Beyond designing and building your dream home, building on your own lot requires additional steps in the building process. There are a variety of factors to consider when buying a plot of land, many of which come down to personal preference.
Here are a few tips when picking out your perfect land to get you started:
Budget – Finding the right property within your budget can take time. It is essential that you know what you are able to afford for the piece of land, as part of your overall budget for your new home.
Location – Of course, when it comes to your home, location is everything. Especially if you choose to build on your own lot, it is important to consider all aspects of the property that you are considering.These questions should be considered before you select a general area, and certainly before you begin examining specific plots of land.
- Community or rural – Do you want to be in a neighborhood with other homes close by, or do you prefer to have plenty of space between you and your neighbor?
- Community + Restrictions – Is the lot in close proximity to work or family and friends? Are there HOA fees, historic district restrictions, front and side setbacks, or any possible exemptions in place on the land?
- School District: Whether it’s a family with children or first-time homebuyers, shopping for a home in a location with strong local schools is key to quality living and an increased home value.
- Property Taxes – These will stay with you so make sure you know what the taxes will look like and if they are something that you can afford.
Lot size – How big of a lot do you want to have? Do you need room for a pool or prefer a low-maintenance, smaller lot? It is important to understand how the lay of the land (orientation, elevation, slope, etc.) and what site work needs to be done in order for construction to begin. It also is important to consider the purchase price along with the amount of land required for your plans. Once you have a specific plot of land in mind, a land survey can confirm the exact size of the parcel.
Land Condition – In addition to the size of the plot, it’s important to know the condition of the soil and its topographical features. Some soil types may be unsuitable for building, while others require extensive work before you can even lay the foundation. Similarly, you need to make sure the land has the right topography for your intended use. A topographical land survey can help you evaluate the overall terrain and an engineer can help you to determine if the survey results show the plot of land to be suitable for your purposes.
Protect Your Investment with a Land Survey
It is important to always involve a land surveyor when purchasing any piece of property, developed or undeveloped. A land survey can help to avoid issues such as an unclear title or a plot of land that cannot be built on legally. Hiring a land surveyor before the purchase can help you avoid long and drawn-out disputes that could stall your intended construction project for years.
According to McSteen’s Director of the Survey Department, Ryan Snezek, PS, “This allows the property owner, developer, architect, and engineer to know exactly what they are dealing with because it is much better to know upfront than to find out later once the project has already started.”
Buying land and building a home in Ohio is oftentimes an family’s largest investment, and a land survey can help to ensure you buy a plot of land that will meet your needs. With 50+ years of experience in land services in all 88 counties of Ohio, and now in surrounding counties in Pennsylvania, Michigan, Indiana, and Kentucky, McSteen is a leader in the industry.
Contact us or order a survey and let our team of survey professionals take on your surveying needs.