When building a new home there are several things that need to be taken into consideration before purchasing your block of land. As Home Builders we would advise that location, size, cost, soil type, restrictions, access, and ease of re-sale are of great importance.
Location
Obviously location can play a big role when purchasing a block. There may be certain amenities you want to be close to or in the same area you work or your kids go to school.
Location can also determine if you are in a flood or bushfire zone. Both can make your build more costly.
Some estates have covenants which outline the requirement for certain building materials or design aspects to be adhered to such as a certain pitch roof or a list of materials that can be used externally. This can make building in some areas more costly but it also has the advantage that the homes in the estate are kept to a higher standard which in turn makes your home more desirable and valuable when selling.
Land size and shape
Land size, shape and aspect are very important to consider when thinking about your future home. If you have something already in mind will it fit on the block? How big would you like your backyard to be? These things can be deceiving when initially looking at block. It is important to get a plan with dimensions so you can make an informed decision and visualise what your new home may be like on the piece of land.
Ideally you want to purchase a block where the house can be oriented to utilise the northern aspect. This allows you to take advantage of cool breezes and natural sunlight which make a home more comfortable and cost effective to live in.
Flat or Sloping Land
Generally a sloping block will cost you less to buy than a flat one that is ready to build on. But a sloping block is much more expensive to build on as the site usually has to be cut or retained to allow for a slab or the foundations of the home.
Sloping blocks are conducive to split level or two-storey homes which are also more expensive to build.
The home building process on a sloping block is generally slower also.
Soil Testing
We would advise you to get a soil test to determine what exactly you are building on. Some soils are unsuitable to put a slab directly on due to unstable fill. This means concrete piers need to be poured to reach the depth of virgin ground and therefore stabilise the slab. This can be a costly process and add to the cost of your land.
In conclusion, it is important to have a rough idea of what it might cost to build on a block prior to purchase to avoid the mistake of buying a block you can’t afford to build on.
Bentley Homes are custom home builders and specialise in new homes in Coffs Harbour and surrounding areas. If you are in doubt or would like a home builders opinion we are more than happy to meet you on site and have a look at the block and answer any questions prior to you securing your land.
