Tips for Purchasing Land

When you make the decision to build your own home, the natural, first step is to find the right piece of land to build on. Here we offer some advice on factors to look for and think about when purchasing the most suitable land for the location you wish to live.

Suburban Locations

Perhaps you are someone who plans to build in a suburban area. Here are some specific things to consider and look for when purchasing land close to or within city limits:

• City Planning – Investigate the surrounding area. Will that cow pasture next to your lot always be there, or will it become a grocery store in the next few years? By taking a look at the city’s five year Comprehensive Plan, you can better prepare yourself for what will go on in your neighborhood.
• Water Tables – Water tables are something that can affect the design and construction of your home.  If your dream home includes a basement, water tables are an important factor to investigate prior to purchase.
• Floodplains – Although your piece of land may not be near a body of water, it can still be situated in a floodplain. By checking with the National Flood Insurance Program or with your state, you can find out exactly where flood lines are drawn in conjunction to that piece of property you want.
• Soil Types –  The type of soil under your property can sometimes affect the integrity of your home. Getting a soil report for your area can help to determine the capacity of your property’s soil.

Rural Locations

If you are looking to build a lake house or a mountain retreat, further removed from populous areas. Potential issues to be considered when buying land in a rural area include:

• Slope – While having a sloped lot offers opportunities like the inclusion of a walk-out basement, it can also require more prep and foundation work during construction.
• Access to Utilities – Does your remote location have existing access to necessities like power or gas? Knowing how far away utility connections are and the cost to connect will help you better understand your overall budget needs.
• Proximity to Water – Is potable water available on your site? Drilling and pipe work can also impact on your total cost to build.

Read more about site orientation.

If you have a piece of land you are thinking of buying and are looking for some expert advice on how it can affect your design and budget, contact us.