May 18, 2021

Custom home construction allows for total personalization. You can pick a floor plan adapted to your lifestyle and make all the modifications to create your dream living space in a neighborhood you love. However, to be realistic and most prepared for this major step in life, you need to know the cost of a custom home, including the land you’d like to build on.

As you begin to plan out your dream home, this cost breakdown will come in handy.

How much does land cost in the DC area?

Land prices vary greatly from one DC suburb to another, and there are many characteristics like size, topography, presence of groundwater and access can impact the value of a lot. Its location and proximity to amenities or economic hubs are factors that can increase value as well. Plus, the potential for future development of the lot and its surrounding area also plays a big role.

What’s the cost of land development for my custom home?

Once you have purchased a lot in the location of your choice, you’ll have to transform it into a homesite that’s suitable and feasible for the construction of your new custom home. 

While land development costs can vary, you should plan on spending anywhere between $135,000 to over $200,000. This budget includes fees from items like necessary permits, land survey, soil testing and clearing lot vegetation, but are quite different from one jurisdiction to another. 

Before your project can get approved, you’ll also need to submit a grading and drainage plan from a civil engineer, who typically charges by the hour. In addition to this, re-sloping your property could cost a few thousand dollars if necessary.

What about construction material?

Materials account for around 40-50% of the total building cost and it’s important to understand how different materials can impact the total cost of your project. For instance, a slate roof can cost more per square foot than an asphalt roof.

You should also know that construction material costs have been fluctuating because of the trade tariffs adopted in 2018. There are 450 different building materials imported from China that now come with a 10% tax, and the steel that will be used for the frame of your new home will come with a 25% tax.

Are you ready to get started?

Now that you have a cost breakdown of building a custom home in Washington, DC – Are you ready to start the process of building your dream home? 

At Mitchell & Best Next Door, we understand that the cost of a custom home is an important consideration when planning your construction project. This is why we offer transparent pricing and list the starting prices for our different custom floor plans. Put your dreams in the hands of a trusted home builder and see your perfect home turn into reality today.

Contact us to discuss pricing for the land development and construction of your custom project.

May 10, 2021

It’s 2021, and some of us spent the last year cooped up in tight living quarters, perhaps working in an outdated kitchen that may have doubled as an office and school classroom. Nowadays, we all realize the importance of having enough space to spread out. With all the cooking and dining at home, a new kitchen feels more like a necessity than a luxury. But where would you start designing one? Here are some of the top 2021 kitchen trends to inspire creativity.

Designs With Personality

A common request from new homeowners is to create a kitchen that has more character than just a single color or style. These designs mix various colors and cabinetry with custom backsplashes for a more personalized space. At the same time, it’s important not to put so many different styles together that it starts to clash or get too busy.

For example, timeless architectural details and neutral wall and countertop colors can help you achieve a warm feeling without a sensory overload in your custom kitchen. Combined with sleek backsplashes or vibrant cabinetry, you can create a modern yet classic aesthetic to an otherwise neutral space.

Kitchens That Offer A Breath Of Fresh Air

The latest kitchen trends prove that we are yearning for spaces that feel open, airy and fresh. We’re starting to see lighter woods trending for kitchen cabinets, and when you mix light wood with other neutrals like white cabinets, you get a warmer feeling without losing the open and airy ambiance that we all crave. Designs from our Kenbridge and Berkley floor plans are great examples of spacious, yet cozy kitchen variants.

Keep It Functional

Kitchens have long been the heart of the home, a gathering place for loved ones to connect and enjoy delicious meals, but the past year took that to a whole new level. Suddenly, we were not only cooking at home for the majority of our meals, but we also needed space for work laptops, Zoom classes, and meetings as well as homework stations. To keep it all running efficiently, custom kitchen trends are favoring functional “zones” for various activities.

Consider incorporating large islands to have enough room for homework and food preparation and separate countertop nooks for snacks or baking. That way, there’s plenty of space for more than one chef.

It’s Time to Refresh Your Tile Selection

If you’re starting the process of building a custom home, you likely already have a great desire for a sense of uniqueness. In 2020, you probably noticed that many kitchen trends had something in common: They all seemed to feature the white rectangle backsplash and accent walls made of subway tiles. However, if you’d rather be on the leading edge of kitchen design than the waning side, consider square Zellige tiles in colorful accents, patterned or textured backsplashes, or one-piece marble backsplashes.

