Purchasing land and building a custom built home comes with a lot of benefits such as enjoying a break from the hustle and bustle of suburban life. Perhaps you want extra room to spread out, less neighbors, additional acreage, or simply want to get away. Even so, there are a number of things you need to consider before laying the foundation.
Zoning Requirements
Researching and comprehending requirements for zoning is essential. Will you be allowed to build the house type you have in mind? What are the neighboring lands zoned for? The last thing you want is constructing a custom built home only for a warehouse to be erected in front of you. It’s along the same lines that you need consider what the investment will offer should you want to sell. The goal here is to have a home that is sellable and fits the area.
Explore What Is Around You
Your senses will come in handy in this case. What do you smell? Is the farm nearby emitting a stench like sweaty socks that haven’t been washed for months on end? What is it you hear? Could it be the land is near roosters or aligned to a flight path? Examine the roads. Are they free of trash and properly cared for? What is the land like – valleys, trees, underbrush, bare and flat? Driving around will offer a clear picture and general feel of the place.
Land Elevation
Are there slopes and hills that will be ideal or tricky to work with? Will you be required to source for substantial quantities of filling dirt? What percentage of the land needs to be leveled? Does the nearby creek or river pose flooding risks? If a patio, pool, or spacious morning room is what you have in mind, ensure that the land’s topography is a good match. What looks like the best location for your custom built home might be plagued with elevation problems.
Utilities
Are essential utilities available, or you will have to add water, natural gas, sewer, electricity, etc.? The land might be far from the main water supply channel forcing you to dig a well. This might be cost prohibitive not to mention water rights might not be available. This is the same line of thinking when you begin to consider access to cable, telephone, and other lines. You might even need to install a generator if the land is located in a far place where power supply isn’t reliable. A septic system or propane tank might also be something you need. All these mean an extra cost and this could be an issue in today’s harsh economy.
Planning to buy land for your custom built home? The foregoing will ensure you never go wrong!