A Guide to Choosing the Perfect Lot for Your New Home

So, you’ve decided to have a custom home built. Congratulations! It’s certainly nice to be able to enjoy a home that meets all your wants and needs. However, your dream home can quickly turn into a nightmare if you choose to build in the wrong place. We will discuss everything you should keep in mind when deciding on the right plot of land for your custom home.

Location, Location, Location

There’s a reason why location is the most important factor in real estate. Study the long-term growth projections of the area you’re looking at. Consider the schools, businesses, and amenities of the community. Also think about the length of the commute to your job. Be sure to do your due diligence when it comes to long-term changes in the neighborhood too. Finally, determine how your home will be positioned relative to the sun at different times of year, as how much sunlight penetrates your new home will have a great effect on utility costs.

Utility Hookups

Before you start building, you should know whether the lot you wish to build on is already connected to power, water, and sewer lines. If it’s not, you will have to make other arrangements for those utilities. Additionally, power lines near the property, as well as utility boxes and sewage equipment in plain sight, can negatively affect its value.

Property Lines

While this may seem rather obvious, knowing exactly where the property boundaries are at the start of the process will prevent a multitude of potential problems down the road. Keep in mind that certain developments may still contain undeveloped plots for sale, which means you could have a neighbor closer than you’d like.

Zoning Restrictions

You may think you’ve found the perfect spot on which to build, but local zoning codes may not have designated the plot as residential. Even if your favored lot is zoned as residential, it may be too close for comfort to areas zoned for future agricultural or industrial use. This is where working with a professional can really pay off, as reputable ones are typically familiar with local zoning.

Environmental Factors

Before buying anything, it’s wise to have an environmental survey conducted on the plot of land you’re looking at. This can help you find any contamination issues underneath the surface as well as standing conservation easements and any endangered species in the area. The survey will also study the soil and slope of the land. Too much or too little slope can affect drainage, and loose soil can cause foundation problems.

What is the Best Lot Size for a House?

2500 – 4000 sq ft Land Lots

Smaller lots are ideal for tiny homes, townhouses, and modest single-family homes, especially in urban settings where space is limited. These lots are low-maintenance and work well for those seeking efficient use of space. While they may not support extensive customization, they’re well-suited for compact, pre-designed homes with small backyards or courtyards.

5,000 to 10,000 sq ft Land Lots

These are a great fit for most traditional home builds and barndominiums offering enough space for a larger single-family home along with options for a backyard, garden, patio, or even a small guesthouse. This size is perfect for suburban areas where homeowners may want to add personalized outdoor features or a bit more room for customization without the upkeep of a large lot.

10,000 to 20,000 sq ft Land Lots

Larger lots offer extensive possibilities and are ideal for luxurious residences with an expansive floor plan, such as larger barndominiums or custom homes with substantial outdoor features like landscaping, a pool, farmhouses, or even additional structures. They are especially popular in rural and suburban settings where homeowners value privacy, outdoor entertainment spaces, and the freedom to design and build a fully customized home.

Build Your Home Right with Davis & Reed Homes

Davis & Reed Homes is a full-service home builder that can not only help you construct your dream home but also help you find the perfect plot of land on which to build. We work with people looking to build both residential and commercial properties in Iowa; Nebraska; Sioux Falls, SD and Houston, TX. We are locally and family owned, and we get to know each of our clients on a personal level before working with them directly throughout the entire process. Whether you’re still looking for the perfect plot of land or you’ve already found it and now need a trusted contractor to build your dream home, Davis & Reed Homes will deliver the best results. Call us today or fill out a contact form to schedule an appointment!