We get asked lots of questions about buying a parcel of land for your custom home. It isn’t as easy as driving by and thinking, “that’s it!” In fact, there are several things you need to consider before you purchase a piece of land for what could be the home you live in for the rest of your life. Before you make a hasty decision, consider the following.
If you work, how far will you have to commute? Most people don’t mind driving 10 or 15 miles if you live on the outskirts of town, but an hour’s drive can be too much for some. Besides work, think about the drive to shopping areas, sporting events, the grocery store, doctor’s office or other places your family may go frequently. Also factor in heavy rush hour traffic which can make the commute take even longer than the actual miles you drive.
If you have school-age children, is the school district one you would be happy with? Some school districts have a reputation for exceptional education, while others don’t. Also take into account whether your children will be taking the school bus and how far away the nearest stop is.
Is the property lush with healthy trees? Trees that are prone to disease or insect infestations can be a nightmare for homeowners, particularly if you love a shady lot or acreage with lots of trees. Insect infestation and disease often spreads, which could leave you facing removal. If you’re not sure about the health of the trees, consider having species that are prone to infestations inspected by an arborist.
What about water and sewer? Many people enjoy living in a more rural setting, however you’ll need to find out whether city water and sewer are available or if you’ll need a septic tank or well.
Will the size of the property result in endless hours of maintenance? A smaller lot requires less work – usually raking, mowing and edge trimming is about it. With several acres you’ll always have maintenance to worry about, whether it’s cleaning up deadfall, poisoning weeds, picking up limbs, burning brush – you get the picture. A large expanse of land leaves little time for relaxing.
These are just a few of the things you’ll need to consider when shopping for that perfect piece of land. You’ll also need to learn about trash/recycling options, whether there are any covenants that may impact improvements you want to make to the property, whether you have reliable Internet, etc.
At Bud Bartley Family of Builders, we not only build beautiful, distinctive custom homes in Flower Mound, we’re also the build on your lot experts you can trust for everything from soil reports to lot surveys. Put your future home in trusted hands!
