When building a custom home, you may be dreaming about the architecture of the building or the type of features that will be included. The location of the house is also an important factor. When you’re looking for the right neighborhood for your custom home, there are a few important tips to follow.
Visit Neighborhoods at Different Times
Although the local area may seem quiet and pleasant on a Saturday morning, it may be a different situation on a weekday in the evening. Visit the area at different times of the day to determine the feel of the environment and if you’ll enjoy it long-term. Drive through the neighborhood, and consider things like traffic patterns, foot traffic from people who live there, how the existing homes are kept up and noise level. Talk to people on the streets to get their opinions, and simply gauge if this feels like a place you might want to live.
Research Online
Internet research helps you to learn more about different communities before you decide to purchase land for your custom home. Check out stores that are available in the area, and determine how long your commute will be to work each day. If you have children, it’s important to check out the schools. Shopping and dining amenities nearby are also essential and will influence how you can spend your free time on the weekends.
Talk to Your Family
Make it a point to talk to your family about where each person prefers to live to get an idea of everyone’s preference. It’s essential that each family member is satisfied with the area and feels accommodated by where you relocate. Discuss what each person enjoyed about all of the neighborhoods, as well as their dislikes. Weigh the pros and cons of each location to determine the best fit. Take everyone’s thoughts into account to ensure that your loved ones are satisfied with the final decision.
Discuss Your Choice with Your Builder
Once your choice is narrowed down to just a few lots, take some time to review them all with your Alair Homes general contractor. Some lots are better suited for some homes than others. For instance, if you want a ranch style home or a three-car garage, the lot needs to be a certain width in order to accommodate it.
If your dream is a beautiful outdoor living space, make sure you can build it in the right area to take advantage of daylight sunshine and enjoy beautiful, unobstructed sunsets in the evening. The availability of city power and water can impact the costs to build, so both also need to be considered. Finally, certain communities have regulations in place that dictate what kind of home you can build on a lot. Having a professional on your side can save you a lot of time versus trying to find this information yourself.
Building a custom home requires an investment of time and money. A significant portion of both are spent finding the right lot to meet your needs. Take your time during this step, visit plenty of neighborhoods and keep the lines of communication open with your general contractor. In the end, this will help you find the perfect spot for your dream home.