Many families dream of the adventure and
enjoyment that custom home construction can bring. The chance to build a dream
home to your own specifications gives you incredible creative freedom. Along
with flooring and countertop options, you get to select your own home style,
floor plan, and number of bedrooms from among dozens of possibilities.
The first step toward a custom home build
is acquisition of the land lot, which differs from a speculation home and its
accompanying lot ready for construction. The land lot you choose is important
because it is the site for your future home. Take a look at these three
important land considerations for your custom home.
1. Location
Realtors assert that location is important
in real estate, and the same is true of land you plan to claim as your future
custom home site. Location is the most important consideration when you begin
your search for potential land.
You want your land
to suit your
lifestyle and fulfill your family's needs. Some families prefer a rural or
semi-rural lot away from traffic and congestion, while others like the potential
increase in value when a property is located within city limits.
Is your land close enough to your work or
within your desired school district? Commute times and school bus routes and
proximity of other forms of transportation can affect your quality of life.
Ease of transportation to work or school can help decrease stress.
Ultimately, your land should be in a place
that brings your family the most joy. Maybe your lot has a great view of
mountains or a beautiful body of water. Or a lot may hold value because it is
near relatives and other loved ones or near the conveniences of city life.
2. Size
Lot size is important because it can play a
role in the type of home you choose to build. A larger lot can accommodate a
range of home styles and sizes, while a smaller lot accepts homes with a
smaller footprint.
For example, you may need to opt for a
two-story home on a small lot if you want a large number of bedrooms. If your
heart is set on a sprawling rambler and an absence of stairs, a large lot may
be better.
Additionally, lot size affects the size of
your available yard once a home is complete. A family will probably want a
larger yard if they have children. If your family is small, you may still want
enough outdoor space to park an RV, build a swimming pool, keep a dog, or grow
heirloom roses. However, a small yard is often more desirable when you want to
cut back on the amount of property maintenance.
3. Terrain
The lay of the land is an important
consideration. Raw, undeveloped land can contain terrain like water bodies,
hills, rocks, and even thick forest. Features like these provide beauty and
interest but may impact your custom home construction.
Land terrain can limit the amount of
buildable space, especially if a lot is small. For example, a stream that runs
through the center of your land diminishes your buildable square footage.
Terrain can also present potential problems, like flooding from a nearby water
body.
Finally, terrain may dictate home design.
For example, a gentle slope may offer the opportunity to include a walk-out
basement but may not be a feature that fits into your building plans.
A reputable broker can help you in your
search for the right land lot for your custom home build. You can trust Realty
One Group Heritage to find land for sale, negotiate with land sellers, and even
help determine important zoning and easements on a piece.
