New Construction Homes in Dublin, Ohio

Choosing a Lot for Your New Construction Home

Once you have made the decision to build a new custom home and gone through the process of hiring a builder and contractor, creating a budget and deciding on a floor plan, it is time to find the perfect place to build your home. Here are some key factors to consider when choosing a lot:

The Neighborhood:

Take your time to tour potential neighborhoods. You want to make sure that you are going to enjoy living there. Drive around the area on different days and at different times. Pay attention to how the neighborhood looks during the day and at night. Observe activity levels and how neighbors interact with one another. For example, if you have a growing family and want a kid-friendly neighborhood, you want to see kids out playing in the yards.

Proximity to Work and Amenities:

Take into account how far you will have to commute to work and other locations. Is the lot close to your gym, church and other important places you frequent? How far will you have to travel to get to the grocery store, entertainment of other shopping areas?

Growth Potential:

Evaluate the area’s potential for growth. Is the neighborhood experiencing a lot of new construction or is it an older community that is pretty well established? If surrounding areas are booming with new businesses, schools and shopping areas, you can probably expect to be affected by that growth. This may be a plus for you or you may want to look for a lot in a quieter neighborhood that won’t be experiencing a lot of change in the coming years.

Noise:

Is your lot close to a school, highway, railroad tracks or industrial area? Noise levels can affect your quality of life and the resale value of your home. Look for a lot that isn’t exposed to excessive or constant noise from surrounding buildings and roads.

Traffic:

Traffic can be a major concern as you consider commute times and the safety of your kids. Are you looking at a lot that is close to the entrance of the neighborhood? If so, expect to experience a lot of noise and traffic as people enter and exit the neighborhood.

Lot Placement:

You may want to look for a lot on a cul-de-sac to help eliminate through traffic and provide a safer place for kids to play. Just keep in mind that cul-de-sacs can be difficult for large vehicles to maneuver, which can make everything from snow removal to fire rescue more difficult. Lots along a cul-de-sac also tend to offer less front yard and parking space although this is often balanced out by a more spacious back yard. Corner lots offer the advantage of more space and the potential for a side-loaded garage. This placement helps keep the garage out of sight and provides a cleaner façade. However, a corner lot also means traffic and sidewalks along two sides of your land. For those who have to deal with winter weather, this can mean additional snow removal responsibilities in order to clear both streets and sidewalks.

If you are considering building on a lot at a T-intersection or one that faces an incoming street, you will have to deal with headlights from oncoming traffic. Be sure to design a floorplan where the bedrooms are not facing the front of the house so that you don’t have to deal with lights keeping you up at night.

The Topography of the Lot:

The natural and artificial features of your lot can affect your budget and building schedule. If the lot includes rocks and trees that will need to be removed, this can add onto the overall cost of building a custom home. Also, be sure that your builder examines your lot for utilities. If your lot hasn’t been prepared for plumbing and electricity, your builder will need to determine whether they will be able to connect your home. As you shop for lots, be aware that utility-connecting costs can range from $10,000 to $30,000.

Visualize Your New Home on the Lot:

Take the time to imagine your new home on the lot. Know the dimensions of your home so that you can clearly see the footprint on the land. How does it look? Will you have enough room to entertain guests outdoors or plant the garden you have always wanted? Are you too close to your neighbors? What views will you have from the house? What will be located beside and behind you? If you are building in a new development, how will your views changes as additional houses are built?

Every lot comes with certain advantages and disadvantages. Choosing the right lot comes down to your individual preferences and what you want out of your custom home. Take the time to consider different factors and locations and avoid feelings of buyer’s remorse down the road.