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If you are looking to turn a plot of land into your perfect home, there are several steps involved in the process. Here is a look at the basic steps to take. If you have never done this before, it's a good idea to get help from a professional. Read on to learn what it takes to turn a wooded lot or meadow into your dream home.
Check Your Lot for Environmental Concerns
Work with your local wildlife and environmental agencies to see if there are any areas where you might not want to build. Critical habitats for endangered species, wetlands or floodplains, streams, and lakes all require some protection. Work with a biologist to try and keep your proposed home site out of the critical area. In many cases, it won't just help the endangered animals, it can also keep your home away from mud or floodwater.
Check Your Municipality for Zoning Areas and Laws
What can you build on your lot? Some areas will allow a single home, but can you build a duplex or add a tiny home in the backyard to rent out? Can you build several flats? Different properties come with different zoning rules based on things like location and acreage. Before you commit to a building plan, make sure you know the rules.
Custom Architecture Design
If you don't want your home to look like every other building on the street, work with a custom architect design. Architects know how to best take advantage of your property, whether it's long and skinny, in a valley, or on a slope. Architects can also take advantage of the prettiest view from your property and design most of the windows to face that direction. If you want a home that highlights green energy, work with your architect to choose an energy-efficient design.
Find a General Contractor
General contractors work with specialists to complete every step of a project. They will typically make sure that all of the permits you need are filled out and that everything is built to your local municipal code. General contractors will find the different specialists needed to dig the foundation, supply utilities, pour concrete, frame the house, roof, and side of the house, install windows, install plumbing and electricity and finish the inside. They know the order in which each step must be done, when you must stop to get permits approved (like when you can see the plumbing and electrical work inside of the walls) and how to finish within your requested timeline.
Move In!
Whether the home is for you, your family members, or an investment property, building a home from the ground up can be a rewarding process. It is made easier when you have a good set of plans and you are certain that you are following all the local and environmental rules.
