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Buying & Building a Home on Your Lot -
10 Tips From a Custom Home Builder
What questions should you ask before signing a contract?
1. Does the lot need a septic system, or is there access to city or county sewer?
A septic system costs more than the fees and equipment required to hook up to a city or county system, but costs for both can vary greatly. A builder or septic installer can request a copy of the septic permit on file with the county, and give you an estimate of actual costs for that particular lot. If a perk test has not yet been completed, you’ll want to make your offer contingent upon completion of test, to ensure that a septic system can be supported.
2. Does the piece of land have access to city water, or is a well required?
Hook up fees to connect your lot to a city or county water supply will almost always be less than the cost of drilling a well. Land that is further from a city center will be more likely to need a well, but generally costs less – so there are advantages to both choices. Just make sure you have an idea of what the cost of your water supply might be.
3. What is the projected growth for this area?
No matter where you're buying, it's a good idea to find out where the neighborhood is headed. Are there new shopping centers and schools planned? You may be able to find some information by looking at city council meeting minutes – and your real estate agent may know more about future plans for the area.
4. How does zoning impact my plans?
Type of home
Zoning can determine whether manufactured or mobile homes are allowed, or can place limits on the size or structure of the home.
Lot size
If the area around your lot is zoned R-10, that means it can be subdivided into lots no smaller than 10,000 square feet. R-40 means lots no smaller than 40,000 square feet, or nearly an acre. Knowing what the numbers mean can give you an idea of how spread out future homes might be.
Manufacturing or retail
You'll want to check to see if the land right next to yours is zoned for office, commercial, or manufacturing. Zoning can always change, but having this sort of neighbor can impact your resale value as well as your quality of life.
5. What is the soil quality?
If a soil test hasn't been done, you may want to ask for one. Poor soil can mean difficulties in building a foundation or putting in a septic system. It can also impact those plans you have for an in-ground swimming pool or that huge garden out back.
6. What’s the road access?
A piece of land that looks like a steal of a deal may not have road access, or you may find yourself bogged down in a gravel or dirt road – which may even require access across a neighboring property. Road frontage is an important issue.
7. Is there a natural hazard disclosure?
A natural hazard disclosure will tell you if there are known soil problems, protected habitats on the land, or fire hazards. Read the small print, and ask your agent.
8. Are there any easements on the property?
An easement is a guaranteed access. It’s the kind of thing your neighbor might need, if his property doesn’t have road frontage. It can also be anything from a shared driveway to a swath of access for utility companies to get to poles, wires and equipment.
9. What kind of grade is there?
Make sure your lot will have good water run-off. You may want your builder or another expert to give an opinion, but you can also get a cursory idea by checking out the lot right after a rainstorm. Some changes may be able to be made that ease any issues, but flexibility depends on various factors such as the total drainage available.
10. Has a recent survey been completed?
If a survey has been completed recently, you'll see little flags marking lot boundaries. Make sure you understand where your lot begins and ends, and walk the property from end-to-end before signing.
Before you make a decision:
Ask your local real estate agent for additional insight and help in finding the right location for your new home. And make sure your custom home builder will conduct an inspection of your final lot choices, and provide a detailed estimate of foundation, clearing, sewer, and water costs before you build. You’ll want to be sure you’re choosing a great location, where the home you’ve chosen can be built without encountering unforeseen issues.
Notation below refers to unsold FIND MY DREAM HOME listings...
LINKS ABOVE INCLUDE ALL MLS ACTIVE RESIDENTIAL LOTS & LAND! | |
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