Aug 29 2005
MasterCraft Builders, the leading builder in the Kenosha-Racine area, is offering suggestions consumers should consider before selecting a building location. There are a variety of land types future homeowners can choose from, and it is imperative to consider all the cost factors and logistics of building before selecting a lot. Home/lot packages are the best way to avoid hidden fees.
"Some lots will require extensive improvements to the land, making the home building process a financial burden," said Mike Lawrence, General Manager of MasterCraft Builders. "The best way to keep costs at bay is to purchase a home/lot package."
Different types of land
New subdivided lots are what are offered when a builder presents a home/lot package and usually include sewer, water and all improvements in the purchase price.
"At MasterCraft Builders our home/lots packages are available for a guaranteed price," stated Lawrence. "This means that if we have to bring in extra dirt or make other modifications to the land, it occurs at our expense and there is no additional fee."
It can cost up to $35,000 to make improvements to other types of land, such as:
- Raw acreage - land that needs septic and well systems
- Improved parcels - lots which have sewer and water but the location is unknown and
- Infill sites
How to choose
Lawrence offers a number of questions each future homeowner should consider before choosing a lot.
- What kind of house are you looking to build?
- Where are the services such as gas and electric located on the lot?
- Is there a place where a driveway could be created?
- Is there an open area within the trees or will an area need to be cleared for the house?
Each lot might not be practical for the style of home a consumer is looking to build. The lot needs to be well suited to the floor plan and in close proximity to utility services. The layout of the land will also be important in determining the house's location. The level of slopes can determine if any part of the basement will be exposed or if there can be a walkout. Severe sloping might make the construction a more difficult process and increases the chance for additional costs if a home/lot package was not purchased. The location might be ideal, but the lot might not be convenient for the new home.
Buying a lot on one's own
If a person decides to purchase a parcel of land on his own, it is recommended that he brings along his builder to determine if the type of home desired can be built on the lot. It is also beneficial to obtain a cost estimate on lot improvements. Even if a parcel seems to be an excellent choice, there could be unplanned setbacks, such as soil that contains peat, which could create a challenge when pouring the foundation.
Lawrence said, "If a person decides that he doesn't want to move forward with a home/lot package, for no fee, we will look at the lot and highlight any areas of concern. We are able to tell the potential buyer if the house he desires will work with the lot and give a rough estimate as to how much lot improvements will cost. It is only an estimate as we are not 100% sure until the survey comes back and we start digging."
For more information about MasterCraft Builders, visit http://www.mastercraftbuilders.com