Choosing the Perfect Lot for Your New Home

When choosing the perfect lot for your new home, there are several factors that may influence your decision. From location to construction costs, we’ll discuss some of the main factors to keep in mind when searching for the perfect lot.

Choosing a location for your new homes involves identifying what is important to you. You will want to ensure that the location matches your lifestyle preferences. Are shopping and restaurants within walking distance important? What about parks, trails or a public pool? Knowing what things you need near your home is important for maximum ease and enjoyment.

Additional items to consider include:

• school district
• proximity to family / work
• quick access to airport/ interstate / public transportation 
• walkability, bike lanes, nature trails
• cul-de-sac 
• corner lot

Items you might want to avoid include:

• busy roads
• proximity to airport or train tracks
• nearby commercial or industrial

Covenants ensure that you are building a home that is appropriate to the others in the neighborhood and to help protect property values. You need to understand them because they can impact the size and design of your home, sheds, parking, allowable materials, what kind of fence may be allowed, and even pets.

Is the lot a part of an HOA? Understanding HOA dues, what the HOA covers and what rules and restrictions there are is very important. Similar to covanents, HOAs can restrict everything from appearance of the home, alteration and decorations, landscaping, fences, sheds, and breed, size and number of pets allowed.

It is important to verify the availability and accessibility of necessary utilities like water, sewer, electricity and gas. Can you access city water and sewer, or do you need to consider well and septic systems?

Is their an easement on the lot? An easement is a legal right that allows a third party to use a portion of your property for a specific purpose, even if they don’t own the land. Easements can affect property owners by limiting development or construction on the property. 

The slope and topography of the land may determine the feasibility of the type of home that will work on a lot (walkout vs slab / type of basement).  This may also impact building costs based on import or export of dirt and foundation costs.  It may also impact the need for retaining walls, which can be quite costly.

Check local zoning laws to ensure the property is zoned for residential construction and understand any building restrictions regarding size, height, and setbacks.

The shape and dimensions of the lot will impact the design and yard. Is the lot pie shaped? If so, you could have a wide home design, but your back yard will be impacted. Is it a corner lot? You may need to add some additional costs for sidewalks. If you want a side-load garage, you will want to make sure that design works with your lot. If you need a four-car garage and a large front porch, you will likely require a wide lot. What will your back yard area be with your home on the lot?

Analyze how the sun and wind will impact the home design and energy efficiency based on the site’s orientation. Also, are you someone that wants to sit on your deck and watch the sunset? What direction does your home face? The sun exposure may also impact materials that you choose (dark vs. light colors). Do you wish to use solar panels?

Consider the potential for future development in the area and how it might affect your property and its value. This includes future buildings and uses as well as planned amenities and roadways. In addition, you’ll want to choose a location with excellent resale value should you decide to leave. 

Evaluate access to the site, including road conditions, driveway access, and potential obstacles like steep inclines or overhanging trees.

If you are looking for a breathtaking view, afternoon sun, or privacy, your lot selection may impact how much you enjoy your space. Also, It is important to consider potential environmental concerns like floodplains, soil stability, erosion issues, and proximity to hazardous materials, as well as items like wind turbines or solar farms.

Investigate the soil quality to determine if it can adequately support the foundation of your home. This may come into play when the land is located near water. Is the soil sandy? If yes, this may require the need for additional supports. If the lot is particularly rocky, the excavation may be more difficult. Is the lot near or on an area that once housed commercial space? Are there any soil contaminants to consider?

Some of the biggest impacts to costs may be:

• Utilities. Can you hook into city sewer and water, or do you need septic and well systems?
• Clearing a lot. Are there trees, structures or other items that need to be cleared from the lot?
• Dirt work. Is there a significant amount of dirt work or excavation needed to achieve the proper slope? If there is a significant amount of import or export of dirt, it can impact costs due to trucking and fuel.

Depending on the complexity of the lot, you might consider hiring a professional surveyor to conduct a thorough survey of the property to identify boundaries, easements, and any potential issues. If it is a complex build because of soil conditions, you may need to speak to an engineer. You will also likely need a title opinion from an attorney on any lot so you fully understand items thatmay encumber your lot such as covenants or even liens on the property.

PRK Williams Building Group is a local Cedar Rapids company that is committed to quality and the relationships that we build.  We have an in house designer that works with the homeowner on every design detail to understand how you will use the home and how the design will function for your needs. PRK Williams Building Group employs a robust project management system that keeps the home owner engaged and updated through every step of the building process ensuring effective and efficient communication. We are going to be here for many years to come, and building a product that both us and our home owners can be proud of is extremely important to us.  We build homes and relationships that last. Simply put…we care!

Contact us for your building needs today.