Building your dream home starts long before construction begins. It begins with the land. The lot you choose determines everything from your home's design to your long-term enjoyment of the property. Finding the perfect lot can feel like a daunting task. You may be asking yourself, Where do I start? What makes a lot “good” for building? As Delaware and nearby Pennsylvania’s trusted custom home builder, Bromwell Construction Company is here to simplify this process. Whether you’re buying land in a subdivision, considering a rural lot, or you already own property, this info-packed article will walk you through every step.
Selecting the perfect lot is about more than just location. It’s about evaluating the land itself, understanding its features, and ensuring it aligns with your vision for a custom home. Here, we break this process into several key considerations so you can make a well-informed decision.
The size and shape of your lot dictate how much space you’ll have to work with, both for your home and your outdoor living areas.
What’s a good size lot for a home? This depends on your goals. A smaller lot, often found in subdivisions, maximizes convenience and community amenities but may limit outdoor features like pools or gardens. Larger lots provide more flexibility but come with additional maintenance and cost considerations.
Lot shape matters. A square or rectangular lot tends to be easier to design around, offering straightforward layouts. Irregularly shaped lots or narrow parcels can limit the home’s footprint, requiring creative solutions to make the most of the space.
Topography refers to the natural slope, elevation, and layout of the land. It’s a critical factor in determining a lot’s suitability for construction. A professional construction partner is a good
Flat Lots: These are ideal for easy construction and cost efficiency. Flat lots require minimal grading, which keeps site prep costs low and simplifies foundation work.
Sloped Lots: While more complex, sloped lots present unique opportunities for creative design, such as walk-out basements, multi-level decks, or tiered landscaping. However, they may require retaining walls, additional grading, and drainage work, which can increase costs.
Even the most beautiful lot can lose appeal if the surrounding area doesn’t align with your needs. Look beyond the land itself to consider
Proximity to Amenities: How close is the lot to schools, shopping, healthcare, or major highways? Subdivisions often provide convenience, while rural areas offer privacy and tranquility.
Noise and Traffic: Visit the lot at different times of day to evaluate noise levels, road traffic, and nearby activity. A lot that seems peaceful in the morning might experience heavy noise in the evening.
Views and Privacy: Take note of what’s surrounding the lot. Are there trees, water features, or open fields? What is the nearby area zoned for? Is any development in the works? Will future development obstruct your views or compromise your privacy?
If you’re buying land in a subdivision, you may encounter a lot premium. This is an added cost for lots with special features. While lot premiums add to the upfront cost, they can enhance your home’s value and enjoyment in the long run. These often include:
Many buyers overlook soil quality, but it’s essential to determine the lot’s readiness for construction. Different soil types affect your home's foundation, drainage, and landscaping.
Think long-term when choosing a lot. Is the land located in an area with growth potential? Will future developments impact property values?
When evaluating a lot, it’s important to consider utilities and access, as these factors can impact your budget and timeline. Not all lots come “build-ready,” so understanding what’s available and what’s missing can help you avoid costly surprises.
Essential services like water, sewer, electricity, gas, and internet vary greatly by lot location. If these utilities aren’t already in place, you’ll need to install or connect them, which adds time and expense.
Water and Sewer: Connecting to municipal systems is typically straightforward, but rural lots may require installing a well and septic system, which tends to be more costly.
Electricity and Gas: Running power or gas lines from the nearest connection point is usually less expensive than water and sewer but can add up if the lot is far from existing infrastructure.
Internet and Cable: While often one of the least costly utilities to connect, availability in rural areas can be limited and may require additional investment to ensure reliable service.
Your lot must have physical and legal access, such as a public road, private drive, or easement. If the lot lacks access, you may need to negotiate with neighboring properties or construct a driveway. Driveways can range in complexity and cost: gravel is the most affordable option, with asphalt and concrete being more expensive, particularly on uneven or sloped terrain.
Buying land for a custom home is a significant investment, and asking the right questions can prevent costly surprises. Below is a consolidated checklist of key questions to consider.
Selecting the right lot and designing a custom home is a collaborative process. Working with experienced professionals ensures you avoid costly mistakes and take advantage of every opportunity your property has to offer.
Engaging a builder like Bromwell Construction before purchasing land can save time and money. Early expertise can help you determine if the lot is “buildable” and identify potential challenges like soil conditions, drainage, or topography issues.
Builders with experience in your target area bring valuable insights. At Bromwell Construction, we’ve been building homes across Delaware and Southern Pennsylvania for decades. We understand local zoning laws, building permit requirements, and subdivision regulations.
A seasoned contractor can provide a detailed breakdown of site-related costs early in the process, so you’re never caught off guard.
Beyond the price of land, additional costs may include:
As a full-service design-build firm, Bromwell Construction Company offers a streamlined process from start to finish. We handle everything—site assessments, design, permitting, and construction—under one roof. This approach ensures your home is designed with the lot in mind, reducing delays and unnecessary expenses.
Bromwell Construction brings decades of experience in building custom homes across Delaware and nearby Pennsylvania. From evaluating the lot for challenges and opportunities to guiding you through design, permits, and construction, we’re here to make the process smooth and exciting.
Ready to get started? Whether you’re looking for the perfect piece of land or you already own property, Bromwell Construction is here to help. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let’s take the first step toward building your dream home together.