Storage, Storage and More Storage

The beauty of a custom kitchen is that you can get more of what you need, and for many of us, that is more storage space. Some of the popular designs available today offer extra pantry space with built-in shelving. Many of our floor plans, such as the Wellington, include a butler’s pantry, plus two other sizable pantry spaces so you never have to worry about a cluttered kitchen space. Having all the storage space you need to tuck away items like designer dishes, food overstock and fun kitchen gadgets have become a must-have feature in new homes.  

Come Home To The Kitchen Of Your Dreams

Did any of these trends catch your eye? Contact the Mitchell & Best Next Door team today about crafting your custom home, and of course, complete with your personalized kitchen with your favorite trends!

May 10, 2021

Looking for advice on how to choose the right custom home floor plan for your new home? Investing in new construction is an opportunity to build a home that corresponds to the unique needs of your family. With a custom home floor plan, you can choose a flow and amenities that match the kind of lifestyle you want – whether you choose an existing plan or want to create a fully unique and personalized design.

Between practical additions and luxury amenities, there is a breadth of options to explore when investing in new construction. Here are a few items to consider when choosing a floor plan for your new home.

Is this home suitable for the lot I own or currently considering?

The floor plan you pick should match the size, shape, orientation and geography of your lot. Some municipal codes restrict the land to building ratio, and you might want to limit this ratio to have more green space around your home. It’s common to see lots that are 2.5-3.5 times larger than the home, but it’s not a rule set in stone.

A larger plan is a good option if you’re considering multi-generational living, have a growing family or like to entertain guests often. If you’re looking for less extensive maintenance or simply hoping to downsize, a small floor plan is for you. 

You should also consider factors like window placement and positioning as well as where the entrance and garage are located for easy access.

At the end of the day, all that matters is choosing a plan that works well for you and your family. If you plan to live in the home for a longer period of time, considerations for eventual resale can be a lesser consideration. 

What you want versus what you need.

It’s important to differentiate between needs and wants when comparing floor plans. Identify your top priorities by talking to family members and always keep in mind how your needs will change over time. This will help you decide on features that ensure you’ll all live comfortably for years to come. 

Your “wants” are amenities that would improve your quality of life without being a necessity. Look for plans that have as many of your wants as possible while remaining flexible and conscious of your current lifestyle. While a fireplace in your bedroom sounds like a grand feature, do you currently spend enough time in there? 

You can determine additional needs by looking for features that might be missing in your current home. Do you wish there was an organized mudroom for your belongings? A dedicated home office to get work done? Maybe you need an in-law suite downstairs instead of your current game room layout. Or, you can finally bring that spacious owner’s suite plan to life! 

How do I identify or create a floor plan that “flows” properly for my use?

What does a typical day at home look like? Which rooms do you use the most? Where does your family spend time together? Is it important for your plan to facilitate social interactions throughout the day? The flow of your floor plan should reflect your way of life. 

Open floor plans are popular because they allow for a more natural flow by providing you with a larger living space where you can spend time together as a family. Combining a living room, kitchen and dining space into one single great room lets more light in while allowing for more social interaction. 

However, recent changes that resulted in people spending more time at home have highlighted some drawbacks of open floor plans. Depending on your lifestyle, you might prefer separate rooms for privacy and a better work-life balance. 

You’ll also want to consider how you plan on filling up the spaces of your new custom home. Whether it’s using current furniture or completely redecorating, these decisions could make or break your ideal flow. Keep this in mind before breaking ground. 

What are the functional spaces?

It’s normal to get excited about features like a home gym or spa-like amenities in your new bathroom, but you shouldn’t overlook functional spaces.

A custom floor plan is an opportunity to choose practical spaces adapted to your needs and lifestyle. For instance, amenities like a pantry or plenty of prep space can make a kitchen more useful. 

Ask yourself what spaces you need and consider features like walk-in closets, home offices, mudrooms and multifunctional spaces when comparing plans.

Making your dreams a reality.

Together we’ll work to find the right plan and options that fit your every need. If your priorities or desired selections lead us to conclude a custom design is best, we have a team of local architects who are ready to assist us in personalizing the right design for you!

