What to Consider When Looking for Land

August 29, 2017

Purchasing a piece of land for a new home can be incredibly exciting. At each lot, you may envision nights in the backyard hosting cookouts, campfires, and pool parties. You may also imagine a beautiful porch or patio for your family to enjoy. Or possibly a state-of-the-art kitchen to explore all of your culinary endeavors.

After you have taken in the possibilities of each piece of land, you will need to come to a decision. Here are a few aspects to look for, their benefits, and process recommendations.

Where to Start When Looking for Land

1. Research

Research lots online before visiting them or talking to a contractor. This will help you understand what you want, and what you will need before making major choices about potential custom homes.

2. Prepare a List

It’s a good idea to prepare a list of needs, and wants, for your future home. Once completed, you will want to talk to contractors to confirm what will be best for you. You could also consider a custom home builder that has pre-purchased and prepared land before. This will avoid a few steps on installing sewage, plumbing, and electricity. They may also take care of certain paperwork and obtain permits that need to be submitted – saving you plenty of stress and time in the long run.

3. Get Opinions

While working with a home building company or a contractor, remember your loved ones! Their opinions on land can tip the balance for you. Plus, you will have different perspectives to consider that may help you make your final decision.

4. Visit Each Lot

If possible, visit each lot you’re interested in. Seeing them first-hand will be exceedingly beneficial to the decision-making process. Feeling the grass, looking at the soil, and imagining the home already built and ready are fundamental when you are looking for land and making a decision on a lot.

5 Things to Consider When Looking for Land

1. Sewage and Plumbing

If you decide to purchase land, make sure it can have sewage and plumbing constructed on the property. This is one of the most important aspects of each lot to ensure you, and your loved ones, will be comfortable in your new home. After you have learned about these from the realtor or your contractor you should take a look at drainage.

2. Drainage

Ensuring the lot is well-drained is paramount before you begin building the home’s foundation. If a lot’s natural drainage is not suitable for home building, you will need to find a different lot or design and construct the land to your home’s needs. This is something to think about when looking for land and evaluating the pros and cons of sloped lots or other lots.

Otherwise the home will become susceptible to mold, cracking, sinking, and other foundational issues. These can be difficult, and costly, to fix. Once you have found land you love, contact a contractor so you can plan your home accurately and safely.

3. Township Requirements

Municipalities across the region are being forced to increase regulations on stormwater management for new residential construction projects. When you find a lot you’re interested in, make sure you contact the local township or county municipality to get an idea what their requirements and ordinances call for in regards to stormwater management. If you’re partnered with a custom home builder at this point, they can help walk you through the regulations.

4. Test the Soil

Testing soil will also be an important step when building your custom home. If the soil on the lot could damage your home’s foundation, or create possible strife for the construction of the home, you may want to consider another lot. Then, you will be able to build your home with ease.

You should also test the soil if you plan to landscape the exterior or grow a garden. If there are harmful chemicals or materials in the ground, it’s critical to know beforehand; landscaping and gardening should never be dangerous. Testing the soil will save you stress and money in the long run.

5. Consider Climate

The climate may also affect the foundation of a home. The climate can cause moisture and chemicals to eat away at materials, or even contribute to deterioration that can cost you dearly for years. Depending on the overall climate, you should work with a contractor to create a home that will thrive. Then, you won’t have to worry about your home remaining safe for you and your family.

Humidity can cause mold to grow and attach itself to your home. This may become an issue if it begins to deteriorate your foundation or construction. If you plan to live in a humid environment, be sure to hire a contractor that has plenty of experience with building in the area. Then your home will not crack or wear down over the years.

Finding land for your future custom home is a fun and educational experience. It does, however, require a lot of research on your part to make sure it’s the best place for you to build a home. Always visit the lot, and be sure your contractor knows exactly what you want and how to make it happen. Then, you can rest easy knowing your home is secure, stable, and safe.