Choosing the Right Lot
When it comes to building a home, there are many factors that affect the overall cost of your project. One of the most important is choosing the right lot for what you intend to build. By this we mean that certain lots are naturally set up for a basement or a crawl space, and some are flatter and more appropriate for a raised slab. Choosing the right lot that naturally accommodates each option will save on a variety of factors. Knowing what will be necessary regarding these upfront will help the builder give a much more accurate estimate.
The details of and relating to the terrain of your lot matter tremendously. For example, flat terrain is often less expensive to build on because it requires less site preparation, although it can potentially have its own issues. Sloped or uneven terrain might necessitate additional grading, retaining walls, or specialized foundations, all of which can increase costs.
Sloped lots also determine the foundation design to ensure stability. Customized techniques also drive costs up, and can often be an element of which most future homeowners aren’t aware. This is not only something to consider when building the house, but also when building the driveway. More complex driveways always increase cost.
Water management is an imperative element one must consider when choosing a lot. There are many factors, as well as tangential factors, that determine an ideal lot. Drainage and flood risks are examples of important factors that can increase costs and potentially delay your project significantly. These factors center around surface and subsurface drainage.
Surface drainage or rainwater management is imperative to avoid potential flooding in your home. Where such water comes from and where it will be directed has to be done properly to avoid flooding in major rain events. Also, if rainwater is allowed to pool around the foundation of the house, there is a risk of flooding and, consequently, water damage to the home. Surface drainage alone can potentially require customized drainage solutions, which require a larger budget.
Like surface drainage, subsurface drainage is also important. High water tables or poor soil drainage can cause water to seep into basements or crawl spaces, potentially leading to mold, mildew, and structural issues. Subsurface customized drainage solutions may be required, and will also increase the cost of building.
Understanding the above elements in regard to choosing your lot are imperative if you hope to keep the cost of your lot and site preparation to a minimum. If nothing else, this will at least identify the required costs up front to avoid surprises in the estimate. There are many factors associated with the above, but if you start by having a conversation with your potential builder about the above items, you will be sure to save time, frustration, and money.
We love to guide our customers through these issues. If you are thinking about buying a lot to build a home, give us a call at 470-WINDSOR and let us help you start the process!