Building a home from the ground up offers numerous benefits you won’t find with an existing home. When you work with a builder to construct your dream home, you can select all the features and finishes you want, from the type of flooring to the layout of the rooms. Perhaps most importantly, building a new home gives you peace of mind, knowing that everything has been designed and constructed to the highest standards.
But before you have a house built, you should know a few things that could obstruct your home’s construction. Here are some things that can get in the way of the construction of your new home:
Zoning and building codes
If you’re planning on building a new home, you’ll need to know your area’s zoning and building codes. These codes can dictate the size and placement of your home and the materials you can use. Sometimes, they require you to get a permit before starting construction.
While these codes can be annoying, they’re in place for a reason. They help to ensure that new homes are safe and meet the minimum standards for quality and style. So, while they may be a pain to deal with, it’s important to ensure you’re following them. Otherwise, you could end up with a home that doesn’t meet your expectations or isn’t up to code.
Environmental hazards
When you’re building a new home, there are a lot of potential environmental hazards to consider. For example, if the land is located in a floodplain, you’ll need to factor in the possibility of flooding when designing your foundation. Similarly, if the site is located in an area at risk for wildfires, you’ll need to take steps to create a “defensible space” around the property.
In some cases, environmental hazards can even make building on a particular piece of land impossible. If the soil is contaminated with hazardous materials, for example, it may not be safe to excavate or otherwise disturb the ground. As you can see, doing your homework about environmental hazards before breaking ground on a new construction project is essential.
Topography and soil composition
Building a new home is a significant investment, and it’s essential to do your research before you purchase a lot. The topography and soil composition of the land can have a major impact on the construction process, and it’s important to be aware of potential problems before you start.
For example, if the land is very hilly, finding a level spot to build on may be challenging. And if the soil is very sandy or clay-based, it may not be able to support the weight of a house. These are just some of the issues you must consider when choosing a lot for your new home.
The good news is that technology makes checking up on these factors easier. You no longer have to drive for miles to get to see the land you might consider buying. Many real estate companies showcase the details of their land property for sale through their websites. This will give you an overview of the property, including its topography and soil composition. Furthermore, they usually have various land options, so you’ll be sure to find the right one. With a little research, you can avoid potential problems down the road.
Accessibility
You and the construction crew need easy access to the construction site while avoiding any potential obstacles. If the construction site is hard to access, it’ll make construction more difficult, and that will add unnecessary time and money to the project. There are a few ways to make sure the construction site is easily accessible for you and the crew.
First, look at the land’s lay and plan the best route to get to the construction site. Then, look for any obstacles that might get in the way and try to find a way around them. Finally, talk to your neighbors and let them know about your plans. With a little planning, you can ensure that everyone has easy access to the construction site.
Even if you’ve found the perfect piece of property, a few things could impact your ability to build on it. Be sure to research zoning regulations, building codes, environmental hazards, topography, and soil composition, and make sure the area is accessible before you purchase a lot so that you know what potential obstacles you may face during construction. By being aware of these factors, you ensure that your new home will be built without any delays or unexpected complications.
