We’ve all heard that real estate cliché “location, location, location!” But clichés are clichés for a reason. When building a custom home in North Texas, the “where” is just as important as the “what”.

Let’s take a look at how to find that ideal site for your North Texas custom home.

1. What’s going on in the area?

Lots don’t exist in a vacuum. When choosing your land, you’ll need to think big – and small. Maybe you’ve got a town, suburb or subdivision in mind.

Consider what the area has to offer. What kind of development is planned? Are the local schools highly rated? Will you be looking on to picturesque greenbelt…or a highway?

What will your commute be like? Will you have easy access to services like libraries, healthcare and stores? Figure out what you need from your lot, and make sure it delivers before paying up!

2. What will the future bring?

You’ve considered what your area is like now, but what about in five or ten years? If you’re building a custom home, chances are you’ll be settling in for a while.  Your new neighborhood needs to suit the future you as well. Will new development take over your beautiful views? Will fast growth lead to heavy traffic? What happens if a major employer or industry leaves the area? These sorts of changes affect your quality of living as well as your property values, so they’re worth considering.

3. What’s the lay of the land?

That hilly, wooded site may be stunning, but it might also be impossible to build on. Creeks and rivers catch the eye, but can also mean a flood risk – and you

 

might also find that you don’t actually own water rights. Before saying yes to your lot, consider things like slope, access, flood/fire risk and soil type. If you do decide that it’s the perfect site for your North Texas custom home, consider which way your home will face, and whether your lot can support your dream design. You want to be able to enjoy the sun – but not be overwhelmed by it!

4. Are there any restrictions?

Zoning and restrictions can quickly put a stop to your dream home. Before purchasing, make sure that your lot is zoned residential – and that it’s not right next to something zoned otherwise. You’ll also want to make sure you don’t fall foul of any rules put in place by local codes or homeowner associations. For example, some areas may require that all homes be a certain size or type. Others may have restrictions around outbuildings, fences and landscaping. Don’t forget to check for setbacks as well. These mandate how far away from the property boundaries your property can be, and may prevent you from building that dream home.

5. Are utilities in place?

Some lots are already set up for electrical, water and sewage. Others may require you to do the hard (and expensive) work of getting these set up. Building roads and driveways, putting in power lines, and getting septic installed can be costly and time-consuming.

You’ll also need to figure out which utility companies you’ll be paying, and how much your utilities will cost. Note that remote or rural areas can be costlier than built-up environments. Make sure you know what you’re going to be dealing with before signing on the bottom line!

There’s a lot to consider when finding that perfect site for your North Texas custom home. But a little bit of research and clear-minded thinking will put you in good stead. Give it some time and consideration, and soon you’ll be ready to build the property you’ve spent your whole life dreaming about!