As I’ve established, the custom home construction process will require hundreds of decisions. However, one of the most important is one that does not require hiring a professional.
What do I think is the most important decision? Choosing and finding the best lot for your new home build. This choice will affect the type of home that can be built as well as the type of lifestyle you lead while living in the space.
If you have a specific issue–if you’re looking at a hillside lot or corner lot or drainage–you can check out this type of minutiae here. But from what I’ve gathered, there are three essential steps to finding the best lot for your construction project. If you can follow these tips, you will find yourself in a better, more prepared position for your home build.
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Understand the land.
Become familiar with the lots available in your target areas. Real estate agents and Multiple Listing Service websites can help you identify and narrow down a list of suitable properties, but it is essential to see what types of lots are available in the community at large. If you can, drive around and visually inspect these options. Then, pull on your hiking shoes and take a walk through the lots you’re most interested in purchasing.
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Narrow down your options.
Compile a list of property attributes that are most important to your construction project. Do you want a view? Do you want privacy? How much space will you need. Consideration must be given to each element that may have a direct bearing on what the property can accommodate. Quality of life and cost-related factors should also be identified and ranked. Think about area home values, property taxes, access to service providers, proximity to highways, and school systems.
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Perform the assessment.
Once you’ve settled on a property, have your builder or a separate professional perform a thorough site assessment prior to purchase. This will be your last opportunity to identify and consider issues which may prove to be problematic during construction. A site audit will also be helpful, and you must pay attention to anything that may add to building costs, such as tree clearing and grading.