You may also find it helpful to explore and gather ideas from Houzz and/or Instagram. Not only can you find a wealth of inspiration for interior and exterior designs, floor plan layouts or custom additions, but you can also save your findings and reference them when it’s time to work on your custom plan. 

Mitchell & Best Next Door builds luxury custom homes with remarkable home floor plans that you can personalize to your unique needs and lifestyle. Contact us to find out more about our customization options today!

May 10, 2021

When it comes to trendy design, we usually think about the kitchen. However, bathroom designs are seeing a significant resurgence. These spaces are more than just functional — with the right design, a bathroom can become a private retreat at the end of a long day. 

If you’re looking to start your custom home plans, this year’s bath trends will certainly come in handy.

Make A Statement With Freestanding Soaking Tub

Soaking tubs are the perfect way to recharge and rejuvenate yourself, which is why many people are looking for bathroom designs that include this luxe feature. They are eloquently designed not just for leisure, but also as an incredible focal point for your bathroom. The latest trends are all about clean lines and minimalist elegance. 

Go Bold With Your Tile Designs

Tile has long been a fixture in many bathrooms. However, today’s trends are all about bold designs. Large-format rectangle wall tiles are the new wave, replacing the mosaic tiles of the past. In addition to making an impression when you walk in the room, larger tiles mean fewer grout lines and less opportunity for dirt or soap scum to build up. This makes them ideal for floors as well as shower walls, and a favorite for anyone who has to clean the place.

Other 2021 bathroom trends for tiles include accent walls. Similar to the idea of a kitchen backsplash, you can add accent walls in the bathroom above the vanity, around the tub or anywhere else that you want to add a splash of color and visual interest. The sky’s the limit here, so let your imagination run wild and consider unique tile choices like metallic or zellige.

 

Showers That Loom Large

For those who prefer a shower over a bath, upgrading the size of your shower is a must. More than 40% of homeowners who remodeled their bathrooms decided to increase the size of the shower. They cited a desire to use the space for rest and relaxation. If you’re already building a new custom home, you might as well create a spa-like setting.

Design a spacious shower with dual showerheads, rain showerheads, handheld massaging sprayers and body sprays that give you the ultimate shower experience every time you step inside.

Take advantage of walk-in designs that blend simplicity and elegance. Designs like marble slabs instead of tile, built-in benches and frameless glass partitions can provide unobstructed views and an open ambiance that exudes luxury.

Shine Bright With Creative Lighting & Luxury Fixtures

The fixtures in your bathroom are oft-forgotten features, and rightfully so if they are boring, run-of-the-mill lights and faucets. But the right statement pieces can instantly elevate your bathroom. Flashy colors like brushed gold and vintage-inspired designs draw your eye, while touchless faucets create a modern appeal. Your lighting is another opportunity to create bold statements. Adding items like backlit mirrors, statement chandeliers or hanging pendant lights can transform your space and provide fitting mood lighting.

Design With These 2021 Bathroom Trends In Mind

Inspired by some of these ideas? Make them a reality! Contact Mitchell & Best Next Door today and get started on your custom home sketches and dream bath ideas!

May 10, 2021

For decades, homes were designed around functions — the kitchen, bedroom, laundry room, etc. But modern lifestyles prompted home design to feature more flexibility and adaptability long before COVID-19 turned kitchen tables into offices and classrooms. As we look forward to returning to the spaces we visited in pre-pandemic life, we think people will continue to want multifunctional living spaces that easily transform with their changing lifestyles.

Today’s homebuyer is less interested in formal areas, such as dining rooms and living rooms that are rarely used. Instead, people want multifunctional spaces. This involves more than setting up a treadmill or Peloton in one corner of the bedroom or den. It requires thoughtful planning for how spaces can be used for dual purposes.

Creating Adaptable Rooms

Key elements that enable multifunctional use are storage space and adaptable furniture. For a kitchen that doubles as an office space, it’s important to be able to close up when the day’s work is done. You might want to add hidden storage options to keep inevitable clutter out of sight when off work. For example, attractive cabinets with glass fronts for displaying china on upper shelves can have solid fronts on lower tiers to hide home office paraphernalia.

