Advice on how to pick a "LOT" for a new home construction.?

Question

we are going to purchase a new home in this one subdivision, HOWEVER, we need to pick out a LOT and dont know the first thing about doing that. Can some please give me some advice as to how to do this...THANKS...Tony

Answer 1

Drainage is always my first concern in considering a lot purchase. Does the water flow to the street or towards the rear of the lot, etc.? I always preferred lots that drained towards the street (curb) but have purchased lots that did drain towards the rear. Trees are nice but look for lots where the trees would remain once the house is built. Too often people have purchased lots for me to build on that requires me to remove almost every tree on the lot because they were situated where the house would sit. Removing trees costs much more than a lot without trees. Frankly, it's almost better to plant trees after the house is built placed exactly where you want them. Also, I try to select lots where the house will face north and south for the front and rear elevations. Your A/C & heating unit is sized by many factors, including windows and doors facing the east and especially to the west. Minimizing window and door exposures in those directions is easier with a house facing north or south. Soil conditions also come into play. Some poor soils have to be removed and replaced with soil that has better compaction properties. Level lots are easier to work with, but sloping lots often make beautiful homesites with more landscaping options. Plus, water tends not to pool as much and as easily in flat, level areas. You don't mention the region of the country you are considering, but a good builder would probably like to assist you in the lot selection process and help you with your decision. Good luck with your home construction.

Answer 2

If you choose a corner lot or one on a curve whereby a street is directly in line with your house, be prepared to have people drive up onto your lawn! There goes the mailbox! Also, avoid choosing a house that is near the main road because of the noise factor and more traffic coming in and out of the sub--not safe for little ones (kids or pets). Too, the deeper into a sub you get with a tangle of streets or roads, the more likely delivery people and others will have a heck of a time finding your house. I don't know if they can tell you in advance, but I would not want to have to look at multiple utility boxes in my backyard. Luckily, our next-door neighbor got stuck with those gray monstrosities.

Answer 3

I work in construction and there are companies that will build on the bottom of a volcano, or in a swamp. Look for moderate shade, very good water drainage, ask for a geo-tech report for soil conditions, find out water table, is the soil sand, clay, stone, old fill, virgin ground, ask allot of questions. Ask if you will have city sewer and water, or well and septic. Ask when house is built to put vapor barrier under concrete basement slab. ask ask ask

Answer 4

whats important to you. a quick entrance and exit or great neighbors or a magnificent view. sit down with your better half and decide what is important to you then go from there. if you hate dogs you dont want next door to the kennel people. you get the idea. or if you choose to be childless you probably shouldnt live next to the lady with the home day care sign in her yard.....

Answer 5

I picked the highest and most level lot in my development. I know that this isnt alway possile but you have to look at alot of things such as slope , drainage... view etc.

Answer 6

For best resale, look for some older trees on it.
Also, check the slope-- go there after you have been having HEAVY rains in the area-- check for any drainage problems.