Things to Consider when choosing a lot
Choosing the right location and lot for your custom home is a crucial factor to consider during the home-building process. Many factors affect the design and features of the home and can also impact your quality of life in the home. Lots vary in size, slope, direction, location, and price point.
HERE ARE THE MAIN THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOSING A LOT:
1. The Direction the Front of the House will Face
North-facing homes will typically have more snow on the driveway for more time after it falls, because the house will block the direct exposure to the warming sun. South-facing homes have greater opportunity for direct and passive sunshine, which typically can melt the snow faster and may allot for more natural heat through all the seasons. If you are a sunset/sunrise lover, pick a lot that faces West to watch the sunset, or one that faces East to watch the sunrise.
2. Garage Location
Some things to consider is where your garage is located on your lot. This will affect how long the driveway will be, which direction if faces, how you will drive up to your home. Garages are typically denoted with the ‘G’ in a square on a lot map. If you are looking for a triple car garage, most lots that have a pocket size of over 36′ will allow for a triple garage.
3. Determine How Much Outdoor Living Space You Prefer
It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of building your home. Looking forward to a large yard to allow for family or pets to enjoy spacious play or living space could be in your dreams; however, if the reality is you do not like to do any yard work and the idea of having to hire someone to do landscaping weekly is not in your budget, you may change your hopes and dreams quickly. Corner lots usually have a wider circumference of lawn and will require more landscaping. Lots in the middle of a street could have more narrow lots but also will require less landscaping.
4. Zero-Lot Line Neighborhoods
Not everyone is familiar with the concept of zero-lot line homes sites. These layouts typically make great use of your space, less dollars and less maintenance! These lots are smaller than traditional sized lots, however, they provide the same amount of space both outside and inside the house. Zero lot homes are built right again property lines of your neighbors. These types of lots are one of the most cost-effective options.
5. Future development Plans for the Area and Surrounding Lots
It is not always evident when looking at an early developed area what it will be like once all the homes, businesses and traffic start to settle in. How busy is the street likely to be in a few years? Do you know what will be built around you that might impact your view, your privacy or your solitude? If you have small children or prefer a quiet, out of the way street, building your home on a cul-de-sac or dead-end street could be ideal. Look to your own family lifestyle to determine what type of lot and street configuration would work best for you. Also consider the age groups of neighborhoods when considering moving. Young families may do better amongst other families with children playing and allowing the adults to converse and grow up together.
6. The Proximity Of Amenities Within the Community
Proximity to schools, shopping, work and recreation can be a factor for the resale value of your home. Being too close means more noise and traffic. Being too far means more walking or driving distance to the essential services such as groceries and medical services. Personal preference typically dictates how close you want to be to amenities, work or school, or even friends and family. Does the location of the lot and home meet your needs?