Finding the perfect piece of land to build your dream home on isn’t a task to be taken lightly. There’s a lot to think about when it comes to determining your build site, so we’ve broken it down to help you when making your decision.
The Location
The first, and most important, step in building a home is determining the location. land you choose to build your home on impacts the building process, your home’s value, and your overall quality of life.
The first thing to consider about your new home’s location is the amenities it brings you. Consider your family’s lifestyle — how far will the commute to work be, are schools nearby, how far is the nearest grocery store or hospital? Ensuring the services essential to your life are close by can save you plenty of time and fuss daily.
Next, you want to consider the neighbourhood. Look into the community and its reputation. Is the area safe? Are the people friendly and welcoming? Knowing the answers to these questions can make all the difference when you finally move into your new home.
It’s also important to consider the environment you build your house in. Look at the land and your needs — do you want a wooded lot or an open field; neighbours close by or further down the road? How much natural light will your home get? Every detail matters when building your dream home.
The Land
The actual land you build on matters just as much as the amenities around it. Start by understanding the topography of your build site. The shape and slope of the land will affect the actual build process, but will also affect the drainage of your yard later on. Level ground reduces the need for grading and excavation, and without proper drainage, you could face flooding, foundation damage, or mold problems after the snow melts or a heavy rainfall.
Knowing the land’s physical characteristics is another essential part of the decision. The type of soil your house stands on matters — sandy and gravel soils offer good drainage and stability, while clay and peat soils require extra steps during construction to reduce the chances of foundation shifts and cracks.
The Builder
Once you’re happy with the location of your new home, it’s time to choose a builder. Working with Irwin Homes means we help you with every part of the process, even the location. We can build on land you already own or on one of the lots we have available, and will work with you from start to end to bring your dreams to life.
We know what to look for when choosing a build site, so you can be sure every one we have to offer is perfect for building your house (and life) on. And if you already have a location for us to build on, we’ll make sure it’s done right.