| When choosing a lot, you should first decide on the | | | | looking for? Walk-out lots allow for maximum use of |
| area you want to live in. Find the center of the city | | | | basement space and allow you to enter/exit from |
| or village that you have chosen as your new home, | | | | the basement of your home. Look-out lots don't |
| and work from the center out. Make sure the | | | | allow for entry/exit, but will provide you with great |
| community fits your lifestyle and your needs as a | | | | natural light from the windows that will be installed |
| family or single person. | | | | above ground level. Even grade lots are great |
| Some additional items to consider are: | | | | because they save you the cost of installing a deck, |
| - Are you particular about what/who you back up | | | | however, if you plan to finish your basement, you |
| to? Consider if you don't mind having backyard | | | | may not like the window wells that will be installed on |
| neighbors, or if you are willing to pay a premium for a | | | | an even-grade lot. Not only will walk-out and look-out |
| home that has no one behind it. Consider water/park | | | | lots cost more because they are considered premium |
| views, as well as negatives like power lines/train | | | | lots, but the cost to build your home will be a bit |
| tracks. All of these things can positively and | | | | more as well. |
| negatively impact your home value when it is | | | | - Community Restrictions: Most new communities |
| completed. | | | | now have covenants and restrictions that were put |
| - Transportation: Do you need public transportation to | | | | into effect prior to the construction of the first new |
| get where you need to go? Consider proximity to | | | | home. They address such things as pools, fences, |
| trains/busses/shopping when choosing a lot. | | | | house sizes, pets, and landscaping. Make sure you |
| - Schools: Do you have young children? If so, | | | | receive a copy of these prior to purchasing the land |
| consider the quality of the schools that they will be | | | | in order to insure that there are no restrictions |
| going to. Verify school districts with your builder | | | | included that may impede the progress of your |
| realtor, and do your research. Are they highly rated? | | | | desired home. |
| Are they over-populated? How far is it to the | | | | Remember that the land purchase is just as |
| schools they will be attending? | | | | important as the home and the builder. All of these |
| - Direction: Which direction do you want your home | | | | decisions will lead to the completion of the final |
| to face? If you are going to put a pool in, then go | | | | product, and you don't want to be surprised by costs |
| for a north/south facing lot for maximum sun | | | | or regulations that may pop up during construction. |
| exposure. Consider the placement of windows/rooms | | | | The best way to avoid stress and horror stories is to |
| in your home should you choose a home facing east | | | | do your homework yourself. Don't depend on others |
| or west. | | | | to verify questions that you should be asking! Happy |
| - Grade: What type of home elevation are you | | | | Homebuilding! |