Once you have made the decision to build a new home and determined how much you can afford to spend on your home and land, you will begin your search for a home site. Here are some tips that will help you choose the site for your home:
| 1. |
Location, location, location. Location is as important for a home as it is for a business. What is the neighborhood like? How close is it to shopping, work, schools and recreation? How easy is neighborhood access? |
| 2. | Lot size. Keep in mind that each town has its own zoning regulations. For example, Rochester requires a total of 16 feet of side yard remaining from the house to the lot line. |
| 3. | Topography. Walkout houses require a 6-8 foot drop from the front of the home to its rear for most home styles. Many lots will not accommodate a walkout basement. To have a lookout view from most basements, you need a 3-4 foot drop from front to rear. Also, the topography greatly affects where the home will be constructed as well as excavation expenses. |
| 4. | Soils. What you build on is more important that what you build. Soil is a key factor to the longevity of your home. Sand/gravel soils are very porous and offer excellent buildability. Clay/sand soils are good for building as well. Heavy clay soils expand when wet and push horizontally against the sides of the walls and can make the foundation buckle. Builders may have to import soil to replace heavy clay soils, which increase overall expenses. In rural areas, make sure you know what kind of septic systems is required. A mound system will cost about $4,000 more than a trench system. |
| 5. |
See a builder. Make good use of a builder in the selection process. He will offer valuable insight into the highlights and potential obstacles presented by any given lot. As an experiences specialist, he can best anticipate what to expect so you can make an informed decision. |
our Stone Creek House.
|
Copyright 2001. Cornerstone Builders and Builder for Life. |