There are so many things to consider before you build your dream home. One of the most important decisions you’ll make will be where you chose to build. The land your new home will reside on can dictate so many factors of your life. Some homeowners love the country and want lots of land for animals and outdoor activities while others have to be in pizza delivery range and could not image living anywhere but inside the busy city limits.
Buying land can get complicated. Make sure you do your homework before you decide where to build. It is so important that your land suits your home and your home suits your land. Surprisingly some homeowners don’t even check if their new home will fit on the property they desire.
Here are a few things to think about before deciding where to build.
Country Living
Pro’s
Land is less expensive in rural areas and usually the farther you get from the city, the cheaper the land. In rural areas you can build any style and any kind of home that you desire. No one and no community organization dictates what you can or can not do on your property including extra buildings or design styles.
Neighbors are not a stone’s throw from your window and privacy and peacefulness are benefits.
If you have animals, country life can be enjoyable as you have more space and can enjoy open areas. Having more space also helps if you decide to “go green” as some eco-friendly products need extra space for installation including products like geothermal heating and cooling units or solar panels.
Con’s
If you are building in a rural area finding a contractor who will travel the distance may be a challenge. If you do find a builder he may charge more for the distance for his workers and material delivery to your home site will also cost more.
In the country some modern conveniences are not available. Cable and internet may not be offered as most houses in rural areas use satellite services. A deep well may be needed for water and a septic tank for sewer purposes.
Shopping may need to be planned as gas prices are soaring. Work, schools and entertainment may also be a good drive away from home.
Fire Departments are sometimes volunteer organizations and insurance rates can be higher due to your distance from fire hydrants or fire departments.
City Living
Pro’s
If you live in the city you are close to everything you need including schools, work, health care and shopping. Police and Fire protection are nearby and can reach your home in minutes.
Finding a contractor will be easier and city utilities are accessible. Cable and internet will be readily available and entertainment activities are close by. Many city lots are ready for you to begin building and if you plan to resell your property the city may be a better choice.
City Living
Con’s
Traffic and congestion can consume your commute to work. The cost of living is higher in the city and certain subdivision communities will dictate to you what type of house you can build and what you can have in your own back yard.
Crime rates are higher in the city than in the country and depending where you live pollution can be a problem.
You may build your dream home right next to a nightmare neighbor that you will have to live beside for a very long time.
Important Factors to Consider
Water
Make sure the property has access to a public water source or add to your budget a deep private well.
Sewer or Septic
Check to see if a sewer hook-up is available for this property or add to your budget an installed septic system. The number of tanks needed will be determined by how many bathrooms your home will have. If you do need to install a septic system a perk test will also be necessary before a septic field can be installed. This test is extremely important because if the property cannot pass a perk test your next option is to install an engineered field, if allowed in your county. This type of system can be significantly more costly.
Survey
Make sure you have a survey of your land to determine the boundary lines of your property. I also recommend keeping some type of marker on the corners of your property for future references.
Elevation
If the property is on a flood plain build accordingly and make sure you purchase flood insurance.
Restrictions
Check with the neighborhood association to see if there are rules for your community. There may be restrictions on the type of house you can build, if storage buildings are allowed in the yard and what type of driveway you create. Some communities even restrict pets.
Access
Check to see if your property is on a public road that is maintained by the city or county. It’s always a good idea to know who and where to call in case you have problems with access to your home.
Zoning
Check your local zoning laws and make sure the land allows for a residential home.
Smells & Sounds
Make sure you are not hearing a manufacturing plant or a bus stop nearby or smelling a poultry farm down the road.
Choosing the right location can be as hard as finding the perfect home plan and sometimes more complex. Everyone has different needs and expectations for their home site. Do your homework and find your haven for your home.
No comments:
Post a Comment