Short Answer…no, you do not need to have a block of land before choosing a builder. In fact, choosing a builder first might be the best option.
You might have thought you found the perfect building site before you even thought of considering building, a lot of people begin the building process still searching for the optimal location for their new home. A good builder will have the resources, to help you find the perfect building site.
What advice can a builder offer you about land selection?
1.) Potential Expenses – If a builder has previously built in a specific area or community, they may know of unexpected expenses that they have found in the past due to soil conditions unseen prior to excavation.
2.) Floor Plan Options – Considering the size, shape, easements and setbacks of a block of land, a builder can offer their information as to what type of floor plan would be suitable for the block. If you are working with a design-builder, then the rooms will be designed with the sunrise and sunset in mind, current and future views and other features the land allows.
Here are a couple tips that might help you when choosing your land
If you are building your new home, consider these tips before you buy your block of land. When selecting the location of the site, there are several things to keep in mind to ensure you have the right block to suit the home you want to build.
Once you decide to choose and buy your land, you are ready to move to the next step in the Building Process.
Land availability & suitability
The Initial step is to go out and see what land is available, where it is located and at what price. Some options include land in a new estate, regional acreage, demolishing an existing dwelling and using the land/ building on the land that already has been subdivided, or just generally finding land that has remained unused.
It is also critical to make sure the land you purchase is suitable with your home design, with the size, the shape, direction, slope and soil type are all essential points you need to consider.
Every site is different, and it is not financially feasible to do a soil test on every block of land you may consider purchasing, so talk to adjoining property owners or local builders. When you have decided the land you feel is right, then arrange a soil test
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Services & facilities
Some of the things to think about when picking your block of land are the availability of power, water and sewerage, storm water easements and soil conditions. These can all heavily add to the cost of building.
If you are looking at acreage, don’t forget the costs associated with installing a septic system, power lines, water tanks, telephone and internet connection and access roads. Steep blocks or sites with challenging access all have problematic issues that will cost you more money. There are also possible additional costs if your building a considerable distance from the property alignment.
Once you have narrowed down the choices on your land, talk to the local council to check flood levels, buffer zones and other easements. Talk to some industry experts and do your studying, the more research you do, the fewer surprises you will have when you start building.
Lifestyles & Neighbour’s
A good starting point, before selecting your land and designing your home, is to decide what lifestyle you’re after. Different neighbour hoods provide different opportunities to achieve the lifestyle you are looking for. Choose the one you believe that will suit you or you & your family.
When you are inspecting land, consider the age and the lifestyle of those that will be living in the area. Make sure you have a lot in common with, your future neighbours, Is the neighbourhood relatively quiet? Does it offer you a lot of Variety? If you are seeking privacy, is this the right area where you can live at a comfortable distance from your nearest neighbour? If you need them, how close are shops, public transport and schools?
