Selecting the Lot for Your Custom Home

When building a custom home, selecting the right lot can be just as important as the actual home itself.  The most beautiful home in the world can be ruined if it is on a lot that just doesn’t work for you or the home.  Consider the following tips in choosing the best lot for your custom home.

•    Are there certain features that you want in a custom home that may not be possible on all lots? 
For example, perhaps you plan to put in a swimming pool or you just want room for the kids to play.  You need to be sure that you choose a lot that has room for the custom home you’re planning on building and the features you want. 

•    What setback requirements does the neighborhood have? 
Will there be room on the lot for your home after you factor in the neighborhood’s requirements for the distance the house must be from the street?  Be sure that there is room for your custom home on the lot once it is set back the appropriate distance from the street.

•    What are the neighborhood’s covenants and restrictions? 
If you plan to build a custom home with a front-facing garage, you may have a bit of a problem if the covenant specifies rear or side-entry garages.  The covenants and restrictions can affect the height of your home, its size, color, etc.  Know the covenants before you buy a lot.

•    What are the other homes in the neighborhood like? 
Whatever custom home you build, you want it to compliment the other homes in the neighborhood.  If it is a neighborhood of traditional homes and you build an adobe home, you probably will not endear yourself to your neighbors. Nor will it necessarily help your resale potential.  Make sure that your custom home fits in with the neighborhood.

Building a custom home is a big decision.  As you carefully consider what you want in the home, don’t overlook the lot.  Since it has so much impact on the custom home that you are able to build, take choosing the lot as seriously as choosing the designs for your custom home.