Custom home builder in North Richland Hills, TX
Klein Custom Builders is a custom home builder based in North Richland Hills, Texas. We build new custom homes, room additions and custom garages here and across north-east Tarrant County, from Keller and Southlake to Grapevine and Lake Worth.
Building a custom home in North Richland Hills
North Richland Hills is home base for Al and Betty Restrepo's family business. That means short drives to your site, a builder who knows the area, and finished projects you can go and see in the neighboring cities.
Most of what makes a North Richland Hills build different happens before the first slab is poured: the city's plan review, its 2024 building codes and the documents it asks for. We prepare those with you as part of the design and budget steps.
See everything we build on the services page.
What the City of North Richland Hills asks for
These are the city's own requirements, from its Building Inspections & Permits FAQ. Check with the city for your address; we confirm the details for every lot.
- The city has adopted the 2024 International Codes (including the International Residential Code and the 2024 energy code), with regional and local amendments.
- Every contractor doing permitted work must be registered with the city through the NRH E-Portal.
- New homes, remodels, enlargements, additions and demolitions need a building permit. Plumbing, mechanical/HVAC and electrical work each need their own permit, pulled by state-licensed trades.
- The city aims to complete its initial review of residential submittals within 7–10 working days. Incomplete or inaccurate plans can add review time.
Documents for a new home permit
For a new home, North Richland Hills generally asks for:
- A Residential Fire Sprinkler Affidavit filed with Tarrant County
- Construction plans: floor plan, exterior elevations and MEPs
- A wind-bracing / shear wall plan
- A foundation plan and an engineer's foundation letter
- A 2024 energy code compliance report
- A landscape plan, a site plan and a grading / drainage plan
Source: City of North Richland Hills, Building Inspections & Permits FAQ
Additions and garages on established North Richland Hills lots
Plenty of North Richland Hills homes sit on established lots where an addition or a garage makes more sense than moving. A few city rules shape those projects:
- Homes built before 11/22/99 can enclose a garage into living space with a Residential Addition Permit, as long as the lot keeps two 9' × 18' parking spaces.
- A carport in front of a home must sit behind the front build line, typically 20 to 25 feet from the front property line depending on the zoning district.
- Accessory buildings must be permitted, and a shed over 144 square feet needs a permit.
- Planning one of these? Read about room additions and custom garages.
Our work near North Richland Hills
These projects are a short drive from North Richland Hills: new homes, additions and garages in Keller, Southlake, Grapevine, Lake Worth and Corinth.
Why local homeowners call us
“Al was very patient and accommodating with our questions throughout the whole process. The construction quality was excellent and he was out at the site surprisingly often to make sure everything was going well. Highly recommend Al and his team!”
“Our city gave Al fits about the plans, but he perservered. I love the garage and all the rest of the work they did.”
Neighboring cities we build in
From our base in North Richland Hills we also build in Keller, Southlake, Grapevine, Colleyville, Fort Worth and Lake Worth, and across the rest of Dallas–Fort Worth. See all our projects.
North Richland Hills questions
Do I need a permit to build a new home in North Richland Hills?
Yes. The City of North Richland Hills requires a building permit for any new home, and separate permits for the plumbing, mechanical and electrical work, pulled by state-licensed trades. The submittal includes plans, a foundation plan with an engineer's letter, an energy code report, site, landscape and drainage plans, and a Residential Fire Sprinkler Affidavit filed with Tarrant County.
How long does North Richland Hills take to review residential plans?
The city's stated goal is an initial review of residential submittals within 7 to 10 working days. Incomplete or inaccurate plans can lead to extra review time, which is why we finish the plans and documents carefully before they go in.
Can I turn my garage into living space in North Richland Hills?
If your home was built before 11/22/99, the city allows a garage to be enclosed with a Residential Addition Permit, as long as the property keeps two 9 foot by 18 foot parking spaces. Newer homes need to check with the city first. We can price the conversion or a new garage at the same visit.
Is Klein Custom Builders actually based in North Richland Hills?
Yes. Klein Custom Builders is a family business run by Al and Betty Restrepo from North Richland Hills, in north-east Tarrant County. We build across Dallas–Fort Worth, with nearby projects in Keller, Southlake, Grapevine, Lake Worth and Corinth.
Building in North Richland Hills?
Tell us the street or neighborhood. We'll talk through the lot, the city's requirements and your budget at a free discovery consultation.