloping land may work but adds foundation costs. Low areas that hold water are problematic for any structure. Walk the property after a heavy rain. Look for standing water, erosion channels, and areas where the soil stays wet. A building site that needs extensive grading or drainage improvements may cost more than you expect.
Access for construction and use
Construction vehicles need to reach the building site. Concrete trucks, lumber deliveries, and equipment haulers require a drivable path. After the building is up, you will need regular access for daily use, deliveries, and maintenance. Check that existing driveway or road access reaches the area you want to build on, and that gates are wide enough for larger vehicles.
Utilities to the site
Power and water lines at the house may not reach distant building sites. Adding underground electrical service or running water lines across the property costs significant money. If you plan a workshop with heavy tools, a barn with livestock waterers, or a greenhouse with heating and irrigation, factor in the cost of extending utilities to the building location.
Deed restrictions and permits
Deed restrictions can limit the size, type, placement, and even the color and material of outbuildings. Some subdivisions require pre-approval of building plans. In unincorporated areas, county building permits may still be required for structures over a certain size. Check all restrictions and permit requirements before you plan your buildings. See how to find deed restrictions and building outside city limits.
Building potential across Northeast Texas.
Each county in Northeast Texas has its own approach to outbuilding permits. Lamar County, Fannin County, Hunt County, and others may require permits for structures over certain size thresholds. Some rural subdivisions have architectural committees that review building plans. A local agent who knows the area can help you understand what to expect.
Soil type also matters. Percolation tests for septic systems affect where you can build on a property. If you plan a workshop or barn with a bathroom or utility sink, you may need additional septic capacity. For more on this, see how to know if land is buildable and what to know about easements before buying land.
Practical steps for buyers planning future outbuildings.
- Get a copy of the deed restrictions before you make an offer. Some subdivisions prohibit outbuildings entirely or restrict their size and placement.
- Locate the septic system and drain field. You cannot build over a septic tank or drain field. Know where they are before you plan structures.
- Check utility extension costs. If power and water are only at the house, adding service to a distant building site adds thousands of dollars to your project.
- Walk the property in wet weather. Good drainage is essential for any building site. What looks dry in August may be a bog in April.
- Consult with the county or a local builder. County planning departments can tell you about setback requirements, permit fees, and any special rules for agricultural or accessory buildings.
More answers you might find useful.
Planning to build after you buy?
We help buyers find properties with room for their future plans. Call us or stop by 2322 Lamar Ave. in Paris.