Before you can build a custom home, you need somewhere to build it. It’s an obvious fact, but not always an easy decision. The location, size, slope, soil, utilities setup, and neighborhood guidelines can all impact the design of your home and the scope of the project. In Southeastern Wisconsin, you will also have a range of land options to consider, including established neighborhoods, rural land, or lakefront properties.
Finding land to build a house on can be a big undertaking, but you don’t need to navigate it on your own. Let’s dig into what to look for when choosing a lot to build your house on, questions to ask before buying, and how a builder can help you evaluate your options.
Begin With Location
Start with a question: Where? It sounds simple, but choosing which area you want to build a home in includes a lot of considerations. You will want to look at:
- Work commutes and access to major roads
- Closeness to family and friends
- Shopping, dining, and resources in the local community
- School district and schools
- Type of living setting: rural, suburban, city, waterfront
In addition to all of those details, think about what it will actually be like to live in a particular area. What overall feel are you looking for? What do you want and need out of the location you build your home in?
If you don’t know where to start, just ask us! The Sarona Homes team has the pulse on the local land market. We stay informed about developing neighborhoods and available lots in Southeastern Wisconsin, and can connect you with potential lots that fit your needs. Check out our Neighborhoods page to explore current neighborhoods with properties for sale.
Get a Full Understanding of Your Lot Options
Remember that while you could just pick any piece of land and we can make it work for your home, it’s important to truly consider the possibilities and details of each lot. That way, you’re setting yourself up for the best possible home in the right location.
When exploring land, look at the following details.
Size, Shape, and Placement of the Property
Think about whether you have a certain acreage in mind for your home. How big of a backyard do you want? Where will the home be positioned on the land?
The lot is the canvas where you will build your home. The shape of the lot will affect your home building options. If a lot is very narrow, for example, the home’s design will need to adapt to fit that space. It may need to be a two-story instead of a ranch. Other lots may give you more wiggle room and design possibilities.
The size and shape of the land also helps guide where the home will sit and how your outdoor space functions. Explore which direction your home will face, and how that impacts your views and sunlight. Think about your potential driveway placement, how long you want it to be, and its grading. It might not matter that much in summer, but consider things like your snowblowing experience in winter!
How much privacy are you looking for? A home smack dab in the middle of the neighborhood will feel much different from a home on the outer edge that’s nestled next to a forest.
Requirements of the Neighborhood and Town
When you buy a piece of land, you are also buying into a community. That community comes with rules, expectations, and potential costs.
Most neighborhoods have certain building guidelines, with things like minimum square footage, specifications for which materials homes must be built with, and other architectural requirements. Some neighborhoods even have homeowner’s associations and extra fees you’ll need to contribute.
Make sure you fully understand the regulations and costs included with the land you’re considering purchasing. Our team can help walk you through that!
Geographical Features
The geographical features of your land are so important! These features impact the possibilities of the home design and landscaping, along with quality of life and potential issues like flooding. To start, check if the land is in a floodplain. If it is, you will need to work with a builder who understands how to build with that in mind.
Also consider the grade of the land. Are you okay with a slope, or do you want flat land? Other things on your land can either be positive features or obstacles to address, including trees, rocks, soil quality, and proximity to water.
Site Preparation and Utilities
There will be other costs and considerations to navigate, including breaking ground on the site and setting up utility connections. Depending on the property, you may need to pay for a well or septic services. You may have challenging terrain that requires extra work and costs to prepare for the home construction.
It all adds up, and it’s best to know about it upfront. Sarona Homes can help you look at these features and potential challenges proactively so you understand what you’re getting into.
Explore the Land with a Builder Before Buying
Choosing land to build on is about finding a location to call home. It also needs to work with what you’re looking for in the home itself. It is important to understand the full picture: site costs, neighborhood requirements, and features of the land that will help or challenge the plan you have in mind. This all helps you avoid surprises later on.
Sarona Homes can help you search for and evaluate land. Our team enjoys challenging lots, and will always work with you to work with the land. Sometimes it takes a little more brainstorming, but we’ll build your dream home on whichever piece of land you choose for your home.
We keep tabs on Southeastern Wisconsin and neighborhoods currently being developed, and can help connect you with a great property for your needs. Sarona Homes has helped locals find land in Germantown, Oconomowoc, Menomonee Falls, Lisbon, and other areas of SE Wisconsin. Allow us to help you explore potential lots, think about what could work on a particular property, and design a custom home that maximizes your lot of land. Reach out to us when you’re ready to talk about building a new home!
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