If you're looking for your dream home or the perfect office space, don't forget that building your own is an option. You can buy an empty lot, schedule land clearing, and then build a home or office to your exact specifications. If you go this route, follow these tips for success.

Do:

Sort out your financial situation.

When you build your own home, you need to factor in the costs of both the land and the construction, as well as the cost of accommodations while your new home is built. Keep in mind that lenders may ask for a down payment minimum of 20 to 25%. The property must be appraised, and you must demonstrate a steady source of income and good credit.. Also, keep in mind that you may not be able to get a traditional loan without collateral, so seek out a construction loan instead.

Get surveys and testing.

You need to know exactly where the property line of your new lot is, as well as any features of the land. This can include structures and landmarks that might otherwise not have been apparent until after land clearing, and which might complicate construction or create liability. Have the soil tested to identify any contamination and determine its quality.

Don't:

Ignore zoning.

Zoning laws can prevent you from using your land the way you envisioned. Check with your local government offices before you get started to make sure the lot is approved for your purposes. Also, check whether there are any building codes or restrictions that conflict with your designs. For instance, setback rules may keep you from building as close to the property line as you'd like.

Limit your options.

Empty lots aren't the only possible site for your building. You can also buy properties with older buildings that are in bad shape. After demolition and land clearing, they'll work just as well as an empty lot, and you can sometimes get impressive deals that make the extra cost of tearing down a building worth it.

For professional land clearing in North-Central Wisconsin, choose Todd’s Tip Top Complete Tree Service. Based in Rhinelander, WI, this fully insured company has over 25 years of experience and offers 24/7 service. To discuss your project, call them at (715) 282-5858 or reach out online.