5 Things to Consider When Choosing a House Build Site
Choosing the right homesite is key when building a house on raw land. Learn 5 essential factors to consider—like drainage, sunlight, and access—before you build.
Maybe you already own raw land that you’re planning to build on, or maybe you are just exploring the possibility of building out your own homestead – either way, this post will give you some ideas and important points to consider when choosing your home site.
It’s a big decision. Possibly, the biggest decision when it comes to property development – besides choosing which property to buy in the first place. After all, a home is a permanent structure, and probably will be the focal point of your property.
Not only that, but where you choose to build your home will add to the character and charm of your property. And, it will lay the foundation (quite literally!) for many other aspects of infrastructure – roads and driveways, barns and sheds, gardens and pastures.
Alright, we get it! It’s super important. But how do we even begin to decide where to place a home? Below we’ll go over these five key aspects in detail, but here is a quick overview.
5 Key Features to Consider When Choosing a House Build Site
- Topography
- Drainage
- Solar aspect
- Proximity to utilities
- Compatibility of desired design
You may already have an idea of where you want to build your home, you may have several options and don’t know which to choose, or maybe you only have a couple options. Either way, thinking through these five things will help you narrow it down.
Topography
First up, let’s look at the big picture. What are the defining geographical features of your property? Topography basically means the “lay of the land”. Evaluate the terrain – high points, low points, hills, ridges, valleys, creeks, rocky outcroppings, etc.
Considering the topography may not point to a build site for you right off, but it surely will highlight some areas of your property that you won’t want to build on. Check those off your list, and let’s move on to the next important consideration.
Drainage
Drainage is often overlooked at first glance, but it is a major factor contributing to the functionality and overall durability of a home site, and the home itself. It is likely that you’ll have to do some dirt work and grading to optimize drainage on the site you choose anyway, but how much work that will need to be done is an important consideration.
Solar Aspect
Which way does the sun travel across your property? And which way, if you could choose, would you like the sun to move over your home?
Some sites might be north-facing, keeping your home cooler and more shaded. Others might allow for more natural light in your home. Or, if you live in a cold climate, maybe you want to be south-facing to receive more sunlight to warm your home. Whatever your preference, you may be able to choose a home site that best aligns with your goals.
Proximity to Utilities
Another factor to consider is how close your home site is to existing utilities like, electricity, water, sewer or septic. Situating your home closer to existing utilities will reduce labor and material costs associated with extending these utilities into your home.
Compatibility of Desired Design
If you already have a home build in mind, or even just a general style, you will definitely want to factor that in when choosing a home site. For example, a split-level home may work better on a sloping site, while a traditional farmhouse might work better on a more level site.
There is also something to be said about choosing a design that complements your property and accentuates its favorable features well. This can be done through the overall architectural style, but also through certain features like window and door placement.
Conclusion
This is by no means an exhaustive list, but by considering these key features as they relate to choosing your home site location, I hope you are able to start forming a cohesive and charming layout for your property.
Although it is anything but easy or instant, developing raw land is rewarding and worthwhile. Having a vision and watching it come to life is so fulfilling – I hope you enjoy the process as much as I do.
Find more property development posts at Quail Creek Homestead:
- 5 Essential Steps to Complete Before Building a House
- The Single Most Important Thing When It Comes To Property Development
- DIY Deep Submersible Well Pump Installation
- Top 5 Water Drainage Solutions for Any Landscape
- Electrical Setup Phase 1 and Phase 2
- 23 Of The Best Two-Story Country House Plans
- 21 Beautiful and Functional Single-Level Country House Plans
