Choosing the right lot for new build is quite possibly the most important part of the new construction process. You want land that is beautiful to you and land that will suit your family, but let’s make sure it is truly the best choice!
Here is how you can look at a lot through a Jubilee lens so you feel confident from the get go.
Start With the Slope of the Lot
The way your land lays and the soil is so incredibly important.
A gentle slope is friendly and easy to work with. This gives you options for a crawlspace, potentially a slab, or even to dig down and create a basement if the land allows.
A steep slope can still be wonderful especially for a future basement, picture stepping out the walkout basement to your beautiful wooded backyard. It may require more thought and planning, and a lot more machine work, but the value that a basement adds to your home is worthy.
Flat ground looks simple, but it still needs thoughtful water flow and preparation. This is usually where we see friends miss the budget completely- even on a beautiful perfect homesite, you still have to prepare the land for your home.
Walk the land, notice how the water flows when it rains, where will the house be positioned, how long will the driveway be, dream about the kids playing in the yard, how does that feel?!
Check FEMA maps and see if there are any flood zones close by, if there are, don’t freak out just yet, knowledge is key in this position. If there are flood zones close by, the main thing is checking on the homesite when it rains, see how the water flows and if it floods or rain pools in areas. You can also check your local water table and see how high or low it may be. The soil, its drainage, the water table, and the slope of the land will have a great impact on the way water sits or flows off your future land.
Remember, you can always add drains or grade the land. Right now the main point is to gather all the knowledge on your land.
Check Access to Utilities on the New Build Lot
Before you get swept away picturing your porch swing and your morning coffee, make sure the basics are close by. Water. Power. Sewer or septic options.
If everything is already right there waiting for you, praises!!
If not, think of it as part of the journey. You just want to know how far lines need to run so your budget stays joyful instead of stressful.
You’ll need to know where the nearest electrical source is, how far the water lines and sewer will need to run, and if you’re on septic, you’ll need a perc test or a septic permit.
Natural gas or propane is another option to think through while you’re choosing the land. If natural gas isn’t available, you’ll need to consider propane if that’s important to you. For propane, you can bury the tank or you can have a tank sitting on your land.
Choosing raw land 200 feet off a main road and choosing a homesite inside the city limits will be drastically different on the utility cost. Your raw land may come with a small price tag, but large utility preparation bill, meanwhile your city lot is going to be ready to hookup to utilities on day 1, but you typically pay for that advantage when you purchase the homesite.
Think About How You Will Live There
This is where the vision gets fun.
Picture the sun glowing through your kitchen windows while you sip that first quiet cup of coffee. Imagine kids running through the yard. Imagine long evenings on the porch with someone you love.
Do you feel safe? Do you feel connected to nature or part of a community?
What does the sun rise and set? Do you have shade trees? Do you need to do a lot of tree removal? Do you need to plant some trees? How long will your driveway be? Based on the natural beauty of the land, is there one place you would want a window to catch the perfect view?
Grab some land flags and play around with the homesite, consider where you’ll sit and watch the kids in the yard, where the sun will be, and how the water naturally flows when it rains. Take time getting to know the land.
Know the Restrictions of the Lot
Every piece of land has a little rule book tied to the deed when you purchase the property. Some are small. Some are important. Setbacks. Driveway placement. Septic rules. Neighborhood guidelines. HOAs.
Knowing these things early keeps your dreams from bumping into surprises in the future. It lets you plan with joy and not frustration.
In Marion County, you can grab a list of property restrictions at the courthouse within minutes. Do not rely on the facts to be in the listing or for your agent to know every detail of the land restrictions. Make time to find them for yourself and read them.
Walk the Land After a Rain
I know I know. I said this already. But it is just that important.
This is a little wisdom right here, just do it. We believe in water management from the get go.
Walk the land when it is a little soggy. See where the water moves. See where it rests. A short walk on a wet day can save you thousands and protect your home for years.
If you’ve had a perc test or have access to it, you can even look up the type of soil on your land and look up its attributes. How does it drain? Is it red clay? Is it rocky? You will want to know!
Knowing these things ahead of time can help you decide on drainage, French drains, catch basins, and gutter systems. The more water you can pull away from your house now- the better.
Unexpected Costs of a New Construction Home Build
Some lots look peaceful on the surface but have a few surprises underneath like:
- Tree removal.
- Hitting rock when you dig a footer or septic.
- Needing Extra dirt.
- Needing Gravel.
- Retaining walls.
- Driveway length.
- Septic location.
- Digging a basement.
- Filling in the land.
This is where knowledge keeps you sane. You do not have to fear these things. You just want to know them early so you can plan well and stay joyful in the process.