House hunting can be quite a tricky and unforgiving process, so much so that some people simply decide to build their own. Of course, being disenfranchised with the housing market is hardly the only reason as to why someone may wish to build their own property. For some, it provides an amazing technical challenge and the means to render a dream home (an actual dream home) as reality. For others, a home build may be a project lasting for years, a perfect final place to settle down into retirement.
But what metrics should you consider when building your first home? Our previous guide on which great layouts you should choose can help you decide on the actual form of the building, but what other essential components should you be considering? If you plan this in advance, odds are you can prepare for logistical considerations or beware of challenges that may lay in your path. In that frame of mind, it’s much easier to prepare for your options going forward.
In this guide, we aim to help you achieve exactly that. Let’s get started:
Location
Location always matters, even if it’s just the location of the land you buy for now. In fact, the location of the land can mean more than the location of a property, because while a property is actualized, land speaks of potential. Does the location have many built-up homes near it, or are you located in the woods? What kind of transport links do you have access to, and will it be easy for workmen and deliveries to find their way to the home as you build? Land might be cheap, but why is it cheap in this area, and will you be better served elsewhere? These are all good questions to ask.
Quality Of Land
Of course, the quality of the land you build on will matter. Having a land surveyor quantify exactly what to expect, the feasibility of building structures on the land, and hidden issues (like streams of water, steep areas, unreliable ground and more) can help you stay more aware of what it is you’re buying and if building here is a good idea, or if more extensive foundational work needs to begin by using services like Bay to Beach Builders.
Planning Approvals
Planning approvals aren’t always guaranteed. Some housing authorities may restrict certain builds due to protecting an areas natural beauty, or a range of other reasons that you may not find out until you purchase the land. For that reason, it’s essential to inquire about permission ahead of time, and speak to the local neighbors about your intentions, and make sure you do your due diligence in that regard. This can help you avoid any nasty surprises later on when your carefully curated blueprints are rejected. When you start early, and are clear about your intentions, and know the code, you’ll have much more potential in being approved and moving forward with that kind of confidence.
With this advice, you’re sure to consider all the necessary metrics when building your home.