Tips for Choosing a Lot When Building a New Home

If you are wondering how to choose a lot for a new home, there are various tips you should keep in mind. Choosing a lot for a custom home is one of the most important pieces of the process. There are various things that can have an impact on the features and the design of your home, as well as the quality of life in the home.

Slope & Shape of Lot

When choosing land to build a house, consider both the slope and shape of the lot. The slope affects whether water drains off the property as it should. It will also help determine if it collects water, which can cause issues with foundations and footings later on. It can also cause issues with driveways, walkways, septic tanks and wells.

Additionally, you should make sure that the shape of the lot is to your liking. A narrow lot that is long may not be as suitable as one that is square-shaped. The shape of the lot has an impact on where your home is located as well as the size, side and back yards.

The Direction of the House

Another factor to consider when choosing a lot for your custom home is the direction the front of the house will face. For example, homes that face north typically have snow on the driveway long after it has fallen since the house will block the sun. However, homes that face the south will have more opportunities for passive solar electricity, which can help keep the snow at bay and keep your home warmer throughout the year. If you plan on adding solar panels, the direction your home faces will also have an impact on this.

Building, Development Plans & Zoning

It is not always clear when looking at an area that is undeveloped what it will be like once traffic and businesses begin to move in. However, what you can do is consider the surroundings of the lot and what will be there in the future. How busy will the streets likely be in the next several years? Do you have an idea of what will be built around you that may have an impact on your privacy or your view? Be sure to familiarize yourself with any zoning restrictions that may possibly set you back. Are the surrounding lots zoned for residential? These are all things you must find out.

Characteristics of the Neighborhood

Make sure that you are not overbuilding your home and that your home is similar to the value of surrounding homes in the neighborhood. The goal is to not have the most expensive home in the area. Do your research and see if the homes in the area are kept up well or the opposite. Do your neighbors keep their lawns well-maintained? Is the neighborhood one that is desired?

Available Amenities

Does your lot have access to the following:

• Gas and sewer
• High-speed internet and cable TV
• Municipally supplied water
• Underground utilities

Categorised in: Home Building