Many homes will have dedicated office spaces or spare rooms that serve dual purposes. Other areas that can be designed to incorporate flexible, convertible workspaces include closets, attics, lofts, niches and the space under staircases. Each of these options can fit storage space and be closed off when entertaining. Shut the doors, and no one will even know what’s hidden there.

Conversely, in a spacious kitchen, you might find a niche that could be converted into a compact office or schoolroom. You might not want to work in a highly trafficked kitchen, but this type of setup is great for supervising homework while making dinner long after the pandemic is over.

Incorporating Flexible Furnishings

Transforming your den or non-formal living room into a multifunctional living area is easier than you think with multipurpose furniture. There are coffee tables that incorporate hidden desks or workstations as well as built-in drawers or shelving. These offer convenience and a clever use of space. The same is true for ottomans that provide storage space.

Flexible furniture used to mean futons, daybeds or Murphy beds. Today, however, there are interior design hacks for every room that save space and provide more flexibility in your home.

Double Purpose Spaces

One multifunctional trend is adapting a laundry room or mudroom for dogs. Sink areas in laundry rooms are being reconfigured as pet-washing stations that can also be used to wash muddy shoes and rinse out laundry. Storage space for laundry supplies can also be used for pet supplies.

Mudrooms are serving dual purposes too. Storage for sports equipment, beach towels and everyday belongings, and other purposes make this a key spot for everyone in the house to grab things as they walk out the door and put them away as they come in.

Meeting Your Needs

Customizing a home’s design to meet your living space needs now and in the future is important. Mitchell & Best Next Door has built customized luxury homes in the Baltimore-Washington area for over 45 years now. We take great pride in the reputation we have earned by delivering high-quality homes to generations of satisfied customers. 

Contact us today and find out more.

May 10, 2021

Does your dream home feature a spectacular view of rolling hills, a sports court with lighting, nearby shopping and dining options, or a quiet sanctuary in a rural setting? Location is everything when it comes to your custom home plans. Fortunately, deciding on a location doesn’t have to be a solo undertaking. By knowing what factors to consider and seeking the input of an experienced builder, you can successfully choose the ideal location to build your custom home.

Why should I involve a builder so early?

When it comes to finding where to build your custom home, buyers alone are typically at a disadvantage. A professional custom home builder will have extensive knowledge in examining both the location of the lot and the lot itself. Your builder will conduct research regarding the land itself, or issues such as building setbacks, soil quality, tree removal guidelines or restrictions, please a clear understanding of utilities such as swear or public water availability. 

Realistically, a buyer who is unfamiliar with these issues would have trouble identifying matters that could result in additional costs or prevent construction altogether. Conversely, an expert builder can readily access experienced professionals to make recommendations and evaluate the land potential before making a decision. 

In some instances, you may not see the potential of a certain area or specific lot, and while it might not be exactly what you envisioned, this is when you would lean on the expertise of your builder. They have the ability to envision the ways a lot could work better for your overall concept. For example, a gentle slope might seem like an inconvenience, but can actually enhance the lot’s curb appeal and is better for drainage.

How will I know where the right location is?

The search for the right location to build your custom home starts with asking yourself whether the new location will ultimately fit your needs. Consider the following:

• What type of neighborhood are you looking for? Do you want to live in a subdivision? Or maybe off a country road with miles between neighbors? What could potentially be built in the surrounding area in the future?
• What are the schools like? If you have children, do the schooling options fit your needs? Does the bus route pass by the lot? Would the commute be reasonable?
• What would your work commute look like? Would your route be inconvenient? Would you have to upend your morning routine to account for the longer drive? How would the city traffic affect you?
• Is the location accessible? Are you still going to be near friends and family? What local grocery stores, gas stations, hospitals and major highways are close by? Does the location have everything you and your family will need?

How can I narrow down my options?

If you’re lucky, you might find yourself in a situation where the amount of potential locations for your custom home is overwhelming. We recommend thinking about the more nuanced details of land development to possibly eliminate a few options. 

With that in mind, these are important details to consider regardless of how many potential properties you have:

• Zoning regulations – Regulations like height, number of rooms and distance to the street are all considerations that may alter your original home design.
• Conveniences – Does the lot have spotty cell phone reception or slower broadband?
• Infrastructure – If you are looking at rural lots, you need to understand your access to a water supply or sewer line or the need for a septic system. Additionally, what is the weather like? How does the neighborhood handle snow shoveling or emergency vehicle access?

