Buying a lot of land to build a house can take a lot of planning and preparation. There are sometimes hidden expenses that buyers aren’t always aware of initially.
It’s important to team up with a company like Megill Custom Homes and Renovations that’s more than familiar with the process so you’re aware of everything from the start.
Building a custom home is one thing, but buying a lot of land before building your dream home is a whole other battle. By understanding the common hurdles of land acquisition, you can protect your investment and keep your custom home project on track.
How to Find Lots for Sale Before They Hit the MLS
A lot of first-time lot buyers crawl the internet to search for what’s available, which makes sense. The standard real estate websites like the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) can provide you with a great starting point on what’s out there, but they don’t give you a whole lot of desirable options.
This is where teaming up with a custom home builder can work in your favor. We actively network with local landowners, developers, and real estate agents to secure prime properties early.
If you’re looking for a coveted location, you’ll want to ask your builder if they know of anyone about to put a lot on the market or how to secure this property early to gain that competitive advantage.
How Do I Know if a Vacant Lot is Buildable?
Believe it or not, not every piece of land can be built on with residential construction. Before purchasing a lot, make sure it’s legally and physically able to be built upon. You can do this by reviewing local zoning laws. A thorough site evaluation is such an important first step.
At Megill Homes, we carefully assess the property to evaluate soil conditions, utility access, drainage, topography, and other factors that could affect construction. We also handle the permitting process and work directly with local municipalities to help be sure your project meets all requirements before building begins.
By addressing these details early, we help prevent delays and keep your custom home project moving forward with confidence.
Why Some Lots Sit on the Real Estate Market for So Long
If you’re looking into buying a lot of land to build a house and you see parcels that seem to be on the market forever, there may be a reason why. It could initially seem like a deal or bargain, but there could be a handful of restrictions.
Wetlands Near Residential Construction
Wetlands on or near the property limit where you can place your home. Environmental regulations heavily protect these ecosystems. Building near wetlands often requires expensive special permits, or the municipality may completely prohibit construction on a large portion of the lot.
Surrounding Area Issues That Impact Land Value
A piece of land can look perfect at first glance, but what’s around it can have a big impact on your long-term enjoyment of the property.
Nearby highways, industrial areas, or agricultural operations may create noise, traffic, or other issues that affect daily life. It’s also important to consider drainage patterns, since water from neighboring properties can sometimes flow onto your lot and create problems down the road.
Also, building on a hillside can typically require additional grading, engineered foundations, retaining walls, and other specialized construction work. While these challenges can be overcome, they can considerably increase the overall project budget, which is why flatter lots are often the more practical and cost-effective choice.
Risks of Creeks Running Through Property
Another area issue could be having a creek run through the property. This can bring a flood risk to your lot or home that you want to build, and it can restrict you from clearing trees or require you to build within a certain distance of water.
Also, there may be flood insurance involved that can add to the hidden costs when you’re in the process of financing.
The Hidden Costs of Preparing Land for Construction
Now that you know why it’s important to partner with a custom home builder like Megill Homes, you’ll want to know where the hidden costs are in preparing to buy a lot to build a house.
How Much Does Driveway Installation Cost?
A lot that sits far from the road may offer more privacy, but it’s important to factor in the cost of access.
Building a long driveway isn’t as simple as pouring concrete. The land often needs to be cleared and graded first, and then the driveway itself must be installed. Depending on the length and site conditions, a driveway that stretches a few hundred feet can add tens of thousands of dollars to your overall building budget.
Why is Stormwater Management So Expensive?
Homeowners don’t always think about the impact of a heavy rainstorm that could cause flooding. Stormwater management is actually one of the most overlooked costs when buying land, but it can have a major impact on your budget.
Most municipalities now have strict requirements designed to prevent flooding and control runoff from new construction. In many cases, it’s not enough to simply direct rainwater away from your property.
To meet local regulations, homeowners may need to install an underground stormwater management system that collects and slowly releases water during heavy rain events. These systems often require engineering, permitting, excavation, and specialized materials, which can add a large expense to a building project.
How Megill Homes Gives Custom Home Buyers an Advantage
Buying land and building a custom home is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make, and it’s natural to have questions along the way. With more than 50 years of experience building custom homes throughout Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland, Megill Homes helps take the uncertainty out of the process and gives homeowners confidence from day one.
Our Build On Your Lot program is designed to guide you through every step, from evaluating a property and navigating permits to designing and building a home that’s tailored to your lifestyle.
We handle the details, solve challenges before they become problems, and put our local knowledge to work to help you make informed decisions. The result is a smoother building experience and a custom home that’s uniquely yours. Reach out to us today to get started.