How to Choose the Right Location to Build Your Custom Home

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!

LET’S BUILD YOUR VISION TOGETHER

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