Once you’ve narrowed down your list to a few feasible possibilities, try to envision details that are specific to how you want to live. How do you want your home to be positioned? Where will the driveway and walkways be? This is another area where partnering with the right builder early on helps. 

Let’s find the right location to build your custom home.

The excitement of a home built just for you may cause you to fall in love with the first location you find, which is completely normal. However, doing your due diligence ahead of time and finding a home builder you can trust is critical to ensure the location will work well for you.

Mitchell & Best Next Door is here to help bring your custom home dreams to life. We build luxurious homes in thriving locations throughout Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C. – on your lot or ours! Generations of happy homeowners know that we hold ourselves to a higher standard, delivering award-winning custom homes that stand the test of time. 

Contact us today and let’s start building your vision together!

May 10, 2021

As we all settle into this new decade, it’s time to say goodbye to some home trends we’ve grown accustomed to. The popular modern farmhouse style is becoming more sophisticated as it transitions to a cottagecore, and we’re seeing homeowners embrace detailed patterns and more exotic elements, lending depth and interest to the traditional white kitchen. 

From well-loved decor elements resurfacing to eclectic designs and multi-functional spaces, the sudden increase of time spent at home this past year has left us with some new home design trends to consider in 2021. 

An Updated Tradition

Grandmillennial is a new take on all the stylish trends you remember from your parents’ and grandparents’ house. From the colors to the prints to the added decor, what’s old is definitely new. 

New products like peel and stick wallpaper make it easy to introduce an array of colors and patterns within your new home. Think heavy florals, skirted tables, beautiful ceramics and china pieces – These elements are replacing modern minimalistic decor. 

This popular granny-chic style is all about uniqueness and finding ways to express yourself, but also finding the right balance between consistent and chaotic. Consider mixing in a few modern elements for a look that’s more nostalgic than outdated.

Cottagecore 2.0

The farmhouse trend quickly became a desired option for many homebuyers during the 2010s, and while it still has a charming appeal, it’s time to rethink the rustic style in 2021. We continue to see the defining elements like wood tones and vintage pieces, but shiplap and distressed items are disappearing. 

Instead, homeowners are embracing a new version of cottagecore that is a bit more sophisticated by way of metal accents, floral themes and soft tones. This new take on cottagecore is centered around creating a mix of old and new pieces with a touch of modern luxury, always full of character.

Embracing The Staycation Trend

We’re all well aware of the circumstances this past year that have limited our travel beyond a trip to the kitchen. People are beginning to transform their indoor spaces to feel more like an exotic retreat. We’re seeing more floral and tropical prints, rich blue, orange and gold hues, as well as plenty of potted plants (bonus points if you’re using hanging planters).

However, you don’t have to adopt this exact style to invite nature into your home. Thoughtful layouts with judiciously placed windows can illuminate your home with natural sunlight and outdoor vibes. Another way to bring in the great outdoors is by focusing on an easy indoor-outdoor flow and sprucing up your deck to feel like a true (at-home) oasis. 

Spaces That Keep Getting Better

One of the new trends we find to be very popular this year is creating a collected-over-time feel by mixing textures, styles, and colors. An intriguing aspect of this trend is how it emphasizes customization, allowing you to build on a space with practical features and create multiple work zones. 

You can mix wooden elements and metal details, then add a pop of color with some vintage tiles for a really unique style. The kitchen is sometimes known as the heart of your home, and would be an ideal room to consider for this trend. You might consider designated areas that allow for multiple people to utilize the space at the same time.

This overall look is easier to recreate if you combine light wood with cream, gray and other neutrals, but of course no rules are set in stone!

Rooms With A Purpose

If there’s one thing we learned from 2020, it’s that working from home is easier when you have a dedicated home office. We’re seeing open floor plans with plenty of space for social interactions, but many homeowners want to have several smaller rooms that can be used for other purposes. 

There’s no better time to make your home more functional with dedicated spaces for a home office, remote learning, home gym, or maybe a craft room. Additionally, these spaces are often multifunctional and remain neutral so they can easily be repurposed when needed.

