Top Tips for Vetting a Lot Before Building Your Custom Home
When shopping for a lot to build your custom dream home, there are many factors to consider. Besides the obvious elements, such as location, community, view, and sun exposure, there are many unknown details about a lot that could impact your building choices and your finished home. Here are our top tips to help you evaluate a lot before making a purchase.
Research the property
When writing an offer on a property, make sure your real estate contract requests a feasibility period of 30-90 days to give yourself time to research the land you are considering. During that feasibility time, request Title reports from a Title company. Use the parcel viewer to view detailed information in the county by searching by address or parcel number. Visit the King County recorder’s office to obtain recorded documents, surveys, plat maps, and deeds. This research will provide invaluable information about property zoning, easements, drain fields, septic, water, and sewage availability.
Understand environmental restrictions
In some cases, the presence of slopes, streams, wetlands, trees, or protected natural areas can significantly impact the outline of your building footprint. Each jurisdiction has different requirements for critical area designations and environmental protections, so it is important to do your homework and learn everything possible about the land before buying.
Be aware of setback requirements
There are always setbacks put in place by the county to create buffer zones between buildings and property lines. Setbacks from the road, the sides and the back of the property are meant to ensure safety, allow emergency access, and promote a functional community.
For waterfront properties or lots with specific zoning restrictions, setbacks can dictate how far structures must be from the water or property lines. Updated setback requirements for the Greater Seattle area are more restrictive than in the past, so tearing down an older waterfront home may change the setbacks and cause the new home to be built further back.
Assess the lot’s natural features
Natural features of a lot, such as size, shape, and topography may limit your design options and influence the long-term enjoyment of your home.
Trees: Take note of the amount of tree cover. While trees can provide shade and privacy, they may also block sunlight. Keep in mind that many trees are protected and may not be removed without a permit.
Slope: A sloped lot can open up opportunities for a basement or multi-level design, but that may also require additional engineering and foundation work.
Perform a geological study
Geological studies are required to evaluate the infiltration of water into the soil, to determine the stability of the lot, to mitigate the risk of natural disasters on a property, and to study any toxins or hazards in the soil. This step ensures the land is suitable for your custom home and helps you anticipate potential costs for removal of toxic material, foundation work, or drainage systems.
Example of a difficult lot
One of our recent custom clients came to us with a lot they had already purchased without prior assistance of a builder. The lot size was over 2.5 acres, but there were so many protected trees, wetlands and critical areas that the building pad was small in comparison. The allowable building area limited the size of the home they could build, as well as the placement of the home on the lot. The restrictions proved costly and difficult throughout the entire building process. In the end, the house turned out beautifully, surrounded by trees and natural vegetation, but has wetland protection signs encompassing the entire property.
Partner with a reputable builder early on
One of the best ways to ensure you make the right choice is to work with an experienced custom builder, such as Sierra Homes while shopping for a lot. Builders can help you foresee potential challenges and guide you toward lots that fit your vision and budget. Their expertise can save you time, money, and stress in the long run.
Choosing the right lot is a critical first step in building your custom home. By taking these steps and partnering with a knowledgeable custom builder, you can avoid costly surprises and set the stage for a successful project. If you’re ready to start the journey, we’re here to help! Contact us to discuss your vision and explore how we can bring your dream home to life.