Location, location, location! How long has the old adage “location is everything” been true? In prehistoric times it was all about finding the right cave to hunker down in and ward off the sabertooths (saberteeth?). Nowadays, we find a location that aligns with our wants, needs and values, and hopefully still keeps us safe from ferocious beasts.

But the question ultimately comes down to what you want out of your location. If you’re building a custom home or have a new construction project in mind, here’s what to look for when scouting out that ideal piece of land.

To begin, you’ll want to start with the 4 top considerations: comfort, convenience, safety and budget. Each person and family has their own measurement of these factors so you’ll need to answer these questions for yourself.

Comfort is measured differently for everyone. It’s largely based on our preferences and the lifestyle we’re most comfortable with.

Convenience could be measured in the minutes it takes to drive to the grocery store or how close your favorite cafes and restaurants are. Some people are fine with living a little further, while others want to be in the center of everything.

Safety is more straightforward but still not completely objective. You could look into crime rates in the area you are looking at. You could speak with neighbors who live nearby. Whatever you do, safety is generally non-negotiable so make sure your new home or construction project is in a place you feel secure.

Budget is a big one. You should do plenty of your own research and know your general budget. The best way to really get to know your budget numbers is to consult with an architect who can give you a detailed breakdown of cost.

What else do you need to consider? There are a number of other factors to look into. Here are a couple big ones.

Geography

The lay of the land is going to factor greatly into the build. The slope, drainage, loose soil or rocky ground, plus dozens of other factors can significantly impact the design and the cost. You’ll want to get the land surveyed and talk with an architect about your vision.

Zoning and local laws

You will definitely want to know exactly what local codes will and will not allow before you build. Strict codes can make your vision harder to achieve with numerous hoops to jump through on the way. Again, an experienced architecture firm that knows how to handle zoning permits will help make the process as smooth and quick as possible.

Final considerations? Here are some last takeaways to add to your list. Be aware of your land’s features in relevance to:

• Hurricanes and high winds
• Flooding
• Soil movement
• Pests
• Chemical or salt in the soil
• Fires

Ready to scout out a location and get to building? We’re ready, too!