The single most important decision when building a custom home is finding the best lot for your new home. But not all lots are buildable and the lot you like the most may have land issues that may not only restrict the use of the property but may significantly increase construction costs.
Choose Your Custom Home's Location
The first step is to pick the area where you want to live. There are many great places in and around Orlando, Minneola & Wedgefield. You may even want to check out some of the new communities we are currently building in the Central Florida area.
Once you have narrowed down your choices to two or three lots, you will need to consult your custom home builder before making your final selection. “We enjoy helping home buyers early in their lot selection process. Our expertise can help them avoid costly mistakes,” says Kyle Goderis.
Beware of Wetlands
We are very cognizant to the impact of wetlands in selecting a buildable lot. It could alter your building plans. We know what to look for when it comes to wetlands and other soil conditions. Buildings in these locations are required to observe strict setback rules that dictate the distance from the wetland border to your new custom home.
Even if there is a sign on the land that says “No Wetlands” or it is implied in the listing, this is not a guarantee. A certified soil scientist must use an on-site soil test analysis to flag wetlands and submit a conservation map to the Orange County Environmental Protection Division. Prohibited activities in these areas include building and landscaping to safeguard the wetlands
Title Search For Home Building Plans
You can prevent surprises by ordering a title search on the lots you are considering. A title search will list any deed, covenant restrictions and easements that “run with the land,” and may impact your building plans. If there is city sewer, water or the need for septic and well - that all needs to be taken into consideration when building a custom home.
Lot Dimensions and Sun Exposure
The dimensions of your lot and its sun exposure can alter the size of the home and affect its heating and cooling costs. As we walk through the lot with you, we will show you how to maximize the use of your lot for the type of home you want to build, give you advice on windows, where you should install a pool and other features that will make your new custom home an enjoyable place to live for years to come.
Feasibility Study Before Building
Finally, once you have found the best buildable lot for your new home, we suggest that you make your purchase “contingent on a feasibility study” that includes an independent soil analysis. This will help you avoid getting stuck with an undesirable lot.
