Which Comes First - Builder or Lot

Determining where you want to live depends on many factors. There may be a certain community you are drawn to, a school district you would like your children to attend, or even an area that is close to your employment or some of your recreational pursuits. Whatever the reason you are drawn to a particular area, you should take the time to truly evaluate the amenities you would like in the subdivision or area you plan on building. Explore the building opportunities each homesite offers – particularly whether or not there is an option for an exposed basement, and whether or not there is suitable soil and subsoil. Also consider the improvements the subdivision offers, as well as any restrictions it may have. There are additional out of pocket expenses that will vary for each lot; the cost for removal of trees, fill, or the removal of fill, impact fees, taxes, and construction insurance should not be unknown variables. Talk to your builder or developer to get an estimate of the charges you should plan for when building on a particular lot.

Give some thought as to the type of home you would like to build as well. Custom building doesn’t necessarily mean that it is more expensive, so check out all your options. Custom builders will build a home designed around your exact specifications, while model home builders will build one of their models for you. Customer involvement varies with each type of builder. Custom builders may require you to make visits to the site to verify specific details, while model home builders generally don’t need as much customer involvement due to the fact that most of the homes being built are exact replicas, or slight deviations from previous homes.

- 2006 -