I Want to Build My Own House—Where Do I Start?

September 14, 2021

Many people opt to build their own home rather than purchasing an existing one. Building your own home gives you total control over the design, so you can get a house that meets your exact needs and specifications.

Of course, the prospect of starting from scratch with home construction can be a bit overwhelming. So, if you’re planning on building your house, where do you get started?

The first thing you’ll need to do is choose where you’re going to build the house. Here’s an overview of some of the key considerations to factor into your search for the best possible construction site for your house. If you want to build a house on your land, here’s where to start:

  • Sun: Consider the direction the sun comes from and how you can use it to your advantage, as well as the kind of protection you would like to give yourself. Some people like a lot of sunshine and natural light, while others might be wary about sunlight driving up interior temperatures, requiring more air conditioning. Consider also how nearby trees, rocks, slopes and the design of your home can provide you with some shade and protection. For colder climates, having a lot of south-facing windows can be beneficial to give you the most natural heat and light during the day.
  • Wind: How much wind do you expect in your area? If you’re planning on building a deck or patio, you’ll want it to be in an area that’s protected against the wind so it doesn’t become unusable. Trees, hillsides and even large fences can help you get some protection.
  • View: Depending on where your property is located, you might want to plan the design of your home around the views of the surrounding area. Areas with particularly beautiful views can benefit from larger picture windows and outdoor porches or patios.
  • Qualities of the land: The geology and topography of the site is also an important consideration. Terrain affects construction costs, maintenance and energy usage. You should ideally look for land that has little or no exposed rock. If the land has steep slopes, you might need retaining walls for extra support and for erosion protection. Consider how far off you are from a main road and whether you need an access road to run out to your home. If the site is flat, you may need to grade the property so you can get water runoff and drainage directed away from your house.
  • Water: Avoid placing your home in such an orientation that it’s likely to get a lot of standing water or water runoff. Look for signs of flooding around the property and stay above high water marks. Make sure you do the proper grading work so the slope of the property directs water away from your home’s foundation. Additional landscaping features can also help protect you against potential flooding issues.

For more information about some of the key factors to consider when you want to build your own house, start with a call to Coyote Hollow Construction. Contact our team today!

Categorised in:

Coyote Hollow Construction