Over the past decade we have had the pleasure of helping new home builders with site plan software. This software has seen hundreds of thousands of site plans prepared. It is within this application that aspiring new home owners get to fully appreciate the suitability of their lot of land.
Picking a lot of land isn’t as straight forward as one would like to think and we have heard it all. It’s not uncommon for a buyer to only realise the challenges their lot of land has right at the very moment they try to pick a design to fit it. Not only that is often fundamentals are forgotten in the selection process, as often emotions run high and we find ourselves making overly emotional decisions rather than the logical ones which fit our budget. Let’s take a quick look at some key points that you need to consider when picking the perfect lot of land.
Location
Ok, lets start off with an easy one. Location is critical for everyone, it can impact every aspect of our lives, how easy we make things for ourselves or how difficult. Consider the lot of land in relation to it’s proximity to shopping facilities, schools, parks, doctors and hospitals, child care and transportation. If this is a forever home, you need to make sure you tick these boxes and are happy with the travel distances you will experience every day.
Accessibility
How accessible is your lot of land, if you are building in a new suburb or community. It’s important to be realistic about the surroundings development, often this development requires government funding and often in newer areas you may find there are delays, this can be important if you need to travel long distances for work, also consider the public transport network.
Neighbourhood
If the lot of land is in a new residential estate or community, what does the master plan look like. Also, how are the noise levels, cleanliness and overall quality of the surrounding homes and buildings.
Topography
Another crucial factor is the topography of the lot. The physical features of your land, like its slope and soil type, can significantly influence the construction cost and design of your home. Flat lots are typically the easiest and least expensive to build on, while sloped lots may provide stunning views but can pose architectural and budgetary challenges. Don’t forget to consider the potential for flooding and erosion, especially if your lot is near a body of water.
Orientation
The orientation of your land can also greatly impact your living experience. Ideally, your home should be positioned to make the best use of natural light and warmth from the sun. In the northern hemisphere, for example, a southern-facing home receives the most sunlight throughout the day, which can help to reduce energy costs. Moreover, you’ll want to consider the view – which direction the main living spaces and windows will face.
Legalities
Before finalizing your decision, it’s imperative to understand any restrictions or covenants that may be attached to the land. Check zoning laws to ensure your planned use of the land is legal and permitted. Additionally, there may be restrictions related to the type of house you can build, its size, or even its color.
Infrastructure and Services
Consider the availability of essential services such as water, electricity, gas, and internet. In established neighborhoods, these services are usually readily available, but in more remote or newly developing areas, getting connected can be a hassle and an additional expense.
Resale Value
While it’s the last thing on many people’s minds when they’re excited about building a new home, consider the potential resale value. Even if you plan this to be your forever home, circumstances can change. Look at trends in the area and consider how your chosen lot and planned home could appreciate over time.
In conclusion, while selecting a lot may seem overwhelming, taking the time to consider all these factors will ensure that you make a decision that suits both your immediate needs and long-term happiness. The site plan software we’ve developed can also be a useful tool in visualizing your dream home on your chosen lot. Remember, the joy of building your own home is not just in the end product but also in the journey of creating it.