Your home’s foundation starts with the right lot – let’s make every square foot count.
Building a custom luxury, vacation or forever home is about more than just creating a living space. It’s about creating a place that suits your lifestyle habits, needs, family and personal preferences.
As custom home builders in North Carolina, we know choosing the right piece of land for your dream home is a crucial part of the building process. It takes thorough research, experience and maybe even a bit of luck. Learn how to choose the ideal lot, from exploring local neighborhoods to ensuring your home gets enough sunlight.
- Understanding The Locale
- Considering The Aesthetics
- The Impact Of Slope, Shape & Sunlight On Your Home
- Researching Local Development Plans
- Considering The Impact Of Traffic
- Emphasizing Amenities & Lifestyle
- Budgeting Wisely
- Finding The Perfect Lot Size
- Evaluating Privacy & Noise For Your Home
- Thinking About Resale Value
1. Understanding The Locale
North Carolina’s Crystal Coast offers a mosaic of neighborhoods, each with its unique charm and amenities. If you’re looking to build a custom home, take some time to examine the characteristics of each neighborhood.
Think about the kind of home you’re building: Is it a forever home where you envision your later years filled with morning walks on the beach or engaging in community activities? Or is it a vacation home, with an emphasis on nearby recreation and amenities for the family?
The lifestyle you envision for your new construction home is going to heavily influence the best location. Contemplate your goals and align them with the area of your choice.
2. Considering The Aesthetics
Similar to the locale, the aesthetic appeal of your surroundings is crucial. Are you drawn to the gentle whispers of the ocean or the serene calm of a wooded landscape or backyard? Imagine yourself enjoying a morning coffee on your balcony as you gaze out to a stunning view. What do you see?
Waterfront lots offer an unmatched view and a sense of tranquility, making them a popular choice among retirees. But don’t overlook the charm of inland lots, which often provide more space and privacy, have less traffic and can be equally picturesque
3. The Impact Of Slope, Shape & Sunlight On Your Home
Selecting the right lot for your custom built home involves understanding slope, shape, orientation and how much sunlight you’ll be getting.
A lot’s slope is critical for drainage and can influence the construction method – whether it’s slab or a walkout basement. The lot’s shape can affect the ease of construction and how your home will occupy the space, impacting yard sizes and driveway lengths. Choose a lot with natural drainage to avoid water collection issues.
You should also consider the direction of both the lot and your future home as it can have significant implications for energy efficiency and living comfort. South-facing lots offer the benefits of sun exposure for warmth and solar panel effectiveness. Have a green thumb? A lot that faces the sun will ensure your home garden gets a bountiful harvest
Digging Deeper
A land survey and soil testing can prevent potential setbacks in the building process and future construction by identifying boundary and soil quality issues early on. Your custom home builder in North Carolina can facilitate these tests and interpret their results, safeguarding your investment.
4. Researching Local Development Plans
Understanding future development plans for the surrounding area is key for predicting shifts in traffic, privacy and ambiance. Look into zoning restrictions, including setbacks and building heights, as well as potential nearby business developments that could impact your living environment.
By understanding development plans, you can better ensure that your new home meets your goals for privacy and tranquility. Our team can assist you with these technical aspects, ensuring everything is as perfect beneath the surface as it is above.
5. Considering The Impact Of Traffic
Evaluating the traffic patterns around your chosen lot can save you from future disturbances. Busy roads bring noise and reduce the desirability of a location. By understanding what changes are on the horizon, you can ensure your dream home remains an oasis amidst the hustle and bustle.
Traffic can also influence air quality and safety, particularly in areas close to major thoroughfares where vehicle emissions are higher and pedestrian access may be limited. Considering the long-term development plans of the community can provide insights into potential increases in traffic volume.
This additional layer of due diligence helps protect your investment and ensures your living environment suits your lifestyle preferences.
6. Emphasizing Amenities & Lifestyle
Depending on your age, your needs will be different when shopping around for the perfect lot to build your custom, vacation or luxury home. Planning ahead to your golden years means planning for comfort and accessibility.
Look for lots that are near healthcare facilities, shopping centers and recreational areas. The right neighborhood should not only complement your home but also enhance your lifestyle.
7. Budgeting Wisely
Like many people building their first home, you’ve worked hard for this moment. While you may have saved a considerable amount, it’s essential to budget wisely. Take into account not only the cost of the lot, but also the future expenses of building and maintaining your home.
Collaborate with our team at Crystal Coast Construction to align your ideal home with your financial comfort zone. A partnership with your bank can also provide flexible financing options to make your dream a reality.
8. Finding The Perfect Lot Size
Selecting the ideal lot size for your home is an imperative decision that hinges on the life you envision on the property. Choosing a lot that ranges from 1/4 to 1/2 acre is often considered the sweet spot as it offers enough space for a comfortable dwelling, a garden and leisure areas, while remaining manageable in terms of maintenance. For those looking ahead to retirement or seeking more seclusion, opting for larger lots might be more appealing.
The size of a lot needs to accommodate the space necessary for the house, septic system and any additional requirements mandated by the local municipality, such as designated natural areas or stormwater retention.
Ultimately, the right lot size is subjective and should align with your personal aspirations, potential future needs and the level of upkeep you’re comfortable with. At Crystal Coast Construction, we’re dedicated to helping you find that perfect balance to ensure your home fits your lifestyle for years to come.
9. Evaluating Privacy & Noise for Your Home
When choosing a piece of land for your new custom home, the privacy and noise level are as important as the view. Evaluate how close neighbors are, their property heights, and the likelihood of future developments.
Additionally, consider ambient noise from local traffic and public spaces. A proactive visit to the site during different times can reveal the dynamic nature of noise and activity.
10. Thinking About Resale Value
When finding a lot for your future home, remember to look past the current aesthetics or convenience to its value and resale potential in the future. As we all know, a strategic location can significantly increase your home’s market value over time.
Evaluate factors like the development prospects of the area, the quality of local schools, proximity to amenities and overall demand for real estate in the neighborhood. These elements can make your property more appealing to future buyers, ensuring that your investment grows. It’s also wise to avoid areas prone to negative changes, such as increased traffic or industrial development, which can detract from your home’s future marketability.
This forward-thinking approach in lot selection can turn your home into a valuable asset, offering both enjoyment now and financial benefits when it’s time to sell.
Building Your Dream With Crystal Coast Construction
At Crystal Coast Construction, we don’t just build homes; we craft legacies. Combining our expertise and your vision, we’ll turn the lot you choose into a haven where memories will be made for years to come.
Let us guide you through this exciting phase of your life as you embark on the journey of building your forever home – contact us today for your consultation!
