Looking for the perfect lot to build your custom home isn’t always easy. And, since 1978, the median size for residential lots has dropped by 13%, primarily due to increased competition for land. Moreover, many available lots might not be as ideal as they appear. Issues such as flooding risks, property conditions, and zoning laws can lead to significant problems. These include property maintenance issues, compromised safety, and unexpected expenses. So, here are six crucial factors to consider before building a custom home on an existing lot.

Building A Custom Home On An Existing Lot

1. The Lot’s General Condition

Don’t assume a lot is in good condition just because it appears to be. Purchasing a lot impulsively without having the soil tested and the property evaluated can lead to severe health and home damage.

Potential lot buyers should request a formal property evaluation or seek recommendations from an experienced custom home builder to avoid these possible hazards. Moreover, understanding the soil quality and overall condition of the lot is critical for ensuring the stability and longevity of your future home.

2. Zoning Laws

Zoning laws have been around for more than a century and are the most popular type of regulation for land utilization. And, these laws can significantly impact your plans. For example, zoning laws might prevent you from starting a home-based business or storing a boat on your property.

Additionally, you might face remodeling or construction restrictions. If you don’t want to face delays in approval for your custom home plans, be sure to consider the appropriate zoning laws in your area. Understanding these regulations early can save time and prevent costly redesigns.

3. General Land Terrain and Grading of the Property

A lot that is poorly graded can lead to foundation problems, water damage, and flooding issues. These concerns can result in expensive repairs and extensive landscaping restoration. In many cases, purchasers fail to consider property grading problems, and their projects wind up exceeding their budget.

Identifying poorly graded lands isn’t easy for novice property buyers who might focus more on the lot’s shape and size and other neighborhood concerns. Therefore, hiring a custom home builder early on can help you identify potential grading issues.

Furthermore, the existing lot’s terrain must be considered as well. Land terrain includes the lot’s orientation, elevation, and slope. A lot that’s heavily sloped or has varying elevations can present several challenges for custom home builders. So, understanding the terrain is essential for planning the construction and landscaping of your home.

4. Cost to Prepare the Land

Preparing the property for your custom home in Myrtle Beach can be costly, potentially exceeding $10,000 depending on the lot’s size and the work required. And, factors such as bad ground, trees, and sloping sites are the primary contributors to higher ownership costs.

Tree removal can be expensive, and fixing bad soil can cost even more. If you don’t factor in these costs, you might find that the purchase wasn’t cost-effective at all. Therefore, it’s crucial to get a comprehensive estimate of land preparation costs before making a purchase.

5. Flood Zones and Wetlands

Another crucial factor to consider before building a custom home on a lot is whether it is located within a wetland area or a flood zone. For instance, many homeowners are unaware that there are federal and state laws regulating the use of lots in wetland areas.

Some buyers jump the gun without understanding the pros and cons of buying a lot within a flood zone. An experienced custom home builder in Myrtle Beach can help you determine if a property is located on wetlands before you make a purchase, helping you avoid potential legal violations.

6. Property Taxes

Property taxes can be an unforeseen expense for new buyers who might not fully understand the financial responsibilities that come with purchasing a lot. However, these taxes might be deductible once declared as a personalized itemized deduction. A custom home builder can provide expert advice to help you estimate property taxes and understand how they may change once your home is constructed. So, it’s essential to factor in property taxes when planning your budget.

Building a custom home on an existing lot with the help of experts like Dawol Homes involves many considerations to ensure a smooth and successful project. By paying attention to the lot’s condition, zoning laws, land terrain, preparation costs, flood zones, and property taxes, you can avoid potential pitfalls and ensure your dream home becomes a reality.

Ready to navigate the challenges of building a custom home on an existing lot? Contact Dawol Homes today to guide you through the process and help make your dream home a reality!

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Dawol Homes
9404 Hwy 17 Bypass,
Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
(843) 294-2859

Dawol Homes Sales Office
3100 Dick Pond Rd # E
Myrtle Beach, SC 29588
843-294-2859

We build homes in: Cypress River Plantation, Waterway Palms, Waterbridge, Murrells Inlet, Collins Creek, Bellwood Landing, Carolina Forest, Plantation Lakes, North Myrtle Beach, Socastee, Surfside Beach, Pawleys Island, Litchfield Plantation