Picking a plot for your new home is an exciting affair. It opens up a world of possibilities for you to choose where you want to build your life and family. Although it might seem a bit cumbersome to go through the efforts of finding the right plot, it is the only way you can ensure both your dream house and location. You could always buy a pre-built house, but that might not give you a lot of options when it comes to the locality, neighborhood, or even the house design. With the right checklist, your job of looking for the perfect location and plot for your custom home will not only become easy, but satisfying, as well.
The Land or Area/Neighborhood
Every person who wants to build a house is likely thinking long-term and that thought begs for the questions, in which neighborhood would they like to settle? Where are you looking to build your home? Are there any plots available in that area, or is it congested as it is? If the area has a scanty population but lots of available plots, you will need to make sure that it is properly maintained and has sufficient access to amenities, but more on that later.
Consider The View
The good thing about buying your plot is that you get to decide on the view you would like. Do you want a custom lakeside house, one on the beachfront, one in an established community, or one that’s away from the hustle and bustle? The place where you live should sync with your preferences so that every morning when you wake up, you are greeted by views that liven up your day instead of bumming you out.
Also, be sure to plan for the future. Sometimes your perfect view can be short-lived or obstructed by things like new construction, foliage overgrowth, or even changes to the topography from harsh weather conditions. Be sure to take these items into account and determine if your desired location will likely remain as you like it for years to come.
Cost Of The Land
Once you have decided on the plot, next comes the important part of calculating the cost of land. There are, of course, many other components to the cost factor apart from the cost of land, itself. They consist of property tax, land survey costs, and if the plot of your choice happens to have a preexisting house on it already, then you’ll need to add demolition expenses to the land cost.
Area Surrounding Your Land
This factor is not just about the view but other things that will directly impact your living in that area or on that plot. Factors like:
- Does the closest town or city appeal to you? Does it have proper access to health care, schools, shops and stores, or other amenities?
- Is your plot on or nearby any flooding or wildfire zones? If so, then the premium on your home insurance might also escalate due to the same.
- If you are buying a plot in a subdivision area, are you open to complying with the additional rules and regulations they come with? Check with the Town Clerk to see if your plot is actually on a public road.
- Is your plot near wetlands or a body of water which may attract additional compliance?
- Does your plot have access to the public sewer service? If not, then you need to check with the Town Clerk if you can make a connection to the sewer system, and how expensive that will be.
- Is there any presence of hazardous material on your plot? If so, then this land deal would be an absolute no, as most of the time treatment of such lands is not possible, and they almost always come with the threat of severe health problems, later on.
Prior History of Land
Know more about the plot you are considering buying, like the material it is built on; sand, limestone, bedrock, or unstable ground, for example, as this will affect the cost of your construction due to the additional measures that need to be taken to build a strong foundation. It’s recommended to have an expert perform soil tests on the land before you decided to buy.
Also, if the land comes under historic zoning, then you might not be able to build on the land. Be sure to get accurate records of the lot’s zoning past to make sure you will not have any unique building restrictions.
Finding Assistance
A good real estate agent with rates that match your budget can help you find the right plot to build your dream house on. They can help you check off every point on your list to ensure you buy your ideal homesite. They will also help you learn more about the seller and what kind of land is being sold to you. Make sure you pay attention to details when going through the land deed, to find out loopholes that may allow people to use your land from time-to-time, or other such matters.
Do ensure you have taken into account every price detail before you agree and settle on a quote. Finding the right plot should not be a difficult matter when you have the right guidance and list to make sure you have accounted for everything you need to.
If you’re looking for a custom home builder, it’s wise to involve the builder as early as possible. Many local builders will have experience and expertise for what will be required to build a lasting home on the native soil or sand on your lot. Envision Custom Homes, a custom home builder in Jacksonville, FL for example can help assess your lot and identify the potential hazards or precautions that can be taken to make sure your new lot is right for you.