4 Questions to ask when buying a building lot

Before putting pen to paper on the purchase of land on which to construct a new house, it is important to give careful thought to all of the outcomes that could result from the transaction. Due to the expense that this area represents, the buyer needs to give careful consideration before making a purchase. In fact, the total cost of a house can increase significantly before even the first concrete is poured for the foundation.

Investigate the site where construction will take place

To begin, before purchasing a plot of land that seems to have everything you could want, research the local zoning laws that would affect your plans. They may place unusually stringent limitations on building, leading to unwelcome shocks.

Additionally, we suggest that you gauge the local climate. You will be living here, so you should naturally feel at ease, well served by the transportation you require and the amenities useful in your daily life, even if it remains very difficult to project yourself at this stage.

Study the soil to learn about its characteristics

Certain types of foundations may need to be installed in order to accommodate the soil type (clay, limestone, high humidity, fill, etc.), which can drive up the cost of building. Particular plant species, such as willows, can serve as an indicator of the relative humidity of the surrounding air.

"Specific foundations may be required depending on the soil composition (clay, limestone, high humidity, fill, etc.)."

If you are unsure, it is best to hire a surveyor to assess the land. You'll be able to spot potential problems, plan accordingly, and get your sustainable building project off the ground.

Should we build something new or link up the existing infrastructure?

In some instances, you can acquire a piece of land that has all the necessary infrastructure in place, including plumbing, power, gas, and sewage. Even though the initial investment will be substantial, it will speed up the process of moving into the "concrete" phase of the works.

There are still some lots that are not linked to all these networks, especially in the more rural areas. Servicing costs will differ greatly based on the land's complexity and any limitations.

"The servicing cost will differ significantly based on the complexity of the land”.

In addition to these vital networks, one must also plan ahead for Internet connectivity; for instance, many people today use fiber availability as a selection factor. However, this is not the case everywhere just yet.

To be considering potential paths

The time to consult with an architect is not before the land is purchased. You'll want to let in as much natural light as possible if you want to live in a passive house that's also modern and conducive to your health and happiness.

Before even purchasing the land, you should consider the possible orientation of the house, sketch the first plans, and make sure they are feasible. To let in more light, it may be a good idea to remove some trees, but this assumes you have the right to do so and that the trees in question are even on your property.

This illustrates why you should never take any chances when investing in real estate. Construction experts should be consulted if this phase presents a learning curve.