Buying land and building a new home can get you exactly the dream home you desire but it’s a process that requires the steady and knowledgeable hand of a building partner that can guide you through the red flags or what we like to refer to as “unavoidable challenges.” The selection of a lot and bringing it to a state where we can build is complicated and involves the participation of numerous entities and individuals. In our 60-plus years of developing properties and building homes we’ve seen it all and counsel our clients daily to ensure that we can deliver the home they dream of on time and on budget.
Here are key things to look for when selecting a homesite on which to build:
Red Flag #1 – Zoning and Land Use Restrictions
You’ll want to ensure that the lot is zoned for residential use and that your intended type of home can be built there. You should also check the local municipality’s future land use plans to ensure no upcoming projects could negatively affect your property (e.g., new highways, commercial developments, etc.).
Red Flag #2 – Legal & Title Considerations
Often done in conjunction with zoning research, legal and title issues are studied. This will mitigate risks and avoid potential complications during and after the construction of your home. You’ll want to confirm that there are no liens, encumbrances, or disputes over the property’s ownership. And you’ll also want to check for any easements such as shared driveways or utility company access that could affect use of the property. Community HOA? If so, make sure to review the covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs) that may dictate what can and cannot be done on the property.
Red Flag #3 – Permitting Issues
Permitting can’t commence until your home’s footprint is finalized and a grading permit has been obtained. To get a grading permit an engineer will need to address site-specific environmental concerns such as stormwater management, woodland conservation requirements and sediment control.
Red Flag #4 – Utilities & Infrastructure Complications
Confirm that essential utilities (water, sewer, electricity, gas, internet) are available at the lot or can be reasonably connected. Here’s where your collaboration with a reputable and experienced builder such as Timberlake will pay dividends. For example, we often see issues regarding well and septic vs public water and sewar. Some lots that appear to be well and septic because neighboring lots are, may be required to connect to public utilities adding considerable costs if those connections are far from the lot.
The Bottom Line
Every Timberlake Design/Build project starts with an in-person review of our client’s property. Our team has decades of experience with land planning, and we walk every lot that our customers own or are considering buying to offer insight and advice as to whether the house you want can be built on that land.
While some red flags are unavoidable challenges, Timberlake believes that the more knowledgeable you are, the better chance you have of minimizing impacts to your budget and schedule. When you are aware of the costs associated with land development, the better prepared you’ll be to make smarter, more well-informed decisions.
Looking at land for your new homes? Contact us today to take your plans to the next level.