How to Buy Land and Build a House
Sick of paying rent? Want to paint your bedroom pink? Done arguing with roommates? Or perhaps your dream kitchen doesn’t involve having your Tupperware falling on your head every time you open the cupboard. If you have found yourself thinking that living in a tiny apartment that you’re overpaying for isn’t cute anymore, buying land and building a custom house perfect for you could be the answer. It’s okay if you don’t know where to start—we’ve collected the best resources and companies to help you make an informed decision throughout this rewarding journey to homeownership. With these professionals and their years of experience, you’ll be sure to have a home that exceeds your expectations.
Location and Financing
Before you start touring the land, figure out how you will be financing your purchase. Generally speaking, if you are buying raw property (meaning the property doesn’t have any utilities), you will have a higher interest rate, and your lender will ask for 20-50% for a down payment. If you’ve always rented an apartment or have been a city dweller your whole life, you may not even know where to begin when it comes to buying land. Luckily, AcreBin is there when you need it. Find land by the state, and AcreBin will find you all the available properties for purchase in Florida, Georgia, Maryland, and North Carolina.
You can also search by county if you know exactly where you want to put down roots. When looking at properties, be sure to ask the seller a few questions about the zoning rules, as well as any long-term plans for the surrounding lots. You don’t want to live right next to the main road or railroad track built after you dwell because you forgot to ask. Similarly, pay attention to whether the land has easy access. Is it on a public road, or will you have to invest in building your own road system? These are essential considerations to keep in mind. Remember to ask about any deed restrictions. Are utilities are already present on the property, or will you have to dig a well and septic system, pay for utility poles or invest in solar panels?
The entire process may sound complicated, but when you know the right questions to ask you can prepare ahead of time, making sure you have a crew ready to work on your property in a timely manner. Once you know if you need a road, a septic system, or a new roof, you can call today to set up a roof replacement and know that you’re getting quality work. Is this your first time as a homeowner, be sure to do your due diligence so that you can be prepared for any eventuality.
Good Bones
The process of building a new home or embarking on home improvement (if your property comes with a building) is both the most exciting and most stressful time as a homeowner. The first part is deciding what your deadline is. When do you want to be in your new home? Are you able and willing to do some or all of the work yourself, or will you be hiring a contractor? These are all important considerations to keep in mind.
Remember, the safety of your new home comes first. If you don’t know the local home codes in your area, contact someone who does. Keeping to code ensures your home and family are safe, but also if you ever plan to move and sell your home, you can do so without a lot of expensive renovations first. As you’re designing and planning for your new home, consider building a green eco-friendly home.
While it’s more expensive at first, going green is an investment that will save you money in the long run. Take a look at Energy Star to find energy-saving appliances and research appliances (like water heaters and laundry dryers) that traditionally use a lot of energy to keep your home eco-friendly. Those who started a project in Pennsylvania will be able to find help from local builders and Pittsburgh roofing contractors. Don’t scrimp and save on your roof—if you have roof damage it can create structural damages throughout your whole home. If you need to do a roofing project, make sure that you have a roofing crew with decades of experience who can do excellent work in a timely manner. You want to enjoy your new home, not to be worried about further damage that may be caused by leaks. If you’re building from scratch, get the highest quality roof system to keep your new home safe from leaks and rain damage.
Other tips for a stress-free building experience include working with the landscape of your property for a beautiful outdoor setting and excellent curb appeal, remembering the little details that will make your house a home (this means decorating and interior design—the best part), and finally when in doubt, leave the critical construction work to professionals.