Some people would choose to buy a readily built house to call home. This gives them the comfort of not having to wait for their home to be completed. According to the National Association of Home Builders, an existing home is often cheaper than building a house from a piece of land.
However, others would buy land for sale and build their dream home from the ground up. They believe that this gives them more control over the final product. If you’re thinking of taking this latter route, it only makes sense that you consider the location.
It would be best to buy a block of land located in an area where future developments are planned. This way, you can be sure that the value of your property would appreciate over time. It would be much better to buy land from a company that prioritizes your mental health, thanks to their ability to provide a healthy community life.
This could mean the developers made sure that you are buying a lot in a community where you and your family can live a healthy lifestyle in the future. There are exercise trails your family can enjoy and other amenities to make your future home and community socially, mentally, and physically active.
To help you find success in this endeavor, it makes sense that you avoid committing these land-buying mistakes at all costs.
Failing to Check for Zoning Changes
You should always be on the lookout for zoning changes when buying land. After all, you would want to be sure that you can actually build a home on the property you’re planning to purchase.
There have been cases where people buy land only to find out later that it has been rezoned for agricultural or commercial use. This can be a huge inconvenience, especially if you have already started your home construction. It would be best to check with the local planning department before buying land. This way, you can ensure that the land is still zoned for residential use.
You should also find out if there are plans for future zoning changes in the area. That way, you can decide if you’re still going to proceed with the purchase or not.
You can also obtain a special permit to build your preferred structure on your land. However, this is a complicated and lengthy process. It would be best to avoid land that would require you to obtain one.
Not Checking the Soil Quality
Soil quality matters depending on your reason for buying a piece of land. Since your initial plan is to build your future home on the land you will be buying, it is vital to ensure that the soil can support the construction. This way, you can avoid land subsidence issues that could cause your home to crack and eventually collapse.
One way to check the soil quality is to have a percolation test done. This will help determine the rate at which water seeps through the soil. A slow rate means the soil is too dense, making it difficult for water to pass through. This could lead to flooding in your home once it is built.
On the other hand, if the rate is too high, the soil is too loose. In this case, there is a higher chance for land subsidence issues to occur. To be on the safe side, buying land with soil with an ideal percolation rate would be best.
Additionally, the soil should hold up the weight of your future home without crumbling. If you’re not sure about the quality of the soil, it would be best to consult with a geotechnical engineer. They would be able to provide you with an in-depth report about the land’s suitability for construction.
Failing to Consider the Local Infrastructure
When buying land, it is also essential to consider the local infrastructure. This includes things like roads, sidewalks, and drainage. After all, you would want to ensure that your future home will have easy access to these things.
If the land you’re planning to buy is located in a remote area, it might be challenging to get these things. In some cases, you might even have to pay for the construction of these infrastructures. This can add up to a significant amount of money, so it’s something you should keep in mind.
It is also essential to check if the land has power and water hookups. If not, then you will need to pay for these things as well. You should also find out how far away the nearest fire station is. This is important in case of emergencies.
Not Checking for Easements
An easement is a right that someone has to use your land for a specific purpose. For example, the government might have an easement to build a road through your property. It is essential to check for easements before buying land to avoid any problems in the future.
For instance, if there is an easement for a road, you will not be able to build anything in that area. This can be a huge inconvenience, especially if you have already made plans for your home.
It is also essential to check if utility lines have any easements. If so, then you will need to give the utility company access to your land. This means that you will not be able to block their lines.
When buying land, it is essential to consider all of these things. By avoiding these four mistakes, you can be sure you’re making the most out of your lot-buying experience. Keep in mind that the land might not be suitable for construction for various reasons. So always consult with professionals before making any decisions.
