Selecting an Area: Lot Checklist

Nearby noise sources:

Airport

Rail line

Fire siren

Etc.

Is the property in a flood area?

Is there a high water table? Check town records.

Examine nearby houses - are they raised above ground level?

You may not want a basement in a flood zone.

Local zoning

Could someone build a convenience store next door?

Are all utilities available at the site?

If not, how much will it cost to bring them to the your lot?

Remember to include Water, Sewer, Gas, etc...

How close is the firehouse?

How far is it to the nearest fire hydrant, pond, or other firefighting source of water?

Note: This also may affect your homeowners insurance premium.

Are there any easements or Rights of Way which allow others access onto your property?

These can include utilities, state park employees, and neighbors.

Winter access

Can you get up and down that steep hill? Are the roads plowed promptly?

Is there mass transit within walking distance?

How far is the nearest bus or train station, park-and-ride, etc.?

How far is it to stores, schools, etc.?

Are there transit alternatives (taxi, bus) to stores?

Do the schools provide bus service?

Will setback requirements allow you to position the house where and how you want it?

Tour the neighborhood; see what the residents have done. Take note of those you like.

Check with the local zoning board.

Do you have any handicap or special need that would be difficult to accomodate on this lot?

You may need (later, if not now) ramps, handrails, or similar accomodations.

Will the topography ("lay of the land") accomodate the style of house you have in mind?

A sprawling ranch doesn't do well on a small lot.

Is there space for additional things you may add later? (Zoning laws will matter here.)

Extra parking (guests, cars when the kids start driving, etc.)

Garage

Flower or vegetable gardens

Swimming pool, hot tub

Patio, deck, etc.

Is the style of house you have in mind compatible with the neighborhood?

If not, you may have to live with a lot of unhappy neigbhbors.

A house that doesn't fit in with the neighborhood (different style, biggest in the area, etc.) won't recoup as much when you sell it.

If's there's a great view, will the floor plan allow you to take advantage of it?

Make note of possible future development: today's farmland could be tomorrow's condoland.

After you've found the right home plan, it will be time to find a contractor as well as financing to help you build your home.