What to Look For When Buying Land to Build a House

Jan 19, 2023 | Custom Home

Are you thinking about buying land to build a house? If so, let VPC Builders be the first to congratulate you! Building a custom home on your own property is an exciting dream come true for countless homeowners.

Purchasing land is a big step requiring plenty of time and careful consideration. As the local experts in custom homebuilding, VPC Builders is ready to walk with you through the process of building your dream home.

5 Factors to Consider When Buying Land to Build a House

This first part of the process — buying your ideal piece of land — is kind of a big deal. There are a number of factors you may not have considered which might sway your decision. 

North Carolina is home to a variety of natural landscapes, all of which are beautiful in their own ways. Each of these terrains comes with its own unique challenges. Any plot of land, whether rural or suburban, requires consideration of things like local building codes and access to necessary utilities. 

Whichever plot of land you’re considering, VPC Builders can help walk you through the decision-making process. Here are five of the most crucial factors to consider when buying land to build a home:

Location

There are many reasons to give careful thought to the location of a lot before you buy it. What kinds of natural features are you looking for? If you’re a nature lover, you may want to consider a property somewhere in the Blue Ridge Mountains or along one of the state’s many rivers. 

Apart from the natural elements of a location, it’s also helpful to think about its proximity to other resources. Do you want to be close to your favorite grocery store, shops, church, or school? Would you rather be far away from city lights and noise? Do you value your privacy or do you prefer to be closer to your community of friends?

Size and Shape

The kind of home you want may require specific parameters for the lot you build on. If you intend to build a larger custom home, or even a small one with a wider floor plan, you’ll want to ensure your plot of land is a suitable shape and size to accommodate it. These factors may be affected by the land’s topography as well.

Local Zoning and Building Codes

This is a topic to pay attention to sooner rather than later in your land-buying process. Though it may not be something you have to think about very often, the zoning of land in a particular area likely has numerous impacts on your life and community. Different zones will often have distinct building regulations depending on the local government’s laws. 

When considering a piece of land to purchase, do some research about local zoning, or consult professionals with experience in the area. For prospective homeowners in North Carolina, allow VPC Builders to be your go-to team for the complexities of homebuilding!

Topography

Much like the location, shape, and size of a plot of land, the topography of a plot of land may need to be considered. A property with relatively level terrain will likely come with fewer building complications (and less strain on the budget) than land which is steep or varied. 

Likewise, the quality of the soil may also have an impact on your decision. A plot with large stones throughout the soil may be more difficult to lay a foundation on than one which is mostly dirt. Sand, clay, or bedrock can also significantly affect the plans for your building. 

Access to Utilities

While some lots may come with existing access to water, electricity, and sewage, undeveloped pieces of land require more work and expenses. Making an informed decision will result in the best outcome, so contact a local custom contractor like VPC Builders to ask about utility access for your new home!

Get Advice from the Experts

As you can see, there are a lot of important factors to consider when buying land to build a house. As thorough as your search may be, there will always be something you don’t know. Thankfully, our team at VPC Builders is made up of experts in custom home building. We’d be happy to walk alongside you through that amazing journey.

The decision you make about buying land will influence the rest of the building process. But with the right knowledge, you can make an informed choice that will allow you to pursue your dream home. 

Let VPC Builders be your guide for your homebuilding process, from scouting the land to walking through the door for the first time.
Want to get the advice of experts while buying land to build a house? Contact VPC Builders today!