Mitchell & Best Next Door has been building luxury custom homes for over 45 years. We offer award-winning floor plans that can be personalized to reflect some of your favorite homes trends for 2021. Contact us today to learn more!

May 10, 2021

The journey of building a custom home is truly a dream come true. While there is great excitement, the process does involve a bit more detail than deciding on the number of bedrooms, picking out cabinetry or choosing the flooring. Planning, developing and building a home that is uniquely personal to its owner requires a lot of work and preferably a great deal of experience. With that in mind, it’s important to know how to choose a builder you can trust with your vision (and money).

Where do I start?

Choosing a luxury home builder who shares a similar communication style as yours will serve you both well, making for a smoother process in the long run. You’ll want to establish an easy rapport that involves your builder serving as your on-site representative, collaborating with architects, honoring your vision and budget, providing regular updates and keeping a close eye on the agreed upon schedule. 

Although purchasing your lot seems like the right place to start, some experts recommend finding a builder first and then identifying a lot together. After all, builders have expertise in evaluating a lot’s value along with potential issues. As a builder with over 45 years in the industry, we also manage the development of your land, coordinating with trusted engineering and site specialists, thereby allowing us to offer guidance before you are locked in.

Selecting a custom home builder requires doing your homework and creating a solid list of candidates. Here are a few ideas to help you get started:

• Look at new homes builders are showing. You may also ask a builder to see unfurnished custom homes.
• While researching the area you like, keep track of homes under construction that appeal to you. Make note of contact information found on the site signage, if any. If no sign exists, you can contact the local government to determine the name of the company on the building permit application. 
• Ask friends and family about builders they have dealt with or acquaintances who recently worked with a builder. Or, ask the builder for references. 
• Contact the area’s home builders’ association to gather names of local builders.
• Check with local REALTORS®, especially those specializing in new homes. 
• Take time to explore each builder’s website and online portfolio to gauge experience, quality, photos of homes constructed, reputation and industry recognitions.

It’s also important for you to have all your finances in order, know your budget and if it’s something that’s set in stone or flexible. Do you have a targeted time for starting construction and moving in? By taking care of all these details from the start, the relationship with your builder and overall process will go much smoother. 

What questions should I ask?

Once you’ve narrowed down a shortlist of candidates, the next step in how to choose a custom home builder is to begin contacting each one. This is also a way to measure their responsiveness! 

After an initial phone conversation with the builder, you may discover there’s more research on your part. For instance, you’ll want to determine your budget with a lender, your targeted time for starting the home and moving in, and lastly your “must-haves” versus “nice to have” features. For example, an in-law suite for many was previously a “nice to have” and has become a “must-have” for many homeowners. Once those details are solidified, the next step would be to schedule a face-to-face meeting with the builder and have them share options from their portfolio, both completed and under-construction homes, that you might like to visit in the interim. 

During your initial meeting, you can then dig deeper into the builder’s capabilities and values. By asking the right questions, you can then determine whether that builder is able to meet your expectations.

Here are some questions to ask your custom home builder: 

• How long does a construction project like this typically take? Of course, the answer will depend on the size and complexity of your vision. However, Mitchell & Best Next Door can deliver a home in 5-8 months, depending on weather and other factors that may cause delays.
• How do you hire and supervise the subcontractors? You want to know if they have regular contacts who have been thoroughly vetted.
• What is the process if designs change or unforeseen conditions result in extra cost? Change orders are inevitable on custom high-end home projects. How would the builder present, approve, and generally handle the change?
• How would they go about your custom plan ideas and endeavors? You want specific, actionable feedback on your own plan. See our suggestions for tips on choosing the right custom home floor plan (link to blog post).
• What building materials do they prefer to use and why? The answer will illustrate their expertise in building quality homes and how they present themselves as the expert.
• What service warranties do they offer after you move in? You want to know they back up their work for years to come.
• Can they provide references for both past and current clients? A custom home builder with a great reputation will gladly offer references and let you see both their completed and uncompleted work.

The National Association of Home Builders has a list of other “Questions to Ask Your Home Builder” to further help you determine whether a particular partnership is the right one for you. 

Are you ready to get started?

Building a luxury custom home is an exhilarating and enjoyable endeavor, but like many things in life, it can also be stressful if you don’t have the right partner, or in this case home builder. 

