BUY DIRT

Now it’s time to pick a lot which is one of the most important decisions you will make throughout the entire building process. Home sites can affect the style of plan you are able to select, the amount of privacy, whether or not you will be able to have a walkout or daylight basement and with the price of lots today it will be a big line item in your overall construction cost.  Here are a few considerations to keep in mind when picking a home site.

Sloping (the fall of the lot) for Walk-Out or Daylight Basement Options

Choosing a lot that is not flat is necessary if you’re hoping to include a walk-out or daylight basement. These types of basements include either windows or sliders/doors, depending on what you need and what the lot will allow. Walk-out basements offer easy access to your yard and can add additional natural lighting. Adding these elements to your home can transform a basement into a full second level of living that mirrors more of your upper level livings spaces.

What about Privacy

Are you hoping to move into a more secluded area, possibly backing to common areas, a tree line or sitting on the edge of the neighborhood? These lots are perfect for anyone who wants a little separation from neighbors without moving to a rural area. However, most of the time they come with a much higher price tag as these would be considered the “premium lots” and typically some of the first to go as well. If you opt for this type of site, be sure to consider how you want your backyard to function when determining your final design of your custom home.

Direction Matters

Quite possibly one of the most important things to consider when selecting a lot is the direction your home will face on the lot.  Do you want a lot of natural light through the day? If so, perhaps a south or partially south facing lot might be important to you.  Are you looking for shade in the evening?  Then a west or mostly west facing lot would be a good idea.  Thinking about adding a pool?  If so, selecting a lot that does not have a lot of late afternoon shade will be an important factor.

There are a number of things to consider when picking the right lot for you to build on but the most important is figuring out what the most important things are about your lifestyle that you want to accomplish in your home. There’s no wrong answer to what’s important to you. Once you have determined that the next step is choosing the right lot to fit your needs.

Written by:

Tasha Moss, New Construction Specialist