While you may have spent years dreaming about your ideal floor plan, paint colors, and furniture for your luxury custom home, the first and most important decision is about its location. Before you can undergo custom new home construction, you need to find a lot on which to build your new property.
Lot selection can be an overwhelming process for some homeowners, as every aspect of your future home, from room orientation to privacy, depends on the land you choose. To help you make an informed decision, here are some key tips for choosing the best lot for your custom new home construction.
Choose the Community You Want
Choosing your home’s lot is about more than just the land itself; you’ll need to look outside the property lines and consider the surrounding neighborhood. Research the area’s character, safety ratings, and future development plans. Do you want to be close to restaurants and shopping, or out in the country and away from the noise? Are there any plans to expand more developments in the area?
Consider proximity to work, schools, and healthcare facilities. How long will your commute be, and how good are the school districts in the area? Is the neighborhood mostly older residents, young professionals, or families with kids? The community you choose is an integral part of your quality of life at home, so it’s one of the most important considerations when choosing a plot of land for your new home construction.
Consider Topography & Site Conditions
When you find a lot you like, it’s important to assess the physical characteristics of the lot beyond its aesthetic appeal. Factors like topography and soil conditions can drastically impact both construction costs and design possibilities, so make sure that the lot you love can support your dream custom home design.
Relatively level lots are typically the most cost-effective, since they require minimal site preparation, but sloped lots can provide unique design opportunities like walkout basements and multi-level decks. However, keep in mind that significant elevation changes will likely increase construction complexity and, as a result, costs. If your heart belongs to a lot with complex terrain, work with your custom home builders to optimize your home for the specific site conditions.
Double-Check Available Utilities
Before purchasing a lot, double-check utility availability and connection to ensure that it aligns with your needs. If you’re building in an established community, then it’s likely that utilities will be readily available at the street, minimizing the cost of making connections. However, rural or undeveloped lots may require utility extensions or septic system installation, which should be factored into your considerations
Consult with Your Custom Home Contractor
If you aren’t sure where to start when it comes to looking for or finalizing a lot, your custom home contractor can offer invaluable expertise. Experienced custom home builders understand how different lot characteristics will impact construction costs, design possibilities, and project timelines, so they can advise you on the best choices for your unique needs and wants.
At Hannah Custom Homes, we’re proud to offer extensive expertise in lot evaluation and custom luxury home construction, helping you navigate every aspect of the home building process. We approach every project as a true partnership, striving to make custom home-building enjoyable and predictable for all of our clients. If you’re ready to build a custom home in Middle Tennessee, or if you need advice on land you are considering purchasing, give us a call at 615-822-8042 or contact us online today to get started.