Choosing a lot to build your small home on can be difficult if you’ve never had to look at land before, I mean, it does all kind of look the same right? Yea, there are more trees in some areas, there is flat and sloped, but to most people, dirt is dirt. Of course to your builder, each piece of land has it’s own unique problems. So what should you look at?

People who are looking to build their own home usually either know exactly where they want to live, or know the exact house they want to build. Either way, your house plan will likely have to be modified a little to work on your building lot, so it doesn’t matter if you pick your home plan first or after you find your lot. There are advantages to both, but for now we are going to worry about what to look at when comparing lots you are considering for your new small home.

Soil - The first thing you’ll notice about any building lot is the ground you walk on. The soil down to about 8 feet below where your foundation will be is important. Sand and gravel soil is preferred over silt and clay. Your local library or real estate agent can help you get a soil map so you can consult with your builder about potential issues. Speaking with neighbors can be helpful too as they can tell you any problems they had. An engineering report can also be completed if problems are suspected.

Water - Water levels in the earth fluctuate each season based on rain fall, droughts and melting snow. Foundations have to sit above the water table in order to eliminate potential pressure on the foundation and dampness issues. The site planner or engineer can determine if fill is needed to raise the foundation in order to keep it out of danger.

Drainage - Depending on the soil type, water drainage can be an issue. Sand and gravel soils drain better than silts and clays. If your land contains a lot of silt or clay, then you will need to bring in sand or gravel to back fill the foundation in order to lessen the risk of moisture and pressure on the foundation. This can add cost to your building project.

Septic/Water System - Knowing if you are on the city water system, or need to have a well dug and a septic system put in, can drastically change the home building plans. Septic systems need at least four feet above the water table, so more fill could be needed, increasing your cost. You will also need a perc test done to test the effectiveness a septic tank will have on the building lot. If the lot doesn’t pass the perc test, you won’t be able to build, so it’s important to have this information before you buy a lot.

Find your dream small home plan or learn more about our custom home designs. Thanks for visiting!