Building a house on land you own is both challenging and extremely rewarding. However, you need to know a lot about construction, the land itself, and other important factors to utilize your property well. Since property investment is a huge step, it is important to consider several things before buying land in the United States of America.
1.  Zoning Regulations
It is necessary to be aware of zoning regulations and laws before you purchase any property. You can contact the county, town, or local government offices for information or hire a real estate agent to help you out. Make sure you know what category your block of land falls in, since there are different rules for industrial, residential, and commercial properties. If your land is in an area that allows both commercial and residential development, then building a home next to a warehouse or office will affect your solitude and peace. It is a good idea to find out about any third-party and governmental constructions to see if there are any plans for building infrastructure, roads, or highways near or adjacent to your property. This way you can see if land in the area is suitable for a home.
2.  Weather
If you are purchasing land in a place where you have not lived previously, then it is a good idea to learn about the area’s weather and seasonal changes. Heavy rainfall, extreme temperatures, and strong winds increase maintenance costs. Not only this, but if the weather worsens in the area over the next few years, you may end up being the only investor there. Other factors to consider include:
- Insulation type and costs
- Frost, drought, and other unlivable conditions
- Home type that resonates with the weather and neighborhood
- Energy usage
- Plants that can be grown
- Suitability for pets
- Family member health conditions
3.  Water Availability
Does the land you chose have proper water sources? Are there any restrictions on water usage and rainwater collection? Answering these questions will help you see if the area you picked can be truly inhabited. The BASIX and NSW is an initiative that is encouraging new developments to take strict measures to save water. They hope to get new residents to reduce water consumption by 40%. Many residents have started opting for water tanks, so making sure your land is near rivers, dams or creeks is essential.
4.  Environmental Safety
Environmental safety does include taking weather into account, but it is also necessary to see if your land is in an area that can experience flooding or fires. Opt out of land that is near forests where wildfires can easily spread and wrap up your home in flames. Similarly, also opt out of any block of land that is prone to flooding due to excessive rain or an overflowing river or sea. It is a good idea to check history reports of the region you plan to buy land in to see what natural catastrophes have struck the region in the past decade.
5. Land Quality and Orientation
Land composition and soil quality are very important to consider. Good soil quality is crucial for growing plants and maintaining a lawn or yard. Soil composition affects the following:
- Foundation and building costs
- Earthwork amount required
- Land stability and retention
You can contact a qualified local engineer to get your soil tested before starting construction.
Since purchasing land means you can design your house in whatever way you want, orientation is another aspect you might want to look into. No foundations mean you can pick any orientation you prefer and even build the popular north-facing home. North-facing homes get sunlight throughout the year without turning your place into a greenhouse. The only issue is that you will need to consider roads, driveways, and closeness to other structures, and easements, and keep neighbors in mind before finalizing your orientation. You would not want your doors and windows to open straight into a neighbor’s yard or the open road.
6. Access to Amenities
Picking a pot near a town or an area with access to facilities like schools, hospitals, entertainment or even one that is near your office is a smart idea. You also need to make sure that groceries and other supplies are easily available around the block. Ensuring this will also make your land help you profit more if you decide to put it up for rent or sell it later on.
Endnote
Searching for and purchasing the most suitable plot of land is both challenging and exciting at the same time. Walking through the process step by step is your best bet. Get help from online markets, real estate agents, and attorneys to keep up with laws and any design restrictions.
