While identifying an elegant patch of land is an important part of new home construction, it’s only the beginning of the scouting process. To find the right space to build your dwelling, it’s smart to consider a wide range of factors that go beyond just aesthetics. Here’s a guide to what you should be contemplating when you’re looking for an appealing patch of land. 

How to Decide Where to Plan a New Home Construction 

1. Consider the Macro & Micro

Before you even conduct a site visit, it’s always worth doing background research on the neighborhood and surrounding community. Is the crime level high? Are the schools good? Are there interesting restaurants and businesses nearby? Once you’ve checked off the boxes, you should make an appraisal of the area directly around the land. Look to see if there’s a lot of trash on the streets, if nearby homes are populated or vacant, and how much traffic passes by. 

2. Find Out the Old Use

As part of your due diligence, it’s crucial that you figure out what the land was used for in recent decades. What you’re looking for is any sign that hazardous materials were used on the site; it should be a red flag if you find the name of a chemical company, waste processing division, or any industrial outlet. You can find out the information by consulting with locals or researching property records. 

3. Assess the Grade & Shape 

Ideally, you should aim for a property that has a relatively flat grade. Even if the sloped land is more dramatic or pretty, keep in mind that your construction costs are likely to skyrocket since it’s much more expensive to build on a slope. It’s also wise to steer clear of any parcels that have unusual shapes. While you’ll play a major role in the vision of your new home construction, you may have less of a say in where the property is actually situated on the land due to drainage or septic reasons, so odd-angled spaces may leave you with little to no yard. 

As you vet different properties for an eventual new home construction, it’s wise to consult with the veteran builders at Greg Gavin Construction in Lawrenceburg, IN. With experience creating custom homes since 1979, the professionals can help advise you on the suitability of the parcel candidates you’ve chosen. To start a conversation with the homebuilder, call (812) 637-5202. Learn more about the veteran crew by visiting their website.