Locating The Land to Build Your New Home

Author: Karl Duncan

Author: Karl Duncan

Zoning 101 Upon your understanding of what is important to you, gain an understanding of your local area's land-use plans and zoning requirements. Otherwise you could end up buying a beautifully wooded, tranquil lot that is slated to be four blocks from a new six-land road and strip-mall - one that's suddenly a lot harder to sell than you anticipated ten years earlier.You can usually review these ordinances by visiting your city hall. What you need to know is if the local building authority and/or subdivision have requirements regarding the type of house that can be built in that area, and how the land can be used. Land use and and house style restrictions can surprise you -- down to such seemingly odd things as the city prescribing the maximum width of roof eaves. Questions you should ask: -Where are the lot setbacks, and will you be able to fit the house you want on that lot?

-Would there be easements into those setbacks to consider?

-Would there be minimum or maximum requirements on the size of house in the area? -Would there be any restrictions on roof type, exterior materials used, or style of house? For instance, in some neighborhoods in the southwest United States require that homes have flat roofs, while other urban-infill areas across the country are drawing up restrictions against such roofs. It is also common to see subdivisions with Architectural Control Committees that require a certain amount of natural materials on exteriors (such as wood or stone) which can greatly affect the price of the home you will build. -Will the neighborhood association have any say over the type of house you are going to build?

-Would you need to pay dues to a neighborhood association? If so, how much are dues each year, and what do they include? -Would there be restrictions on the types of animals you can have? Or whether or not you can park a trailer, a boat or an RV on the property? Lifestyle & Amenities & Your Lifestyle: What would be important to you in your daily life? Do you enjoy biking and hiking on dedicated trails on a daily basis? How much travel time can you handle when commuting for work? Do you want to be near family? Are certain school districts important to you? Do you enjoy motorized toys such as an RV, motorboat or snowmobiles, or perhaps you would like to raise a horse? Make sure you answer these basic questions before you get down a path with a certain lot that might leave you feeling shortchanged if local restrictions unexpectedly prevent you from satisfying some of these basic needs. The Land Itself Performing a soil test can be a worthwhile investment to assess the viability of the land you are considering. Factors that should help you evaluate include: -Identify the soil type of the lot, and will it require improvements to build the type of house you want? If you want a basement and your lot is rocky, you might have just signed up for $20,000 worth of blasting expenses. Similarly, a lot with peat underneath it can require $20,000 or more in pilings before you even start the foundation. More commonly, clay soil might require that you bring in some higher quality fill material as a base for your foundation. -How deep is the water table? If it is high, you might have water intrusion problems in your basement. Too low and you may need to pay more to drill a well to supply your country get-away. -Would you be on city water and sewer, or will you need to pay for a well and septic? -Would you need to pay for water rights? In the west, it is not uncommon for areas separated by just miles to have vastly different water rights. -Expect that there is always a tradeoff between how close you are to main roads and your exposure to traffic noise. Be sure to consider that balance in order to find what is right for you. -Would you be near an airport? If so, what are the flight paths in and out of the airport, and are any new runways planned that could affect you? Screaming over airplanes while sipping your morning coffee is probably not your cup of tea. -Will the land be hilly or flat? If you like a lot of light in your basement, a walk-out lot is ideal. Conversely, a lot with a steep slope may require you to build retaining walls you hadn't planned.

About the Author:

Want to find out *more* valuable information to get huge discounts on Self Build House products without paying a penny? Check this out... http://timberframekits.info

POST COMMENT

Building Your Own Home And The Cost To You Legit Online Jobs Review: Truth For This Legitimate Online Work At Home Opportunity Quality Counts! -How Will You Know Good From Bad In Building Your Own Home Learn How You Can Gain Permanent Relief From Ovarian Cysts By Applying Ovarian Cyst Home Treatment Methods Amish Country Furniture 5 Reasons Why Custom Designing And Building Your Own Dream Home Is Better Than Buying Casual Area Rugs - Great Addition To Your Living Room Inflatable Bra Get Great Cleavage Whenever You Want To Create More Space With A Room Divider Property Tax- Know its Importance to the Home Buying Process Leather Sofas A Luxurious Necessity The Advantages Of Steel Frame Construction Energy Efficient Home It Keeps Getting Better