So you’ve weighed the pros and cons of buying an existing luxury home versus building your custom dream home and you’ve decided to take the construction plunge. Congratulations! Now comes one of the most important and exciting parts of your home building adventure—selecting the lot on which your new home will be constructed.
Whether you work with Orren Pickell Property Specialists to find a lot that you love or you spend weekends driving through areas you like looking for potential home spots, one thing is for certain: there are a number of factors that will go into your decision-making process. Things like:
- Does the site have the amazing water views and mature trees you want?
- Is the site zoned for the house you’d like to build?
- Is it in the neighborhood you want to be in, or if it is in a rural area, does it offer the privacy and tranquility you’re searching for?
- If you’re planning on moving in the next ten years, will the lot add to your resale value or detract from it?
However, there are often other important factors that can be overlooked when getting ready to build on your own land in Chicago and its nearby North Shore neighborhoods. Here are two of the more common things that home buyers can often overlook during the lot selection process—as well as how to avoid them.
Lot Details Beyond (and Below) the Surface
Exposed beams add to the charm of the master bedroom, while windows let in ample light and the beautiful Lake Geneva View
Certainly, as you’re looking at prospective homesites you’ll be able to tell a lot at first glance; if it is hilly or flat (or somewhere in between), if it is completely wooded or has been partially cleared, if there are other buildings viewable nearby, etc. But there are other important details that can have a huge impact on your ability to build and enjoy your dream home on a specific site.
For example, the lake-front footage that provides the lot with gorgeous water views may also mean that the lot is in a flood plain. The makeup of the soil may require the installation of below-ground piers in order to support the foundation for the type of house you want, while on another lot it may make extensive excavation a necessity. Additionally, you’ll want to have an idea about your ability to create proper drainage for your brand new home before you start building.
When it comes to homes built on your land, the best way to avoid any “hidden” lot surprises is by working with a design/build firm like the Orren Pickell Building Group. Whether you need help determining if a lot is appropriate for your needs or deciding between several potential lots, working with a competent builder from the beginning can save you a ton of headache in the end.
How Your Dream Home and Lifestyle Work with the Lot
Talk about drama! Situated on a relatively private lot, these contemporary homeowners opted for a rear elevation filled with glass, installing expansive glass windows and doors throughout their home’s exterior.
The style of home that you want will also have an impact on the type of lot that you select. For example, a contemporary home with clean lines and ultra-modern building materials may look out of place on a heavily wooded lot that would require a meandering driveway, but a more rustic Cape Cod-style home may be a perfect fit. And if you want to do a lot of outdoor entertaining at your new home, a lot with ample open space, preferably flat, would provide you with room for a pool, a play area for the children and several outdoor seating areas without requiring extensive excavation.
Additionally, your preferred home style will have an impact on how your home is actually built on your lot. Do you want a walk-out basement? Is your heart set on a French Country home with dramatic rooflines? Your answers to these types of questions will inform the type of lot you should buy, as they can make the difference between being able to build your dream home and being able to build your “not quite” dream home.
To sidestep any potential issues with your dream home not working with the lot you’ve chosen, get in touch with Orren Pickell Building Group early in your lot selection process. In addition to helping with soil testing, we know how to navigate the municipal systems to quickly get information about building setbacks and zoning requirements so we can provide definitive answers to your site questions. We can help you select a lot that will be a good visual, architectural and structural fit for your new abode.
Want more tips on selecting the perfect lot? Ready to set up a complimentary consultation to talk about making your dream home a reality? Get in touch with the designers and architects at the Orren Pickell Building Group today.
