Building a dream home doesn’t have to be overwhelming and choosing where to build is just as important as who you build with.
Here’s a few tips we like to offer when it comes to choosing location;
- Research the school district, whether you have children in school or not, you can learn a lot about the area from the school.
- Contact the County or local Chamber of Commerce to see what’s being planned or being developed.
- Drive. If you can, get in your vehicle and go visit places – a great time to check out the neighborhood is during the day and after 6pm. You’ll find out if it’s a family neighborhood, well lit at night and how the residents interact with each other.
Once you’ve found a location, let’s talk about home location; where it sits on the lot. This is probably one of the most overlooked items in planning. If you build on a slope, it will cost more. If you have to raise the level of the foundation, it will cost more. And, it’s important to know the soil. Will it be a good foundation for your to create that dream home and outdoor living space on or will you have to spend extra to get it ready.
Consider the Sun – when and where do you want the natural cycle of sunlight to impact your home. If you have kids, you probably don’t want it to wake them up at 5am.
Corner lots – some offer great options for extra space and less neighbors, others create busy corners with more traffic.
Busy Roads – this might seem obvious but carefully consider a lot where you are next to a main road. The noise factor can detract from enjoying your outdoor space and can often be heard inside too.
Don’t do it alone – Realtors are great resources in the process too. They know the area well, the builders and can provide you with local advice you won’t find by using google.