Your Homesite (Lot) is one of the most important features of your new home. Where you decide to build your home affects the overall home package in a few ways.
The amount of money that you pay for your lot directly affects the overall budget of your project, and will determine how much money is spent on your home. Lots also can have obvious or hidden features that enhance and or cost extra for you to build on. Location of your lot will also affect your taxes, and available services to your home.
At John Hall Custom Homes, we will assess and even help you find and purchase the perfect homesite for your family. We always can build on your site or ours.
JHCH has access to many different lots throughout the Fox River Valley, in many of the top neighborhoods available. We will assist you in researching and securing the lot that works best for you. We will also help you get the best possible price for that lot.
If you happen to own your own homesite, or are in the process of researching sites, we will physically inspect and give our expert opinion regarding your homesite, and what type of building options you have on it.
There are a number of important things you should consider when looking for a homesite, beyond the location.
1st, you should look at the topography (slope) of the homesite and see if the lot you are looking at is a typical Flat lot that would enable you to have a patio, or if it is a Lookout (English) or Walkout lower level. Walkouts and Lookouts require more framing, windows, doors, insulation and exterior siding, as well as typically needing a deck to be installed. Those items result in price increases for your new home.
A Lookout can range from $3,500 to $5,000 on average.
A Walkout will typically range from $10,000 to $14,000.
** Please note, forced walkouts, or walk ups are allowed on many flat or lookout lower levels, and require proper drainage, space, and retaining walls. These areas are typically $5,000 to $8,000. If your homesite backs to a pond, your lowest opening on your foundation must be 2′ above the high water line of the pond, that stipulation can rule out some forced walkouts.
On a walkout you will have to also add the price of a deck to your home, as the patio allowance included in our packages will be used for the walkout lower level area.
Next, you need to consider the municipality and their codes. Codes are changing quickly in many communities, and your home may require Fire Sprinklers in one neighborhood, and across the street, they are not required. Even certain electrical codes can add costs to your home, proper research is key. JHCH will help you research that information.
Finally, Neighborhood Covenants and Restrictions. You will find that many different neighborhoods have varying details they want to see in a home. One neighborhood may require a minimum of standard Shingles, or they may require Wood Shakes, which in many cases adds $14,000 to $20,000 to your home price.
Requirements also can include how much masonry (brick or stone) has to be on a home, and what type of architectural styles are acceptable.
When looking for your lot, always ask your prospective builders what they think of the area and request a visual inspection. You never know what may come up.
