Ready to Build Your Dream Home?

Thinking of building a house of your own? Where will you put it? There are many ways to find a potential build site and also many things to consider in doing so.

First you must find out which neighborhood or area of town you'd like to live in. Take a Sunday drive around the city and jot down empty spaces you see. Write down where it is located and what you like and don't like about the lot. Be sure to write down the name of the listing agent and their phone number incase you need to contact them later. If you have a camera or camera phone, take a picture. Pictures are always good to refer to later!

When you are reviewing the lots later, you'll need to consider a few things. How far is the drive to and from work? Will you have to battle traffic of will it be a smooth drive? If you have kids, you'll need to check out the school districts around the area. Consider their extra-curricular activities, you'll need to know how to get the kids to sports events or dance class from the lot or how long it's going to take.

Decide if you can afford, or if you want an undeveloped lot. Undeveloped means there is no sewage line, existing streets, gas, electric or things of that nature. These things can get costly and if you're on a spending budget it will probably be best to look for an already developed lot inside a neighborhood. Then al you have to do is "hook up" you house and you're good to go. If you're going to already developed route, be sure to do your homework. Most of the already developed lots have builders associated with them and you may have to use him specifically, or the lot may already be sold, or is going to be built on. Just do some leg work and get all the required information.

Before you set your heart on one lot in particular, check the zoning laws. Make sure the lot of zoned for residential build, not commercial. Then check with the Home Owners Association (HOA) in that neighborhood and with the local building commission to be sure there are no restrictions on the type of home you are wanting to build. Some places wont allow for 2 floors, others will only allow wood privacy fence as opposed to chain link. Check on these things.

Also be sure to check out the land structure. If you are building a one level, ranch type of home, it would be best to purchase a flat piece of land instead of steep, slopped piece of land. Make sure the property if going to match the house you are building. If you choose a lot based around your house plans, you'll have a much easier time when it comes time to build, not to mention you'll save a ton of money on excavation.

The last step is to consider the extra costs. If you are building in a neighborhood find out about the HOA. They will usually cover the cost of things like street lamps and roadway upkeep, but the HOA can also determine how high you're allowed to let your grass grow or how the exterior of your home is to be maintained. Find out their requirements and their annual fees. You will also need to know the property tax and how it compares with some of the other lots you've been keeping an eye on.

Once you've found your build site, get to work. You've completed the most important step in the journey to your new home!