Mitchell & Best Next Door is a distinguished custom home builder with more than 45 years of experience. We are well-known for delivering quality and expertise in prestigious locations throughout Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C.

Contact us to learn more about our process, explore our portfolio, see what previous customers have to say and discover why we’re the right custom home builder for you!

May 10, 2021

Many consider the idea of building their personalized dream home, but the process can appear too daunting at times. Between buying land, getting approvals and selecting materials, building a custom home involves a lot of planning and navigating through complex regulations. However, by working with a builder who is prepared to offer guidance with land development and all that it entails, the process becomes a bit simpler.

To help you get started, we put together a few details to consider before embarking on your custom home building process. As a part of our sales process, we construct a land development budget for our clients with many of these pre-construction services; as a disclaimer, many of these services do have a cost associated with them.

What exactly do I need to consider?

Preparation is key here. There are a lot of moving pieces to manage and without a thorough checklist or proper due diligence, the process can become more difficult than it needs to be. 

You’ll want to be sure you and your builder: 

1. Evaluate the location. In the real estate industry, location is everything. Think about the places and things you want to live close (or not so close) to. Is commuter convenience important? Are you looking for a certain school district? Remember, those can and do change! Do you prefer a quiet space surrounded by greenery? Determine your location priorities and work from there.
2. Check local regulations. Every state and local municipality has zoning rules, and it’s important to stay mindful of existing expectations when it comes to residential construction. Plan accordingly and tap into your local City or County for zoning information and restrictions you should be aware of, especially when it comes to removing trees from your land or adhering to other environmental restrictions.
3. Review more local regulations. You don’t always know what exactly could be built around your potential homesite, but local regulations may offer some insight on what to expect. You’ll also want to review any existing infrastructure plans, wetlands and public or private easements that exist upon your potential site.
4. Get a lay of the land. If possible, walk the entire property. Understand the topography, the features, and the limits of the “building envelope” where the house will be situated. Are you seeking a property where the house will be facing (or backing) into a certain geographic direction for sunlight or overlooking a natural feature such as a pond? Are there existing improvements on the property that need to be considered and factored into your budget such as the demolition of an existing home or outbuilding?
5. Survey wetlands and other soil conditions through a qualified professional. If your homesite contains running or even standing water, you need to determine whether there are restrictions on construction relating to wetlands.
6. Understand utilities. You must check whether your home will be connected to a municipal sewer system or will require a septic system. If you are planning on septic, you must perform a percolation test to determine septic feasibility. Are you able to connect to public water? If not, and your water source will be a well, does the well already exist? If a well must be drilled, water tests will be performed to find the ideal location for well depth, pressure and quality. For heat, is natural gas available or will you need to plan for an alternate heating source such as a propane tank? Will utilities be above ground or below? Are you looking for alternative energy sources such as solar?
7. Determine site access. Make sure you have access to your site. Some building sites have easements that allow for legal access. In rare cases, a building lot may not have any access, and you will need to negotiate an entitlement with an adjacent owner.
8. Understand your title status. There are multiple forms of title in the US. If you plan to build, you need a clear title without any encumbrances. Encumbrances relate to restrictions, claims and encroachments that can impede your ability to develop a lot.

The advantage of experience and solid relationships.

Land development considerations are just some of the factors that need to be addressed when it comes to building your custom home. That’s where we come in! With Mitchell & Best Next Door, you never have to face these challenges alone. Our close relationships with engineering, environmental and land planning experts, as well as years of experience in working with the government jurisdictions means you’ll always have a team of experts around. From undeveloped land to your first walk-through and beyond, we are here to guide you. 

Our exceptional project management and careful attention to detail have earned us the reputation as a top builder in the area, delivering over 5,000 customized luxury homes to happy new owners throughout Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C.

Following move-in, we provide a home warranty backed by one of the nation’s largest insurance companies, so you can rest easy knowing your home and loved ones are well protected. All you should worry about is how you’ll be enjoying life in your new custom home! 

We’re here to help.

With more than 45 years of experience in this industry, you can trust Mitchell & Best Next Door to properly guide you through the entire custom home building process. From land feasibility and acquisition to interior selections to move-in day and beyond, we are well-versed in all facets of this operation and can help you find exactly what you are looking for. 

Contact us today to get started on your land development and venture into the custom home process!