Finding a lot for your custom home

The lot you choose can be as important as the    home design you select.

What do you need to know to buy just the right lot for your custom home?
Before you settle on that “perfect lot,” you need to know the answers to several important questions. Your purchase contract for the lot should include a 60 or 90 day “study period” in which you can review the lot to make sure it meets your needs.

Find a reputable building industry professional to work with – either an architect or home builder. During the study period, get answers to the following questions:

• What is the zoning of the property under contract?

• What are the side, rear, and front setback restrictions under this zoning classification?

• Are there any restrictive covenants or title issues that will affect what you want to build?

• Where are the utilities? If electric, gas, cable, and phone are not “at the lot line,” do easements exist to bring them to your lot?

• Does the lot have access to public water and sewer service? Do easements exist? If yes, what are the tap fees? If no, you will need some answers regarding wells and septic fields.

• Are there any existing flood plain or Resource Protection Area restrictions on your lot? Local jurisdictions have become much more restrictive in their interpretations of your rights with these areas. If your lot slopes significantly, you may want to obtain a field run topography survey, as most of the aerial topography surveys at government jurisdictions are inaccurate. You will need a preliminary grading showing the location of the house, septic field, well, utilities, and driveway. All of the proposed improvements must meet the zoning, setback, and health-department requirements of your jurisdiction. You will now be able to determine if there is any specific site problem.

These could include:

• A significant need for fill dirt (or an excess)
• Insufficient area for the required improvements
• The need for extensive retaining walls.

– From the National Association of Home Builders Web site (www.nahb.org)